Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/77424
Always shop around for the best interest rate; there are many places, especially online, that offer attractive deals whether you are saving or borrowing. 6. KNOW THE DANGERS OF ATMS Crimes involving users of ATMs are growing nationwide. When you use your ATM, it's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your money. Keep yourself aware of persons around you and make sure you shield your PIN number when you're typing it in. Once you've made a withdrawal, put your money safely away before you walk to your car, and double check to make sure you have your card with you. 7. SHOP INTEREST RATES When you need a loan, it's only natural to look first to the bank where you do your regular banking, but you shouldn't stop there. The banking industry has become very competitive in these difficult times. The result is a wide variance in such things as interest rates on loans. Always shop around for the best interest rate; there are many places, especially online, that offer attractive deals whether you are saving or borrowing. 8. CHOOSE PAPER You've probably noticed those inviting suggestions from your bank that you opt out of receiving paper statements each month. It's a good idea for the bank because it saves them money, but it may not be a good idea for you. It may be much easier to spot irregularities when you examine your paper statement each month than it would be on a web page. Even if your bank charges you a few cents for paper statements, you should not opt out unless online banking works best for you. Make sure those paper statements are kept in a secure place in your home. 9. BE ALERT FOR PHISHING EMAILS Every day, scammers send millions of authentic-looking emails asking recipients to provide sensitive, personal information. On the pretext of being from a legitimate company or bank, the message will often instruct recipients to click on a link that sends them to a fake website. These fraudulent sites will ask for information such as name, address, phone number, date of birth, Social Security number, and bank or credit card account numbers. Never provide such personal information in response to an email, no matter how authentic it may look. Legitimate companies and banks will never ask you to provide that kind of critically important information in response to an email. 10. KNOW YOUR BRANCH MANAGER If you want to be sure you're getting the most favorable treatment from your bank, it's important to establish a personal relationship. Don't hesitate to ask for a meeting with your local branch manager to introduce yourself. Tell the manager a little about yourself and your practice. When it comes to straightening out a problem or asking for a loan or other help, there's no substitute for being personally acquainted with the powers that be. Besides, the staff might be potential clients, or perhaps the branch would like a chair massage day for customers. Banking is a tricky business these days. As a business professional, you need to keep yourself up-to- date on the best banking practices. Following these suggestions will give you a head start on maximizing your financial potential. background in management consulting, marketing, and finance. He's written more than 900 articles appearing in a wide range of consumer magazines, trade publications, and newspapers in 17 countries. Contact him at lynott@verizon.net. William J. Lynott has an extensive earn CE hours at your convenience: ABMP's Online Education Center, www.abmp.com 79