Sending a handwritten, personal note is one of the easiest ways to make a person’s day! But figuring out what to write — well, that’s a bit more difficult. When you want your message to be personal and heartfelt, but you can’t seem to get the right words to flow from your pen, take a quick look at the information below. We’ve provided a few sample messages and explained the formula that makes these notes so effective. Get ideas on what to say and how to say it, plus tips for making the note even more beautiful. Your relationships will love reading what you have to say!

When was the last time you gave someone a small gift or helped somebody out in some way? Not only did that action probably make the recipient smile ear-to-ear, but I bet it also felt pretty great for you too! That’s because giving to others is much more powerful than you may think.  
 
This month, we’re focusing on the power that giving holds. You’ll learn the science behind why giving feels so great and how exactly it affects your health and well-being. Additionally, you’ll find easy ways to start giving back through various apps and activities that can get your friends involved, too. We’ll also share five things to give away that won’t cost a dime but will surely make someone’s day! 
 
With Thanksgiving in the air, giving back to others is more important than ever right now. We hope you’ll take full advantage of the giving spirit this time of year. Have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving! 

Holiday shopping can get exhausting — even during a normal year! The earlier you start, the easier it is to check everyone off your list without having to scramble the day before a gift exchange. And while the situation this year has changed a lot about the way we shop in-person, you can still get your friends and family a heartfelt gift from other sources!
 
The information we're sending this month includes tips on how to shift your gift strategy while avoiding the shopping crowds. From customizable gift boxes to subscription kits to charitable donations, you will find several unique gift-giving options that include something for every interest and age group. We're also sharing a few tips for the perfect gifting strategy that keeps you on time and on budget!
 
The sooner you start your gifting process, the less stressed you will be once the holidays really kick into high gear. And remember, no matter how you end up giving to your friends and family this year, it’s the thought that counts!

​Recovering from identity theft can be tough. There are easy steps you can take each day to keep your identity safe and secure. The information below outlines a few best practices to help keep your personal information from falling into the wrong hands in-person or online. You’ll also find some trusted credit monitoring services if you want some back-up security. We hope this information helps you avoid identity theft and find more peace-of-mind in your daily life!

Studies show that unwanted sales calls, robocalls and outright scam calls are on the rise. Between the extended tax season and COVID-19 pandemic, scammers had many reasons to call this year, and they’re not stopping yet. So how can you tell which calls are legitimate, and which ones are better off sent straight to voicemail or even blocked?

To help you spot these phony calls, we compiled a few tips, so you’ll never have to fall victim to scammers or illegal sales tactics. The information we're sending this month contains common types of phone scams and offers best practices for handling calls that look like they are from your bank or another local number but may actually be scammers. You’ll learn where to report illegal scams and robocalls and what Apps you can get to block pesky spam calls.

These tips will help you protect your personal information and give you one less thing to stress about in 2020. As always, if we can assist you or your family in any way to protect you from these common scams, we're here for you!

​If you’ve already spruced up your curb appeal, perhaps you’re ready to tackle some projects inside the home! Spending so much time at home during the past several months probably has you dreaming up a few improvements for your space — the information below contains innovative, easy-to-use apps that help you plan the perfect renovation! Learn where to get inspiration, how to start your planning and a few tools to use as you start your projects. You don’t have to take on a home renovation alone, either! We know a great contractor who can make your renovation dreams a reality in a healthy and safe manner. Just give us a call! 

It goes without saying that deep down, every homeowner aspires to have the most beautiful property on the block! Your home is your little piece of the neighborhood, so of course you want it to turn some heads. Now is the perfect time to make your home stand out!

Take advantage of the warm late-summer weather and spruce up your home’s exterior to make it shine. The information I’m sending this month offers simple ways to make your front yard pop. You’ll also get step-by-step instructions on how to create the most beautiful garden in town and what plants will thrive during the fall. All of these small changes will do wonders for your curb appeal and even improve your home’s value should you decide to sell this year or next.

It may be August but there’s no need to curb your enthusiasm when it comes to boosting curb appeal! Beautifying your home will benefit you and your neighbors year-round. If you start to think about selling, give us a call — we're happy to walk you through the process in a way that’s safe and healthy!

When peer-to-peer payment (P2P) apps and mobile wallets make it so easy to spend cash in a flash, it’s good to have a roadmap you can follow to stay on top of your expenses. This information provides some strategies to help you account for cashless means of spending in your budget. Get tips on how to spend responsibly when it comes to P2P apps and other contactless methods of payment. Plus, check out a few great budgeting apps to keep you on track along the way. So whenever you tap your phone or card to pay, you’ll know exactly how that fits into your budget — even if it didn’t actually feel like spending!

As we come through the impact of COVID-19, contactless forms of payment have become more common over the past several months and, going forward, will be important in everyday life. Contactless payment tech is easy to use and healthier than exchanging cash, making it an attractive option for consumers looking for safety and convenience at the grocery store, takeout counter or in some cases, the gas pump.
 
As this technology continues to catch on in your community, and across the world, we wanted to send you a quick guide to how it all works. The information we are sending this month explains the various forms of contactless payment and where you can use it, plus some security tips for paying with your phone. You’ll learn more about popular peer-to-peer payment apps that allow you to pay someone back without handing off cash.
 
Our society isn’t going totally cashless anytime soon, but contactless payment is proving to be a secure, cleaner option at the checkout counter. Hope this helps you out next time you’re on a grocery run!