By the way, Thanks for Sharing Ways to Prevent Problems with online security etc

I love to hear suggestions for handling info with banks and other sensitive info. Asking one's cell phone (Siri etc) to 'set a reminder' about when to cancel something. While most renewals will send a notice a month or more in advance, if one has a lot of email, that can be easy to miss. Meanwhile if able to write such things on a calendar one really looks at or puts the info on a piece of strong paper taped securely to a wall for notices, that might help. Telling a more organized friend or family member about such dates is also a good back up (hired or not.)

 Here's one tip: do not use unsecure channels to communicate sensitive or confidential information (such as your Account Details, Social Security numbers, etc.) to us.  For information about how to protect yourself against identity theft, please refer to the Federal Trade Commission’s website at www.ftc.gov/news-events/media-resources/identity-theft-and-data-security

Even sharing info over the phone can be a problem I've heard. Think about whether it's sensible to use a debit and credit cards (from banks that one can use either way but only need a PIN if using as a debit card, and sometimes it has to be used ten times a month to avoid a fee or something along those lines, or every six months to stay active, same with online banking.)  Something that is only a credit card (without a high limit) or a debit card linked to an account with 1K or less in it is ideal compared to having it linked to one with a lot of funds that could be tapped. 

Double check what paypal and other automatic renewals are approved for on a monthly or longer basis. Of course securing one's phone with a PIN or fingerprint or other special way to open the phone with a security lock is important especially if one can 'pay with one's phone'. There's a way to have one's credit card info linked to one's phone, or Apple Pay...but again important to clarify if the card can be used to make online purchases or be able to 'turn the activation on or off'. Learning to use the Settings of one's phone and asking for help from your bank teller may all be good options.  Having a bank loan or overdraft loan account which one has to apply for can help make ends meet.

Also using Venmo or Zelle to send money or receive funds from family, friends or for business is all helpful to learn about. Setting up an AirBnb account can be handy if needing to travel and look at options. I have found getting a low cost hotel room convenient enough (and had one Air Bnb cancel rather last minute which would have been a problem if I hadn't gotten the notice.) So again, preventing problems by planning ahead and with back up options, rides, funds and more is a good game plan! Hope you can write your own list and Follow It. That's part of my hope with this post for myself...easier said than done but all worthwhile if 'we're learning along the way!"

If buying silent auction items for fundraisers, be sure to get and keep receipts of payment (I am out a few hundred for a summer camp that didn't happen in 2020 due to Covid and the people need me to prove it...another note to self and not sure I'll find what they need on my bank statements, but I'll check, since it was one of a few things I got.) At least I went to the Big Apple Circus with the tix I got and gave two of them away.

A friend bought one so that brought the price down on that investment. I am also supposed to have an event at a nice venue (Mettabee Farm) so have to follow up on that. I also had some concerts from Jeff Folmer lined up and will see if we can work something out! What kinds of gift certificates have you let go by the wayside in the hustle of life? I have some drum lessons to take on patreon.com and need to use my braintime.com (and have a free trial offer on this blog livfulyl.org if you skim thru the titles, for a one month period for the whole household.)