How to Avoid Phishing Scams Especially During These Times

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In the current environment amidst a worldwide pandemic, fraudsters know most people are frequently using technology to do anything and everything right now. These cybercriminals are counting on society being distracted and letting guards down. One of their favorite tactics to do this is through phishing. Criminals are using email, phone call, text message, website and social media to deploy phishing scams these days.

Here are some common forms of phishing that you might encounter and the warning signs to look out for, so that you don’t become a victim:

1. Phone Call Phishing. Cybercriminals know how to mask phone numbers and change them to make it look like your bank or credit card company is calling you. Usually on this type of call the fraudster tells you they are from the Security and Fraud Department. They will often tell you that your card has been flagged for suspicious activity and you need to prove the card is in your possession. You’ll be asked to give them the 3-digit security code on the back of the card, your PIN, or a one-time passcode they email to you.

2. Email Phishing. There are several warning signs you’ll often see on a phishing email. The most common are spelling and grammar errors, including in the email subject. Also always take note of the sender’s email address. You’ll often see that it doesn’t match up, for example IRS.net (instead of IRS.gov) or using zero’s and other numbers in place of letters in the middle of a sender’s email address (j0hnsm1th@gmail and so forth). Email phishing attempts also often include deadlines, threatening language, doesn’t address you by name, often doesn’t include contact information like a legitimate company email would, and includes suspicious hyperlinks that you should NEVER click on. You should also know that a financial institution will never ask you for any financial information via email.

3. Text Message Phishing. Similar to the phone phishing scam, you would receive a text phishing attempt where the message tells you it’s your bank and they send you a link to click on instead of including a phone number for you to contact them. The message will state that the link in the text is to verify your banking information, a recent transaction, provide your PIN or your 3-digit credit card CVV code. A financial institution will never ask you to click on a link to verify any sensitive information.

4. Website Phishing. A spoofed website will often look strange. Either the web address is off (amaz0n1.com), words will be misspelled, and logos will look blurry or distorted. Sometimes on a site like this you’ll also see a pop up that asks you to enter your personal information. This is another item you should NEVER do. Another thing to note on a phony website, is when you hover over a link – a different address will show. Do not click on these links either.

5. Social Media Phishing. Often you’ll receive a friend request from someone you don’t know or a post asking you to click on a link that requests personal information. If you ever receive any requests like this, ignore them.

For more information on phishing and other computer-based scams, visit the National Cyber Security Alliance at https://staysafeonline.org/

Stay safe and Think First because There’s Harm In Not Knowing!

Article Source: usa.Visa.com

Should You Refinance Your Mortgage?

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When is it a good idea to refinance your mortgage? Refinancing may not be the best solution for everyone, but for some – it could save a great deal of money in the long run.

Here are three reasons to consider refinancing and weigh out your options and costs:

You could lower your monthly mortgage payment. When you bought your home, you were given an interest rate that was determined by your credit score (as well as other factors, but your credit score played a big part). If your credit wasn’t great at the time, you probably didn’t get the best possible mortgage rate. If you’ve made improvements to your credit score and it’s been a little bit since you purchased your home, it’s possible that you could now get a lower rate which would also mean a lower monthly mortgage payment and more money in your bank account every month.

You’re looking to sell in the near future. With a cash out refinance option, your new mortgage would be more than what you owe on your home. This could be useful if you’re looking to increase your home’s value. Making additions or upgrades to your home may also be a good idea if you’re looking to sell in the next couple years. However, keep in mind that you’ll need to pay closing costs again – so be sure to calculate all your potential expenses to see if this option makes financial sense for you.

You could save more money over time. If you’re currently paying on a 30 year mortgage with a higher interest rate, it may be worth your time to try and get a lower rate on a 15 year mortgage, especially if you have no plans on moving in the next several years. Your monthly payment will be higher by refinancing to a 15 year mortgage, but depending on your new rate – you may end up saving yourself more money long term. This is another scenario that you will need to break out the calculator and determine if this is the best option.

Questions about refinancing and if this might be the best option for you? Contact the Loan Department at First Financial, and we’ll help you decide between your options with personalized service.

APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Subject to credit approval. Credit worthiness determines your APR. Rates quoted assume excellent borrower credit history and are for qualified borrowers. Your actual APR may vary based on your state of residence, approved loan amount, applicable discounts and your credit history. Higher rates may apply depending on terms of loan and credit worthiness. Available on primary residence only. The Interest Rates, Annual Percentage Rate (APR), and fees are based on current market rates, are for informational purposes only, are subject to change without notice and may be adjusted based on several factors including, but not limited to, property location, loan amount, loan type, occupancy, property type, loan to value, debt to income ratios, FICO credit scores, refinance with cash out and other variables. Mortgage insurance may be required depending on loan guidelines. This is not a credit decision or a commitment to lend. If mortgage insurance is required, the mortgage insurance premium could increase the APR and the monthly mortgage payment. See Credit Union for details. A First Financial membership is required to obtain a mortgage and is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties. 

Article Source: John Pettit for CUInsight.com

How to Prioritize Bills During a Financial Crisis

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Our vibrant, animated country has basically been put on pause. Busy streets are now empty and previously crowded malls are eerily vacant, as millions of Americans shelter in place to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

If you have been affected financially by the pandemic, you may be getting worried about incoming bills and wondering where you’ll find the money to pay them. Let’s take a look at what financial experts are advising now so you can make a responsible, informed decision about your finances going forward.

Triage Your Bills

Financial expert Clark Howard urges cash-strapped Americans to look at their bills the way medical personnel view incoming patients during an emergency. “In medicine it’s called triage,” Howard says. “It’s exactly what’s happening in the hospitals right now as they decide who to treat when. You have to look at your bills the same way. You’ve got to think about what you must have.”

Times of emergency call for unconventional prioritizing. Clark recommends putting your most basic needs, including food and shelter, before any other bills. It’s best to make sure you can feed your family before using limited resources for other bills. Similarly, your family needs a place to live – so mortgage or rent payments should be next on your list. And continue down the line after that. If you are not sure that you can make full payments on your other bills, call that particular lender or company as soon as possible. Many are offering extended grace periods without penalties during this time.

Housing

It’s one thing to resolve to put your housing needs first and another to actually put that into practice when you’re working with a smaller or no paycheck. The good news is that some rules have changed in light of the financial fallout of the pandemic.

President Donald Trump announced he’s instructing the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to immediately halt “all foreclosures and evictions” for 60 days. This means Americans will have a roof over their heads for at least the next two months, no matter what.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency also offered payment forbearance to homeowners affected by COVID-19, allowing them to suspend mortgage payments for up to 12 months. These loans, provided by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, account for approximately 66 percent of all home loans in America. Some lenders are allowing delayed payments to be tacked onto the end of the home loan’s term, while others will collect the total of missed payments when the period of forbearance ends.

If you are having trouble making your mortgage payments right now, talk to your lender about your options before making a decision. Suspending your housing payments during an economic shutdown can be a lifesaver for your finances and help free up some of your money for essentials.

If you’re a renter, be open with your landlord. “Consumers who are the most proactive and say, ‘Here’s where I stand,’ will get a lot better response than those who do nothing,” says Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, CEO of AsktheMoneyCoach.com and author of “Zero Debt.” Your landlord should also be willing to work with you.

Transportation

When normal life resumes, many employees will need a way to get to work. Missing out on an auto loan payment can also mean risking repossession of your vehicle. This should put car payments next on your list of financial priorities. If meeting that monthly payment is impossible right now, communicate with your lender and see if they offer skip-a-payment or a deferment program during this time.

Household Bills

Utility and service bills may be another area of difficulty right now. First, don’t worry about shutoffs. Most states in the U.S. have outlawed utility shutoffs for the time being. Second, many providers are willing to work with their clients. Visit their websites or give them a call and check to see what kind of relief and financial consideration they’re offering to their consumers at this time.

Unsecured Debt

Unsecured debt includes credit cards, personal loans and any other loan that is not tied to a large asset, like a house or vehicle. When it comes to these loans as well, consumers are advised to communicate with their lenders about their current financial reality. Credit card companies and lenders may be able to extend payment deadlines, waive a late fee, or occasionally allow consumers to skip a payment without penalty.

Have you been affected by COVID-19 and are having trouble making your First Financial loan payments? We are here for you! Click here to learn more about your options and fill out an online request form.

Article Source: CUContent.com

Shopping Online? Best Practices to Keep Your Identity Safe

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Shopping online is easy and convenient. But don’t forget the possibility of fraud often lurks in Internet nooks and crannies. However, here are a few safety precautions you can implement to be as safe as possible and protect your identity and financial information while shopping online.

Only shop on trustworthy websites.

Shopping online can be addictive.  Who wouldn’t want to shop from home cozy in their pajamas while also saving money?  There are many trustworthy retailer websites out there that are safe to shop on.  However, be weary of clicking on email links or website sidebar ads.  Before checking out your online shopping cart and entering your card information, be sure you are visiting the actual website of the business to ensure it is safe.  If something seems too good to be true, it is probably not a legitimate website.

Don’t shop on public WiFi networks.

Hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops often offer free WiFi.  Trouble can arise though, when sensitive personal or financial information is shared over these public networks.  The open nature of public networks can compromise your financial security.  Public WiFi should always be used with caution – never access your bank accounts, personal data, or shop through a public network.

Protect your computer with anti-virus software and secure your internet access with a password.

Often we assume our home WiFi network is safe.  However, vulnerabilities within our home network can also do a lot of damage.  Safe home networks have a personalized SSID, strong passwords, encryption enabled, and updated anti-virus software.  Computers should also be protected with spyware software.

Shop online only with a credit card or use digital wallet.

The Federal Trade Commission recommends that consumers shop online using a credit card over a debit card, to be protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act.  This law allows consumers to dispute charges and withhold payment while under investigation. To read more about which card is safer to use, click here to access our educational guidebook.

For added security, take these preventative measures:

  • Monitor all your accounts through online banking, mobile apps, or monthly statements.
  • Make sure your address, email, and cell phone numbers are updated with your financial institution.
  • Enroll in your smartphone’s digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay, which can be used to pay online. Merchants store a token number and not the actual card to authenticate transactions using you fingerprint, phone’s passcode, or face recognition during checkout.
  • If PayPal is a payment option when checking out online, this is another protective solution that doesn’t have your card entered into a retailer’s website. Plus you also have protective disputing power here too.

Ensure the card entry webpage is secure. 

Entering card information online is definitely something you want to be cautious about.  If the retailer’s website is compromised and you paid with a debit card, you may eventually find $0 in your checking account.  When paying online, try to check to make sure you are on a secure website that will protect your personal information.  There are two ways to check to enure you are on a secure site. First, verify the site’s URL begins with https:// and that there is a small lock in the URL bar.  The “s” in the URL indicates you are on a secure website.  You can also hover over the small lock to the right of the web address to read further details about the site’s security.  An unsecured website will often display a small letter “i” that will also offer information about the site’s security when you hover over it.  Never enter card information on an unsecured site.

Print or save receipts as PDFs. 

As an added security measure, it’s good practice to print or save any online purchase receipts as PDF documents.  Compare the saved receipt with your credit card billing statement to confirm accuracy.

Always be careful when shopping online.  If you follow the above security measures, you’ll have a great chance at keeping your sensitive financial information safe.

Article Source: MaryAnne Colucci for LSC.net

How to Stick to a Food Budget

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If you’re spending a lot of money on food, the quickest fix is to take a look at how and where you are buying food and eat out less (or not at all). In addition to cutting back on dining out, here are a few easy ways to keep your food budget in check!

Don’t wander around the store: It might be convenient to get all your shopping done in one location, but that might not always be the best money saver. There are certain items you can purchase at the grocery store, but if you’re looking to save – it’s probably best to buy these items elsewhere. Think: Cleaning products, detergents, medications, and so on. You might not be a fan of having to drive to another store, but the money you’ll save by purchasing these household items at Walmart or Target will quickly change your mind.

Don’t buy what isn’t on your shopping list: No matter where you’re shopping, it’s easy to buy something that’s not on your list. This can be especially true when at the grocery store, and can break your budget. One important thing to remember: Never shop while you’re hungry. Be sure to have a snack or meal prior to going to the store to protect your budget. Also ensure your list is complete before you go to the store, and force yourself to stick to it.

Sometimes it pays to buy in bulk: It’s never a good idea or money saver to buy more than you really need, but for those items you buy often (and that aren’t perishable), it’s usually best to buy a larger pack. If you’re a member at a warehouse shopping club, you already know about saving money by buying in bulk. Even if you aren’t a warehouse shopping club member, your local grocery store may also carry household necessities in bulk for a cheaper price (paper towels, toilet paper, etc.). Just look at the price carefully and the quantity before you buy, to make sure you are getting the best deal and maximizing your savings.

Article Source: John Pettit for CUInsight.com

How to Plan the Wedding of Your Dreams on a Budget

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You’re engaged, congratulations! We’re sure you’re over the moon with stars in your eyes and visions of wedded bliss. You’ve probably been thinking about this day for as long as you can remember. You’ve got your Pinterest boards, a planning notebook, and you’re ready to hit the ground running. But, have you actually put a price tag on any of those ideas and visions?

$35,329

That’s the average cost of a wedding in the U.S. And that doesn’t even include the honeymoon! After hearing this sky-high number, you’re probably ready to simplify the process, save money, and elope. However, it’s absolutely possible to have the wedding of your dreams without spending well over what you can afford and without going into debt for years to come after the honeymoon. Prioritizing your must-haves, creating a strict budget, and allocating your money accordingly will go a long way in planning for your big day. So, let’s get started!

What’s important to you?

Before you can create a wedding budget, there are a few things you need to decide. First, determine what kind of wedding you want. What do you see when you think of your big day? A country club reception? An elegant downtown loft? A backyard barbecue?

Once you answer this question, have the budget talk with everyone contributing to the wedding. When you start talking money, make sure you talk about more than the total amount you’ll spend. For instance, break down the wedding budget into categories – ceremony, reception, decorations, etc., and decide what you’ll spend in each category.

Now that you’ve taken this step, you’ll need to determine the most and least important items on your checklist. Is there anything you can cut out altogether? Sit down with your fiancé and determine what you both REALLY want and let that vision guide your budget.

Track your spending.

Leave some room in your budget. No matter how down-to-the-penny it may be, unexpected expenses are going to pop up. Your budget will evolve over the planning process, so be prepared by giving yourself a little bit of a cushion.

If you hop on the web and search “wedding budget worksheet,” you’ll find a ton of different options. Find what works best for you. This could look like an Excel spreadsheet, a Google Doc, or one of the hundreds of templates available on wedding planning websites. Regardless of your template, tracking your spending throughout the entire process will be imperative. You’ll be able to ensure you’re staying well within the lines of your budget. Plus, it serves as a great guide or list to see what you’ve paid for, how much you’ve spent, and how much you have left to cover.

There are apps. Use them!

There are a few fantastic wedding-related apps that are either free or inexpensive. Use them! Most apps have the option to create free wedding websites, invitations, and save-the-dates. Get started with these suggestions:

  • Zola: Zola has everything you need in one place. They even have a great selection of templates for you to design your wedding website for free! Your website is crucial for keeping your loved ones informed by sharing information about travel arrangements and relaying the important details of your big day. You can also build and manage your registry, design and order invitations or save-the-dates, and review your guest list.
  • Thumbtack: Photographers, DJs, bands, or florists – no matter what service you’re looking for, Thumbtack will have it. This app allows you to browse services in your geographic region to compare prices, check out reviews, and even talk directly to the vendor.
  • WeddingHappy: Are you a list maker? If so, WeddingHappy is the app for you! It is the ultimate to-do list. It’s a great app that will help you manage your wedding-related tasks, payments coming up, and vendors you’re working with.

Your wedding day will be one of the most amazing days of your life! Don’t let money and budget-related stress take that away from you and your significant other. There are many options out there to make this day incredible – no matter what your budget is.

Once you have a set budget, financing your big day might be an option that comes up for you. Stop in and talk to us! At First Financial, we have a variety of financing options such as personal loans, lines of credit, and low-rate credit cards – that could help you with the cost of your wedding. Let us help you make your big day one you’ll never forget!