Job Scams

job scams

With the rise in job seekers looking for remote job opportunities, the chances for job seeker scams have increased. Scammers are taking advantage of the vulnerability of job seekers and presenting them with options that are too good to be true. Below are some common red flags to look for when presented with a new job opportunity:

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8 Myths About Credit Unions

Women shaking hands at a credit union while becoming a member

How much do you know about credit unions? Test yourself on these 8 myths: How many did you believe until today?

Myth #1: You must meet strict eligibility requirements.

Fact: While credit unions do require that members meet certain requirements to satisfy a common bond, many of these are broad, and few of them truly limit membership.

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Navigating the Path to Retirement

Retirement Planning

Planning for retirement is a crucial financial milestone that requires careful consideration and strategic decision-making. As we head towards the golden years of our lives, it's essential to ensure that we have the financial resources to support our desired lifestyle and enjoy the fruits of our labor. In this blog post, we will go over some strategies and considerations for effective retirement planning.

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Phone Call Spoofing Scams

Phone Call Spoofing Scams

Phone call spoofing scams are becoming increasingly common and can be difficult to detect. In these scams, the caller ID is manipulated to make it appear as though the call is coming from a trusted source, such as a bank or government agency. The scammers will then try to trick the victim into providing sensitive information, such as their social security number, credit card number, or bank account information.

To avoid falling victim to a phone call spoofing scam and identity theft, here are some things from We Florida Financial to look out for:

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The Benefits of Having Credit Cards

Girl at Café using CC to easily and conveniently pay for her meal

Credit cards are an essential tool in modern finance, and they come with a range of benefits that can make them an excellent choice for consumers. When used correctly, credit cards can provide a secure and convenient way to make purchases, build credit, and access various perks and rewards. In this article, we will explore some of the key benefits of using a credit card.

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Don’t Get Caught in a QR Code Scam

QR Scams Blog - person scanning a QR code on their cell phone.

Scammers are always dreaming up new ways to con people out of their money. Recently, they’ve figured out a “quick” way by hijacking QR codes. Here’s what to know about QR code scams and how to avoid them. 

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Should I Use a Credit Card at the Pump?

Car filling up at a gas station

Q: Is it a good idea to use my We Florida Financial credit card to pay for gas?

A: People commonly use their debit cards or pay in good old-fashioned cash when filling up on fuel, but there are several advantages to using a credit card to pay for gas. Here are four reasons our members should use your credit card to pay at the pump. 

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What to Buy and What to Skip in July

July Shopping - Things to skip & to buy

The Summer is here and you’ll be making lots of purchases with your debit and credit cards to prepare for your vacation getaways, family outings, and events with friends. So you can get enough bang for your buck, We Florida Financial has put together the below list of items our South Florida credit union members should buy and skip this Summer:

Buy: Patriotic items

Pledge your allegiance along with your favorite retailers when buying almost anything under the sun in red, white and blue. Of course, you’ll also find discounted fireworks and July 4th decor, which can be stored for next year’s Independence Day festivities. 

Skip: Sunglasses

If you need a new pair of shades, you’re best off waiting a bit before springing for a new pair. Sunglasses are still retailing at full price this month, and won’t start to see discounts until September. For even steeper savings, pick up a new pair of shades in October. 

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How to Successfully Pay Yourself First

pay yourself first

 Now is the right time to start perfecting the art of saving.

“Pay yourself first” is a catchphrase that means prioritizing your personal savings above other expenses. Savings should not be an afterthought or an extra that only happens if there’s money left over at the end of the month. Putting aside money should be a fixed line on your budget that happens every month without fail. 

Here’s how to successfully pay yourself first.

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What Rising Prime Interest Rates Mean for You

 

interest changes

If you read financial headlines, you’ve no doubt seen the news that the Federal Reserve is raising interest rates. These headlines can be accompanied with all sorts of hyperbole about the end of the stock market, the boom of bonds or any of a dozen other possible predictions. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when there’s this much information and so much of it is conflicting. Let’s set the record straight on what rising prime interest rates mean for you.

The prime interest rate is the rate that the Federal Reserve charges financial institutions to borrow from it. It influences a lot of other financial prices. Many of these are only of concern to investment bankers, professional investors and other economic enthusiasts. Here are some key ways the prime rate hikes can affect you!

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Pay Down Debt Without the Help of Mom’s Wallet

Pay Down Debt Blog - WOMAN WITH HER MOTHER LOOKING AT A TABLET ON THE COUCH

Consumer debt can be one of the biggest challenges to financial wellness. With some intentional action and commitment, reaching true financial wellness is possible!

Here’s how to pay down or off your debt in five simple steps:

  1. Organize your debt

List every credit card you own along with an outstanding balance. Jot down the amount owed to each card issuer. Next, list the interest rate of each card. Repeat these steps for other loans you may have as well. 

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Watch Out for These 6 IRS Tax Scams

IRS Scam

Tax season is stressful enough without adding vulnerability to identity theft to your list of things to worry about. To keep your sensitive personal information safe, however, you should be a little worried, though – or at least alert and informed enough to know a tax scam when you see one.
Tax scammers have several common tricks they use to lure taxpayers into handing over personal information that can be used for identity theft. Knowing what to look for is key to avoiding tax scams this tax season.

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Finding Work-Life Balance in the New Normal

KOFE

Significant historical events, from the Great Depression to WW2, changed our society in unimaginable ways. The Great Depression gave us some of the social programs Americans have come to expect, such as Social Security. WW2 ushered in a “golden age” for our nation, bringing us prosperity, advancements in technology, and a position as the world’s leader. Now, the pandemic is changing the ways we work, set priorities, and look at our lifestyles. One major area of where are perspectives are evolving is how to find the right work-life balance.

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Holiday Scams to be Aware of this Season

working on a laptop

Produced by Ann Davidson, VP of Risk Consulting at Allied Solutions

As the holidays approach, credit union employees and members must become increasingly aware of scams and identity theft and other forms of fraud. Combating fraud is easy when the credit union and member are fully aware of the types of scams and how to avoid them.

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Social Media: Five Scams that Work

Social Media Scams Blog

Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn and many others can help us connect on a personal and professional level with friends, family, business associates, and causes that allow us to make new connections with others with shared interests. And participation is free to everyone, which has led to an unprecedented use of social media. 

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How Debit Card Fraud Happens — and How to Avoid It

For many people, debit cards are the perfect plastic. They offer most of the conveniences of credit cards with no risk of accumulating debt.

But like credit cards, debit cards are vulnerable to rip-off artists. And debit card fraud is particularly scary because thieves can withdraw money directly from your checking account.

Here's how debit fraud happens and how to protect yourself.

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Financial Literacy Month – Celebrate Knowledge!

Financial Literacy Blog

“April showers bring May flowers,” goes the old saying. It’s also a great lesson about the importance of saving – where weathering some light showers can pay dividends during the nicer days that are to come.

April is Financial Literacy Month, and a great time to think about some important lessons everyone can learn about finances. Whether you’re a parent looking to make talking money with your kids easier or a professional looking for a few tips, there’s always something to learn. Here are some fun activities you can do to expand your financial knowledge.

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6 Financial Lessons to Teach Your Elementary-Aged Kids

mother and daughter on sofa with laptop

Kids have been back in school for nearly three months learning math, science, and history. Learning financial responsibility starts at home - and it’s a lesson best begun early. If you’re not sure where to begin, here are 6 lessons to teach your kids about money to help them become responsible adults.

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Higher Education 101: Saving for College

student with tall stack of books in library

School is out and summer has begun. It’s a season of graduations and new beginnings for young people across the country. The financial burden of college is a popular topic among recent high school and college graduates. Even the most financially stable young adults find themselves seemingly overwhelmed with bills. Everyone seems to have some advice to give, but one of the simplest ways to successfully save for college is simple: stick to a plan.

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