The digital world can be an absolute menace when it comes to spending and saving money. Adverts everywhere you look, interest rates at an all time low, and then there’s a scammer or two trying to make a quick buck. How are you supposed to keep your bank account and everything in it safe, especially if you’re saving up for something? Well we’re here to tell you it’s possible, as long as you stay vigilant and examine your money habits inside and out. Check out the tips below if you’re worried about your money keeping ability right now.
Track Your Own Spending Habits
You can often be your own worst enemy when it comes to money. A bit of impulse spending here, forgetting to save every so often there, and suddenly your bank account is truly unrecognizable. You don’t have anywhere near as much as you want in your savings, and your checking balance is lower than you ever promised yourself it would go.
As such, it’s best to track your spending habits. Keep a journal and note down when you spend, what you spend, and how much you have coming in each week. Check back every now and then to see if patterns are forming. Once you know a habit is in action, only then can you start to tackle it.
Know What a Scam Looks Like
Scams take many forms in the modern era. You don’t even have to be swindled in person anymore – they can do it via your phone, email, or your online activity. And that’s a very scary thought when you’re just trying to internet bank for the convenience. So let’s lay a few ground rules.
First, always check the web address of a site before you hand over any details. For example, North Country Savings Bank uses a (dot) bank tld rather than a dot com version, to ensure the link is unique and can be spotted a mile away. Similarly, check the communication settings you’ve enabled on your account. If you get a text that’s supposedly from your bank, have you even allowed them to contact you this way?
Always Borrow From Accredited Sources
And finally, if you need a loan for any reason, make sure you’re working with a reputable, legal lender. Loan sharks can hide in many places and make it easy to fall into traps. If you hear about a new lending service on the TV or through the grapevine, double check the provenance before you submit any applications.
If in doubt, it’s best to head to your bank and go through their loan department; at least you can be sure they’re a reliable and safe source! Don’t let yourself fall into debt to the wrong people because you didn’t do any research. It happens to people every single day.
If you want to make your money as safe as possible, start tracking your habits and double checking everything you see. Scammers are everywhere these days!