“Reply-all” Regret: Avoid embarrassing email mistakes with these tips

Let’s face it. We’ve all done it. In our haste to send our response we accidentally hit “Reply All” and suddenly the entire office sees the latest proposed staff salary changes. Or rather than sending a thoughtful text message to your significant other with a reminder of tonight’s “Date Night” instead you profess your feelings and restaurant preference to your sales manager.

Thanks to technology, we’re blessed with the ability to communicate with virtually anyone, anytime. However speed and convenience are a double-edged sword and now it’s easier than ever to make embarrassing mistakes. Generally, our electronic faux pas are just that and nothing a quick apology and clarification message can’t resolve. Sometimes, though, our lightning-fast trigger finger or unintended auto-correct can spell disaster.

Save yourself time and embarrassment by following these quick tips:

• Use the three second rule. Take those extra few seconds to reread your message before sending.
• Use spell-check/auto-correct, but don’t rely on it. Today’s technology is quite impressive, but it isn’t perfect.
• Ask for help. Important email? Ask a colleague or friend to glance through it quickly before sending.
• Upgrade your inbox. From Outlook to Gmail, today’s email services often offer features to help you prevent mistakes like accidentally selecting “Reply All” or forgetting attachments.

We want to hear from you! Leave any tips and questions in the comment section of the blog!

©Copyright 2014, BlueSpire Strategic Marketing. All rights reserved.

Don’t be an easy target: How to protect your smartphone

Smartphones and other mobile devices have made our lives easier in many ways. But, their allure and high resale value has also made them a prime target for thieves. While there’s no way to completely eliminate risk when owning one, there are ways you can protect yourself, your device and all the important data it contains.

Keeping your device safe

When out and about, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. If an area feels unsafe it may be best not to use your device, or to use it discreetly. Never leave your device visible in an unattended vehicle. Take it with you or lock it in the glove compartment or trunk.

Write down your device’s make, model number, serial code and unique device identification number. This information can be given to the police in the event that your device is stolen.

Protecting your data

The first step in protecting your data is to establish a password to restrict access to your device. This can help prevent unwanted usage charges or use of your personal information if the device is stolen. Keep up-to-date with updates and patches to your devices’ operating system. These updates often include new protections when vulnerabilities in software arise. Also be sure to back up vital data to a trusted computer.

Installing anti-theft software on your phone can help in the event that it is lost or stolen as well. These apps are able to locate your device, lock your device remotely or even wipe sensitive data from your device using any computer. Legislation has been introduced in some states and nationally to require new smartphones to be sold with a preloaded “kill switch.”

In the event of theft

If your device is lost or stolen there are some steps you can take. First, change the login credentials to any online accounts you have access to through your mobile device. If you have installed anti-theft software on your device, you may be able to use it to locate your phone or wipe the data remotely. Do not attempt to retrieve a stolen phone yourself. Always report the theft to your local authorities as well as your wireless carrier. Finally, if you’ve purchased insurance on your mobile device find out what your plan covers in case a replacement is necessary.

We want to hear from you! Leave any tips and questions in the comment section of the blog!

©Copyright 2014, BlueSpire Strategic Marketing. All rights reserved.

6 Questions to Ask Before You Sign Your Rental Lease

A major milestone marking young adulthood is the day you move out from under Mom and Dad’s roof to a place of your own. And whether you’re going solo or planning to share an apartment or house with a roommate(s), signing a rental lease is a big commitment that can have a huge impact on your life.

Here are six questions to ask first.

1. What is the length of the lease? In a standard rental lease agreement, both landlord and renter (tenant) must follow the terms and conditions outlined in the lease until the end of the term — typically 12 months. The rent amount you pay is locked in for the term.

2. Does the lease renew automatically? Some leases automatically renew for a second year or become month to month after the first year. Find out exactly when the current lease expires and what kind of notice to vacate is given.

3. What is the termination policy? You may not plan to break a lease but an unforeseen event could happen such as a new job offer in another city or a family health issue. Ask the landlord what is expected should you need to terminate and is there an additional cost to do so?

4. What is included? Parking privileges, utilities and cable television may or may not be included in the rental amount. You’ll have to budget for those costs if they’re extra.

5. Are upgrades available? Some landlords are willing to throw in “extras” in order to get a good renter. You may be able to negotiate better appliances, special parking or a break on the rent if something is outdated.

6. Am I allowed to sublease? A sublease allows a tenant who has time left on the lease to re-rent the property to someone else. This arrangement is common for housing near college campuses or in larger cities.

Never sign a lease until you have all the information you need to make the right decision for you.

We want to hear from you! Leave any tips and questions in the comment section of the blog!

©Copyright 2014, BlueSpire Strategic Marketing. All rights reserved.

 

Health and Auto Insurance: When should young adults get their own policies?

Some people think 18 is the age of adulthood. Others insist it’s 21. But for many young people, the wake-up call to maturity occurs when they have to buy their own insurance.

Health Insurance Options

Under federal law, children can join or remain on a parent’s health insurance plan — as long as the plan covers children — up to age 26. This is true even if a child is married, not living with or financially dependent on the parents, or is eligible to enroll in his or her own employer’s plan. Some states are even more lenient. For example, unmarried children may be able to remain on a parent’s policy up to age 30 in New York.

The next step: Young people who are not eligible for coverage under their parents’ policies or through an employer are encouraged to visit healthcare.gov or their state’s health insurance marketplace in order to obtain health insurance. Under the Affordable Care Act, starting in 2014 individuals may be subject to a fine (with a few exceptions) if they do not have health insurance.

Auto Insurance Options

With auto insurance, there is usually no hard and fast rule about how old you must be to obtain your own coverage. Generally, drivers who live in the same household as their parents, are financially dependent and co-own a vehicle with their parents or do not own a vehicle may be covered under a parent’s policy.

Don’t take the risk of remaining on a parent’s policy if you aren’t eligible. If you are involved in an accident and the insurance company determines you shouldn’t have been covered, it could deny coverage or cancel the policy.

The next step: If you live on your own, it’s time to find your own auto insurance. It also may be wise to purchase your own insurance if you are financially independent and own your own car, even if you’re still at home. Compare rates and coverage levels online. Determine the amount of coverage you need, the deductible you can afford (generally, the higher the deductible, the lower the premiums), and choose an insurer with a reputation for financial strength and stability. Don’t be overly influenced by animated geckos, white-aproned spokeswomen or mayhem scenarios.

We want to hear from you! When did you get your own health and auto insurance policies? Leave any tips and questions in the comment section of the blog!

©Copyright 2014, BlueSpire Strategic Marketing. All rights reserved.

Cost-Saving Tips: Big Summer Fun on a Small Family Budget

If your family implemented a spending freeze to help weather tough economic times, summer may be the perfect time to start thawing out. The truth is that spending more quality time with family doesn’t cost a thing. Consider the following alternatives to high-priced summer fun.

If you would normally attend a major league baseball game, try the minor leagues. The game itself is the same, but tickets, concessions and parking costs are generally much lower at a minor league ballgame. Hosting your own family or neighborhood softball tournament or skills competition can provide another low-cost way to get your baseball fix.

If you would normally catch the latest blockbusters in the theater, host a movie night at home. Several of the season’s most anticipated family films are remakes. Rent the originals, pop some popcorn, make your own pizza and enjoy the company of friends or family while you wait for the latest installments to hit the second-run theaters.

If you would normally take a summer vacation, travel closer to home. Discover the treasures that your area offers by visiting your state’s tourism website. Whether your interests lie in exploring the arts, the great outdoors, historical sites or sports venues, you can likely find a fun family activity in your own backyard.

If you would normally send the kids to summer camp, camp out as a family. Pitch a tent in the backyard or find a nearby state or national park to explore. You can replicate many summer camp experiences – from cookouts and campfires to canoeing and hiking – without venturing far from home.

If you would normally visit an amusement park, make your own fun at home. Create a day-long scavenger hunt that challenges the family to find or photograph a variety of objects throughout the neighborhood. Host a mini-Olympics with events for all ages, such as an obstacle course, water balloon toss, tug of war or three-legged race. Use an old bed sheet as a canvas and let every family member or neighborhood child display their artistic talents.

Plan for Next Summer

Encourage your family to brainstorm even more inexpensive ways to have fun this summer. Depositing a portion of the money saved in an AAFCU account* for a future family vacation can help teach kids the importance – and rewards – of saving.

*Membership requirements and restrictions apply.
©Copyright 2014, BlueSpire Strategic Marketing. All rights reserved.

Graduating from student loans: Tips to dump that debt faster

Are you one of the estimated 37 million Americans with student loan debt? According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the average college loan debt hovers at just over $24,300 — a burden that can prevent you from investing or purchasing a first home.

Paying down your loan debt faster than the traditional 10 or more years just makes good economic sense: In doing so, you end up shelling out less in interest than if you had made all the scheduled payments. So, how do you get out from under this financial burden? Read on to find out.

5 ways to pay off student loans — fast!

1. Consider paying more than the monthly amount — or more frequently. If you’re strapped for cash that might be easier said than done. But if you have some extra money each month, try sending it in with your payment or as an extra payment with written instructions that the additional money is to be applied to the loan principal.

2. Budget, budget, budget. Without one, you probably don’t really know where your cash is going. But expenses such as daily lunches out can really add up. Budgeting can help you figure out where you can curb spending and decide on how much extra you can comfortably send per month.

3. Use that extra cash. Windfall? Tax refund? Additional cash from a part-time job? Consider putting it toward your debt. Sure, it’s not as exciting as buying the latest iPhone® incarnation or going on vacation, but just think of when you can better enjoy those things without the dark cloud of student loans hovering over you!

4. Go automatic. Automatic payments or arranging to have a set amount taken out of your paycheck and deposited into a savings account set up specifically for loan money can ensure money goes to the right place.

5. Get an interest rate do-over. Paying on time, having good credit and enrolling in automatic bill pay can help you get your interest rate lowered. For example, lenders often knock about .25 percent off of interest rates for auto pay.

Looking for some loan forgiveness or financial assistance with your loans? Check out the numerous programs available (and websites like those run by the nonprofit American Student Assistance, http://www.asa.org). In some professions — such as teaching and nursing — working in low-income, rural or other high-needs areas for a set number of years can be rewarded with loan forgiveness. Some employers may also help pay a portion of student loans.

©Copyright 2014, BlueSpire Strategic Marketing. All rights reserved.

Stay Vigilant: 7 tips for protecting your credit and debit cards from fraud

After the Target credit and debit card breach this past winter, as well as breaches at other major retailers and hotels, consumers were reminded to be vigilant with their credit and debit card accounts, and to watch for fraudulent use. However, it’s easy to forget that scammers may get their hands on your information months or even years following the initial breach.

Here are some tips to keep your credit and debit card accounts safe from foul play:

1. Report lost or stolen cards immediately. Notify AAFCU if you notice fraudulent charges on your AAFCU credit or debit card. For other accounts contact the issuing credit agency.

2. Memorize your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Writing down your PIN leaves open the possibility of an unwanted person finding it.

3. Sign the back of your new card as soon as you receive it. Destroy any old or unwanted cards so they cannot be used.

4. Use caution when giving your account number over the phone or online. If using a credit card over the phone, be sure you are the one who made the call and the company you are giving it to is reputable. If shopping online, check that the site is secure. For unfamiliar websites, check other sites for customer satisfaction ratings and visit the Better Business Bureau, bbb.org, to look for complaints.

5. Check your monthly statement. Open your monthly statement immediately and carefully look over listed items to verify the transactions. If something is wrong, contact your credit card company or AAFCU immediately.

6. Use Online Banking to view recent transactions. AAFCU offers online banking that allows you to easily view transactions on your account between your monthly statements. Sign up today at aafcu.com*.

7. Sign up for eMinders from AAFCU. These alerts can let you know immediately if unauthorized purchases or withdrawals are made on your account.

 
*Membership requirements and restrictions apply.
©Copyright 2014, BlueSpire Strategic Marketing. All rights reserved.

6 Ways to Get Out of Debt

Getting out of debt is often not an easy task. If you have a sizable amount of debt, it’s likely that just making one small adjustment isn’t going to get rid of it completely. Often a combination of several approaches is needed to make significant progress toward being debt-free. Here are some great ways to help you get out of debt that you can often combine for greater effect.

1. Find a roommate. Rent and mortgage payments are often your largest single monthly expense. While living alone may have some perks, it usually costs much more than living with others. Not only will you split the monthly payment, but you may also share costs for other expenses like cable, cleaning supplies and utilities.

2. Brew coffee at home. Your morning stop for that perfect cup of specialty coffee may not seem like a large expense when looked at individually. But let’s say your morning latte costs $4. If you stop just 3 times a week, that adds up to over $50 per month that you could be putting toward your debt.

3. Get a second job. While most techniques for getting out of debt involve reducing spending, don’t forget that there is another way to have more money for paying off debt each month — earning more. Finding a supplemental job can be a great way to earn more income during time you previously weren’t working. As an added bonus, you may be spending less if your weekends are occupied with a new job rather than your usual recreational activities.

4. Cut back on monthly services. If you’re paying for cable, consider whether you can trim some premium channels or ditch the DVR to save money. If your cellphone bill covers more minutes and data than you need, consider switching to a lower tier plan.

5. Cook more. Dining out is almost always more expensive than cooking a meal for yourself. But just because you’re avoiding dining out doesn’t mean you need to miss out on time with friends.

6. Start budgeting. Keeping track of expenses and setting goals for spending is essential to get out of debt. One of the best ways to help set a budget, and stick to it, is to track your finances using AAFCU’s online and mobile banking.

Remember, just as accumulating debt often takes time and may have a number of causes, getting out of debt can require commitment to long-term goals and a combination of several techniques to achieve.

We want to hear from you! Leave your money management tips and questions in the comment section of the blog!

©Copyright 2013, BlueSpire Strategic Marketing. All rights reserved.

Could You Weather a Financial Emergency?

Financial emergencies come in all shapes and sizes, from a natural disaster destroying a home to sudden unemployment to unexpected illness or injury. You usually can’t predict when or where a crisis may strike, but you can prepare. As a matter of fact, one trait that most financial emergencies share is that those who are adequately prepared have a much better chance of surviving with no long-term ill effects.

Financial experts recommend that you build an emergency fund of three to six months’ worth of living expenses and keep it in an easily accessible, liquid account. But fewer than four out of 10 American adults have such a cushion, according to a nationwide poll.* Older survey participants were more apt to have money on hand. More than half of people age 65 or older could get through a three-month emergency, while less than a quarter of those age 18 to 24 could.

Preparing for the Unexpected

For most people, no matter what age, there’s room for improvement on the financial cushion. Consider these tips.

• Get started. Choose a vehicle, such as a savings or money market account, and make an initial deposit.
• Add to it regularly. Make frequent, affordable deposits. The key is to make regular deposits, not huge ones. Direct deposits or automatic transfers from a checking account put your savings on auto pilot.
• Maximize earnings. If you can’t afford the initial minimum deposit of a money market account, start with a savings account, then transfer the money to boost your earnings when you’ve saved the money market account’s minimum.
• Keep it growing. Resist the temptation to dip into your emergency fund for anything other than a true emergency. A three-day sale on that sound system you’ve been eyeing doesn’t count.

Turn to the Experts

Visit aafcu.com to learn about different types of Savings Accounts at AAFCU.

* Source: Bankrate.com, 2006.
©Copyright 2013, BlueSpire Strategic Marketing. All rights reserved.

How Monthly Payments Add Up

You can handle one low monthly payment, right? What about when one low monthly payment turns into several monthly payments? From cars to furniture, advertisers like to point out how their product can be yours if you can make an “easy” monthly payment. Looked at individually, these monthly payments can often seem very affordable. But beware! The costs of monthly payments can add up fast, leaving your finances in jeopardy.

Look at the Big Picture

When thinking about so-called “great deals,” looking at how monthly payments will add up over time can help put them into perspective. For example, you may decide to buy a 60″ TV and make payments over 36 months. A $120 payment each month may seem affordable, but over 36 months this adds up to $4,320 in total costs. Does the TV still look affordable?

Think about Hidden Costs

Of course monthly payments are only a portion of the costs for items like automobiles and mortgages. Insurance, maintenance costs and taxes are just some of the expenses conveniently left out of advertised monthly payments.

You also are likely to pay a much larger amount in interest when financing payments as a monthly expense. Many businesses also offer low or free introductory interest rates that only last for a limited time, causing monthly payments to balloon after an initial period. It can be hard to visualize the hundreds or thousands of dollars you may be paying in interest when it is rolled into one monthly payment. If the salesperson told you that buying that new TV would only cost you $120 a month, but that meant a total of $600 paid in interest, would you still think it was a great deal?

Don’t Avoid this Monthly Payment

One monthly payment you shouldn’t skip is the monthly addition to your savings account. Growing your savings account can help you achieve future financial goals, as well as prepare you for unexpected financial setbacks. Visit aafcu.com to learn about Savings Accounts at AAFCU.

©Copyright 2013, BlueSpire Strategic Marketing. All rights reserved.