The #holiday season is upon us, and this year will be very … different. But we’ve got plenty of ways to enjoy the season while on a budget with apps and tips!
Read More
We send gifts to our loved ones during the holidays as a reminder that we care for them. The countdown to the season of giving has begun, and for many, the next few weeks will be all about shopping, shopping……and more shopping.
Read More
So, you’ve been hacked! Welcome to the 21st century, when it seems like this happens to us all. First off, check the damage and figure out if you used the #hacked password on multiple accounts. Every one of those will need to be watched closely. Change all your passwords to something more secure and varied (a password service is great for this). Protect your credit by disputing fraudulent claims and using a fraud alert or credit freeze. Let the authorities know, and be very careful going forward, as the effects of identity theft can take a while to surface.
Read More
It’s time to check your financial #fitness! To be financially fit, you need to expand your financial knowledge, stick to a budget and minimize debt while knowing how much you owe. You’ll also want to watch your credit rating, keep your savings growing and avoid paying high interest rates on purchases by using cash or paying cards off every month. Set and meet firm goals, and be financially independent, not relying on gifts from friends and family or plastic to meet unexpected expenses.
Read More
Whether you’ve been summoned for jury duty or not, there are #scams out there that will try to trick you out of money and personal info. The scammer will call or email claiming to be a government official and threaten arrest or other consequences if you don’t pay a fine for missing jury duty immediately. They might demand personal information such as your SSN, which they’ll use to steal your identity. Don’t fall for it! Contact the court where you supposedly missed your date, verify anything, and remember that scammers can spoof Caller ID and make their calls seem legit. Verify the facts yourself, then let law enforcement and your friends and family know about the scam!
Read More
With so many of us shopping online these days, scams involving package #delivery are everywhere. They’ll claim you’ve got a package on the way and ask for personal information to confirm delivery. Or, you’ll get an email with a link to track the box that will hit you with malware or lead you to a page where your info will be requested. Watch for emails from non-secure domains, never share personal information with suspicious parties, and keep track of your order packages. Delete suspicious texts and block the number and mark suspicious emails as spam. Let local authorities and the FTC know about the scammers, too!
Read More
Are you ready for #fall? We’ve got a suite of apps that will have your phone doing everything but brewing up a tall pumpkin spice latte for you. The #fallfoliagepredictionmap will help you find the best fall color, and #LeafSnap will tell you what kind of tree produced that beautiful leaf! #BigOven will get your kitchen smelling like fall, with tons of great recipes. If you’re hitting the road, the #KOA app has tons of handy features, and Corn Mazes America will show you all the best places to get lost!
Read More
Even if you’re not using #TikTok, you likely see videos made on the app on your other social media feeds. President Trump has signed an executive order banning it unless it’s sold to a U.S. company. For now, it is still accessible, but its fate is uncertain.
Read More
If you have an active personal savings or checking account, you’re likely carrying around a debit card everywhere you go. Users already know how convenient it is to own one, as it allows payments directly from their accounts without using a checkbook.
Read More
Does the idea of racking up #rewards by paying your monthly bills with a debit or credit card sound appealing? You can do it, but it pays to go about it intelligently! We’ve got the info.
Read More
Printers and software have gotten better, so #counterfeit money has gotten harder to spot. We’ve got some simple ways to detect it along with what to if you find some!
Read More
Payment apps like #Venmo and #CashApp make it easy to send and receive money, but scammers are using them to fleece victims. Find out how the scams work and how to stay safe!
Read More
If you’re a teen wanting to learn good money #habits or a parent wanting to help your teen learn about finances, From a Father to a Child belongs on your bookshelf. Find out why!
Read More
Tax time is coming, and the IRS has released its annual #dirtydozen scam list, this year with special pandemic flavoring! Check it out and learn what to watch out for!
Read More
It’s #backtoschool time, whether your kids are tuning into Zoom or heading back in person, we’ve got four apps that will help! #MyHomework helps keep due dates and classwork organized, with paid and free versions. #LaLaLunchbox makes lunch planning a family affair, with the kids picking lunch and the app generating a shopping list. For the whole family, #Cozi Family Organizer will keep everyone on the same page, with daily schedules, shopping lists, and more. Finally, #BearFocusTimer has resources to help little ones stay focused on tasks for short periods. All you’ll need is a Trapper Keeper!
Read More
There’s lots of talk in the world of personal finance about managing a savings account best. You might read up on financial experts who recommend keeping three to six months’ worth of living expenses in your savings account. Maybe you’ve seen a tip about socking away enough money to cover more substantial costs. Either way, there’s lots of discussion about the ideal amount of money to keep in a savings account.
But what about our checking accounts in Ashland, KY? Most of us use these accounts daily. Every swipe of a debit card, every bill we pay, and every personal check we write takes money out of our checking account.
How much money should we be keeping in these super-convenient accounts? Let’s find out.
Read More
Using #creditcards responsibly is a great way to build your credit score. Be sure to remember that a credit card charge is a mini loan, and you’ll pay interest on it if you don’t pay your bill in full every month. Try not to spend more than what’s in your monthly budget to stay ahead of the bill. Paying in full and on time lets you make the most of the rewards your card might offer. Beware late payments, as the fees can be very high. Set aside a specific time every month to pay your card bill before it’s due. And be sure to set up an emergency fund, so you don’t have to rely on cards to pay for unplanned expenses!
Read More
It may seem like there are not many differences between a credit union and a traditional bank. While both offer similar services, the two financial institutions are far from interchangeable.
A closer look reveals that a credit union operates differently as well as provides unique benefits to its members. Below is a breakdown of how a credit union in Kentucky and a bank are unique from one another.
Read More