Netspend Blog

Being scammed can feel like having your home invaded. Your sense of trust is broken, and you become determined not to let it happen again. If you've been a victim of a scam, you may not be able to turn back time, but you can use it as an opportunity to learn some valuable lessons. Here are a few examples of what you can do to prevent being scammed in the future.

Can’t get a checking or savings account? You might be in the ChexSystems or Early Warning Services databases which are used by banks to determine whether to let you open a savings or checking account. These are two of the primary Bank Account Screening Consumer Reporting Agencies.

January is the month almost everyone says, “Oops.” That’s when the bills from your holiday spending arrive.

Identity theft is common. So common, in fact, that according to a poll, 60 million Americans were affected in 2018. To fraudsters, data is a valuable commodity, and your risk of exposure happens every time you connect. In addition to more victims having to pay out of pocket for their losses, a significant number of people do not yet use a more secure internet connection. For example, according to VPN Mentor, only 16% of Americans used VPNs (Virtual Privacy Networks) when connected to the internet, and that’s giving identity thieves precisely the breach they need to access lucrative information. To state it simply, VPNs can keep you safer when connected to networks that aren't your own, like public Wi-Fi.

If you've decided that it's time to work on setting goals that will help you achieve more financial balance and financial security, you deserve a hearty pat on the back. It's time to take more control of your finances and start dictating more of your future, but before you're off to the races, take the time to understand what constitutes a reasonable goal that will yield the results you want. Here are five mistakes you should avoid when setting financial goals.

“Small business” means different things to different people. It may be a side business or side hustle that grew out of a passion or hobby. Some people make crafts or do consulting work for extra income, but also have a full-time job.

Everyone wants to be able to enjoy financial peace of mind, but achieving that goal can be difficult, especially when it seems like there is always a new financial fire to be put out. A medical bill or unexpected car repair can be enough to put you behind and make achieving financial stability seem like a dream. The key is to set certain goals and continue to work toward them even in the face of setbacks. The big questions then become: what goals should be on your list and how should they be prioritized?