Don't lose money to internet scams or your identity to hackers!
PLUS...Be safe doing remodels and repairs!

Some tips to avoid internet scams that take your money and give nothing in return:

1. Ignore offers of easy money–if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 
2. Don't send money to get information.
3. Avoid "no risk" offers–in business, there's always a risk.
4. Regularly check public service sites that monitor internet scams and frauds.

Hackers can break into sites and grab your account information and identity. Here's how to minimize your online data vulnerability:

1. Make all online transactions with credit cards over secure web sites.
2. Get your name removed from pre-approved credit card and junk mail lists.
3. Set your browser's security tab to clear cache, cookies and history whenever you close it.
4. Clear your smart phone's browser history and empty the cache and all cookies.
5. Turn off your phone's GPS tracking and location settings.
6. Do not enter your credit card information on your phone.
7. Install antivirus software, plus anti-spyware and anti-adware to block tracking cookies.
8. Remove your birth date and other personal identity information from your social network profiles.
9. Use unique and difficult passwords to protect email accounts, personal posts, videos and pictures of minors–and don't give anyone your password–EVER.
10. Avoid free games and apps–companies pay for these by "data mining"–selling your data or using it themselves.

WITH HOME FIXES, SAFETY FIRST!

More and more people are doing their own home upgrades. Here's how to be safe:

1. Always wear safety glasses.
2. Wear earplugs if it's noisy.
3. When spraying paint or herbicides or installing insulation, cover up head to toe and wear a respirator.
4. The 4-to-1 rule with ladders–for every 4' of height, place ladder bottom 1' away–and don't stand above the third rung from the top.
5. Store power tools, other sharp tools and paints and dangerous materials on high shelves or in a locked cabinet, out of a child's reach.
6. Don't rush.

Be especially careful with power tools:

1. Read the User Manual and manufacturer's warnings.
2. Check power cord and casing for cracks, missing pieces, exposed wiring–if a tool needs repairs, use a qualified technician or replace it.
3. Remove necklaces and bracelets that can get caught in the tool.
4. Before you plug in the tool, make sure the switch is "off".
5. Use a saw with a blade guard and watch for blade kickback–if a blade starts to bind, stop immediately. 
6. Don't leave a plugged-in power tool unattended–unplug before you leave.
7. Only use heavy duty extension cords.
8. Keep children and pets away from projects with power tools.

Follow this advice and you'll save money safely upgrading your home–and avoid losing money on internet scams. And for savings with home financing or refinancing, please feel free to call or email us with any questions. We're always glad to talk.... Have a great day!