Dr. Rippe's Blog

When economic times are tough, the crooks and con artists step up their attempts to steal your financial information and then your money. Their favorite means of attack? Online through your computer. But you can do a lot to protect yourself. First, you need to recognize the general types of attack. Second, you need to take steps to protect your computer.

Three popular types of online attack are malware, phishing, and email scams. 

• Malware is software that has a malicious intent; these include spyware, viruses and keystroke loggers (these log all your keystrokes including account passwords). Cybercrooks get these onto your computer through enticing websites, pop-up messages (one says "dangerous spyware detected on your computer"--when you click, it downloads some), downloads (as with a games from many sources) and email.
• Phishing tries to get your info primarily through emails or pop-up messages. It may appear to come from your bank or financial institution and typically asks you to click on a link.  Never click on links in such emails. Financial institutions never use this way to communicate with customers because of the dangers. If you don't know who sent the email (or even if you do but it looks suspicious), don't click.
• Email scams include bogus product offers, pleas to help folks get money out of some foreign country (or realize sweepstake winnings) and the like.

What can you do to protect yourself and your children?  First, install and keep up-to-date security software for your computer. Also keep your operating system up-to-date. Don't click on links embedded in emails, particularly from unknown sources. Same goes for opening attachments. Download programs only from trusted sources. You can learn lots more at www.OnGuardOnline.gov-- a site sponsored by the federal goverment and the technology industry.

The last additional stress you need is trying to recover stolen money or restore messed up accounts. So take pre-emptive action and ramp up your online security soon for greater peace of mind.

Who isn't worried about saving money on daily expenses in today's tough economic climate? The good news is that using the tools on this site to help you design and achieve a personal plan for a balanced life can also help you keep your budget in balance.

• Planning menus by the week can help you save money on food. Research has shown that planning meals/menus ahead of time and shopping weekly from a grocery list for those meals helps families save money. The types of dishes you choose for those menus can also help your achieve goals for more balanced nutrition while saving money. On the Eat Well section of SMC this month you'll find "Comfort food for a price within your comfort zone."  And the Tasty on a Budget section has more recipes that you'll enjoy.
• Planning ahead makes taking lunch to work easier. And taking your lunch rather than eating out really cuts down the cost.  Help meet your nutrition goals by including fruit and vegetables with a sandwich on whole grain bread or a salad that includes vegetables and whole grain pasta, for example.
• Adding regular physical activity need not cost you a dime.  Finding time for a brisk walk each day not only helps you build aerobic fitness but it helps you cope with stress. Walk with a buddy for even more enjoyment.  If you haven't put the Balanced Walking Plan to use, now's the time to start. Getting out on beautiful spring days is a greater motivator.
• Spending more time with family and friends can improve how you feel. Taking a little more time with family and friends can boost your enjoyment of life and relieve stress. A potluck dinner or cookout can be fun and economical for everyone.

Adopting these strategies for a more balanced life can also help you stretch your budget.

Our nation's larger economic woes have come home to lots of individuals and families. Many are trying to cope with job loss or the threat of job loss or cutback in hours, with the decrease in home value, and other major problems. Any or all of these worries can make you feel squeezed by stress just as if you were caught in a huge vise. As you are working to solve your family's financial issues, adopting several strategies may help.

• Talk to each other. Research shows that lack of communication, both in general and specifically about money, can be one of the greatest problems in marriage or important relationships. Sitting down in a calm environment with your spouse and together sharing your individual concerns openly, and without being defensive or angry, can be a good first step to finding the support you both need to cope and go forward. As appropriate, then involve your children in discussing and understanding the circumstances and problems.
• Don't neglect physical activity. Getting in a brisk walk or doing other physical activity everyday can help you cope with the mental and physical stress money worries bring.
• Continue eating in a balanced way. Enjoying a little comfort food when you're down is okay. But eating too much or too many foods full of empty calories won't help you deal with your problems. It will just add another--increasing weight.  So think balance in eating and plan tasty meals and snacks that fuel your body for health.
• Find the support you need. For example, if debts are mounting, it may be time to talk to a reputable credit counseling service. Avoid pie-in-the-sky advertisements and check with your credit union, bank or Better Business Bureau for a recommendation for your community. If you are seeking employment, participating in job networks or support groups may be helpful. A number of social service and faith organizations sponsor such groups; most cost nothing to join.

As you can see, these strategies won't solve your financial worries but they may help you find the strength and support you need to succeed.