In the current digital age, the use of technology continues to infiltrate most aspects of everyday life, from online shopping to dating, making people more vulnerable to internet fraud. Additionally, a large portion of the American work force has recently transitioned to working from home, further increasing the likelihood of falling victim to an internet scam. Even though senior citizens continue to be the most vulnerable group according to a 2020 FBI report, younger generations are also being impacted at higher rates than ever before. According to The Federal Trade Commission’s 2021 data, more than $5.8 billion was lost to fraud, a 70% increase compared to 2020. As technology continuously advances, online fraudsters are constantly developing new and more sophisticated cons. According to some experts, we may be on the verge of a “scampocolapyse”, as online cons are growing at an unprecedented rate. In this environment, it is imperative for internet users to be aware of the high potential of fraud and how to protect themselves against scams. The five internet scams described below have been listed as some of the common scams in 2022.
Medicare Changes in 2022
While Congress is currently considering adding benefits and prescription drug cost controls to Medicare, current Medicare participants may have noticed some other Medicare changes that quietly took place this year.
Most notably? An increase in premiums, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket costs.
How to Save Amid Escalating Summer and Fall Travel Costs
After being suspended by the pandemic for the past two years, the travel industry is booming, and the trend looks to continue into early Fall. Eager travelers are understandably excited to take those long-awaited vacations. However, the pandemic has created chaos in the travel industry- increased cancellations and delays due to labor shortages, surging airfares, and record-breaking gas prices. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, air fares are up 33%, fuel prices have increased by 44% and meals are 9% higher compared to a year ago. Needless to say, if you are planning to travel in Summer or Fall of 2022, prepare for it to be expensive. Fortunately, there are plenty of travel-saving tips if you are willing to be flexible and are prepared in advance.
5 Tips to Reduce Financial Stress During Market Volatility
Market volatility. Most investors understand this is a normal occurrence when investing but that doesn’t necessarily make it any easier to stomach the rollercoaster balances in your accounts. Your chest feels constricted, your jaw is tight, at the back of your mind there are nagging worries that frequently send you down a rabbit hole of “what-if” scenarios. Understandably you’re worried: it’s your livelihood, your future, your quality of life, your legacy.
But given that making knee-jerk financial decisions based on emotional reasoning is unlikely to get your investments to where you want them to go, here are a few suggestions of ways to hang tight and stay calm through a period of market volatility. [Read more…]
Next Steps for the Graduate: 5 Alternatives to Attending College
Graduation time is here! High school seniors will walk across the stage and into the next phase of life. Some graduates are certain and excited about their next step. Others may be unsure what the future will bring. If you are feeling uncertain, there are plenty of options to support yourself while gaining valuable life experience.
