Securing The Money In Your Mason Jar - Tips To Managing Your Passwords

It seems that every other day we are hearing about a security breach or online hacking incident.  Unfortunately, security breaches perpetrated by hackers are a common occurrence nowadays, and to protect yourself we encourage our members to get in the practice of changing your password every so often - just like checking the battery in your smoke detector.  Just because there are bad people that want to steal your information, doesn’t mean that you should stop using technology for your finances.  By following a few simple guidelines when setting your online banking password, you can increase your peace of mind while using online banking.

1.   Keep a strong password!  A strong password is:

·         Is at least eight characters long.

·         Does not contain your user name, real name, or company name.

·         Does not contain a complete word.

·         Is significantly different from previous passwords.

2.   Change your password every 6 months!  To change your username or password in Honor's online banking system, simply log in, select "Info Center" and then select "username" or "password".

3.   Do not make multiple login’s the same password!  For example, if someone figures out your Facebook password, and your Facebook password is also your online banking password, that person is one step closer to accessing your account!  Make your sensitive passwords unique from other websites to better protect the money in your mason jar!

If you have any questions don't hesitate to visit Honor’s Security Center at www.honorcu.com for more information.

Listen to Honor's Scott and 97.5 Y-Country's Wild Bill talk about online security in this Mason Jar Monday episode!

Did you find these online banking tips useful?  Follow Honor Credit Union on twitter @honorcu and let us know using #askhonorcu!

Credit Union Mythbusters - Common Financial Tips

We all have that friend or co-worker or just that guy you met on the street that is full of financial tips.  Many financial tips are repeated so often that you begin to wonder…should I be doing that?  We are taking a closer look at three common financial tips* to determine if they are Myths or True good advice!

• Cut Up Your Credit Cards – MYTH! Some people’s opinions of credit cards is that they are a dirty word and should be cut up to get out and stay out of debt.  Don’t do this!  While abusing credit cards is a no-no, credit cards are WAY more secure than carrying cash, and in the issue of fraud or theft can be dealt with easier and faster to get your life back to normal.  Be responsible with your credit cards, but don’t cut them up!  If you have a hard time controlling your spending when there is a credit card at your fingertips, consider cutting up all but one and asking for a low limit so you can’t overdo it.

• Leave A Buffer In Your Checking – A great idea, but not true for everyone!  To avoid the issue of overdraft fees, it is always a good idea to keep a determined amount sitting in your checking.  However, not everyone can do this.  It’s a great goal to lead up to, but if this doesn’t work for your situation right now, don’t sweat it.  Just keep a good eye on your checking balance and budget to avoid overdrafting that way.

• Skip that latte – MYTH! While it may not be a great idea to choose that morning latte over your electric bill, treating yourself a little bit is alright!  Even if you are on a tight budget and watching your pennies, if you compensate in your budget in some other area and that latte is what really sets your day off on the right foot, then do it!  Once again, just keep an eye on your budget and balance so you can enjoy your morning treat, or whatever your splurge may be, without worrying or feeling guilty about it!

What other common financial tips have you heard that make you think twice?  Let us know on twitter @honorcu using #askhonorcu!

Listen to the Mason Jar Monday episode that aired on 97.5 Y-Country with Wild Bill! 

*Source: http://www.dailyfinance.com/2014/07/28/common-financial-tips-you-should-ignore/#!slide=2774313

The Top Three College Majors That Will Return The Investment

It’s almost that time again…the school year is just around the corner.  As students head off to college either for the first time or to continue work on their degree, many may be still wondering exactly what major is right for them.  Being an obviously high dollar investment, the decision of what to major is a big one.  Thinking long term may help make that decision a little easier.  Here are the top three Bachelor degrees by major that will return the investment*:

1. Engineering – the highest rated return on investment, engineering is estimated to give a 21% return a year.
2. Math & Computers – coming in second, majoring in a study related to math or computers pays out an average 18% per year.
3. Business – perhaps one of the most popular majors based on the wide variety of options that are available with a Business degree, it is no surprise that this degree ranks in the top three with an average 17% return.

If your student is heading off to college this fall, what are they majoring in and where are they headed?  Let us know on twitter @honorcu using #askhonorcu!  We wish them luck! 

Listen to 97.5 Y-Country's Wild Bill and Honor's Scott's conversation about degrees that pay you back in last week's Mason Jar Monday! 

*Source: http://money.cnn.com/2014/06/24/news/economy/college-worth-it/index.html?iid=SF_PF_River