Scams are getting smarter, using AI and social media to sound more personal and convincing. It can happen to anyone, even the smartest among us, because scams prey on trust, urgency, and fear. Here are some of the most common ones we’re seeing right now. By learning what to watch for, you can stay a step ahead and help keep your loved ones safe.
As of October 1, 2025, the federal government will stop accepting and issuing most paper checks. Tax payments, refunds, Social Security, Medicare, and VA benefits will all move to direct deposit or electronic payment systems. While this may feel like one more digital hurdle, it brings faster processing, fewer delays, and less risk of fraud. Now is the time to review your setup and make sure you’re ready.
Every U.S. state holds unclaimed money. From forgotten bank accounts and uncashed checks to insurance payouts and more, all just waiting to be returned. If you’ve ever moved, changed your name, or closed an account, you could have money in your name. The best part? It’s free and easy to check. Whether you're in Nevada, California, or beyond, this guide shows you exactly how to search and claim what’s yours.
Spring is an ideal time to clean up clutter. To assist you, Open Window is offering free document destruction from April 7th to 25th. Drop your documents by any time, or schedule a 'Secure Recycling' timeslot at www.openwindowFS.com/connection.
“Hackers may have stolen the Social Security numbers of every American” in a recent data breach. While you shouldn’t live in fear, it’s wise to assume that your personal data may be accessible online in some form. Here are the proactive steps you can take to reduce the risk of identity theft and other forms of misuse. Chief among those steps is freezing your credit.
The "4% rule" is a handy rule of thumb for estimating a safe and sustainable level of spending in retirement. Does it hold up? Let's learn more about the rule, including how to personalize it for your life.
The 80/20 rule suggests 80% of an outcome is the result of 20% of the effort put into it. In that spirit, here are three financial best practices that pack a lot of value per “pound”.
It’s important to keep your personal data safe, both on and offline. Learn some important identity theft prevention tips here.
Tax season is one of the most active times for identity theft and targeted phishing attacks. Here's what you can do to protect yourself.