Monthly Archives: February 2020

Cybersecurity Check: How Secure Are Your Actions?

It’s 2020 and more than time to be certain your cybersecurity practices are up to date. Cybercriminals become more advanced and attuned to the different ways to penetrate vulnerabilities of those who aren’t up to date on security. These are the top actions you need to take. Can you say yes to any of these?

Are you cautious with the applications on your phone?

Sometimes, there’s a false sense of security when it comes to phone applications. Apps are used for about everything these days and too often users think they are safer than they are. You may have noticed that pop ups can still occur on these applications and can pose a security risk to you and the information held on your device. You may even click on the ad accidently while it takes you to a suspicious website.

Is your software up to date?

Yes, we realize that having to update your phone or computer can be a nuisance. It can be frustrating at times because it may change the layout of certain features on your phone. Yet, we would still recommend updating due to the protection it provides. It will help to patch vulnerabilities and fortify your wall of protection.

Are you aware of phishing scams?

How attuned are you to phishing scams? Phishing is when the cybercriminal acts like someone else in order to trick the victims. Be sure to: never open an email from someone you don’t know, click on unfamiliar links and always be suspicious when it comes to emails – even from friends that may send harmful links unknowingly.

Are your passwords updated periodically?

It’s frustrating to have to remember many different passwords and to constantly be updating them. But it is still less of a headache than it would be if you had your identity stolen or your data held for ransom. Never use the same password twice and update each password at least once a year.

Is your PII Personal?

PII stands for personal identification information. This includes your address, birthdate, birthplace and middle name. These are often listed on many people’s social media pages. Sometimes all it takes to have your identity stolen is your full name and birthdate. Be sure to remove this from your pages and to keep it private.

For more tips on how to stay ahead of the cybersecurity curve, contact us today!

Make Your 2020 Savings Goals A Reality

The new year is full of hope and imagination for the future. It can be challenging for anyone to stick with these goals, especially financial ones. We’re happy to tell you that there is a way to make these goals a reality by sticking to these wise practices.

Be Realistic

In order to make your goals a reality, you should set realistic goals. While a beach house in Maui would definitely be an attractive prospect to most people, it’s not in the cards for everyone. Maybe something like this will be there for you someday, but first you want to master the baby steps. Think about goals within the next 1-5 years that you can see happening and are motivating.

Prioritize Goals

Not all of your goals are likely to be reached in 2020. Prioritize the goals in the order that you think they can be accomplished first and that are also the most important to you.

Identify Roadblocks

Plan ahead for the things you think might go wrong or steer you off course. Is one of your savings goals to cut down on splurging but you find yourself repeatedly swinging through drive thrus and shopping online just because you have a free shipping subscription? Decide on alternatives to keep you from continuing with these habits. If there are events or emotional triggers that compel you to spend money, figure out another way to get relief. Go for a run, read a book or invite a friend over for a movie night.

Organize Accounts

Get familiar with the banking accounts available to you. Learn about how to use them to fit your lifestyle. Maybe you want each paycheck to have a percentage go straight to checking. Get this set up! Have you downloaded our mobile app yet? If not, consider doing so. It’s a great way to easily keep an eye on your everyday spending as well as check in on your growing savings account.

Celebrate Progress

Goals aren’t achieved overnight. You’ll be working hard to achieve your goals and you might experience some burnout. To keep this from happening, celebrate the strides you are making towards reaching your goals by having a visual that can remind you of your “why” and modestly celebrate each achievement in a way that’s fun for your household. If you have kids, get them in on the fun and teach them why following through on commitments is important and why celebrating mile markers is also important!

For more ways to follow through on your savings goals, reach out to us today!

The Simple 7: Energy Saving Tips for Winter’s End

Don’t let the end of winter freeze your bank account! Lower temperatures often mean higher bills, but with some simple moves you can keep a cool head about your finances.

1. Open Your Home to Sunshine

The winter is often a little more gray and dreary. Take advantage of every sunny day you can. Open up the curtains and let the natural light warm your home. Take a moment to bask in the warmth of the sun and get a good dose of vitamin D while you’re at it.

2. Switch the Blades

A trick that many may not know is that the blades on your ceiling fan are designed to be used differently depending on the season. The secret is in the rotation. Because hot air rises, you should have the blades moving clockwise to help push warm air back down to the living space.

3. Wise Up the Thermostat

Have you considered the investment in a smart thermostat? While you may not love the idea of spending more money this winter, a smart thermostat can help you save money in the long run. You can set it to auto adjust the temperatures to be lower. It saves households an average of 12 percent.

4. Shorten Showers

It’s hard not to love a long, warm shower. The costs of water are often one of the highest parts of your utility bill. Cutting your shower time even by half can reduce your bill by almost 33 percent.

5. Invest in a Space Heater

Pick your favorite room in the house or where you spend most of your time and put a space heater in that area. This can cozy up the room really fast while allowing the rest of your home to stay at cooler and less expensive temperatures. You should always turn this off at night, as it can be a fire hazard. Follow the directions and heed the warnings on the manufacturing label.

6. Get Cozy

Put on your socks and grab your favorite sweatshirt. It’s winter, so make sure you dress for the temperature outside. Putting on an extra layer is an easy way to keep you from wanting to crank up that heat. It’s the season of hot chocolate and tea, so serve some up while you snuggle in for a warm night.

7. Search for Leaks

Reassess your home and investigate areas for potential leaks. They are most often around windows, gaps around chimneys, plumbing penetrations and doors. You can seal them cheaply with caulk or weather-stripping material found at a local hardware store.

For more tips on how to trim your budget the rest of winter, reach out to us at Heartland Bank.