Monthly Archives: May 2019

Closing the Door on Cybercrime: What Business Owners Should Know

cybercrime

If you’re a small business owner, you’re likely a dreamer and a doer. The dreamer side of you hopes that your business will never be infiltrated and the doer side of you is reading this blog, ready to take an active defense on cybercrime. You will need both of these great qualities in order to seal your doors from those who want to take from your business and keep them wide open for customers. Here’s how:

Train Employees

While you may know your employees well or at least trust them to do their due diligence in security, mistakes can happen if employees aren’t properly trained in cybersecurity. This should be a part of their onboarding process on day one, as well as implementing required training throughout the course of their employment. They should understand how to use all of the company security procedures in addition to understanding the crucial importance of those procedures. Some of which may be:

  • Allowable Internet Usage
  • Remote Access Security Measures
  • Restricted Use Of Removable Media (USB or CDs)

Backup All Data

Imagine if you went to log into your business systems tomorrow and all of your data was either wiped or being held for ransom by a cybercriminal. We hope that you would not have to panic because you routinely back up your data. It can cost hundreds of dollars a minute to have your systems down. You can either backup data on the cloud or on a physical device capable of handling the information. For some businesses, it’s not only their own data at risk, but those of clients. Keep your reputation and client trust strong.

It’s Time for Another Password

We know, we know. It seems about everything needs a unique password these days and it can be difficult to keep up. However, it is this way because it works. Be sure that all your staff changes their passwords at least every three months.

Don’t Forget to Update

Just as it is important to backup data, it is just as important to continually update your systems. If there are gaps in updates, it leaves room for cybercriminals to enter. This is called “patching” in the tech world. Keep your software like a tight, impregnable wall by ensuring all of the necessary updates are made whenever possible. This can be done by automating updates, so you don’t let it slip by!

Keep your business safe by utilizing our safe and secure banking products. We’re happy to help you find safe ways to grow your funds.

6 Ways to Travel Like a Minimalist and Save Money

travel

If you’ve been putting off travel because you think it’s too expensive, think again! The new minimalism trend is taking off – more than the tiny houses you’ve seen. They are proving to be a helpful mindset and strategy for travelers. Here’s the inside scoop of how to cut costs on your next trip.

Plan, Plan, Plan

One undervalued trait that minimalists have is the ability to plan ahead. As enticing as a spur of the moment trip may be, that can often lead to even more unexpected expenses. When we say plan, we mean plan and then plan some more. Be on the lookout for the greatest deals and the best time of the year to travel, even down to what day you purchase flight tickets.

Pack Light

A hallmark of a true minimalist and saver is less is more (money). Aim to have only one carry-on bag, even if your trip is going to be a few weeks. You will be able to go to a laundromat or clean your clothes at your lodging. This can save you hundreds of dollars. Many times, we often don’t wear or use half of the items we bring with us on vacations. Choose comfortable and climate-appropriate clothes. If you are crunched for space, consider this technique for maximum space.

Utilize Public Transit

Instead of renting a car, take advantage of the local bus or rail system on your trip. If you are looking to travel in Europe, this is especially easy to do! The trains are reasonable and can get you practically anywhere. Not only is this an economical choice, but it is an even better way to really get to know the area you’re visiting.

Go Natural

This ties into traveling light, but if there is any time to really let go, it’s on vacation! Leave all of those hair products and perfumes behind. Just enjoy the experience of a minimalist traveler. Now you can spend more time having fun!

Rethink Traditional

When you think of travel accommodations, the hotel may be the first thing to come to mind. Although hotels have their perks, it may be less expensive to find an alternative option. Hostels and personal rent-a-room services are easily an affordable option. Leave what you thought cheap lodging was behind – people are really vamping up their spaces to have a more personable hotel-feel.

Sweet Memories Over Souvenirs

Go with excitement and leave with only memories and photos. Often times, souvenirs are trinkets left on a shelf for years before finally disposed of. How much nicer would it be to have a hundred pictures and memories to hold onto? This will also save you space on your trip back! Remember, we are thinking minimalism here, so it’s important to stress the value of experiences over things.

When you’re traveling this season, allow us to help you keep your money safe in order to save up for your big trips to come!

4 Ways to Spring Clean Your Finances

finance

As you begin to write your to-do list of cleaning your home this spring, it’s time to add another section to your list: finances. You wouldn’t believe how helpful it is to do a deep cleaning of your finances every spring. It can contribute to increased feelings of determination and confidence in all areas of your life. Here are the 4 best cleaning moves to add to your list!

Review Your Debt

Unfortunately, too many people try to turn away from realizing their total amount of debt. If you have gotten into a bad habit of spending more money than you can you can truly afford, it’s time to come to terms with the reality of what you owe. Going through the numbers of credit card and student loan debt can be a shock. However, it’s important to know your numbers so that you know what you have to work with. You can’t conquer your debt if you never face it!

Dust Off Your Budget

It’s normal to drift away from your budget. This may mean your budget just wasn’t working for you. Review what your original budget contained and think about what worked and how you can improve upon it now.  Can you do better with your savings? A great trick that can help is to automate your savings. Decide on a percentage and have that taken portion automatically transferred to your savings account.

Go Green

This one can hit two birds with one stone. Are you still saving your paper bank statements? Clean out your home by shredding these important documents and set up an online banking account. Another option would be to simply make copies of your papers and upload them to a cloud drive. You should save your tax documents for no more than seven years. Most everything you’ve received by paper you can get with an online banking account. This will keep your information secure and your house clean.

Spot Check Your Credit

Your credit score can be checked without penalty one time from each of the three credit reporting agencies for free. This is important to not only know what you owe but to go through the report with a fine-tooth comb. Mistakes can happen on your credit report and why let that hold you back financially when all it would take is a quick check?

With these simple cleaning tips, you can go into this spring feeling refreshed and responsible. Spring clean your finances by seeing what products we can offer to help!

4 Ways to Save On Big Purchases

purchase

Are you known to be “tight” with your money? Do your friends and family ever make jokes about your thrifty ways? Consider this a compliment! But what do you do when it comes time to replace a big ticket item or something beyond your spending limit catches your eye? You save! Here are some great ways to save on big purchases!

1. Know The Actual Costs

Have you ever made a large purchase, only to find out that you also need to spend extra money on accessories, hidden fees and installation costs? Before you can plan out your savings, be sure to do all of your research. For example, if you would like to buy a large TV, be sure you calculate the cost of the cords, additional streaming services or media players you want to use. All of this should be factored into your budget before you swipe the plastic.

2. Know Your Deadline

When would you like for this item to be yours?  Maybe you’re saving for a refrigerator, as your current one is going bad. Do you have an estimate of how long it will last? Make your deadline a little earlier than this so you’re prepared. Divide how many weeks until the deadline by the total cost of the item. Does this amount seem doable? If not, see if there are any other areas in your budget you can carve out in the short term to make this happen.

3. Know Your Expenses

Cars breakdown and life happens. Before you spend money on that big-ticket item, be sure to have an emergency savings account in place. If you don’t have a budget, start one. Be sure that all of your basic needs are well covered before buying.

4. Know Your Worth

If you want to speed the process along, know your worth. What we mean, is that you can look into making some extra money on the side by selling your skills! If you’re a talented writer, look into freelance work. If you have a knack for fixing cars, sell your services. These are simple and don’t have to be time-consuming money earners. Get paid well for your hobby work!

When you start saving on your big purchases, open a savings account with us today so you can safely store that cash!