Hitting the jackpot in an arcade game is enormous fun. You stand there grinning as the tickets keep pouring out. And then you get to choose a cool prize to take home. Recently, though, scammers have given this awesome kind of win a sinister twist by bringing the jackpotting mechanism to Automatic Teller Machines (ATM)….
Medical Identity Theft
Scammers never rest. Even when the government and financial institutions take added measures for protecting consumers against fraud, scammers are dreaming up new ways to con you out of your money – and your identity. In the latest wave of identity theft, scammers are cashing in on Medicare’s extra level of protection. In order to…
Beware These Tax Scams
They’re at it again! Every year, tax season brings a fresh crop of scammers with yet another way to con you out of your money – and sanity. The IRS and the FTC are both warning the public about a series of tax-related scams to be wary of during this busy and stressful time. You…
7 Common Life Insurance Myths Debunked
Having sufficient life insurance is important. And yet, so many of us buy into popular misconceptions, convincing ourselves we don’t need to bother purchasing a policy. But don’t be fooled. Read on to see how seven of the most widespread life insurance myths are easily debunked. Myth #1: I’m single and I have no dependents….
Can Living Frugally Make You Happier Than When Living Lavishly?
Do you believe money is the key to happiness? Somewhere deep inside, we all know that money cannot buy happiness. Many people overspend and rack up thousands of dollars in credit card debt to live a lifestyle they believe will make them happy, only to discover they are living beyond their means. This, in turn,…
Beware of Inheritance Scams
Who doesn’t dream of becoming an instant millionaire? You might even have some detailed plans for how you’d spend an unexpected windfall if it were to happen. Imagine if a distant relative who’d been rolling in the stuff suddenly passed on and left you as their sole heir. Your dreams could now become a reality!…
Dealing with a Financial Setback
Financial setbacks come in all shapes and sizes. It can be an expensive household repair or major car trouble. It may be increases in your insurance plus a rent hike taking effect at the same time. Or, it can be something more extreme, like getting a pay cut at work- or even being given a…
Why Do I Need to Get Preapproved for a Loan?
Q: I’m in the market for a new home, and everyone I talk to, from friends to financial advisors, suggests I get preapproved for a mortgage before I start house hunting. Why is this so important? A: You’re actually on the receiving end of great advice. When looking to take out a large loan, whether…
Phone Cloning and Digital Self-Defense
Most of us realize a clone is a genetic copy of something else. But, did you know it is possible to clone a phone? Cloning a phone means that the identity of one phone is copied to another phone, making a nearly exact replica of the original. This frightening practice happens more than you might…
Should Couples Combine Their Finances?
To consolidate or not: that is the question. Some couples elect to consolidate their personal finances, while others largely keep their financial lives separate. What choice might suit your household? The first question is: how do you and your partner view money matters? If you feel it will be best to handle your bills and plan…
