Your fall financial checkup

As the year winds down and holidays approach, the last thing you probably want to think about are your finances. But fall is the perfect time to do a financial checkup—you’ll know how much you can spend over the holidays and feel more prepared as you head into the new year. Ready to tackle your finances? Keep reading for our tips on how to have a successful fall financial checkup.

1. Check in with yourself

Before you begin, take a second to check in with yourself—how are you feeling about this process? Have you had any major life changes since you last did a financial checkup? For many people, money is the source of a lot of anxiety. So much, in fact, that it consistently ranks among the top spots on the American Psychological Association’s annual “Stress in America” study. But periodically reviewing your finances is a good step to stay on top of everything and help mitigate your stress—and potentially avoid a financial mistake. Noting your feelings can help you identify any new stressors that you may need to address as you revisit your financial goals and budget in the next steps.

2. Revisit your goals

After checking in with yourself, the best place to start with your financial checkup is by reviewing any goals you previously set. If you didn’t set goals, it’s not too late, because your financial goals can—and should—change over time. For example, you may have been saving up for a summer vacation that’s come and gone. With short-term goals like these, it’s a good idea to compare how much you saved and how much you actually needed. If you have extra money, you can put that towards a new goal or roll it into your next vacation fund. If you overspent, examine the categories where you spent the most. From there, you can decide if you want to budget differently on your next trip or find ways to travel on a budget. For goals like emergency funds, you’ll want to review how much you’ve saved towards your goal to determine if you need to save more strategically to meet your goal or, if you’ve hit your savings goal, if you want to keep adding or move on towards another goal, like paying down student loan debt.

3. Review your budget

This is also a good time to check in on your budget and review your spending. While you may have hit that vacation savings goal, it’s possible you’re still overspending in other categories. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to cut back—a review of your spending could help you see that you’re wasting money on a monthly subscription you forgot about. Cutting unnecessary expenses lets you spend more money on what you actually want, all while staying in budget. You may also discover some seasonal trends to your spending. Are you hitting the farmers market in the spring and summer and then ordering in all winter long? No judgement! Take that extra grocery money and move it to your takeout budget. Remember, your budget isn’t meant to restrict you. Your budget is just a way to better understand your income and your spending so you can create a thoughtful plan for your money.

4. Adjust your plan

Now that you’ve reviewed your goals and your spending, it’s time to make your plan for moving forward. As you do, one of the most important reminders is to focus on your immediate issues or goals. A lot of financial anxiety comes from uncertainty, so instead of focusing on global issues out of your control, think about the financial challenges you’re facing in the moment. For some people, your financial plan may be the same as it was at the start of the year with a few minor adjustments to short-term goals, like saving for holiday spending instead of a vacation.

If you feel like you need a major overhaul though, start by listing out all of the things you want to accomplish, including any existing goals from earlier this year plus any new ones. Getting it all out can help you determine both long- and short-term strategies to accomplish your goals and make it obvious how you want to prioritize them. However, if it feels overwhelming to try this alone, you can also work with a financial professional for more guidance.

5. Treat yourself

Congratulations, you’ve completed your fall financial checkup! Celebrating these steps, along with milestones like hitting your goals, can help you stay on track while making your finances more fun and manageable. And most importantly, remember to keep going. It can be frustrating if you feel like you’re not hitting your goals fast enough. But progress and consistency are key, so don’t give up—and don’t forget to budget in your celebratory treats!

Key takeaways:

  1. Reviewing your finances periodically can help you reach your goals and alleviate stress.
  2. You can—and should—adjust your financial goals periodically.

We hope this checkup helps you feel more financially prepared this fall. Have you hit a savings goal this year? Share it in the comments!

How data breaches impact small businesses and their employees

It’s always important for businesses to ensure their employees work securely, both at the office and at home, as cybercriminals continually look for ways to attack. However, helping employees work safely while they’re remote is more critical than ever due to the impact of two trends—the dramatic increase of people working from home and the impact of data breaches, particularly the rise in data breach costs.

With more people working remotely, the internet-centric environments of offices and homes introduce a new set of security vulnerabilities. According to a report published by Malwarebytes, 20% of cybersecurity leaders say they’ve faced a security breach because of a remote worker.

Meanwhile, the cost of mitigating a data breach for small-to-medium-size businesses (SMBs) is far higher than most business leaders are aware of. According to AppRiver Software, $149,000 was the average cost of a data breach for an SMB in 2019. However, most SMB leaders estimate the cost of a data breach to be around $10,000. Only 19% of survey respondents acknowledged that costs could surpass $100,000.

Employees must be aware of the vulnerabilities for the safety of themselves and their company.

SMB cybersecurity and cyber resilience

There’s an idea within some SMBs that they’re too small to be attacked because there’s less value in their information—which is far from true. Small businesses are more likely to be targeted with a ransomware attack. According to Infrascale, 46% of all small businesses have been the targets of a ransomware attack. Of the companies hit with a ransomware attack, nearly three-quarters (73%) have paid a ransom.

SMBs find themselves ill-prepared to address cybersecurity issues

According to the National Small Business Association’s testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business in March 2019, only 14% of small businesses rated their ability to mitigate cyber risk and vulnerabilities as useful.

In a study by the Cyber Readiness Institute (CRI), half of the small businesses interviewed expressed concerns over remote work leading to more cyberattacks. Only 22% of companies with less than 20 employees offered additional cybersecurity training before commencing remote work operations.

Shockingly, 28% of respondents admitted using personal devices for work-related activities more than their work-issued devices, creating a significant cybersecurity vulnerability.

Actions you can take

While there’s the impression that SMBs are too small to be attacked, not all business owners feel that way. According to a U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business testimony in March 2019, 62% of SMB owners expressed they’re concerned that their business could be vulnerable to a cyberattack, both in terms of being targeted by a cyberattack, as well as the potential for unnecessary regulatory burdens that could accompany efforts to stem online attacks.

To protect your and your customer’s data, businesses should:

  • Develop more robust security policies. The stronger the policies are, the harder it will be for a cyber attacker to strike.
  • Train employees on cybersecurity. Businesses should show their employees what to do, what to avoid, and what to look out for. Training can be tailored to the individual employees and their respective departments.

To protect your and your customer’s data, your employees should:

  • Update all of their software, including the operating system and applications. Keeping software updated reduces the likelihood of an attack.
  • Add a stronger passphrase to their home Wi-Fi and wired networks. A strong passphrase can be very difficult for a hacker to crack.
  • Keep their work passwords and personal passwords separate to reduce the risk of a credential-stuffing attack. Using the same password could result in a hacker being able to gain access to multiple accounts.
  • Add two-factor authentication (2FA or multi-factor authentication) to personal and business accounts where possible. This helps ensure any attempt to log into a protected account is you.
  • Not click on any links, open any attachments, or download any files from an email they’re not expecting. Consumers should go directly to the source to verify the validity of the message.

Data breach resources for SMBs

Right now, it’s vital to focus on the impact of data breaches on SMBs and securing your employees. To access the latest data breach information, and learn more about the impact of data breaches, employees and businesses should visit the Identity Theft Resource Center’s (ITRC) new data breach tracking tool, notified™. It’s updated daily and free to consumers.

Bottom line

You work hard to ensure your business runs smoothly—don’t let cyber threats tear it down. By keeping yourself and your employees on top of current cybersecurity tactics, you can help secure your data and prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.

What is a financial advisor and do I really need one?

Whether your goals include starting a business or starting a family (or both!), planning for your financial future can be overwhelming. On your own, setting financial goals can feel overwhelming—some of them overlap, collide, or simply seem unmanageable. Sometimes you just need a more structured savings and investment strategy to give you a more comfortable and relaxed mindset. If that sounds like you, a financial advisor may be just what you need.

What is a financial advisor?

A financial advisor is someone who helps you manage your money by creating strategies for financial planning, including managing and building wealth, estate planning, and more. As the name suggests, financial advisors can also provide insight and advice about other financial decisions to help you make the right choices for your circumstances, like the best tax strategies for your income or how to balance your investment portfolios.

“Financial advisor” can also be a catch-all term for professionals—like financial planners, wealth managers, money managers, retirement planners, and many other similar titles—but they generally all mean the same thing: financial guidance for people who want a strategy to achieve some—or many— future monetary goals.

What does a financial advisor do?

As mentioned above, financial advisors can help you with a lot of financial decisions, financial advice, and investment strategies to set yourself up for success. Some of the most common things people turn to financial advisors for help with include planning for future life events like homeownership or paying for college. For example, a financial advisor can help you decide the best way to save up for a down payment or when to open an account for your kid’s schooling. Additionally, a financial advisor can provide insight into retirement, like how much income you may need and how to plan for the cost of long-term care, as well as estate planning.

Planning for life events

Eventually, we all experience some big life event. Some of these can be more easily planned in advance, while other events can pop up without warning. A financial advisor will not only help you navigate the journey, but they’ll also work with you to prioritize your efforts. Let’s say you want to buy your first house, ideally one large enough for your future family. A financial advisor can help you figure out the best way to reach your down payment savings goal, like what accounts will reach your goal faster, or whether you want to pull from your retirement account and what the tax implications would be. Your advisor may also provide insight into planning for unexpected expenses, like setting up an emergency fund.

Maximizing your current assets and building your investment portfolio

Sometimes the help of a financial advisor is about managing the funds you already have. Many people use an advisor’s expertise to invest their savings, manage personal finances, and create a tailored financial plan to put their money to work. With so many investment options, it can be challenging to determine what risk is worth it.

They can help manage an investor’s tax liability, too. A financial advisor who specializes in tax-deferred investment vehicles can help you determine the most advantageous time to take a distribution from your retirement plan or identify beneficial tax-sheltered options.

Regardless of intellect, an investor may lack the appropriate knowledge when it comes to choosing investment options. Trying to balance the relationship between risk and return, your investment portfolio, and your risk tolerance with your time horizon and your financial goals can be tricky. A smart investor seeks out and leverages the guidance of experts, even if they have investment experience. Don’t ever underestimate the value of professional advice.

Retirement planning and tax strategies

It’s never too early to start planning for your retirement, and a financial advisor can help make those dreams come true. Whether you want to buy a boat to sail around the world or buy a large house for your grandkids to visit, your retirement dreams cost money. Discussing those big dreams with your financial advisor can help you better understand your long-term financial needs, including retirement savings and tax planning. Additionally, they can advise on when you can access your retirement funds and Social Security benefits. A financial advisor can also provide some peace of mind for the future. With the rising costs of long-term care, a financial advisor can help you plan for the expense, before you ever need it.

Estate planning

While end-of-life planning may feel morbid, it can help provide comfort during trying times. Having a will in particular can help relieve some of your family’s stress after you pass. Working with a financial advisor, estate planners, and an estate planning attorney can ensure everything is distributed according to your wishes, but also plan out how to divide your assets. Financial advisors can even offer insight into potential future costs you hadn’t considered, like the costs of a family member adopting your pet.

When to choose a financial advisor

Some people think that only wealthy people need financial advisors, but the truth is, anyone can work with an advisor at any stage of life. Your first step should be to determine what financial goals you’re trying to accomplish and whether you need a certified financial planner. You should also keep in mind how much you want to spend. Some financial planners don’t have any upfront fees, while others charge by the hour, a flat fee, or a percentage of assets. Knowing all this can help decide what kind of financial advisor you might want to seek out.

Another big reason to work with a financial advisor is to help get your finances back on track. For some, a few mistakes have left their finances one step away from crashing and burning. If you’re struggling with debt, a consolidation plan might be a wise first step. Financial advisors can develop a plan—not a get-rich-quick fix—where you’ll learn discipline, recognize your spending habits, and be held accountable so you can move toward improved financial health.

When you work through your goals with an advisor who has in-depth knowledge of your financial situation, you can create realistic expectations and learn to plan accordingly. Recommending appropriate investment vehicles and a savings strategy can help guide you through the uncertainty.

While some advisors require a long-term arrangement, there are many who offer free consultations and no-obligation appointments to review your financial plan—or lack thereof. Check out the services offered by your local credit union or bank and set up a meeting. If they don’t give you a gold star and a pat on the back, they’ll be sure to recommend a realistic strategy. Either way, you win!

Key Takeaways:

  • A financial advisor provides financial planning services to help you manage existing funds and plan long-term financial goals, like home ownership, retirement, and estate planning.
  • You don’t have to be a millionaire to have a financial advisor—anyone can work with an advisor, at any stage of life.
  • Some reasons you may work with a financial advisor include planning for large financial decisions, helping pick investments for your portfolio, or getting you back on financial track.

Regardless of where you are in life, it’s never too early to start thinking about your future. A little strategic planning and insightful analysis now can go a long way to helping ensure you meet all your long-term financial goals.

If you’re ready to get started, you can send an email for a no-cost, no-obligation appointment or learn more about Georgia’s Own Investment & Retirement Services here. In addition to a wealth of experience and knowledge, our financial professionals also offer genuine concern for your financial success. We’ll not only come up with a customized plan; we’ll also see it through.

Share with care: How to safely enjoy social media

Social media platforms have become an integral part of our lives. Social media is a great way to stay connected with others, but you should be wary about the information you post. Posting too much personal information makes it easier for hackers to access your passwords, steal your identity, or worse. Don’t let that scare you, though! You can still enjoy posting on Facebook or Instagram—just be mindful of the content you share. Below are a few tips to help you safely partake in social media:

Check your privacy settings

When you sign up for a new social media account or download a new app, immediately configure the privacy and security settings to your comfort level for information sharing. Regularly monitor these settings to ensure they are set to your preference. The National Cybersecurity Alliance resource page has a tool that compiles privacy-setting information for most digital providers.

Don’t post personal information

Be cautious about how much personal information you provide on social networking sites. The more information you post, the easier it may be for a hacker or someone else to use that information to steal your identity, access your data, or commit other crimes, like stalking.

For example, you may have seen your Facebook friends posting their answers to surveys with questions like: What’s your favorite color? How many TVs are in your house? Or how many pets do you own? These questions seem harmless. But they’re often similar to security questions used by websites to identify you. Posting your answers to these questions puts you at risk of your accounts becoming compromised.

Watch what you post

Protect your reputation on social networks—what you post online stays online. Think twice before posting pictures you wouldn’t want your parents or future employers to see. According to one survey, 67% of employers use social media to research potential job candidates.

Clean up your social media before applying for jobs. Conduct a digital footprint analysis—review your social content and think about how others may perceive those posts. You should also Google yourself and look through the information that appears to decipher whether any of it will negatively affect your chances of getting hired.

Know and manage your friends

Social networks can be used for various purposes. Some of the fun is creating a large pool of friends from many aspects of your life—that doesn’t mean all friends are created equal. Just like cleaning up your social posts, you should occasionally purge your friend list.

In the past, you may have added people you barely know or have never met before. A lot has changed since the dawn of Facebook, and these days, people tend to keep their circles small. Protect your privacy by scrubbing your friend list and removing old acquaintances, people you don’t recognize, or even an ex you don’t want to be in contact with anymore.

Enable multi-factor authentication

Use two-factor authentication or multi-factor authentication (MFA) (like biometrics, security keys, or a unique, one-time code through an app on your mobile device) whenever offered.

When you log in to your account, the first step is giving your password or passphrase. The second step is to provide an extra way of proving your identity, like entering a PIN, texting/emailing a code to your phone, or accessing an authenticator app. Enabling MFA makes it twice as hard for hackers to access an online account or obtain personal information.

Use long, unique passwords

Length trumps complexity. A strong password is at least 12 characters long and a combination of upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Focus on positive sentences or phrases that you like to think about and are easy to remember.

If you have trouble remembering your passwords, consider using a password manager. Password managers securely store your online credentials in an encrypted database, giving you peace of mind that your information is safe. It’s also easier to use unique passwords on different sites because the password manager remembers your login information.

Think before you click

Links in tweets, texts, posts, and social media messages are the easiest way for cybercriminals to get sensitive information. Be wary of clicking on links or downloading anything that comes from a stranger or that you were not expecting.

Social media can be a great way to stay connected with friends and family, but it’s important to be mindful of the information you share. By following the above tips, you can safely enjoy social media without risking your personal information.

7 ways to streamline your finances

If your money feels harder to manage than it should be, it might be time to simplify.

Keeping track of your finances can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling bills, savings goals, and multiple accounts. The good news is that managing your money doesn’t have to be complicated. By simplifying your systems and making a few small changes, you can save time, reduce stress, and stay on top of your financial goals with ease. Here are seven ways to streamline your finances and create more peace of mind in your day-to-day life.

1. Automate where you can

You may have some things automated already, like setting up direct deposit for your paychecks. But automating other tasks, like paying bills or transferring savings, are easy ways to manage your money and offer significant benefits, like saving time, reducing stress, and improving your financial habits.

Time savings

One of the biggest benefits of automating your finances is saving time. Automation eliminates the need to manually pay bills, track your spending, and make transfers to your savings account—it’s already taken care of for you.

Reduced stress

No more waking up in a cold sweat, wondering if you paid that bill. Automatic bill payments ensure your bills are paid on time, preventing late fees and potential damage to your credit score. It also takes the guesswork out of saving, making it easier to stick to your financial plan.

Improved financial habits

When you automate savings transfers, you’re building a financial cushion and consistently saving toward your goals, whether you’re building an emergency fund or saving for retirement. Plus, consistent, on-time bill payments improve your credit score over time.

2. Consolidate and organize your accounts

Keep fewer bank accounts and credit cards to reduce confusion. Ultimately, the number of checking and savings accounts you need depends on your needs. Having a checking account for your fixed expenses, a checking account for variable expenses, and a high-yield savings account is a good rule of thumb. But if you can manage your money well and want a simple view of your finances, you can consolidate your checking accounts.

As for credit cards? There’s no one-size-fits-all option there, either. However, when you have too many credit cards, there’s always a risk of overspending and accumulating debt. It can also be difficult to track multiple accounts and payment due dates.

Some general guidelines to consider:

  • If you’re starting out or rebuilding credit, stick with one or two credit cards.
  • If your credit is established or good at managing your money, having two or three cards can be a sweet spot.

3. Sign up for paperless statements and embrace digital tools

You already have a million things to keep up with. Make your life simple by going digital—and registering for eStatements is the easiest way to cut down on clutter. It’s also more secure, faster, and leads to better organization. Statements are securely encrypted through your online banking account, meaning you don’t need to worry about mail theft or loss. You can also access them anytime, anywhere, whether it’s through online banking or your mobile app. Digital statements are also organized, making it easier to find past transactions.

4. Create a simple budget

Are you sensing a theme here? Simple = better—and the simpler your budget, the easier it’ll be to manage for the long haul. Stick with the basics, like the 50/30/20 rule or zero-based budgeting. The 50/30/20 rule is self-explanatory: 50% of your budget is allocated to needs (rent/mortgage, utilities, groceries); 30% of your budget is allocated to wants (dining out, entertainment, shopping); and 20% of your budget is allocated to savings or debt repayment. Zero-based budgeting is also exactly how it sounds—every dollar is allocated toward expenses for needs and wants, plus savings and debt repayments.

You should review and update your budget monthly and track your spending. Don’t overcomplicate it, either—only track the categories that really matter. There are dozens of apps, like YNAB, that sync with your bank accounts and make budgeting/tracking spending almost effortless.

5. Reduce financial clutter

Today, it seems like almost everything requires a subscription or membership. And too many subscriptions to keep track of leads to overspending. Let’s be honest, you’re not using every single subscription that you have. Here’s the easiest way to manage (and cancel) your subscriptions:

Identify all your subscriptions

  • Review your bank and credit card statements: Look for any recurring charges, especially those you don’t recognize or are unfamiliar with.
  • Use subscription management apps: Consider using an app like Rocket Money to find and manage subscriptions.
  • Check app store subscriptions: Review your subscriptions purchased through the App Store or Google Play.

Cancel subscriptions

  • Directly through the provider: Most services allow cancellation through their website or app. Log into your account and navigate to settings, billing, or subscription to find the cancellation option.
  • Contact customer service: If direct cancellation isn’t available, contact customer service or stop by in person (like for a gym).
  • Third-party services: If you prefer not to deal with customer service, some third-party services can help you cancel subscriptions for a fee.

Prevent future subscriptions

  • Set reminders for free trials: Set a reminder on your phone or mark your calendar for the date your free trial ends.
  • Carefully evaluate new subscriptions: Before signing up, assess whether the subscription aligns with your needs or budget.

6. Review and simplify your investments

Managing investments doesn’t have to be complicated. Instead of juggling multiple accounts or chasing the latest stock tips, consider streamlining your portfolio with a few simple, long-term options. Index funds or target-date funds can be a great way to diversify your portfolio without the stress of monitoring.

By keeping your investments straightforward, you’ll reduce decision fatigue and make it easier to track progress toward your goals. Schedule a yearly check-in to rebalance if needed, but otherwise, let your investments work for you in the background. If you need help getting started, you can schedule a meeting with one of our financial professionals at no cost and no obligation.

7. Set up reminders and check-ins

Just like physical checkups keep an eye on your body’s health, financial checkups are essential to monitor your financial health. Regular check-ins with your money keep you on track with goals, help you identify any problems early, reduce stress, and make informed decisions.

Set a calendar alert either quarterly or yearly to review your finances. This is your chance to examine your budget and adjust as needed, check on your emergency fund and debts, and review your credit report to monitor for fraud. You can get one free credit report annually from all three credit bureaus at annualcreditreport.com.

Bottom line

Streamlining your finances doesn’t mean restricting—it means freeing up your time and mental energy. Starting with just one small step today can build momentum, and before you know it, you’ll be on autopilot. It won’t be easy, but getting your finances in order is worth the work.

What’ll be your first step to streamlining your finances? Let us know in the comments!

We’ve been named to the 2025 Top Workplaces USA list

For the fourth year in a row, we’re honored to be named to the Top Workplaces USA list.

This national recognition is based entirely on feedback from our employees, collected through an anonymous survey administered by Energage. Organizations must receive responses from at least 35% of their team to be eligible. The survey measures key aspects of workplace culture, like work-life balance, well-being, communication, innovation, and shared values.

What makes us tick

As a full-service credit union, our mission goes beyond financial products. We’re dedicated to supporting our members, strengthening the communities we serve, and creating an environment where our employees can thrive. That means fostering a workplace that’s flexible, forward-thinking, and genuinely rewarding—just a few of the many reasons people love working here.

But don’t just take our word for it—here’s what some of our employees had to say about working for Georgia’s Own:

“I’m able to consistently gain knowledge through the massive number of other employees who are willing to guide me.”

“I have a boss that cares and is always willing to teach me new things in order to grow in my department.”

“I feel like I’m an important part of Georgia’s Own and what I do matters.”

“I’m able to contribute to the greater cause of providing our community with financial assistance to meet the needs and dreams of families.”

“I get to do what I enjoy, and I have an amazing team and support.”

Bottom line

We couldn’t achieve this recognition without our exceptional employees. Thank you for making Georgia’s Own a place where Banking on Purpose comes first.

Looking for a fulfilling career? Take a look at our open positions and see how you can become one of Georgia’s Own!

3 steps you should take to back up your data

Our digital devices contain vast treasure troves of data, from family photos and music collections to financial data, health records, and personal contacts. Storing all this information on a computer, tablet, or phone comes with the risk of loss if all that data is contained in one digital location.

Data can be wiped out in many ways. Maybe your computer gets wet, or a software update malfunctions. A fire or natural disaster can destroy your device. A virus could steal all your data and erase your machine. Or, a bad actor might target you with ransomware, which is when they hold the data on a device hostage unless you pay a fee.

To prevent losing precious data, documents, and files, back up your files regularly and often. You might want to back up your files daily or more frequently.

A data backup is a simple three-step process:

  1. Create copies of your data.
  2. Set up automatic cloud backup, select the hardware for storing your data, or both.
  3. Safely store your copied files on a backup device or service.

Create copies of your data

It’s likely that your computer already has backup software installed, which means you may have an option available. With most backup software programs, you can copy all files and programs on your computer or only the files you’ve changed since your last backup.

Where to back up your data

Nowadays, it’s common to back up your data to the cloud (i.e., online servers outside of your device). However, you should also back up to a physical device. These devices include external hard drives, USB flash drives, CDs, or DVDs. It’s recommended to back up your data both on the cloud and on a separate device.

CDs, DVDs, and flash drives

These are best for storing small quantities of photo, music, and video files. The number of files these devices can hold is usually limited.

External hard drive

You can easily back up your entire computer on an external hard drive that plugs into your computer (often through a USB port). If your computer serves as the family photo album and music library, an external hard drive can contain a large amount of data. This way, you can assure more adequate storage space for all of your files. Copying information will also be faster (and often automated) with these devices.

Online cloud backup services

Backing up files online has become common and usually costs a small recurring fee. Some security software includes this service with your subscription, so check that you don’t already have this service available. You simply back up your files to a secure server over the internet. These services have the added advantage of safely storing your files in a remote location, and the files can be accessed anywhere you have a connection to the internet. Online backup services can be valuable for people who travel a lot and may need to recover files or live in areas prone to natural disasters that might require evacuation. Again, it is best to use both cloud backup services and physical backups together.

Safely store backup devices

Keep your physical backup devices secure—it’s best to keep them in a separate location from your main device, especially if the data is sensitive. You could ask a trusted neighbor or place them in a fireproof safe, but even putting the backup device in another room adds security. Remember that you should back up your files regularly, so ensure your devices are easily retrievable.

Take action

Effective data protection isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing commitment. By following the three steps above, you’ll significantly reduce the loss from hardware failure, theft, accidental deletion, or even a cyber incident. Here’s what you need to do next:

Your next steps

1. Audit your backups today

Do you have at least one local backup and one cloud copy? Are they automated and up to date?

2. Expand redundancy if needed

If you’re relying on just one medium, consider adding a solid state drive (SSD) or an off-site copy.

3. Implement routine tests

Schedule a quarterly or monthly restore test to make sure your backups are accessible and intact.

In today’s digital age, losing your data isn’t just inconvenient—it can be heartbreaking, expensive, or even career-derailing. But a deliberate, layered backup strategy protects what matters most. Start now, and your future self will thank you.

10 safety tips for online gaming

Whether you’re an eSports pro, killing a few spare minutes on your phone, or enjoying an endless fantasy realm for hours, online gaming is a quickly growing hobby with more than one billion gamers worldwide—and more potential for hackers and cybercriminals to access your information. That said, it’s important to remain vigilant about protecting your online safety. You shouldn’t lower your cybersecurity defenses just because you’re racking up points! Here are 10 tips for staying safe while online gaming:

1. Remember to use strong passwords

Winners use long, complex, and unique passwords. The strongest passwords are at least 12 characters long and include letters, numbers, and symbols. Ideally, your password is not recognizable as a word or phrase. And yes, you should have a unique password for each online account. Sounds hard to remember? Using a password manager has never been easier—many smartphones and web browsers include password managers. The best password managers will even suggest strong passwords!

2. Research your games

Mobile gaming makes up almost half of the global games market. However, just because a game is available on a trusted app store doesn’t guarantee it’s safe to download. Before installing any new gaming apps on your device, make sure it’s legitimate. Check out the reviews or research the internet before downloading.

3. Use multi-factor authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA), sometimes called two-factor authentication, adds another level of security to your accounts, and now some games and gaming systems allow for MFA. MFA includes biometrics (think face ID scans or fingerprint access), security keys, or apps that send you unique, one-time codes when you want to log on to an account. We recommend you use MFA whenever offered. It’s like building a castle around your loot crate!

4. Turn on automatic updates

We recommend keeping your gaming hardware and software as updated as possible. You don’t have to check your settings tab every morning, either. You can usually set up automatic updates so that updates are downloaded and installed as soon as they’re available from the device, software, or app creator. Note that you might have to restart your device for the updates to fully install. It’s best to do this immediately, but you can often schedule this to happen when you aren’t gaming, like the middle of the night (or perhaps the early afternoon).

5. Look out for phishing attempts

Cybercriminals often entice gamers into clicking bad links or downloading malicious files by offering cheats or hacks—this is known as phishing. Be wary of clicking on links or downloading from a stranger or that you weren’t expecting. If the offer seems too good to be true, chances are it is. Verify the link before clicking it by hovering over it with your cursor to see the link’s true destination.

6. Use a credit card for payments

If a gaming system requires you to tie a specific payment method to your account, choose a credit card over a debit card. Credit cards come with more consumer protections than debit cards, and you have a better chance of getting your money back in case of fraud.

7. Share with care

The more information you post, the easier it may be for a criminal to use that information to steal your identity, access your data, or commit other crimes, such as stalking. Think about how much personal information you provide on gaming account profiles. Err on the side of sharing less online. And if a stranger asks you to share this information, say no.

8. Game in disguise

Are you suiting up and playing with people you don’t know? They don’t need to know your real name or any other personal information—they just need to find out how awesome you are at the game. Use a safe username that doesn’t reveal any personal information, such as where you live or your name. In addition, use an avatar instead of your actual photo. If a stranger asks you to share a photo or to turn on your webcam, refuse. They don’t need to see you to play you!

9. Block anyone who makes you uncomfortable

If another player makes you uncomfortable, block them and tell a trusted adult. Remember that you can always kick a player out of the game if they’re being negative or otherwise making you uneasy. Every platform has a way to block and report users. For example, it’s simple to block users on Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch systems—you can do this by searching for the player’s profile and then selecting “Block”.

10. Review your settings

As soon as you get a new gaming console or try a new game, review the privacy and security settings and set them to your comfort level. Remember, many game makers default to the least secure settings, and you shouldn’t assume those default settings are configured to what you would like. Your game might default to sharing your behavior and location data with the manufacturer, for example. Think about what sort of data you’re comfortable with sharing.

Final thoughts

Online gaming can be a fun way to spend your time, but it’s important to be aware of the potential risks involved. By following these 10 tips, you can help protect yourself from hackers and cybercriminals and safely enjoy your gaming experience.

Remember, always be cautious about what information you share online and be wary of any suspicious links or attachments. If you ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe while gaming, be sure to report it to a trusted adult. Following these precautions will help ensure your online gaming experience is a safe and positive one!

Financial benefits of a digital detox

Higher temperatures and summer break are the perfect recipe for a vacation. But what if you took a different kind of vacation this summer—maybe a break from your phone? Digital detoxes are becoming more popular than ever, with luxury retreats popping up across the globe. But if you’re not working with White Lotus money, that doesn’t mean a digital detox is out of reach—and it may have more benefits than you think.

What is a digital detox?

As the name suggests, a digital detox is period during which you reduce the amount of time spent online or even abstain from it. This could be lowered time on social media or completely disconnecting from your devices . Some people do weeklong challenges, while others try to commit to longer terms. Regardless, the best way is to begin with realistic goals, like starting with 20-minute screen-free periods. You can also turn off notifications, leave your phone in another room, or turn your phone off altogether to help reduce the distractions.

Benefits of a digital detox

There are usually two main reasons people want to do a digital detox: mental health and time. Constant connection via our phones or social media can be emotionally draining, and doom-scrolling wastes more time than we realize. But your digital habits can also have financial consequences.

1. Mental health benefits

Scrolling through social media can be fun initially—it activates our brain’s reward center by releasing dopamine. But those feelings can quickly turn sour, and prolonged usage can trigger various mental health issues. Constant comparison with friends or influencers can make you feel like you’re falling behind or missing out, exacerbating feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Moreover, with the increasing use of filters, these comparisons can also cause body image issues. The cost to seek treatment for these negative feelings can add up, with Americans spending an average of $90 a month on mental health.

2. Reduced impulse spending

Another negative effect of social media is the unnecessary spending. We may end up purchasing things we don’t need to combat that FOMO. In fact, Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services have increased, but so has the number of people struggling to make payments. It’s also nearly impossible to be online and not see an ad. Whether you’re scrolling social media, watching YouTube, or even playing a game on your phone, we’re regularly inundated with ads. Even worse, some are designed to blend into the rest of the content on your social feed, leading to almost $1,000 spent yearly on impulse online purchases—and don’t forget the guilt when you feel like that late-night purchase was a mistake.

3. Physical health benefits

There are also negative physical effects of excessive screen time. Constantly looking at your phone can cause eye issues, like digital eye strain, costing billions of dollars annually according to the American Optometric Association and Deloitte Economics Institute. You may also develop tech neck or texting thumb, real medical issues that have been attributed to prolonged screen time.

4. Reduced reliance

We spend so much time on our phones that we end up using them for almost everything, including entertainment. The costs of streaming services and other subscriptions add up fast, with Americans spending nearly $200,000 over their lifetime on internet, mobile, cable, and streaming services. That doesn’t include the billions spent on in-app purchases and the cost of upgrading to the newest phone every few years.

Long-term changes

We know it’s almost impossible to fully quit using technology, which is why so many people are choosing to take a digital detox. In the long run though, there are several small changes you can make to reduce your time online and regain control over your life, and in turn, your finances.

1. Set a limit on screen time

One of the easiest steps you can take is to set a limit on your use. If you find you’re doom-scrolling for hours before bed, designate those hours as tech-free. You can also create a tech-free bedtime routine to help adjust, like meditating or reading instead of looking at a screen. Your phone also allows you to set time limits on specific apps, so you can only use them for an allotted period. Another easy to way to reduce screen time is to create screen-free zones. Designate places like your kitchen table or your bedroom as screen-free and stash your phones away while you’re there.

2. Reduce temptations

It can be hard to resist some of the more enticing offers, especially when they take advantage of your FOMO. A good way to avoid this is with the 24-hour rule—waiting a day for nonessential purchases. This can help you weigh the decision more carefully and reduce your impulse buys. You should also review your apps and subscriptions, ensuring you’re not paying for something you don’t need or use.

You may want to delete shopping apps, or turn off their notifications, to reduce the urge to buy when a sale hits. Lastly, you can also reduce temptation by planning for it. It may sound counterintuitive, but adding a category to your budget for “fun purchases” can give you a little leeway to splurge occasionally, without the extra guilt.

3. Take care of yourself

Since we can’t totally get away from screens, we can add a few things to our tech routines to help counteract negative effects. You can easily incorporate healthy habits, like 20 minute eye breaks and meditations, to break up screen sessions.

Key takeaways:

  • Excessive screen time can have many negative physical and mental health consequences, as well as financial.
  • Review your apps and digital subscriptions, and remove those you don’t need. Set timers on apps that you feel are timewasters.

It’s easy to spend hours staring at a screen, but doing so can cost more than you realize. Have you ever taken a digital detox? Share your best screen-time reduction tip in the comments below!

Should you open a joint bank account with your partner?

Whether you’re a newlywed, married couple, or long-term partners, one of the biggest questions people often ask is if they should have a joint bank account with their significant other. Money can be a touchy subject, especially in relationships, but it’s necessary to ensure you’re on the same page. Money is the number one subject couples fight about, and it’s the second-leading cause of divorce. Every couple’s situation is different, but below are a few points to contemplate if you’re on the fence about opening a joint bank account.

Why open a joint bank account for shared expenses?

Joint accounts help couples manage money effectively when their funds are in one place, especially for shared expenses like a mortgage, rent, or utilities. It also makes sense to have a shared savings account if you’re saving for a common goal, like a down payment on a house or a vacation.

Joint accounts also promote trust and shared decision-making. Spending and account activity can be viewed by both parties, plus you’re working together to budget your money and make decisions about your finances.

In addition, each account holder is federally insured by the NCUA (or FDIC outside of credit unions) for $250,000—a total of $500,000 if there are two account owners and no other beneficiaries. This allows you to maximize your NCUA insurance. For example, if you have an individual CD in addition to a joint checking account, your CD is still entitled to $250,000 in NCUA insurance—meaning all of your deposits are insured up to $750,000.

What to consider before opening a shared account

While a joint account may sound right for you and a partner, some serious (and maybe not-so-fun) conversations must happen before you open that account.

Spending habits

A joint account may not be the best choice if you have drastically different spending habits. If one person is a spender and the other is a saver, it could potentially lead to conflict, making separate bank accounts or joint checking accounts for bills a practical solution. It’s also important to know what your partner finds important financially. Some people prefer to splurge on experiences, like concerts or trips, while others may prefer to invest in their retirement fund. In that case, you may consider opening a joint account for bills only and have individual accounts for your “fun” money.

Communication

In addition to considering each other’s spending habits, you should also evaluate how you communicate. Communication is important in any relationship, but especially when it comes to joint finances. Before opening a shared account, it’s important to have serious conversations, like how the money will be used, preferences for communicating about big purchases, and setting budgets. Consider agreeing to an amount you can spend without consulting the other person (still keep your spending in check, though). You may also want to commit to regular check-ins about the account to ensure you’re still on the same page, and to make any necessary adjustments.

Conflict management

Unfortunately, you may still encounter conflict even with regular check-ins. Use conflicts as an opportunity for growth instead of viewing them as a catastrophe. If you feel like you or a partner have made a financial mistake, have a conversation about what lead to the decision. Readjust your budget if necessary, and reaffirm your financial goals. And remember to approach each other with empathy and understanding.

Past debts

Before committing to shared finances, it’s also important to discuss past debt. If you have a joint account with rights of survivorship (which is common), then the responsibility of the account is placed on one partner if the co-owner passes away. Your account could be seized for that debt, depending on where you live. With separate bank accounts, you can ensure the more financially responsible partner is protected if debt collectors come knocking on your door.

When joint accounts don’t make sense

A joint account may not be the best choice if you have drastically different spending habits or different financial priorities. A shared account is also not ideal if one partner has significant debt. Lastly, if one partner is paying alimony or child support, separate accounts may be best to keep track of those payments.

How to open a joint checking or savings account

Opening a joint account is easy. You can open a joint checking account online or in person at your nearest Georgia’s Own branch. You’ll need your and your partner’s Social Security number, birthdate, mailing address, and ID, plus how you’ll fund the account.

Pros and cons of shared accounts
Pros Cons
Reduces the hassle of paying bills when your funds are in one place You could potentially be responsible for a partner’s debt
Allows you to save toward a goal together Less privacy surrounding your spending
Promotes trust and shared decision-making Both of your spending needs to be accounted for
Each account holder is NCUA insured up to $250,000—a maximum of $500,000 for two account holders

Key takeaways:

  • Joint accounts can promote communication, trust, and better decision-making.
  • Joint accounts are great for things like saving for a common goal or paying communal bills.
  • Skip sharing an account if you have conflicting spending habits, or if one partner has a lot of debt.

Whether or not to open a joint bank account is a decision that should be made on a case-by-case basis, depending on your circumstances and your relationship with your partner. If you’re considering opening a joint account, have an open and honest conversation about your spending habits, financial goals, and communication style.

Still on the fence? Consider speaking with a financial advisor or financial planner to get personalized advice. You can meet with a financial advisor from Georgia’s Own at no cost and no obligation to discuss your situation and determine what’s best for you.