Aim Higher Blog
Don't Fall for These Popular Scams Right Now ... or Ever!
Lately, financial institutions have seen an increase in victims of fraud involving fake checks and payments. This could happen as receiving a fraudulent “loan” check or selling something online and receiving a fake check as payment. Here are a few examples of the type of fraudulent activity used to separate you from your hard-earned money.
Payday Loans Aren't Worth the Cost
When money is tight and you don’t know if you’ll be able to make your rent or keep the lights on, you start looking for ways to find quick cash. You can sell some personal items or ask family members for a loan, but whatever you do, don’t go to a payday lender. It’s a trap that will hold you captive far too long and cost you many times more than you borrow.
Divorce and Finances
Divorce may be the most difficult decision you’ve ever made. Whatever the reason for it, you know your life will change. One big change will be how you handle your finances. If you didn't play a role in managing family finances during your marriage, and you’re going through a divorce, you could be at a disadvantage.
Elder Financial Abuse
Recent reports have suggested older adults lose millions of dollars annually from scammers, making elder financial abuse one of the fastest growing crimes. Older consumers are frequently targeted by scammers because they believe senior citizens have significant assets and money in their accounts. And, the fact that many attacks go unreported makes this a low-risk crime, which is even more appealing to scammers. Your best defense is to be educated and aware of the many techniques used to try and take your money and personal information.
Social Security Administration Services During the Pandemic
During the current health crisis, the Social Security Administration has kept its field offices closed. However, SSA does continue to provide help and are committed to providing ongoing benefits and vital services. They remain ready and able to help you online and by phone with most Social Security matters.
16 Tips for Planning a Family Road Trip
Family road trips can become some of your most treasured memories…or your biggest headaches. With a little planning and a few family meetings, you can have a fun adventure you will all remember for years. Together, with RoadTrip America, we suggest these travel tips:
More Financial Tips for Turbulent Times
There’s no denying these are stressful times. In addition to worrying about contracting COVID-19, many people are losing sleep worrying about the economic uncertainty we are going through. Millions have lost their jobs, and many aren’t sure if their job is safe. If you are worried you may lose yours, take a deep breath. Don't obsess about all the things that you cannot change or influence—focus instead on the things you can change.
President's News - June 2020
COVID-19 rocked our world a bit. Thank you for your patience as we worked through the challenges of protecting you and our staff from the virus, while finding ways to meet your financial needs. Staff adapted and so did you. Our new call center kicked into action and more of you discovered the ability to use our online services to deposit a check, make a payment, and apply for and close a loan. We found we could take care of about 99% of all your needs through those channels and the drive-thrus.
Financial Tips for Turbulent Times
Whether you're an older worker with seemingly few options to recoup significant investment losses, or a younger worker with minimal or no investment savings at all, don't let a difficult financial climate scare you into not taking any action at all.