Video Post: Banking on Your Phone by Courtney Caudill* (Guest contributor)

CLICK HERE for Consumer Reports video

This video explains that cell phone banking is becoming more popular, and you do not even need a smart phone to do it. Simple phones will allow you to send and receive text messages regarding your account balance. Smart phones will enable you to transfer money, pay bills, and even deposit checks (provided that your bank has a mobile phone app). The video warns that you need to take precautionary measures, such as installing security software on your phone, to ensure that your account information does not get stolen.

Banking through your phone allows you to easily check balances and make transactions literally anywhere. No longer are you tied down to a home computer or forced to make a drive to the nearest branch/ATM just to keep a handle on your finances. Now it is at the tip of your fingers. However, it is extremely important that you are careful when using your cell phone to do banking, because someone could get access to your money and use it without your knowledge. It is far better to play it safe than be sorry later.

Banking is now quicker and easier than ever before. You just have to be very careful when handling such personal information. Try it if you like, and see what it can do for you.

READERS, what do you think?

If you already use your cell phone to do banking, do you like it? Why or why not?

Do the risks associated with banking by phone outweigh the benefits? Why or why not?

 *Courtney Caudill is an undergraduate student with UK Department of Family Sciences

References

Daugherty, G. (2012, October 2). Banking by phone. [Video file]. Consumer Reports. Retrieved from http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/video-hub/money/other-money/banking-by-phone/14037629001/870621001001/

Video Post: Charity Scams Following Hurricane Sandy

Following the unfortunate events of Hurricane Sandy, many good people want to donate money to aid in relief efforts. However, as this video states, many of these generous donors are being scammed. Even before the storm hit the Caribbean and the Northeast United States, con artists began setting up fake charity web sites. Some scammers are even going door-to-door and asking for donations. People are often fooled by the false charity organizations because 70% of Americans do not research charities before they donate.

To make sure that your money goes to help people in need, research all charities before you donate. Do not be tempted by the ease and convenience of donating via Facebook or Twitter. Investigate the charity using the BetterBusinessBureau or other donor review web sites. By doing your research you can be sure that families in need are getting your donations, not a selfish scammer. 

READERS, what do you think?

Why do so many people not research charities before giving?

References

Fitzpatick, D. & Griffin, D. (2012, November 11). Scammers create fake donation websites for Sandy victims. CNN. Retrieved from http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/11/us/superstorm-sandy-charity-scams/index.html?iref=allsearch

Ehling, J. (2012, November 5). Be cautious went donating to Sandy victims. [Video file]. ABC News, Channel 13. Retrieved from http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/consumer&id=8874426

A Few Reasons Why You May Not Be Getting Hired by Neely Grubbs* (Guest author)

Been searching for a job for a while? Have not heard back from any of your potential jobs? It is a terrible feeling when you think you had an amazing interview, but several weeks go by without you hearing anything. In an effort to shed some light on what perspective employers are thinking when they read your resume, here are some things to keep in mind. CNN Money gives us five reasons to why certain employers might not be calling you back:

• Job hopping. Frequent job changes and leaving jobs within a year is likely to disqualify an applicant.
• Outdated skills. Word of advice, do not put skills that are no longer in demand on your resume.  
• Getting fired from a previous job. This looks particularly bad for candidates for new jobs.
• Age. Applicants in their 30s are the most desired. So this means you need to make yourself stand out if you are not in that age group.
•  Long periods of unemployment. Someone who has been out of work for over 6 months is hard to accept. Employers figure that there must be a reason why you have not been hired by someone else yet.

So what does this all mean? Landing a job is not easy, especially if you're right out of school. Keep your resume updated and let the employer know the truth. If your fresh out of college, make sure they know you are serious about wanting this job. List your strengths and specific assets you could bring to their company. If you find yourself out of the job, keep developing your skills and stay active in your career field while searching for a job. This shows that you are a self-starter.

Reach out to friends, relatives, and former colleagues to find out about possible jobs. Get involved with internships, attend conferences and speeches, or go to events. Staying connected and networking is very important to succeeding in your job search.

READERS, what do you think?

Do you think any of these factors are keeping you from finding a job?

 *Neely Grubbs is an undergraduate student with UK Department of Family Sciences

References

Fisher, A. (2012, October 3). Employers not calling you back? 5 reasons why. CNN Money. Retrieved from http://management.fortune.cnn.com/2012/10/03/employers-not-calling-you-back-5-reasons-why/?iid=HP_River

Beware These Common Scams

With the holidays approaching, hackers and scammers will be out in full force trying to get to your (or yours parents') hard earned money. The best way to avoid being the victim of a scam is to know how to identify misleading information and common tricks. Here are some popular scams to be aware of:

Secret Shopper job scam -- You see an online want-ad for secret shoppers. You apply using personal information. The "employer" hires you by phone and asks for your banking information for direct deposit. The "company" steals your money, and you never hear from your new job again.

How  to avoid it: Secret shopper jobs are almost always a scam. Retail companies hire their own shoppers, and do not use internet  ads to do so. Also, be cautious of any company whose headquarters you have never seen.

Facebook friend scam -- You get a Facebook "friend request" from someone you do not know. You guess that it's from an old buddy, so you accept the request. Soon, other friends start getting strange videos and messages from your profile. The mystery "friend" is a hacker who is now able to log into your account.

How to avoid it: Assume all strangers could have a despicable motive, and avoid them online. If you are not sure if you know a person, check with other friends or your parents to confirm his or her identity.

Smishing -- You receive a text message from you bank that says they must "verify your account information," and requests your account number, PIN, or address. Or the scam involves you getting texts from a store like Wal-mart. The text says you have won a gift card, but your information is needed before they send you the prize. If you text back the information they ask for, you may later find that your money or identity have been stolen.

How to avoid it: Banks and stores NEVER contact clients by text. Just delete the texts right away.

Hopefully, this information helps you keep your money safe this holiday season!

READER, what do you think?

Have you heard of other scams? How do they work?

References

 Elliot, C. (2012, February 2). 5 Scams you shouldn't fall for in 2012. Mintlife Blog. Retrieved June 14, 2012, from http://www.mint.com/blog/consumer-iq/5-scams-you-shouldnt-fall-for-in-2012-022012/.

---. (2012, June 14). 5 New scams you need to know about. Mintlife Blog. Retrieved June 14, 2012, from http://www.mint.com/blog/consumer-iq/5-new-scams-you-need-to-know-about-now-062012/.