One moment you are happy that you are able to control your finances and your credit card debts by having discipline and control on all your transactions. The next moment, you are bombarded with a long list on your credit card bill-transactions you may not even have dreamed of making in the first place. What happened? What will you do? As you flood yourself with all the possible and endless possibilities, you will begin to realize that you have been hacked! While the rise in technology has given us a lot of convenience, it has also posed a greater potential threat if we are not careful on how to propagate its use.

How did they get your vital information?

1. Skimmers

What are skimmers? Skimmers are devices used to scan and store your personal data from your credit or debit cards. There are many forms of skimmers and various ways to transfer data from a skimmer to a hacker’s device.

One of the most popular type of skimmers are those inserted in ATM card slots. Often, you may think that you are just doing normal bank transactions only to find out the next few days that your whole account has been hacked and emptied. Another form of skimmers are those used by waiters, bar tenders and other people you may be giving your credit card to but are unable to follow or see where they are going with your card. They would simply swipe your card on their skimmer device and all your data gets stored there. Some hackers go to the extent of distracting clerks in stores and swapping the device used to swipe your card and replacing it with one of their owns. As the clerks continue to swipe in peoples cards, the device continues to store information until such time the hackers will return for the device. Skimmers are often used with devices which have the use of credit or debit cards but are unmanned. This is easier for them to manipulate and get all they need.

2. Phishing and Malwares

This is a very popular modus operandi. Somebody sends you an email-it may even come from an address you know and sends you an attachment that seems to pose no harm in it. When you open it, malware immediately gets into your device and gathers all your information. This is why you need to keep your financial information from emails that you open in public computers. Make sure that you only open important information on devices that you trust.

We can never avoid the advancement in the way people obtain and steal our information and assets as the development grows side by side with the development with technology. Hackers will do all that they can to try to squeeze out anything and everything from you. Take caution all of the time.

Most banks nowadays actually tend to offer more services and features. From convenient online transactions, to a highly systematised set of instructions for various activities to be carried out in their official Internet domains, these banks ensure the most positive experience for their clients. However, aside from carefully laid out methods and different banking functionalities, trusted banks have decided to be an even bigger help to all those people who look to their financial knowledge by releasing informative blog posts about common financial matters. These posts are proving to be incredibly beneficial to many because they get to read the expert opinion of established authorities regarding often complicated financial subject matters.

Aside from that, posts have also included business-related subjects such as employee retention and the provision of employee benefits to boost engagement and development. In addition to detailed explanations of business and money processes, these blog posts also offer a bounty of bite-sized information or quick and easy tips on how people can be smarter with the most trivial financial activities. For example, they have tips on how to save money on money transfer services.

Likewise, they offer short yet comprehensive guides to help people further understand the process their money goes through whenever they have their currencies exchanged in different parts of the world, and how zoning affects the value of money retained in accounts whenever a certain amount is withdrawn overseas. These blog posts are not all, though; these banks also regularly update their miscellaneous offerings such as their rewards system for particular banking activities. It’s always a delight for customers that some of their transactions allow them to purchase items or secure special service deals at no cost to them.

Banks have also transformed into personal financial managers for their clients – they are known to help people stay on top of their financial responsibilities. According to studies and reports, it’s not unusual for clients, especially those with particularly profitable accounts, to be treated with a much higher level of customer service, often having a single person appointed to them – a personal banker – to handle any accountability or need that arises. Banks these days truly go above and beyond the conventional banking experience. They integrate other business strategies to deliver relevant services in creative forms. It’s certainly no wonder more and more people are establishing a stronger relationship with these institutions. These added services and features are what make life easier when it comes to bank transactions. Click here to know more.

Dave Ramsey wrote a book called The Legacy Journey: A Radical View of Biblical Wealth and Generosity. I like this book because it discusses how money is from God, and we are therefore His stewards.

Some will try to convince you that money is inherently evil.

Your Financial Legacy Starts With Building A Strong Financial Foundation

Financially helping others is your end goal. But, you can’t do that if you are in financial trouble. Therefore, your first step is strengthening yourself money-wise so you can assist others. With a secure foundation, you can be a great benefit to people in need. For example, you must stand on higher ground before you can lift someone else.

Giving generously to charity is difficult at this point because you are focused on conquering your debt and mastering your spending habits.

Mastering your spending habits is often complex, but a simple idea and not always easy to employ is paying yourself first. Some attribute consistently saving a percentage of everything you make as the most important financial habit. A second critical practice Dave teaches living by a budget, and the rich are not left off the hook because they are not living paycheck to paycheck.

Beating debt requires discipline. For example often, financial discipline means looking at money and possessions differently. Furthermore, shopping cannot be your stress reliever. Similarly, if paying yourself first is the most important financial habit, the second greatest attitude is contentment.

Step Two: Create A Vision For Your Life And Family

Every family and individual need a vision. For instance, a clear and sharp vision will bridge the gap between where you are and where you need to arrive.

Many people are stressed out and can’t sleep because of crippling debt. Similarly, always fighting with your spouse over money problems is draining on a marriage. As a result, the constant stress and fighting blocks you from concentrating on your vision and dreams.

The Power of Giving

Dave strongly emphasizes paying tithing to your church.

Giving 10 percent of your income to your church changes you. It prepares and softens your heart and magnifies your power to give. Dave attributes the lavish Christmas parties he throws for his employees as a result of tithing. Tithing turned him into a generous giver.

He says giving to the kingdom of God is the greatest investment you will make. However, there are many ministries and charities you could donate to, but not all of them are worthy of your hard earned money. Therefore, he suggests you research them like you would any business deal. For example, many ministries and charities manage their money and resources horribly.

If you are wealthy should you give a mile wide or a mile deep?

I think the best strategy is to give a lot to one or a few so you can make a greater difference. However, if you are rich, spreading your money out to many is tempting. Additionally, even the financially free do not have an unlimited stash of charity cash to give away.

The bank you choose to hold your money involves some exploration and consideration. Research various institutions to find the best one that fits your account and lifestyle needs. Safety and reputation are two important factors to consider when you make this decision.

Determine Your Financial Needs

Your financial needs are an important factor in the search for a bank. Opening checking and savings accounts is a common practice for many consumers. Some people prefer to bundle all their financial activities with one institution and if you also have loans such as a mortgage, car loan, home equity line of credit, and person loan, you might prefer to open checking and savings accounts within the same business.

Credentials

The credentials and reputation of the institution should also factor into the decision. Larger banks are generally a reliable choice due to FDIC deposit insurance. Check with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to find out if a business is insured under this coverage.

Think about Physical Convenience

Physical convenience can be a key consideration in this decision. You might opt for a location that’s convenient from your place or work or your residence. Consider extended hours offered by some institutions if you work alternative shifts and you cannot visit during regular business hours. Online services can help with many types of transactions, offering services such as bill payment, automated deposits, and access to balance information. Find out about the location of ATMs you can use for no or low fee transactions. Some banks are national companies, providing customers with access to service and accounts from virtually anywhere in the country. Other businesses are local, providing no ability to travel and visit brick-and-mortar branches.

Explore Fees and Service

Every bank has a unique structure for fees and services. You will need to contact any institution you consider to find out these important details. Ask about account fees, minimum balances, ATM fees, overdraft protection, and overdraft fees. Find out how the they handle international travel to see if you will be able to get assistance with foreign currencies. Some businesses offer more services than others, some involving additional fees and some not.

Consider Personalized Service

Choosing a national company can afford you many conveniences. However, it’s important to realize that you may sacrifice some personalized service with this decision. A variety of services from a national business may be fine for many consumers. If you prefer a more personalized touch with a hometown brick-and-mortar branch, you may be happier with a local entity. Anyone with a busy lifestyle and a variety of financial activities such as IRAs, loans, credit cards, and online bill payments may be better suited to a large, national company. People with simpler lifestyles might opt for a local business instead.

Weigh all information carefully to make the best choice for your financial needs. The one you choose should provide all of the services you want.