4 habits to help you protect your financial information

They say people don’t change, but the truth is, it takes somewhere between a couple weeks and a few months to form a habit. Sure, it may take a little bit longer to break a habit, but it is possible to make changes when you want to or need to. But this isn’t just about waking up earlier, regularly going to the gym or eating healthier. It’s also about protecting your finances and your personal information.

As scams and fraud continue to rise, and thieves get trickier, protecting your money and your sensitive data becomes even more difficult. Still, there are a few habits you can develop to help you safeguard your information, protect what’s in your pocket and keep your identity in your own hands. Let’s go over them, both in celebration of April being Financial Literacy Month, and to share some short- and long-term action you can take!

Shred your documents

Everyone already has my information anyway. No one is going dumpster diving to get my information. I don’t have a shredder, and it’s tough to find one. What do all three of these statements have in common, other than that you’ve probably used them yourself? They’re all myths.

The truth is that shredding your documents is an essential step to protect your private information, whether it’s about yourself or your finances. Unfortunately, document shredding gets downplayed in a digital age when, yes, it is true that a good chunk of your information is online or in the hands of a company that can sell it. Still, though, there’s no value to giving more puzzle pieces to scammers who want to see the entire picture.

Don’t have a shredder, or having trouble finding someone who does have one? No worries. We’re having Shred-A-Thon events at four different branches! Check out the schedule below to see when and where you can bring up to four (4) boxes of sensitive documents to be shredded.

Sign up for and learn from webinars

One thing that’s so important to remember when it comes to fraud and identity protection is that they’re easier to prevent than they are to fix. One of the best ways to avoid fraud is by hitting the books and learning from those who see it happen every single day.

That’s why we host webinars that teach you how to be the one who holds the cards. In fact, as part of our Financial Literacy Month celebration, we’re hosting one called “Don't be the Next Victim: Protect Your Information.” This webinar will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to combat fraud, even as it evolves. You’ll learn how to recognize scams, implement a plan to protect yourself, report suspicious behavior and more, all from the comfort of your own home! To sign up today, click here.

We also encourage you to take that passion for learning to the next level with even more webinars and workshops! On top of learning how to protect what you’ve worked so hard to build, you can learn budgeting techniques, tax basics and even investing from professionals who help our members each day. Learn more and sign up for our webinars and workshops today!

Take your online journey into your own hands

Another great way to protect your data and enhance your financial skills is by going solo! There are so many resources that help you learn financial basics and set you up for success, even when you don’t have a teacher. Plus, taking charge of your own journey is empowering, and it gives you the chance to explore topics you want to learn about and feed that hunger for knowledge.

The Learning Center on our website is a great place to start! It’s easy to get around, and you can pick from a wide variety of topics to start digging into. In fact, there are dozens of blogs that give you the blueprint to protect your money and your information. But it doesn’t stop there. Ready to become a homeowner? Learn how now! Looking for tips and tricks about how to maximize your paycheck, save a few bucks and up your financial knowhow? You can do that, too! How about a few ways to work money-savvy practices into your everyday life and passions? We can help.

Our social media outlets, like our Facebook, Instagram and YouTube are also great sources for financial tips and the perfect hubs to find out the latest about Desert Financial. You’ll also learn about the latest scams and how you can defend yourself from them. Plus, get the latest from goal setting to smart spending to debt destroying and more. We’re always here with the resources you need to tackle that next obstacle and reach that next level.

Lean on your people

Sure, discussing money can be uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t be. Money, at its roots, is something everyone can relate to, no matter how many struggles or successes they’ve experienced. That’s why it’s important to rely on your network when it comes to your finances. They can support you, or they may be able to educate you and help you develop brand-new skills.

It can also make you more aware of scams and attempts to steal your data or identity. Have you ever been out with family or a group of friends, and someone mentions that suspicious link they received in a text earlier that morning? Just like that, you’re more aware of a potential scam that could hit your phone next.

Your network also doesn’t end with your immediate family and circle of friends. It extends to your financial institution and into your community. It’s a bonus when your financial institution is invested in the community and has a passion for protecting it. At Desert Financial, we’re proud to have 85 years of experience serving Arizona and providing hands-on help to our members who visit any of our 49 branches. If you’re ever unsure about something, visit us in a branch, or give our fraud department a call at (602) 433-7000, and we’re happy to help you identify any scam attempts.

What’s the next step?

It’s simple! The next step is to practice these behaviors and turn them into habits. Again, it might even happen faster than you think. Always remember, you’re ready for the next attempt to steal your information.

If an offer, a text, an email, a call, a website or any other message or form of communication seems like a scam, chances are that it might be. Trust your gut, and when in doubt, give us a call. We’re always here to help you protect yourself.