Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Your Guide to the Best Shopping

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The shopping wars are about to begin, and Black Friday 2017 may prove to be epic in scale. According to a recent survey conducted by RetailMeNot, consumer spending will average an increase of 47% over the same weekend in 2016. Consumers are expected to spend an average of $743 between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. That’s an increase of $238 over last year’s spending. It is predicted that 7 out of 10 holiday shoppers will make a purchase during Thanksgiving weekend. As the traditional start of the holiday shopping season, Black Friday, so named because sales on that one day...
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7 Solid Tips to Make Your Small Business Grow

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There comes a time when we want to take our businesses to the next level. The problem is, we’re not exactly sure how. If you've dug your feet into the ground and started your own venture, but still look for ways to make your small business grow, we've got you covered. Here are 7 solid tips to get noticed and make the best of your resources. Take advantage of social media Above all, consider the amount of people you have free access to on social media. Millions of users log on every day and spend countless hours scrolling through Facebook,...
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Budget Decorating: Go High-End Without Going Broke

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Let's face it, you've stared at the internet for hours, drooling over how much you want to have a Houzz worthy crib. You desire to let your inner interior designer shine, but don't know how. Whether it's your first home, or you're looking to upgrade your living space; there are 4 key ways to go high-end without going broke. Read more to learn about budget decorating and its perks. Start with high-quality furniture. This is the most influential suggestion in regards to budget decorating. Think of your furniture as an investment. You're going to have to put stock into timeless, long-lasting pieces. Instead of buying cheap, but poorly...
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Email Scams – What to Do When It Happens to You

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Falling for an email scam – known as phishing – can happen to even the most vigilant Web user. Cyber criminals continue to up the ante with ever more sophisticated scams, so it’s not really a question of IF it will happen to you, but rather WHEN it will happen, and HOW you will respond to the threat. Follow these steps to help protect your online interactions. Change Passwords If you have provided any personal information or passwords in response to a phishing scam change ALL your passwords immediately. This includes email accounts, online accounts, bank accounts and debit card...
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Halloween Safety Tips to Make the Most Out of the Occasion

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Are your little goblins ready to hit the roads this Halloween? Does the mere mention of candy get them excited to start chiming on doorbells? Well, while we all understand children's enthusiasm, parents also have the responsibility of keeping them safe. No one wants to spoil the fun; but, there are a few things about Trick-Or-Treating that are worth mentioning. This post will cover all of the Halloween safety tips to make the most out of the occasion. Pre-plan your route. Make sure to pre-plan your route ahead of time. This is not only to avoid getting lost, but it's...
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Building Credit: A Primer for College Students or Recent Grads

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Building a good credit history can seem like a daunting task, but if you begin while you are in college it really isn’t difficult. Set yourself up for future success by taking small steps now that will help you be ready for the “real world” post-graduation. Establishing credit doesn’t mean that you will immediately go down a rabbit hole of debt. That type of situation is completely avoidable with a little basic education and the right mindset. Why Should I Care About My Credit Score? Most people are aware that their credit score affects their ability to secure a mortgage...
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Store Credit Cards vs Branded Credit Cards: The Facts You Need to Make the Right Decisions

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“Would you like to receive an additional 20% off today?” If you’ve ever shopped at a retailer with an in-house credit card this is a familiar refrain. The smiling cashier informs you that if you open a credit account you can receive an amazing discount off your purchases that day. It’s an enticing offer, especially if you are making a high dollar purchase. How do you decide if opening a new credit line is worth the immediate discount? Understanding the benefits and detriments of different types of credit cards will make you a savvy consumer. Foremost, please realize that any...
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Protect Yourself from Scams

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We see it in the news every week – some unsuspecting grandmother tries to withdraw money from an imposter ATM, and instead of getting cash, she loses her life savings as scammers clean out her bank account. “That would never happen to me!” you think – until you become the victim of a “faceless” crime. You won’t even know it is happening until it’s too late. As technology becomes more sophisticated, so do the schemes of those who seek to steal your hard earned savings. A little awareness now can save you a whole lot of time, money and aggravation...
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National Cyber Security Awareness Month

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Happy #CyberSecurityAwareness Month! October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month and we want to help you stay safe online. Don’t let yourself become a victim of ID Theft, fraud or cybercrime. There are many aspects to cybersecurity and they can all have an impact on your financial well-being. Whether you’re managing your bills online, online shopping or simply checking your email, there are steps you can take to ensure that your information stays safe. Check out https://staysafeonline.org/stay-safe-online/managing-your-privacy/  for everything you need to know about Cyber Security Awareness Month, tips and resources that will help protect you and your family from...
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