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Life Hacks and Other

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As we step into a new year, now is the perfect time to start fresh-and that includes safeguarding yourself against tax identity theft. Everyone is at risk of falling victim to tax identity theft, and thousands of Americans are impacted by this crime each year. Fraudsters often target taxpayers early in the year, hoping to take advantage of the hustle and bustle of busy tax season preparations.

According to the IRS, tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses your stolen personal information, including your Social Security number (SSN), to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund. A successful scammer can create an online return using your SSN, even if they don’t spell your name right. Once the fraudulent account is established, they can not only use it to file taxes on your behalf and receive your refund but also to receive future payments from the federal government. The criminals are adept at using accounts that funnel money into prepaid debit cards so that it is untraceable and unrecoverable.

Below are a few tips to help you avoid becoming the next victim and help protect yourself against tax-related identity theft.

 Secure Your Personal Information.

Keep your Social Security number (SSN) or individual tax identification number (ITIN) in a secure location. When asked for these numbers, be skeptical and verify that it is a legitimate need. Additionally, keep your home computer security software up to date, and run regular software updates on your connected devices, including the seemingly less risky ones like smartwatches.

 File Your Taxes Early and Securely.

The sooner you submit your tax return, the harder it is for fraudsters to submit a fake one in your name. As soon as you have the necessary documentation, go ahead and take care of this right away. Always file taxes through a reputable service and use a secure internet connection if filing online; avoid transmitting such sensitive information through public Wi-Fi. 

 Monitor Your Financial Statements, Mail, and Email.

Regularly check account statements for any unusual activity. Your first sign of tax identity theft this season will usually be a letter from the IRS after filing your return, informing you that one has already been filed using your SSN. Year-round, expected payments that are not received are another sign to watch for. Also be mindful of any tax reporting documents from employers you never worked with. Rather than ignoring them, follow up to ensure someone else hasn’t stolen your identity and taken a job using your information.

 Communicate with Caution.

Beware of unsolicited emails, phone calls, or text messages asking for personal information, and verify the source before you respond. Remember, the IRS will never initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text, or social media to request personal or financial information, including your taxpayer Identity Protection PIN, nor will they ever threaten with lawsuits or arrest.

Create an Online Account at the IRS Website.

Visit the IRS online account website to create your account now and monitor it regularly. While a lot of personal information is required to create the account, once you have done so, you can monitor your tax activity throughout the year, including if a return has been filed in your name. Through your online IRS account, you can then request an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). Once established, the PIN must be included on your federal tax return in order for it to be processed as valid.

Remember, even with all these precautions, tax-related identity theft can still happen. That’s why Siouxland Federal Credit Union offers Fully Managed Identity Theft Recovery services for account holders with Regular and Elite 55 Checking Accounts. If you suspect your identity has been compromised or you suspect identity theft for any reason, our Identity Theft Recovery Advocates are here to help you recover and mitigate any damage.


As you’re probably already aware, your credit score can impact your financial picture across several categories. Lenders evaluate your score in determining whether you’ll be approved for a loan or credit card, what interest rate they’ll charge, and even whether you’ll be eligible for job or security clearance. If you need to give your credit a boost, we have five suggestions for helping you get back on track. But first: the basics.

What is a Credit Score?
A credit score uses historical information about a person’s past use of credit to calculate the likelihood that they will pay back what they owe on time and in full. Ranging from a low of 300 to a high of 850 (sometimes referred to as “perfect credit”), credit scores are calculated based on payment history, amount owed, length of credit history, types of credit used, and new applications for credit.In general, a score of 660 and above would make a borrower eligible for credit with favorable interest rates. A score below 600 may result in difficulty getting approved for credit and is likely to be subject to high-interest rates.If you don’t know your credit score, you can contact one of the three major credit bureaus; Equifax, Experian or Transunion.
1. Be punctual with payments
Paying your bills on time is the biggest single factor used to calculate your credit score. Late payments, past due accounts, and accounts in collections have a negative impact on your credit. Always aim for consistent, timely payment (even it’s the minimum amount). Punctuality pays off: a positive payment history across 18 months or longer increases the likelihood that you’ll receive more favorable loan terms from lenders.If you’re falling behind, be proactive in your financial planning. Create a realistic monthly budget that accounts for bills and everyday expenses like gas and groceries. Struggling to keep track of multiple bills? Consider automation. Automated payments can minimize late fees. If you know you will miss a due date, call your credit card company or lender. They may be able to help by moving your due date out.
2. Pay down your debt
How much you owe is another big factor when it comes to credit score calculation. If you have a large amount of debt or are carrying balances on credit accounts for extended periods of time, it can negatively affect your score.Make it a goal to pay down your debt. Take inventory of any categories where you can reduce non-essential spending so that you pay a little extra on your credit accounts. A credit counselor can walk you through different options for dealing with debt and may be able to help you pay it off more quickly.
3. Don’t max out your credit limit
The amount of credit you use (also called credit utilization) also affects your score. Our financial counselors suggest using less than 30 to 40% of your available credit. Spending above that threshold or carrying high balances relative to your credit limit will cause your score to fall. If you are using more of your credit limit than you would like, consider making adjustments in your budget and spending choices to reduce your overall reliance on credit.Keep in mind that regularly utilizing small amounts of credit (and paying it off) will increase your score. People without established credit history typically receive lower credit scores.
4. Maintain good habits
Your credit score is built on patterns over time, with an emphasis on more recent activity. Improving credit and rebuilding a credit score that has fallen will take some patience, but it can be done! Credit scores can and do change. A history of timely payments and accounts that you have held for five years or longer have a positive effect on your credit score. Quickly opening multiple accounts, carrying high balances for a sustained period, or even closing unused accounts have a negative effect on your score. Events like foreclosure and bankruptcy, while they serve an important purpose for those with severe debt, have a significant and lengthy impact on your credit score. (We are not lawyers, and this is not legal advice. If you are considering one of these options, we encourage you to consult a legal professional and to investigate other alternatives as well.)
5. Chat with a credit counselor
While talking to a credit counselor won’t have a direct effect on your credit score, you can gain valuable insight and information. We will work with you to understand your financial situation, explore different options, and make a personalized plan. We can help you review and understand your credit report. If debt is preventing you from making progress, we can help you explore debt management plans and other options that can accelerate your path forward.

In today's digital age, safeguarding your personal and financial information is more crucial than ever. As your trusted financial advisor, Siouxland Federal Credit Union is committed to providing you with the tools and knowledge needed to help protect your accounts. One of the most effective ways to enhance the security of your accounts - financial and non-financial - is to follow and maintain healthy password habits. Below are a few tips that can help you secure your accounts and help protect your personal information.

1. Create Strong and Unique Passwords

A strong password is your first line of defense against cyber threats. Here are some tips for creating a robust password:

  • Length Matters:Aim for at least 12 characters. Longer passwords can be harder to crack.
  • Mix It Up:Use a combination of upper-case and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters.
  • Avoid Common Words:Steer clear of easily guessable words and phrases like "password," "123456," “Aa123456”, "qwerty" or any combination of these. Other common passwords include “admin”, “P@ssw0rd” and all ones or all zeros.
  • Unique to Each Account:Use different passwords for different accounts. This way, if one password is compromised, your other accounts remain secure.
2. Use a Password Manager

Remembering multiple complex passwords can be challenging. A password manager can help you store and manage your passwords securely. These tools can generate strong passwords for you and automatically populate them when needed so that you don't have to remember each one. Remember to do your homework before you trust a third-party password manager application.

3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-Factor Authentication, sometimes referred to as Two-Factor Authentication or 2FA, adds an extra layer of security by requiring two or more verification methods to access your account. This could be something you know (password), in combination with something you have (a smartphone or security token), or something you are (fingerprint or facial recognition). Enabling MFA can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your account by validating your identity through more than one authentication method when you log in.

4. Regularly Update Your Passwords

Changing your passwords periodically is a good security practice. Aim to update your passwords every three to six months. Regular updates can help protect your accounts from the impact of data breaches, if your username and password are ever compromised. If you receive a notification that your information could have been compromised, that’s also a good reminder to update your passwords.

5. Be Wary of Phishing Scams

Phishing scams are fraudulent attempts to obtain your personal information by pretending to be a trustworthy entity. Be cautious of emails, messages, or websites that ask for your password or other sensitive information. Always verify the source before providing any details. By staying aware, you can avoid unwittingly providing your password (and access to your accounts) to scammers or identity thieves.

At Siouxland Federal Credit Union, your security is our top priority. By following these tips and creating healthy password habits, you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your accounts. While cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, remember that a strong password is your first line of defense. Stay vigilant and proactive in protecting your personal and financial information.

Remember that regularly checking your account activity can help you spot any unusual transactions or unauthorized access early. If you notice anything suspicious, contact us. Theft Recovery Advocate who can work with you one-on-one to identify and resolve identity theft or fraud and return your identity and your accounts to pre-event status.

For more information and resources on online security, please visit our website or contact our customer service team. We're here to help you stay safe and secure.

Stay secure, 



You might be reluctant to make upgrades when you’re ready to sell your house. After all, you won’t be in the house to enjoy them for long. But did you know that most projects recoup an average of 60% of their costs, according to the 2023 cost versus value report from Reporting magazine. 

But complacency can mean your house stays on the market for months—time that costs you money. That’s why these seven updates that rank high on buyers’ wish lists, from the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) "What Home Buyers Really Want" report, are worth considering:

  1. Laundry room. 63 % of buyers prefer the washer and dryer on the first floor.
  2. Energy-saving features. Not surprisingly, many home buyers are concerned about the environment as well as saving money. They look for Energy Star-rated appliances, ceiling fans, programmable thermostats, and energy efficient windows.
  3. Roomy garage. Many buyers want garage space that’s accessible, big enough for two cars, and has cabinets and shelving to keep things organized.
  4. Open-concept kitchen and dining room. About 85% of respondents said they prefer these areas to be completely or partially open.
  5. Walk-in pantry. Many are looking for pantries with built-in organization systems to keep food and preparation items out of sight. It’s a bonus if your pantry doubles as a broom closet.
  6. Smart-home features. Buyers are looking for a wireless home security system, video doorbells, and security cameras.

Home improvements can be a great way to increase the value of your home but keep this list in mind, so you spend your money on the right renovations.


As summer hits its stride, the idea of financially preparing for the holidays might feel like overkill. 

July is an ideal month to assess your financial picture and make mid-year adjustments that will help you cruise into the holiday months with fewer concerns.  To make planning easier, here is a seven-item checklist you can use as your guide: 

1.  Review Your Budget

With a customizable budgeting worksheet or free app, identify areas where you may be overspending and eliminate costs or comparison shop if possible. Budgeting isn’t about guilt, rather it is a way to ensure you’re saving a little each month – ideally 10% of your income. Less still counts.

2.  Automate Savings

July is an ideal month to assess your financial picture and make mid-year adjustments that will help you cruise into the holiday months with fewer concerns. To make planning easier, here is a seven- item checklist you can use as your guide:

allocating savings so that when peak holiday spending season comes around, you’ve avoided (or at least minimized) high interest credit card balances that can put a damper on the season and coming year. Look into opening a holiday-specific savings account at your financial institution and start saving now.

3.  Strategize Debt Repayment

Review the balances and interest rates of your credit cards, loans, and other debts. Tackle high-interest payments first (so you’re able to put more toward principal in the long run).  

4.  Check Your Credit Report

Request a free copy of your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com. Review the report for any inaccuracies or signs of identity theft. Dispute any errors you find, which could be a contributing factor to a lower score.

5.  Revisit Investments

If you have any investment accounts, assess whether your allocations still align with your long- term goals and risk tolerance. Market conditions often change, and your investment strategy should account for these fluctuations.

6.  Maximize Retirement Contributions

If you have a retirement account, check your contributions, and see if you have any room in your budget to increase them. This especially applies if your employer offers matching contributions, as it’s essentially free money. The sooner you invest, the more time your money has to grow.

7.  Review Insurance Policies

Ensure that your health, auto, home, and life insurance policies still meet your needs. Life changes such as marriage, the birth of a child, or significant purchases might necessitate  adjustments to your coverage or comparison shopping for more favorable rates.