Author Archives: Heartland Banks Blogger

Cybersecurity 101 for Seniors

Seniors are a big target for cybercriminals since they often leave their devices and networks unprotected. No matter what age you are, there’s a good chance you find yourself using some sort of technology on a daily basis. Keep reading to make sure all of your cybersecurity bases are covered.

Common Ways Seniors Use the Internet

You may think the older generations are much more disconnected from the online world, but they use the Internet in a variety of ways all of the time:

Managing finances online instead of at the bank
Reading or watching the news
Messaging or video chatting loved ones
Shopping online
Distracting themselves during free time

Why Are Seniors a High-Risk Group?

There are many reasons why seniors are an attractive target for cybercriminals. Here are a few:

High likelihood to shop online
Often not as tech-savvy
Easily trust others online
Less alert or less likely to notice a scam

How Can Seniors Stay Safe?

Implementing cybersecurity safety tips into everyday life can be quite simple and makes a world of difference. Make sure you’re following all of the below:

Secure websites only: Before visiting a website and especially before making any purchases or entering information, check for the “https” at the beginning of the link. The “s” tells you that the site is secure, and if it’s not, your information is not always being kept private.
Read messages/emails carefully: If you receive an email that looks suspicious, is too good to be true, asking for personal information or contains misspellings, there’s a good chance it’s a scam.
Create strong and secure passwords: The most obvious way to keep your accounts and information private is by locking them. Using a different password for each account helps you avoid being hacked on multiple ends. Password managers are great for keeping everything organized.
Keep your software updated: Enable auto-update in the settings section of the applications you use to ensure your apps are up-to-date and protected.
Watch what you share: Social media is a great way to stay connected to family and friends and give important life updates. Make sure your profile is private, you’re friends with people you know and you don’t overshare personal information.

Seniors are no longer disconnected from the world of Internet, so cybersecurity has never been more important than it is today. Keep yourself, your friends and your family protected by following these effective tips to improve your safety online.

The Secret to a Cheaper Holiday Season

As the holidays quickly approach, managing your money wisely becomes even more difficult. As you spoil your loved ones with gifts, celebrate the season with fancy dinners and go all-out on new decor, the budget tends to go out the window when the holidays come around. There’s no harm in enjoying the holiday season, but this blog will help you make sure you don’t enter January with empty pockets.

Set a Realistic Budget

Odds are, if you set a tight and strict budget for the holidays, you’ll end up feeling frustrated and annoyed. Take into account the last-minute purchases, who you’re getting gifts for, any traveling you may do, holiday activities and more. A helpful tip is to set a general budget for each person you get a gift for, that way you know exactly how much to spend for each loved one.

Cut Out the Unnecessary Expenses

We’re all guilty of splurging on things we definitely didn’t need during the holidays. Skip those appealing, yet overpriced holiday coffees and you’ll be surprised how much money you save. You can factor “treating yourself” into your budget without going overboard on the unnecessary holiday treats and activities.

Choose Budget-Friendly Holiday Activities

‘Tis the season to spend quality time doing fun winter activities with the ones you love. This year, pick some activities that aren’t as tough on your wallet but will still provide those sweet holiday memories. Rather than spending money on special attractions and extravagant trips, try activities like sledding, driving to see Christmas lights or baking holiday goodies at home.

Watch Out for Sneaky Sales

There’s nothing better than seeing a big red “On Sale” sign by the perfect gift. Double check what you’re paying, though, because sometimes the sales can be too good to be true. Many stores don’t actually discount the item, but rather stick a sign on it to entice customers into thinking it’s a great deal. Even if you find something for a great price, make sure it’s in your budget before swiping the card.

Revamp the Family Gatherings

Saving money will make the whole family happy, so incorporating new traditions like Secret Santa or potlucks can save everyone big bucks. Rather than going to a nice restaurant, do a potluck-style meal and everyone can bring their favorite dish. Buying each extended family member a gift can add up, so trying out Secret Santa can be fun, exciting and much cheaper.

Giving into the holiday deals and going overboard on spending is hard to avoid this time of year, but having a plan helps tremendously. Sticking to your budget and being smart about your spending is the best way to avoid the dreaded post-holiday regret. To open a savings account or learn more about how we can help you manage your money, contact Heartland Bank today. Happy holidays!

Money Mistakes to Avoid Around the Holidays

The holidays are right around the corner which means it’s time to start crossing items off the gift list. Whether you’ve fallen victim to these mistakes before or are trying to avoid them this year, this list will tell you exactly what not to do when holiday shopping.

Not saving in advance

The holiday season has a way of sneaking up on people, leading to lots of last minute shopping. We all are aware of when these gifts need to be bought, so why not set money aside to prepare? You can start this a few months in advance, or even better yet, save small amounts all year. Simply add a portion of your income to a savings account each month or set up automatic transfer so the funds are ready to go when it’s time to shop.

Being enticed by all of the deals

It’s no question that items on sale are automatically more appealing, even if the item is unnecessary. Making a list and knowing exactly what you need before you visit the store can help avoid the tempting discounted items. This is also tricky while online shopping since holiday ads pop up just about everywhere. Steer clear of the enticing deals and stick to what you really need.

Avoiding a budget

Having and sticking to a budget is simple with today’s technology. By downloading a budgeting app, you can figure out exactly how much you want to spend and keep track of your spending while you shop. Not setting a budget before holiday shopping often leads to overspending, buying unnecessary items and letting your finances get out of hand.

Dipping into your savings account

Whatever you do, do not rely on your emergency fund or any other type of savings besides what you’ve saved specifically for holiday shopping. This is another reason why saving separately for Christmas gifts is so beneficial – you won’t be as tempted to access your savings for the future if you already have money set aside.

Procrastinating

By the time the holidays come around, items have been picked through, the sales are over and what you need is out of stock. Getting your shopping done early will help you avoid those issues and save money while you’re at it. It may sound crazy, but the best deals are usually happening between Christmas and New Year’s, which means you can get a head start on next year while maximizing your savings!

This is the year to have control over your finances and not let the holidays take a toll on your bank account. Rather than dreading the financial burden that often comes with holiday shopping, plan ahead and save yourself the stress. Enjoy this holiday season and avoid making these mistakes at all costs!

Stay Safe Online While Holiday Shopping

‘Tis the season for spending time with family, making hot chocolate, building snowmen and, of course, buying presents! With the wonderful power of technology, we can surround the Christmas tree with gifts in just a few clicks. Keep reading to learn all about cyber safety while you shop this holiday season.

Watch out for enticing ads.

It’s common to come across pop-up ads or tempting deals while you’re browsing. While they’re sometimes legitimate, it’s smarter to go to the website itself rather than clicking on the advertisement to avoid scams or viruses.

Beware of public Wi-Fi.

There’s nothing wrong with checking out your favorite store’s catalog while out in public, but making purchases is where it gets risky. Never enter your personal information to make a purchase while connected to a public Wi-Fi network – instead, use a VPN or your personal hotspot.

Keep your device updated.

If you haven’t already enabled auto-update on your device, now’s a great time to do so. Keeping your device and applications up to date will help you avoid malware infections or other cyber issues.

Look for the “https.”

Check for the lock symbol or the “https” in the address bar to make sure the website is secure. Secure websites make it safe for you to enter your information without the fear of the site storing it without your approval.

Check in on your account post-purchase.

Keep tabs on your account activity to make sure the transaction went through and there weren’t any mistakes. You can also set up alerts that automatically email or text you once your credit card was used.

Always do your research.

It’s a risky game to make a purchase from a site you’ve never heard of. Research the company you’re thinking of buying from and make sure they have a form of contact for you to use if a payment problem occurs. The smartest choice is to always avoid making online purchases from an unfamiliar website.

Online shopping is a great way to get what you need without facing the cold, but there are always risks that come with making purchases on the Internet. Be smart, do your research and have a happy holiday season!

Special, Yet Inexpensive Christmas Gift Ideas

As joyful and exciting as the holiday season is, getting memorable gifts for your loved ones can bring about some financial stress. It’s always good to remind yourself that the price doesn’t always determine the quality of the gift you give. Rather than spending a fortune on big gifts, try one of these special gifts which are cheap and meaningful at the same time.

Memory Book

Whether you decide to make a homemade scrap book or simply buy a photo album at the store, you can’t go wrong with a trip down memory lane. The holidays are the perfect time to reminisce on the past, and creating a book of old pictures, letters, collectables and other meaningful things will definitely warm the heart of any loved one.

Meaningful CD or Playlist

One great way to tell someone how much they mean to you is by telling them through music. Put music that reminds you of them or memorable songs you’ve listened to together on a CD or into a playlist. For an additional, heart-felt touch, you can write a letter to go with the CD explaining the meaning behind each song you chose.

Flowers and Plants

Giving your loved one flowers is a clear way to make them feel special and cherished. Purchase a few succulents, flowers or other plants along with a cute pot and some soil, pot the plants and you have yourself a special present that doesn’t break the bank!

Pamper Package

A fun gift idea for both the gift giver and the receiver is a care package filled with all of their favorite things. This can contain snacks, drinks, a movie, a book and other meaningful self-care items.

Nothing compares to gifts that are hand-made, meaningful and full of love. This holiday season, focus on giving memorable gifts that will leave your loved ones feeling special and will also keep your bank account in a good place. Happy holidays and happy gift-giving!

5 Major Life Purchases to Plan For

Once you enter adulthood, your finances become your own and the major life purchases quickly approach. While not all of these purchases take place at the same time nor is everyone guaranteed to make them all, it’s common for the average person to make most if not all of these purchases at some point in time. Continue reading to be prepared for your financial journey in the future!

1. New Car

That car you got when you turned 16 won’t last forever, and soon enough you’ll be ready for a new vehicle. Whether this purchase takes place once you graduate college or when you need a size upgrade to fit your growing family, a new car is a big financial investment. It’s important to look into smart loan options available to you before you make the big decision. Another important factor to mention is that your credit score will have a big impact on the loan options available to you, so keep that in mind as you prepare for a new car.

2. The Wedding

As of 2019, the average cost of a wedding in the United States is over $33,000. While the bride’s family traditionally holds the responsibility of paying for the wedding, that’s not always set in stone in all families. Finding out where the wedding money is coming from is something important to find out by talking to your partner, your family and your partner’s family. Marriage is also another thing to plan for financially as you and your new spouse learn to handle expenses together rather than separately now. Also, even if you don’t have to pay for your wedding, if you choose to have kids the day will come when your daughter gets married, so the wedding finances could be on your shoulders down the line.

3. Starting a Family

The cost of having children is seemingly never-ending. From the hospital bill when they’re born until they head to college, you’re paying for the many expenses that come with having children. Keep in mind childcare, prom, clothes, college, sports and more which can add up quickly. Don’t let the many purchases that come with having kids push you away, though, as starting a family is truly priceless!

4. Buying a House

One of the most obvious and major purchases you’ll make in your lifetime will be your first house. With lots of research, thinking and searching, you’ll finally find the house of your dreams. This is something to plan for and keep in mind as early as possible, as many young adults push this off and procrastinate on saving. Set up a savings account to get a head start on this future purchase!

5. Making Your House a Home

A major financial investment that’s often overlooked when it comes to planning is furnishing your new home, getting appliances, landscape work, renovations and more. To make your house a home, lots of improvements and additions have to be made. Furniture and appliances can get pricey, especially the high-quality pieces that will last you awhile. Factor all of these home improvement payments into your budget before taking the step of buying a house.

As you enter this exciting stage of your life and the major purchases get closer, it’s always a good idea to set a budget and maximize your savings as much as possible. One great way to make the most of your savings is to open a savings account with us, set up automatic transfer and watch your savings grow! Contact us with any of your finance questions and we’d be happy to help.

How Do I Teach My Kids About Online Safety?

While it may seem obvious to adults, knowing how to make safe decisions online isn’t always second nature for kids. It’s important that cybersecurity is taught before mistakes are made, and the earlier in their life it’s discussed, the better. How does a parent go about teaching online safety? Continue reading to find out.

What to Look Out For

All of the important cybersecurity topics to cover can seem overwhelming, but starting with the basics is key. What topics should be implemented varies depending on the child’s age, but here are some general things to make sure you cover in your online safety lessons:

Stranger danger is present online, too
Never share personal information
Keep passwords private
Double check with parents before posting, responding, downloading, etc.

Ways to Teach

Act Out Scenarios

One of the most effective ways for your kids to understand how to handle situations is to practice a scenario. There are many aspects of cybersecurity, but the ones mentioned above are simple to demonstrate. Send them a message from a “stranger,” see how they respond, teach them how they can better handle the situation and continue practicing. Practice makes perfect!

Child-Friendly Videos

There are countless Internet safety videos on YouTube made for children. Simply search “online safety for kids” in the YouTube search bar, sit down with your child and a snack and let them enjoy some visual learning!

Worksheets

You can find many downloadable worksheets to print off as practice. Worksheet websites often have different levels depending on the age range, so you can cater the worksheet to your child’s needs.

With today’s technology, online dangers are seemingly inescapable. That’s why it’s crucial to start the discussion and implement cybersecurity practice into your child’s routine from a young age. Feel free to contact Heartland Bank with any questions, and stay safe!

Find Out How to Pay Off Your Debt While Still in School

Just because your student loan payments don’t start until after you graduate, the sooner you start making payments, the better. Paying for the college student life is tricky enough, so paying off debt at the same time might seem impossible, but it’s doable with a few lifestyle adjustments. Continue reading to find out the best ways to make payments before you even graduate.

Make it Automatic

One of the best ways to be dedicated to setting money aside is to set up automatic payments. By making it automatic, you won’t even have to think about the payments since the money will be going straight towards your student debt. Along with that, these payments become a habit and force you to make smart financial decisions.

Increase Your Income

It might seem obvious – if you want to make payments but can’t afford much to begin with, now is a great time to pick up a side gig. The college life is busy as is, but there are ways to make time for some extra income. You can find remote work to do on your own time, get a weekend-only job or even get a paid internship. A paid internship would benefit your education, your resume and your finances all at once!

Try a Budgeting App

There are countless money management apps out there that make budgeting a breeze. Download an app such as Mint or PocketGuard to help you better manage your expenses. Visually seeing what you spend your money on puts your spending habits into perspective, allowing you to cut some unnecessary expenses and put that money towards your student debt.

Tackle the High Interest Rate First

Focus on the loan with the highest interest rate first, paying that one down to avoid more and more accruing interest. This is called the “debt avalanche method” and it’s great for paying off debt as quick as possible.

By starting your student loan payments as early as possible, you can save a substantial amount over time. Interest racks up, time flies by and before you know it you’re graduating and making monthly payments. Relieve yourself of future stress by getting a head start! Contact Heartland Bank to open a savings account and learn more about the services we offer.

5 Steps Towards Tackling Your Student Loans

Whether you’re a current college student or have graduated and are ready to get rid of your debt, there’s no better time than now to start paying off your loans. It’s not an easy job, but the feeling and relief of being debt-free is unlike any other. Keep reading to learn the five steps to take towards getting rid of your student loans.

1. Pay more than the minimum

No matter how small the amount of added money each month is, paying more than the minimum is one of the best ways to drastically reduce your debt faster. Even if the most you can afford to stack on is $15, it will add up and you’ll be glad you did it.

2. Create a debt payment plan

Making a plan will not only help you stay on track, but it will make you feel better and more motivated to reach your goals. Map out how much you make each month, what expenses you have, how much you have to pay off in student loans and make a plan with a timeline.

3. Set up a tight budget

Living the cheap college life doesn’t always get to end once you graduate. The tighter your budget is, the faster you can tackle those student loans. Analyze your current budget and make adjustments, remembering that student loans are temporary and this is a short-term budget.

4. Pick up a side gig

Maybe you have free time on weekends, allowing you to pick up a serving job at a restaurant. If you don’t have that time, it could be as simple as selling your used clothes or making a business out of your hobby. Whatever your side gig ends up being, be sure to put the money you make directly towards your student loans to pay them off faster.

5. Make automatic payments

One of the best ways to make sure you’re paying enough every month is to set up autopay. Not only does having the money taken directly out of your account each month hold you accountable for paying, but it also allows you to just work and not worry about how much to pay and when to pay it.

This time period of being in debt is just temporary – if you start paying now and work hard, you can get rid of debt sooner than you expect. We hope you give these tips a try and that they will help you tackle your student loans quickly so you can live a loan-free life!

How to Start Building Your Emergency Fund

Not only does having an emergency fund give you peace of mind, but it can help you avoid the stress of being in debt. The best time to start building your emergency fund is now! If you’ve heard all about the importance of having this fund but aren’t sure how to get started, keep reading.

Set a Goal

The first step to building your emergency fund is figuring out how much you want to save. There are emergency savings calculators online that can help you figure out a smart amount to aim for. This amount will vary depending on many factors like how many people you’re providing for, what you pay for monthly, if you’re paying off debt, etc.

Break Down Your Goal

Many times your total emergency fund goal can be a large and intimidating number. Breaking the total down into monthly goals is a great way to ease the pressure while still accomplishing your goal on time.

Set Up an Automatic Transfer

The easiest way to make sure your monthly goals are being met is to have a designated amount transfer to your savings account. Your bank can set this up so you don’t have to worry about setting aside money since it does it automatically. Having an automatic transfer set up will make it feel like you’re not losing any money.

Save the Change

You might not think keeping your change for your emergency fund would make a big difference, but it sure adds up. Start keeping the $1 and $5 bills you get back when making purchases and putting them in a jar to add to your emergency fund.

Make Adjustments

As time goes on and your emergency fund grows, you might need to make some adjustments to how much you save every month or your goal amount. These things may need to change over time as your financial situation changes, so don’t be afraid to make proper adjustments.

Having an emergency fund can be a life-saver when issues you weren’t expecting come up. Give yourself some peace of mind by starting to build your fund today. Contact Heartland Bank with any questions you have or if you’d like to learn more about our services.