Tips to Keep Your Money Safe

When it comes to getting scammed, this isn’t your first rodeo. You can usually sift through suspicious emails and ignore robo-calls from the “IRS”, but as technology continues to grow, so do scammer’s tactics. Did you know that Americans lost $905 million to fraud last year[1]? So, moving forward, how can you keep your money safe?

Keeping your money safe doesn’t always mean protecting it from bad guys; it could also mean spending it or investing wisely and there is no better investment to make than on your very own personal protection. Do you currently live alone? If so, what is your safety protocol should you encounter an emergency such as a fall, heart attack, home fire, or a home invasion? If you answered unsurely, you could be in grave danger, but not to worry, there is a solution to keep you safe. Under the protection of Life Alert you can gain 24/7 personal protection by simply slipping on their lightweight, waterproof emergency pendant. In the event of a life threatening emergency, push the button on your pendant and summon an emergency medical response fast. Protect your money and make it work for you in the best way possible, by getting Life Alert today!

Keep the scammers at bay and your money tucked away by using the expert-approved safety strategies below, offered by Real Simple1.

Reject robocalls.

It’s not just you—almost 900 million more robocalls are made each month compared with a year ago, according to YouMail, an app that analyzes calls through its robocall blocking service. At this point, you might be impervious to the most common calls, such as a zero-interest loan offer or a warning about a problem with your credit card. But some schemes are super sneaky. A recent one: When someone answers yes to any question (for example, “Can you hear me?”), a recording of that response is used as a voice signature to authorize fraudulent charges by telephone. Not familiar with a number? Let the call go to voicemail. If you do answer, don’t respond to any questions or obey any prompts (such as pressing a button to opt out). Doing so verifies that yours is a working number and could make you a target for more calls. Register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry. To ward off international scammers, try an app that can help block problematic callers, like Truecaller, Hiya, or RoboKiller.

Have a sounding board.

Friends don’t let friends navigate financial decisions alone. That’s doubly true when one of you is weighing investment opportunities or choosing whether to make a big purchase. Assemble a team of trusted advisers that includes your financial planner and perhaps an attorney. The next crucial step is committing to run every decision by them, says financial planner Catherine Scrivano, founder of Casco Financial Group in Phoenix. “If someone—anyone—approaches you with a financial proposition, be ready to respond, ‘I have a team of advisers I speak to before I make any decisions.’ That alone will deflect scammers.”

Take your time.

An offer to lower your student loans—if you sign up today? Getting rushed might be a red flag that someone doesn’t want you to perform due diligence, says Peggy Tracy, a certified financial planner, a certified fraud examiner, and the founder of Priority Planning. Use the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s free BrokerCheck tool to dig into the backgrounds of brokers, brokerage firms, investment adviser firms, and advisers.

Play it safe with email.

You live your life over email, but personal information like your social security number, bank account numbers, and wire transfer details should absolutely be kept offline, says Mindy Jensen, a real estate investor in Longmont, Colorado, and the author of How to Sell Your Home. If a scammer hacks into your inbox—or the inbox of a person you emailed—the info you sent can be used to drain your accounts or steal your identity. Use a secure portal to share sensitive info, call the agent or broker who needs the details, or deliver forms in person. If you have to send the info by email, encrypt it in a separate file. (With Microsoft Office, this is as easy as selecting Protect Document from the Tools menu.) The recipient will need a password to open the document—provide it via phone call.

Shield your address.

When selling or renting property, never post the exact address, only cross streets. It’s easy—and common—for scammers to duplicate your online ad but list the property at a lower price, says Jensen. Then they may tell interested renters that they’re out of town and to mail a deposit before moving in, or they may send a locksmith to rekey the property. “You could be locked out of your own home or have innocent renters show up, insisting they paid money to live there,” she says.

Default to Credit.

Be wary of requests to make a payment in the form of gift cards. (Yes, this happens.) In many cases, the value can’t be recouped once you’ve handed over the numbers. Instead, use a credit card to pay for any deal or offer. Credit cards typically carry security protections, so if the deal turns out not to be legit, you have a better chance of getting your money back.

Be cautious in times of tumult.

No matter how savvy you usually are, a major event—like a divorce, a move, or the death of a loved one—can make you more vulnerable to scams. Transitions may stir up all sorts of uncomfortable feelings, and many people react by speeding through big decisions to regain a sense of stability. “But when you’re lonely or hurt or shocked or grieving, you might not be thinking straight,” says Tracy. And you might find that the investment you picked or the new house you bought was the wrong choice for you—and your bank account. Tracy encourages clients who are going through an emotional time to delay major decisions, if they can. “Ideally, take a year so the dust can settle and you can make the best, most clearheaded decisions,” she says.

With helpful tips like these, you can keep your greenbacks safe! But, while you’re keeping an eye on your dollars, who will be keeping an eye out for you?  With Life Alert, you’ll get the 24/7 personal protection you deserve. While wearing their lightweight, waterproof medical alert pendant, you can summon an emergency medical response fast with just one touch of a button. No matter if you encounter a home invasion, a home fire or even a serious fall, Life Alert’s dispatch team will send you help fast whenever you might need them. Invest in keeping yourself safe by getting Life Alert Protection today! For a free Life Alert brochure call 1-800-513-2934.

Works Cited:

1.       Rockwood, Kate. “7 Smart Ways to Protect Your Money.” Real Simple. 23 August 2018. <https://www.realsimple.com/life-family/money-management/how-to-protect-your-money >.

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Stroke of Luck

Did you know that approximately 795,000 people suffer from a stroke each year[1]? While some stoke risk factors just can’t be changed, like, your age and your family history, there are other steps you can take to prevent enduring a stroke. Keep reading below to learn more and about how you can keep other risk factors under control.

Nearly three-quarters of all stroke victims occur in people over the age of 651, which is why, if you’re an aging senior, who is living independently, personal protection is key to living a healthy lifestyle. A stroke of bad luck can strike at any time; a bad fall, heart attack, a home fire, or even a home invasion can happen at the drop of a hat; so what can you do? Under the safety of Life Alert’s emergency pendant, you never have to worry about when or where danger may find you.  Should you encounter a life threatening emergency, simply push the button on your lightweight and waterproof pendant and summon an emergency medical help fast, 24/7.

Don’t rely on a stoke of good fortune to find good at-home safety; instead, trust the people at Life Alert to keep you safe. Want to know about a few simple, common-sense ways to prevent a stroke and improve your overall health? Sure you do! Check out Everyday Health’s2 list below and get started now.

1. Get Regular Exercise

Not getting enough exercise is associated with a wide range of health problems, including stroke. Exercise may help prevent stroke by helping to reduce other risk factors, including high blood pressure and obesity. In their latest stroke prevention guidelines, the American Heart Association (AHA) and American Stroke Association recommended that healthy adults get at least 40 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise 3 to 4 days a week. "Moderate to vigorous intensity" means you should be breathing hard and your heart rate should be elevated. (1)

2. Eat a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet can go a long way toward lowering blood pressure, which is one of the main risk factors of stroke. Being overweight or obese, eating too much salt, and eating too little potassium can drive up blood pressure. Table salt is not the biggest contributor to salt in the diet. The majority of salt in the American diet comes from breads, meats, sandwiches, soups, and other processed and packaged foods. The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association recommend adopting a diet that's high in potassium-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and reduced saturated fat to help prevent stroke. The AHA recommends Americans consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day, but the ideal limit is 1,500 mg per day for most adults. (2)

3. Manage High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Blood pressure, specifically systolic blood pressure, increases naturally with age. According to some studies, even adults who have normal blood pressure at age 55 will have a 90 percent chance of developing high blood pressure at some point in their life. (3) Healthy habits, including exercise, eating a diet low in sodium, and maintaining a healthy weight, can help to keep blood pressure in the normal range. A number of drugs may also be used to help control blood pressure and reduce stroke risk. They include:

-Diuretics

-Beta-blockers

-ACE inhibitors

Having your blood pressure checked at least once a year can help you manage your risk for stroke. (4)

4. Reduce High Cholesterol

Many scientific studies have found high total cholesterol to be a risk factor for stroke. In addition to adopting healthy eating habits that emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats, cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins may be prescribed to help reduce your risk of clogged arteries. If you have high cholesterol, talk to your doctor about whether statins are right for you. (5)

5. Quit Smoking

Smoking cigarettes can double your risk of stroke. If you are a smoker, quitting smoking (even if you have been smoking for a long time) can go a long way in helping to reduce your stroke risk.

Prevention starts with reactiveness. It’s time to start reacting, now. Don’t wait for a bad moment, a bad accident or even a bad stroke to make you be proactive in your health. Get started today by getting Life Alert.  Any of their personal protection services can have you getting help fast 24/7.  Life Alert’s medical alert system is their signature service and the lightweight, waterproof button can be worn on the wrist or as a pendant.  It allows you to get help fast just by touching it.  Life Alert also offers Life Alert Mobile with GPS for emergencies away from home.  Get Life Alert today and stroke yourself for taking initiative on your health, wellness and safety. To learn more about all of Life Alert’s lifesaving services, call 1-800-513-2934 for a free brochure.

Works Cited:

1.       “Stroke Statistics.” The Internet Stroke Center. < http://www.strokecenter.org/patients/about-stroke/stroke-statistics/ >.

2.       Konkel, Lindsey. “5 Ways to Protect Yourself From A Stroke.” Everyday Health. <https://www.everydayhealth.com/stroke/guide/prevention/ >.

https://www.everydayhealth.com/stroke/guide/prevention/

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Dust It Off

Dust It Off

No matter how much you clean, that pesky dust just seems to be everywhere! Not only can this germy grime make you sick, it can put a film on your home and your life. So where is it hiding? Keep reading below to learn about some places those dust bunnies keep hiding!

Looking to knock the dust off that whole ‘living confidently’ thing? Life Alert will help you to remain safe in your own home while living independently.  While wearing their lightweight, waterproof medicalalert pendant you can immediately harness the power to summon help fast with just one touch of a button. Living independently and confidently has never been so easy! Life Alert’s dispatch team can send you the proper authorities fast, 24/7. Leave those other emergency medical device imitators in the dust and get Life Alert today!

Now that you dusted off your personal protection game plan by getting the industry leader, Life Alert, Real Simple[1] wants to help you banish the dust from your home. Check out their pro tips below and get ready to grab your Swiffer!

Pillows and Bedding

You may make a habit of washing your sheets weekly, but your blankets, duvet, and pillows are just as exposed to those dead skin cells you shed last night (shiver). Plus, your bed is a holding place for all kinds of dirt and bacteria: you rest your suitcase on it to unpack from a trip and tiredly drop down on it in the clothes you wore outside all day. Whenever you wash your sheets, make sure to throw in your blankets, throw pillow coverings, and duvet, too.

Furniture

It's true! Sofas and armchairs collect a lot of dust. Be sure to vacuum cushions regularly and run a damp cloth over the backs and arms of any furniture with a washable surface. Lift the cushions to be sure you’re capturing hiding dust bunnies and dust mites. And don't forget to tackle the area under your armchairs and sofa!

Undersides of Furniture

When you look under the bed or couch you’ll most likely find a few tumbleweeds rolling around, which can be quickly eliminated with a vacuum or a quick swipe of a dust mop. However, have you studied the actual bottom of your furniture, itself? You might be surprised to find layers of dust, spider webs, and even eggs (gross!) clinging to bed frames and the underside of tables and sofas. Wipe out all the yuck with a handheld vacuum or dust wand.

Walls

Next time you’re home, take a closer look at your walls. Are they a little furry? Dust can cling to any kind of surface, and loves those tiny crevasses in textured wallpaper. And, if you’ve just moved into a new apartment or house, you could find an ever-so-slight layer of sawdust making your white walls appear a little yellowish. To clean fuzzy walls, start at the top and work your way down with a dust mop. Finish by wiping light switches and door knobs.

Ledges

Even chronic cleaners may miss the top of door frames, cabinets, and picture frames, as well as ceiling corners. Tackle dust pileup with a disposable duster that has an extendable handle; it's the easiest way to clean high, hard-to-reach places.

The Inside of Drawers

Make certain you’re dusting the inside of drawers, whether in your vanity or refrigerator. Use a Clorox wipe to scrub plastic bin drawers of the fridge, and a damp cloth to wipe down wooden drawers that hold your intimates and folded clothing.

Lampshades

Lampshades are usually clad with fuzz, but are easier to clean than you’d think. Use a vacuum with a small brush attachment or wipe them down with a damp rag.

Books

The sleek bookshelf you found at your favorite home store was a great buy, but it may be more time consuming to properly clean. Pick up each book individually and use a dust rag to wipe down all sides, including where the book was resting on the shelf.

Window Treatments

Your vacuum is the handiest way to capture dust on blinds, shades, and curtains. To maintain cleanliness (and not make it such a grueling task), dust these areas once a month. If the vacuum isn’t fully covering the blinds, put an old sock over your hand, dampen it, and run it between the slats.

Air Filters and Vents

Air conditioning filters are a breeding ground for dust, and can blow dust mites back into the air of your home. If you have reusable filters, hand wash them in the sink. However, many experts recommend replacing them completely. You can actually buy affordable customizable filters that you can cut down to fit your window air unit.

Electronics

Televisions, computers, keyboards, phones, and speakers tend to be dust magnets. Wipe them down with a damp cloth, microfiber rag, or special screen cleaner. Be sure to pick them up and wipe behind and underneath them, as well. One electronic you may forget about though? The electric toothbrush charging station. It not only gets covered in toothpaste and gunk, but is also a huge dust collector. Wipe it down with a damp cloth or wash it in the sink.

Indoor Plants

Like all surfaces, a house plant's leaves can collect dust, which attracts pests and bacteria, and hinders a plant from photosynthesizing. Erin Marino recommends dusting indoor plant leaves once a month. “Take a smooth cloth moistened with warm water, and gently wipe the top and bottom of your plant’s leaves,” says Marino. But, refrain from using cold water which can shock your tropical houseplants. And don't overdo it with the water—leaving leaves soaking wet can attract pests and spread fungal diseases from leaf to leaf, Marino adds.

Cleaning Tools

Don’t forget to clean your cleaners! Use a handheld attachment on your vacuum to rid broom bristles of dust and hair, wash dust rags, and empty vacuum bags.

Knock the dust off your cleaning skills and upgrade them with the tips above! If you’re at a certain age where you’re not sure if you can continue to live alone and independently, get Life Alert.  Life Alert allows you to remain in your home safely, thus giving you no excuse not to dust.  If you happen to trip while reaching for that top shelf to clean, Life Alert will be there in a jiffy to help you up.  Get Life Alert today because you never know when a dust bunny may strike, an innocent dust flurry will attack, or even when an accidental tussle with your dust buster could leave you hurt and unable to reach for help. With Life Alert, you can get top shelf, 24/7, personal protection at the push of a button.  For a free Life Alert brochure call 1-800-513-2934.

Works Cited:

1.      1. Bricknell, Susan. “13 Places You're Forgettingto Dust in Your Home—But Need to ASAP.” RealSimple. 13 August 2018. 

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