Most of us have shopped online without suffering negative consequences (other than maybe a larger-than-expected credit card bill!). With the holidays approaching, millions of us will be online, searching for and then buying those perfect gifts. That makes now a good time to talk about different ways that scammers try to take advantage of us, such as setting up fake websites or stealing our credit card information.

When selecting a website to purchase an item, be wary of online stores offering a price that is dramatically cheaper than anyone else. The reason they may be so cheap is because after you purchase your item, what you receive in the mail is a counterfeit or stolen item, or in some cases is simply never even shipped. Indicators of fraudulent websites include:

• There is no phone number to call for sales or support-related questions.
• The website domain name is different than the domain name it uses for email addresses or other contact information.
• The website uses poor grammar or spelling.

Click here to read more ways to be safe online.

We are providing advance notice of fee increases on a small number of services. These changes will take effect January 2014, and reflect real cost increases since 2010. Click here for the new rate sheet information.

EVERYDAY TIPS TO STAY SAFE ONLINE

Throughout National Cyber Security Awareness Month, we urge every American to help improve the nation’s cyber resilience and take the following simple steps to keep themselves, their identities, and their information safe online. For example:

• Set strong passwords, and don’t share them with anyone.
• Keep your operating system, browser, and other critical software optimized by installing updates.
• Maintain an open dialogue with your family, friends, and community about Internet safety.
• Limit the amount of personal information you post online, and use privacy settings to avoid sharing information widely.
• Be cautious about what you receive or read online – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Learn more about how you can do your part and what it takes to remain secure at www.dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect.

Forrest Goetsch Charities was established in memory of the Goetsch’s 14-year old son who died unexpectedly during warm-ups at cross-country practice on September 21, 2009. Because Forrest’s life here on earth had such a profound impact they wanted to celebrate his life and honor his memory in a permanent fashion. Forrest Goetsch Charities, an official 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to recognizing outstanding achievement in our communities by youth and or organizations who have helped others through difficult times or who have personally overcome challenges in their lives. 

Every June, they host the Forrest Goetsch Run and several Intercity State Bank employees join other runners at the starting line. Participants have the option to run/walk either 2 miles or 5 miles for the benefit. All the proceeds go toward to the Forrest Goetsch charities to award  outstanding achievement in the community by youth or organizations.  Please join the fun and give back to the community!

WHEN: Saturday, June 22, 2013

REGISTRATION: Register Friday, June 21, from 5-8 at Dales Weston Lanes (or raceday from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.)

FEES: $20 until May 19, $25 (on May 20-June 2), $30 (on June 3-race day)

RACE DAY SCHEDULE: 6:30-8:30 a.m. registration and packet pickup

8:45 a.m. pre-race instruction

9:00 a.m. race starts

For more information, please visit the official race website: http://www.forrestsrun.com/default.htm  Hope to see you there!

 

Money is like a cake. When you get that delicious dessert, it can be tempting to eat it all at once. But if you do, you’ll end up with a stomachache, that sugarcoated feeling on your teeth, and perhaps most importantly – no cake for later.

Similarly, if you spend all of your money, you’ll probably end up regretting your splurges – and wishing you had some funds sitting in the bank.

Often, savings strategies are obvious – you set a big piece of cake aside, and it’s there waiting for you. But sometimes, it’s the little things that make that cake disappear. I’m reminded of the time my childhood friend Mike held a cake on his lap while we were driving home. He took fingerful after fingerful of frosting – and when we got home, Mike discovered that he had completely defrosted the cake without realizing it.

The following list features both kinds of savings strategies – big ones that work all at once, and little ones that add up over time. All of them can be put into action during America Saves Week, and every single one ensures that you can have your cake and eat it too.

1. Track Your Spending, and Make a Budget

Understanding where your money is going is the best way to start saving, which is why your first step is to make a budget. It might be that, once you make your budget and realize how much you’re spending in certain categories, you can immediately save $100 by making little trims here and there.

2. Pack Your Lunch

One of the keys to saving is developing long-term habits – such as bringing your own lunch to work instead of eating out. If you’re worried you don’t have time, cook something on Sunday and put it in individual Tupperware containers. Start this week, and over the course of a month, you can easily save $100.

3. Check If You’re Being Over-Serviced

It’s easy to “set it and forget it,” paying the same bills every month. This week, take a look at your regular services – are you using all of your cell phone minutes? Do you have more coverage than you need on your car insurance? Are you utilizing any extra cable channels you pay for? If your answer is no to any of these, call your provider, and change your plan.

4. Negotiate Your Bills

Checking for over-servicing isn’t the only way to lower your regular bills. If you’re not paying a promotional rate for services like cable and Internet, you’re paying too much. Call your service provider, and ask if there is any way you can lower your bill. If they don’t automatically say yes, suggest that you’re going to find another provider. Be patient, nice, and firm, and you can get a better rate.

5. Vow to Reuse, Repair, and Repurpose Instead of Buying New

Every time you think about buying something new, ask yourself – do you really need it, or can you make do with something you already have or that you can borrow from a friend?

6. Get to Know Your Credit Card

Visit your credit card company’s website and read the fine print. Many credit cards offer free benefits that are not well publicized. These benefits may include extended warranties, free tickets, price drop protection, extra discounts, concierge services, and cash giveaways. Of course, you should not use a credit card at all if you carry a balance every month. If you can’t control your spending, consider switching over to a cash-only system.

7. Change Your Living Situation

Yes, this is a big change – but it also has big financial rewards. If you have extra space in your house, try renting out a room, either permanently or to travelers using a service like Airbnb. Or, if you live alone, it might be time to get a roommate.

8. Clean Out Your Pantry

Empty your cupboards, see what you have, and plan meals around the ingredients you want to use up. You’ll slash your next grocery bill, and you’ll help ensure that food doesn’t go stale.

9. Create a “Cheap Fun Club” With Friends

If you’re trying to save money, it can be disheartening when friends invite you to things that you don’t want to spend money on. Instead, be proactive, and invite your friends to share in frugal activities with you, such as potlucks, watching movies at home, and board game nights.

10. Sell Your Stuff

Taking the time to declutter your house and sell your extra stuff has multiple benefits. Not only can you make money getting rid of your old items, but you might also discover other useful things you had forgotten about.

How are you planning to save money for America Saves Week?

By Meg Favreau, Senior Editor of personal finance blog Wise Bread.