Financial Literacy: Take Precautions to Protect Your Finances

According to MyMoney.gov, it is important to take precautions to protect your finances, accumulate savings in case of an emergency, and buy insurance. You should be vigilant about protecting yourself from identity theft, while keeping track of your financial records and your credit score.

Here are some precautions you can take:

n Keep your financial records in order.

n Watch out for fraud and scams, while protecting your identity.

n Choose insurance to meet your needs, including health care insurance.

Here are some tips to help you stay vigilant:

n Have a good system for keeping personal money records. This includes keeping copies of important documents such as your will, property ownership documents, information about savings and insurance, and other documents. It should include an overview of what happens to property after a major life event occurs.

n Assume that any offer that “sounds too good to be true” is probably fraudulent.

n Look at your bank statements and bills as soon as they arrive and report any discrepancy or anything suspicious, such as an unauthorized withdrawal or charge.

n Be wary of requests to “update” or “confirm” personal information, especially your Social Security number, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, personal identification numbers, your date of birth, or your mother’s maiden name in response to an unsolicited call, letter, or email.

For more information, see mymoney.gov/protect.

April is Financial Literacy MonthAccording to MyMoney.gov, it is important to take precautions to protect your finances, accumulate savings in case of an emergency, and buy insurance.Stay Vigilant:Have a good system for keeping personal money records. Assume that any offer that good to be true” is probably a fraud.Look at your bank statements and bills as soon as they arrive and report any discrepancy or anything suspicious. Be wary of requests to “update” or “confirm” personal information.Take Precautions:Keep your financial records in order.Watch out for fraud, scams, and protect your identity.Choose insurance to meet your needs, including health care insurance.