Cyberscammers Confess: Their 20 Top Tricks, Cons, and Schemes to Hack Your Internet Security
Serge Bloch for Reader’s Digest
1. We send incredibly personal e‑mails.
Spear phishing, the act of sending targeted e-mails to get you to share financial information or passwords, can be exceptionally sophisticated. “The old-style ones had spelling and punctuation errors, but today, it has really become an art,” says Mark Pollitt, PhD, former chief of the FBI’s computer forensic unit. “They may call you by name, use your professional title, and mention a project you’re working on.”
Outsmart us: Spot phishing e-mails by looking for incorrect or unusual URLs (hover over links to see the actual URL address), requests for personal information or money, suspicious attachments, or a message body that’s actually an image. Unless you’re 100 percent confident that a message is from someone you know, don’t open attachments or click links.
2. We’ve got all the time in the world.
Hackers have programs that systematically test millions of possible passwords. “They go to sleep and wake up in the morning, and the program is still going, testing one password combination after another,” says Peter Fellini, a security engineer with Zensar Technologies, an IT and software services firm.
Outsmart us: Instead of a password, try a passphrase. Use letters and characters from a phrase and include special characters, numbers, and upper- and lowercase letters (Mary had a little lamb could become [email protected], for example). Or consider a password manager that generates and remembers random, difficult-to-crack passwords. (Even then, some experts recommend unique passphrases for financial accounts in case the password manager gets hacked.)
3. We sneak while you surf.
A growing number of cyberattacks are arriving via “drive-by download,” says Giovanni Vigna, PhD, a computer science professor at the University of California at Santa Barbara and cofounder of anti-malware provider Lastline Inc. “You visit what looks like a perfectly harmless website,” he says, “but in the background, you are redirected to a series of other sites that send you an attack.” Often even the website’s owner doesn’t know the site has been compromised. Although search engines keep blacklists of known malicious sites, the bad sites are continuously changing.
Outsmart us: Make sure you install all available updates to your browser, or use a browser that automatically updates, like Firefox. Vigna’s research has found that Internet Explorer users are most vulnerable to these attacks.
4. We can infiltrate your baby monitor or smart TV.
Remember, your smart device is essentially a computer—and chances are, it’s not a particularly secure one. Anything in your house that’s connected to the Internet, from your smart fridge to your climate-control system, can be hacked. In several recent incidents, hackers were able to hijack a baby monitor and yell at a baby. Experts have also shown how hackers can turn on a smart TV’s camera and spy on you.
Outsmart us: When setting up smart devices, always change the default password. Most of these devices work from your wireless router, so password protecting your Wi-Fi can also help. Keep up with firmware updates; many devices will inform you when there’s an update available. Otherwise, look for an Update Firmware option in the main menu or settings.
5. We eavesdrop on free public Wi-Fi networks.
Even if you’re connected to a legitimate public network, a “man-in-the-middle” attack can allow hackers to snoop on the session between your computer and the hot spot.
Outsmart us: Avoid public Wi-Fi if possible, especially unsecured networks without passwords, advise security experts at MetLife Defender, a personal data protection program. Instead, set up your smartphone as a secure hot spot or sign up for a VPN (virtual private network) service. If you must use public Wi-Fi, avoid financial transactions and consider using a browser extension like HTTPS Everywhere to encrypt your communications.
Serge Bloch for Reader’s Digest
6. We lure you with “shocking” videos on Facebook.
A friend just posted a video of an “unbelievable animal found in Africa.” If you click to watch, you’re asked to download a media player or take a survey that will install malware on your computer, says Tyler Reguly, manager of security research at the cybersecurity firm Tripwire. It also shares the video with all your friends.
Outsmart us: Type the video’s title into Google and see if it’s on YouTube. If it’s a scam, someone has probably already reported it.
7. We take advantage of your typos.
Fake sites with slightly altered URLs like micrososft.com or chse.com look surprisingly similar to the real site you meant to visit, but they’re designed to steal your data or install malware on your computer.
Outsmart us: Double-check the site’s address before logging in with your name and password, especially if the home page looks different. Check for https in the address before typing in your credit card information.
8. We crack your password on “easy” sites.
A 2014 study found that about half of us use the same password for multiple websites, making a cybercrook’s job easy. “A hacker will break into a soft target like a hiking forum, get your e-mail address and password, and then go to your e-mail account and try to log in with same password,” says Marc Maiffret, chief technology officer at BeyondTrust, a security and compliance management company. “If that works, they’ll look to see if you have any e-mails from a bank. Then they’ll go to your bank account and try that same password.”
Outsmart us: Use two-factor authentication, a simple feature that requires more than just your username and password for you to log on. In addition to your password, for example, a site may require you to enter a randomly generated code sent to your smartphone to log in. Many companies—including Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Apple, and most major banks—now offer some form of this safeguard. (For a list of companies that offer it, visit twofactorauth.org and click Docs under your provider to learn how to set it up.)
9. We love your Bluetooth headset.
If you leave the Bluetooth function enabled after using a hands-free headset, hackers can easily connect to your phone, manipulate it, and steal your data.
Outsmart us: Always turn Bluetooth off after you use it. Set your visibility to “off” or “not discoverable,” and require a security code when you pair with another Bluetooth device.
10. We can easily break into routers that use WEP encryption.
Many older routers still rely on a type of encryption called WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), which can easily be cracked with a widely available software program that anyone can download.
Outsmart us: Make sure your router uses WPA2 (Wi‑Fi Protected Access 2), the most secure type of encryption, or at least WPA. Click your computer’s wireless network icon to check the security type. If your router doesn’t give you one of those choices, call your router manufacturer to see if you need to do a firmware update—otherwise, plan to get a new router. Don’t forget to change your preset Wi-Fi password, since any good hacker knows the default passwords for all major routers.
iStock/Thinkstock
11. We impersonate trustworthy companies.
You may get a fake financial warning from your bank or credit card company, order confirmation from a retailer, or social networking invitation.
Outsmart us: Remember, most companies never ask you outright for your account information. You can sometimes spot this type of scam by hovering over the address in the From field or by hitting Reply All and looking for misspellings or strange addresses. Also, check to see that the e-mail was sent to you and only you. If you’re not sure it’s legit, call the company instead.
12. We debit tiny amounts—at first.
Cyberthieves may test-drive a stolen card number by running a small charge under $10 to see if anyone notices.
Outsmart us: Check your transactions online regularly—even daily. If you spot a charge you don’t recognize, report it immediately to your card issuer.
13. We hacked that ATM you just withdrew cash from.
Crooks install cleverly disguised “skimmers” to steal your card information, while a hidden camera or a thin skin over the keypad captures your PIN.
Outsmart us: Try to use ATMs inside banks, where it’s tougher for criminals to install these devices, and inspect the machine carefully before you use it. “Whenever I use an ATM, I give the area where you insert the card a little tug to make sure it’s secure and is really a part of the machine,” Fellini says.
14. We count on your downloading our free, fake versions of popular apps.
These apps steal confidential information or bypass your phone’s security settings and subscribe you to premium services. “You choose the free version of a game, it asks for all sorts of access, and you say ‘yes, yes, yes’ to all the permissions,” Vigna says. “The next thing you know, it’s sending premium SMS text messages and stealing your money.”
Outsmart us: Before installing an app, check the ratings and number of people who have installed it—hackers can fake positive ratings, but they can’t stop other posters from warning that the app is a trick. Most fake apps have to be downloaded straight from a website, so make sure you always download from an official market like Google Play or Apple’s App Store.
15. We love that you always leave Wi-Fi on.
Though it’s convenient to leave Wi-Fi turned on while traveling with your laptop, tablet, or smartphone, your device will constantly try to connect to known networks. Attackers can identify those and set up rogue networks that impersonate them.
Outsmart us: Get in the habit of turning off your Wi-Fi every time you leave your home.
16. We fool you with bogus software updates.
You know you’re supposed to update your software to protect it, but hackers may send you fake updates that actually install malicious backdoor programs on your computer.
Outsmart us: If you get a pop-up message about an update, go to the software provider’s actual website and check to see if it’s real. You can also try closing your browser to see if the pop-up disappears—if it does, it may be a fake.
17. We can crack supposedly safe retailers.
Experts say big brands will continue getting hacked until retailers can better protect their data. Hackers sell your information on the black market, and other criminals then use it to make counterfeit cards that can be used for shopping.
Outsmart us: Don’t save your financial information when you shop online—check out as a “guest” when you can. If you fall prey to an attack, ask your bank to issue you a new credit card, take advantage of any credit monitoring that’s offered, and scrutinize your statements.
SAFETY IN REAL LIFE: Readers who recovered from or prevented a cybercrime share their advice
18. Try not to apply for credit cards online. Credit card companies require your Social Security number. Once you put that out there, it’s out there forever. —Christine Mumper, via e-mail
19. Avoid debit cards—they allow hackers much easier access to bank accounts than credit cards do. Also, when logging in to an online account, never check the box that says “Remember me.” It takes only a couple of seconds to type in your username and password each time, and you don’t want that information “remembered.” —Rick Kane, Collettsville, North Carolina
20. Consider freezing your credit with the three credit bureaus and simply thawing your file when you need to open a new account. Keep the passwords you need to thaw the account in a safe place. This is free or inexpensive in most states. —Frank Coulman, via e‑mail
A cybersecurity expert from MetLife Defender helped review and select the best reader tips.
9 Simple Tips To Protecting Yourself and Your Business Online
The recent headlines about Target, Neiman Marcus, and Snapchat's security breaches in the past few months make it clear that data security is a real-time, everyday issue. At the Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network event in Austin, TX in early June, Verna Grayce Chao, Director of Global Security Solutions Marketing at Dell, noted that 73% of organizations globally have experienced a security breach in the last twelve months. With a statistic like that, how can we feel protected on the Internet?
There is a lot of discrepancy over whether certain computer systems are less likely to be protected, but the truth is no one is 100% safe from potential hackers or malware – PC, Mac or Linux included. The repercussions of a potential breach can range in severity. Best-case scenario is spending extra money and dealing with the discomfort of several days without a computer. Worst-case scenario is identity theft and the potential of losing all personal data on the computer.
A good example of a typical breach is the recent mistake made by a teenager while testing out HTML within TweetDeck from his Twitter account. By coding a message that hit the vulnerability in the system, the 19-year-old Austrian impacted accounts like the BBC News, a senior official of The White House, and even my own personal twitter account.
In a matter of seconds, the simple message had hacked 40,000 people’s accounts and forced them to automatically retweet the message. Imagine what the consequences of something like that would have been if it hadn’t been done with innocent intentions.
GO-Gulf estimates that there are over 556 million cyber crime victims every year and Dr. Gerald M. Santoro of Penn State University estimates in his presentation on protecting privacy online that 40% of those cyber attacks are motivated by theft. While big business firms employ data security and technology teams to protect themselves against the “invisible criminals” of the web, smaller businesses do not have the capacity to meet that need. Instead, there are simple measures that small business owners can take that will best protect themselves from a breach.
In order to prepare your Internet life accordingly, take note of these easy and inexpensive tips that are often forgotten by small businesses and family Internet users. If utilized correctly, they can help protect you from being a part of the statistic.
Passwords
The largest issue with security breaches today is the cross-application password access that potential hackers can have when consumers use similar passwords, inter-locking accounts via Facebook sign up or easy password reminders. To counteract this potential mistake, remember to always make a complex password and create a secondary account for administrator access to further protect your computer.
Also, if there are security questions that correlate with the site, go against the grain and lie about the information that you provide. The Internet houses too much information and allows potential identity thieves to easily Google information and find grandparent’s names, cities of birth, and favorite first grade teachers that usually answer those questions. Remember, just because you can’t find it doesn’t mean it isn’t out there.
Software and Updates
50% of cyber attacks involve malware. Get good antivirus software, keep it current and run it regularly. Additionally, ensure that the operating system and applications on your computer are updated to the latest versions. While annoying, most of the times companies send updates because they have fixed vulnerabilities. It isn’t just about new features or design.
Most people do not think about malware on their smartphone devices, but it is becoming more and more of an issue. Always be sure you have the most up-to-date versions of the OS, applications, and browsers on all mobile devices as well.
Beware of Hyperlinks
If a hyperlink appears in an email, be sure to verify that the destination URL connects to a legitimate site that you intentionally want to visit. You can copy/paste the hyperlink into a text file to verify the URL. It is easy to receive emails from “friends” with links to malware. Always send a separate email to your friend to confirm with them about the message if the address appears questionable.
Encryption
Use encryption for important files, but remember that it can raise red flags if used in in an email.
Protect your Wi-Fi
Protect your home Wi-Fi network. Many home users set up their Wi-Fi with the default settings established when the router was initially set. While it works, the router could easily be opened to the surrounding area for potential hackers.
WPA2 or WPA are the two best options for Wi-Fi security on your router, with WPA2 being the more secure method. It may not stop determined hackers, but it will stop local creeps.
Also, protect your computer when on Wi-Fi in a public location. Use a virtual private network application (VPN) when using a public hotspot to mask passwords, and any other information used. According to Dell SecureWorks, utilize two-factor authentication whenever possible for an extra level of protection when accessing sites. If that isn’t accessible, use a secure browsing site so that your IP address is masked. Try looking into Tor or MaskMe.
Delete Your History
Delete your web browsing history frequently and make sure cookies are included in the deletion. By deleting your history and cookies, it allows for specific ties to sites and potential remembered passwords to be forgotten on the web – further protecting you.
Protect Public Accounts
Identity thieves can easily use a birth date and place of birth provided on accounts to calculate someone’s social security number. Try to mask the early details of your life on public accounts such as Twitter and Facebook in order to protect yourself from potential fraudulent issues.
Be Wary of Social Hackers
People trust their online friends to actually be the same people they meet in the physical world. This isn’t always the case and a majority of theft occurs when personal information is provided willingly to unreliable sources. If you click through a harmful link or provide information to a scam, it is already too late to protect your identity. In the past, this was done through the phone, but now social media sites have amplified criminal reach. If you are educated in Internet safety, please allow others to ask questions and test sites to ensure they do not fall victim. It is such an issue with Senior Citizens online that the State of New Hampshire sent out a cybersecurity tips newsletter highlighting ways to protect them.
Hard Drives
Lastly, always back up all of your important information on an external hard drive or server. This could save time and effort if a computer needs to be cleared or loses all of its previous information.
Internet security is a big threat that should not be taken lightly. Through these small steps, we can all create a strong foundation to protect our identity and the data on our computers together.
Want to Be More Financially Savvy This Year? Here are 100 of the Best Budget Tips for 2020
Maybe you’re well on your way toward your retirement saving goals, but still want to find ways to save more money in 2020. Or perhaps you’re still paying off debt and need help developing a budget that can help you gain financial freedom more quickly.
Regardless of your current money status, there are a number of smart moves you can make in 2020 that will help you make better monthly budgets and improve your finances overall, so you can start planning ahead for a more comfortable financial future.
From money advice on how to set a realistic budget to how to pay off debt quickly, this big list of 100 best budgeting tips for 2020 can help.
1. “While dieting fads may come and go in 2020, one sure-fire way to stay on track with your budget this year is to implement a spending diet. Challenge yourself to go an entire month without ordering anything online, even from your favorite online food delivery site. To avoid temptation, delete your automatically saved credit card information from the shopping websites you frequently visit, and if that doesn’t do the trick, try to put your credit cards in a Tupperware container, pour water in and freeze them to resist overspending.” — Molly Ward, AXA Advisor
2. “If you ever get to the point of wanting to quit your debt free journey and budgeting all together, give yourself a bit more fun money and see if that helps you stay in the game.” — @berrysonabudget
3. “You cannot get out of debt by keeping the same lifestyle that got you there.” — Dave Ramsey
Related: 101 Inspiring Dave Ramsey Quotes that Will Help You Learn How to Become A Millionaire
4. “Traditional resolutions are often vague and lofty, causing them to get easily forgotten after a short period. The more specific you make your financial resolutions, the better. Just like most other goals, you will want to make them SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-bound. By keeping your resolutions extremely focused, it can help you stay on track much easier.” — Patrick Beckman, finance expert for RAVE Reviews
5. “Paying off debt is no easy job. It takes discipline, determination and some planning.” — @courtneyriquel
6. “Working points and miles into your 2020 travel budget can help you save money while traveling more. […] You can earn points and miles and begin saving for the redemption of your choice. The easiest way to do this is by applying for a credit card that earns the points you need, meeting the welcome bonus, and continuing to spend on the card. Depending on your spending habits, you can earn enough points for a round-trip ticket in just a few months. Any of these redemptions can save you a ton when compared to spending money for tickets outright. A business class ticket from the U.S. to Europe can cost upwards of $5,000 out of pocket, or just a few hours of time, some points, and minimal taxes and fees.” — Andrew Kunesh, Senior Points Content Contributor
7. “Swing by the pharmacy and ask your friendly pharmacist to look over your medication list. He or she will often be able to point out a few money-saving tips that you can then discuss with your doctor.” — Ramzi Yacoub (Pharm.D.), SingleCare’s Chief Pharmacy Officer
8. “You can save money by refinancing your mortgage. People don’t identify and pursue new options to refinance their home loans. Most buyers choose a lender primarily based on the lowest rate for a conventional 30-year fixed mortgage. But what about your other outstanding debt like credit cards, student loans or car payments? Look for lenders that offer debt consolidation loans that let you combine other bills with your home loan into a single payment.” — Karl Jacob, CEO and founder of LoanSnap
9. “Before laying out a budget, you should have a specific goal in mind. You may want to limit your spending and start saving toward a main objective like reducing debt, buying a home or saving for retirement. Or your purpose could simply be determining where your money goes each month. Understanding what you want to achieve will help you customize the budget to your specific goals, and increase your chances of success.” — Jill Gonzalez, WalletHub analyst
10. “Another golden rule of budgeting is prioritizing an emergency fund. Having a financial safety net is extremely important because at any time you could get hit with an unexpected major expense that you typically wouldn’t be able to afford. Your goal should be to have at least two months pay saved. Try to work this into one of your budgeting goals.” — Jill Gonzalez, WalletHub analyst
11. “Discovering your purpose can change everything. It’s the underlying reason behind the goals you want to achieve. I’ll tell you right now. Passion isn’t enough. Excitement is not enough. Starting is not enough. You are going to have rough days on your financial journey. You will feel burnt out, you will fail with your budget, you will spend money when you shouldn’t, you will make mistakes, and there are going to be days where you ask yourself, “Why am I even doing this?” — Kumiko Love, Founder of The Budget Mom
12. “Use a prescription savings service such as SingleCare as it can often save you big bucks at the pharmacy checkout — up to 80% less than the cash price of a drug and its often cheaper than a co-pay. Another option for discounts on prescription medications is using manufacturer coupons or patient assistance programs. Many brand manufacturers will offer these and you can speak to your pharmacist about these options.” — Ramzi Yacoub (Pharm.D.), SingleCare’s Chief Pharmacy Officer
13. “Create budget buddies. While talking money with your friends can be a bit uncomfortable, choose a friend you really trust to become your budget buddy. Having someone to hold you accountable will help you stay on track with your financial goals. You can create vision boards and check in on one another’s accomplishments.” — Kavita Kamdar, Head of Chase Autosave
14. “The quickest way to double your money is to fold it over and put it back in your pocket.” — @biglifeplan
15. “If you’re going to have a savings account, why not have it at a bank that pays high interest? Traditional banks (like BofA, Wells Fargo, and Chase) tend to offer about .01%-.03% interest on their customer’s savings accounts… That’s not even half of 1% folks. Yikes. This means your savings account is likely earning just a few pennies on a monthly-basis. A high-yield savings account, however, allows you to save at a far higher rate. Depending on the bank you opt for, interest rates average at around 2%. It may sound small, but it makes a huge difference!” — @financiallybrave
“16. By creating a financial management strategy to help you understand your money flow habits and discover cash clarity in your business. You’ll get to tell money what areas to work on, instead of money limiting what you can do.” — @coachdreek_plfinance
17. “Take advantage of your company’s 401k. Max it out at least 15%. If you can’t do that, do at least 4%, 5%, or 6% because most companies match at those %s. If you’re company matches, that’s awesome; that’s free money on the table you’re leaving behind if you’re not taking advantage of your company’s 401k.” — @_honeydough_
Related: 10 Ways Millennials Can Travel for Cheap—Hint: You Should Never Book Flights Too Early
18. “Large infrequent expenses like travel, holidays, and tuition payments often get the best of our well-intentioned financial plans. Sinking funds are a great solution. What are sinking funds? A sinking fund is money we set aside each week, every paycheck, or each month with the intention of spending it on something in particular. For example, instead of spending $2,500 in one paycheck for a trip, which can wreak havoc on our cash flow, we can put $96 per paycheck (or $208 per month) into a sinking fund so the money is there waiting when it’s time to pay for the trip.” — Ashley Feinstein Gerstly, founder of The Fiscal Femme
19. “Write it all down! If you’re wondering where your money goes every week or month, tracking your spending is key. Visually map out your expenses, savings, bills and ‘splurge”’money in one place at the beginning of each month. At the conclusion of the month, review your spending and adjust accordingly. The Happy Planner Budget line makes it fun with planners, stickers and accessories.” — Stephanie Fleming, co-founder of The Happy Planner
20. “I created a Google Sheet that I shared with my husband that lists out all of our gift cards, their amounts, and the expiration dates for the few that have them.” — @budgetingintheburbs
21. “Cut your food budget. Started focusing on store or generic brands. I was able to cut my food budget by almost $40 per month.” — Kumiko Love, Founder of The Budget Mom
22. “Start a monthly budget, keeping in mind every month is different. Don’t forget to think about what each month might consist of: consider what you might need to spend for birthdays, vacations or holidays. A special budget for each month can also help guide your spending and keep you on track. Using a Budget Builder tool, can help you create a budget in real-time based on your monthly income and expenses. With tools like this you can assess your monthly income, expenses, and spending habits and adjust as your needs change.” — Kavita Kamdar, Head of Chase Autosave
23. “Simply writing down what you earn each month and what you want to spend your money on each month is such a great starting point.” — @budgetingintheburbs
24. “Over 93% of US millionaires are first-generation rich. They started with nothing and won. You can do it, too.” — @daveramsey
25. “Consider eating at home more often. I started eating at home more and I was able to decrease my food budget from $800 per month to $400 a month by focusing on meal planning, eating the inventory you already have in your freezer and pantry.” — Kumiko Love, Founder of The Budget Mom
26. “Establish a year-round savings plan. Consider an out of sight, out of mind approach to saving. Make a New Year’s resolution to enroll in an auto-draft savings program. It will allow you to pay yourself first without having to remember to make a transfer, so by this time next year, you’ll have grown your savings with one easy step.” — Kavita Kamdar, Head of Chase Autosave
27. “Stop looking for shortcuts to financial stability and wealth and acknowledge that you have to work hard and you have to plan to be successful.” — @_honeydough_
28. “Stop obsessing over your credit score. Your spending habits and freedom from debt are a better indicator of your ability to build wealth.” — @berrysonabudget
Related: How to Make Successful #MillennialRetirementPlans—Shocker, It *Is* Possible
29. “By setting financial resolutions and goals, you become accountable to yourself and others, which can light the fire to prove that you have your finances under control. You can utilize various finance tools to visually see your goals coming to fruition and keep a tally on how your goals are coming along, if they will be achieved, or if they have to be altered to keep them realistic.” — Patrick Beckman, finance expert for RAVE Reviews
30. “The basic rule is to divide after-tax income, spending 50% on needs and 30% on wants while allocating 20% to savings. Budget this way and you will never face any financial issues.” — @themoneymonday
31. “I haven’t always made the best decisions with my finances but in order to create change I must realize that I am the one that is in control and the change starts with me. It is so important to not self identify with the decisions that you have made and instead ask yourself how you got there and what can be done to turn it around in order to have a better more favorable outcome.” — @courtneyriquel
32. “Automating your savings – like having a specific amount direct deposited from your paycheck, or having automatic transfers scheduled – takes the burden off of you to remember to save.” — @citygirlsavings
33. “I would love a Louie bag and wallet. However, unless it’s a gift, you will not see me rocking it unless I have at least 5 rental properties. I am not into spending thousands of dollars on items that depreciate in value and generate no income. The key to building wealth is putting your money into income generating assets. Start by paying down your credit card debt. Credit card debt can really weigh down your budget. Paying it off can feel like you got a raise because you’ll have extra money to save, invest, and put towards treating yourself.” — @budgetqueen_blog
34. “If you need a tool for a one-off or irregular task such as a power hose or electric drill consider borrowing from a friend or neighbor instead of buying. You’ll save money and save clutter in your home.” — @biglifeplan
35. “Avoid lifestyle creep. Whenever we get a pay raise, I review our budget and see where that money can go. Pay rises get put to work! And it doesn’t necessarily have to b eon boring stuff, such as the mortgage. We might decide we want to beef up our travel account more. Either way, we’re telling the money where to go and not mindlessly spending it.” — @comebudgetwithme
36. “Don’t save what is left after spending; spend what is left after saving.” — Warren Buffet
37. “I believe that out of all the things you can do during your #debtfreejourney, the most informative is tracking your spending. So if you haven’t done it yet and you’re mainly a swiper (cc), print out your last statement! Get some highlighters and designate food, gas, utilities, groceries, miscellaneous, eating out, etc. Then start highlighting. […] Once you track your spending, you will be able to figure out what a realistic budget can be!” — @familyofseis
38. “No matter how much money you make, you need a budge. A budget is nothing more than a plan for your future.” — @lorithebudgetboss
39. “If most of your income has to go to credit card debt and loan payments, you are stripping yourself from the opportunity to build wealth. Why Because the payments you’re making towards debt could *easily* be going to an investment account instead. […] Prioritize resolving bad debt and it will change your life forever.” — @financiallybrave
40. “Being helpful is the best way to travel on a low budget. Many will host for free if you offer them english lessons, help with online marketing for their BnB or feed their dog. I just saw an ad looking for an extra hand for a week, building a classroom in Morocco, in exchange for housing and an authentic Sahara Desert experience with a local nomad. How amazing right? You can find these ads on WorkAway, HelpX or check out local Facebook groups, newspapers and bulletin boards.” — @mariehusoy
41. “You can trick your brain into saving money every time you go to the store by using cash instead of a credit card to make a purchase. If you have $100 in cash, that’s your spending limit. If you exceed that limit, start putting items back.” — @bankrate
42. “Set a realistic savings goal. […] The best way to achieve your savings goals is to map out a savings journey” — @mybackupcash
43. “The reality is that you can know all there is to possibly know about *how* to build your wealth, if you aren’t ready to commit to *do* it, then that is the problem.” — @financiallybrave
44. “It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the various financial management choices and goals you have. You must remember to keep it simple. The big idea is to save more and spend less to accumulate more wealth. Don’t get so caught with paying down debt that you completely ignore savings of any kind. Take things one step at a time.” — @myfabfinance
45. “Second mortgages are a strong option for debt consolidation. Consumers don’t have to keep track of the many different loan payments and credit card payments—it’s one easy payment that is at a much lower interest rate.” — Naomi Baker, Senior Mortgage Banker, LoanSnap
46. “Don’t be extreme. Be consistent.” — @bae_onabudget
47. “Review your main financial goal for the week ahead. Map out exactly what you need to do to accomplish it by Friday.” — @clevergirlfinance
48. “You will harvest what you plant. So plant intentionally. Play good habits, good values, good work, good decisions… You decide.” — @daveramsey
49. “Unsubscribe from every email that might tempt you to spend a dollar more than you actually want to. When you open an email and see a surprise 50% off code from your favorite store, it may seem like a great deal, but consider if you would actually spend any money at all if you didn’t get that email. This is why it’s a good idea to unsubscribe from *all* email lists that may tempt you — especially around the holidays. When temptation pops up in your inbox, it can be extremely hard to resist.” — @thefinancialdiet
50. “Whatever your goal is (to increase saving, pay down debt or something else), write it down somewhere and choose a starting point to try to attain it. Focus on one objective and figure out how much you need by when.” — @bankrate
Related: App It: The Best Apps for Budgeting
51. “If you have a smartphone and know how to use the camera then there Is really no reason to not use these money back apps! It’s so simple! You just scan your receipts on products you already purchased and voila! In December alone, I have made $40 back from a typical grocery run. I use Ibotta and Fetch.” — @famileyofseis
52. “When building your budget, it is critical that you know the difference between Needs and Wants. Needs are things you absolutely have to have to live life. These are things such as food, water, shelter, transportation, utilities, etc. Wants are luxuries; such as eating out, shopping, gym memberships, vacations, cable, etc. People often confuse needs with luxuries. For example: You need shelter, but you don’t need a 5 bedroom/3 bathroom house when you have a household of 2. Or, you need food, but you don’t need to go out to eat everyday and spend $30+.” — @budgetqueen_blog
53. “Check your credit report at least once each year. There might be a debt that can be removed, which in turn could possibly boost your score, allow for better interest rates, and save you money.” — @moneyinmatrimony
54. “There’s nothing wrong with taking advantage of a sale — but it’s also better to not spend money if you don’t need to!” — @thefinancialdiet
55. “Stop saying ‘I wish.’ Start saying ‘I will.’” — @thatdebtfreelife
56. “When I hear that people are using their credit card as an emergency fund it pains me. You should have emergency fund independent from your credit cards.” — @budgetqueen_blog
57. “Self worth can’t be found at the store. Stop draining your bank account trying to buy it.” —@lorithebudgetboss
58. “I know that cash envelopes aren’t for everyone. And to be honest, I didn’t think they’d be for me either! But oh my goodness do they keep me on track! We only pull out cash for categories in our budget where we tend to overspend (I’m looking at you restaurants budget). Everything else we put on our debit card.” — @inspiredbudget
59. “Be stubborn with your vision but be flexible on the details.” — @jeffbezos
60. “Everyone starts somewhere. Don’t get discouraged by comparisons.” — @everydayfinancegirl
61. “The best investment you can make is an investment in yourself. The more you learn, the more you earn.” — Warren Buffet
62. “Rewards apps and programs are a great way to earn extra cash, gift cards or miles. One such amazing app is called Fetch Rewards. @fetchrewards is a super simple way to earn rewards on your groceries. You don’t have to shop anywhere specific. All you have to do is take a picture of your receipt when you shop and boom—you get points. As those points add up you can redeem them for rewards.” — @lorithebudgetboss
63. “One of my favorite ‘money” tools is saying no! No, to happy hour (which I hate anyways). No, to that new dress I’m only going to wear once. No, to splitting a massive bar tab when I’ve only had one beer. No, to people and things who don’t support your personal goals and growth.” — @bae_onabudget
64. “If you have tried to create and follow a budget, or tried to pay off debt, or tried to save money but always touch it, and nothing seems to work, it’s a sign you need outside help.” — @citygirlsavings
65. “Regular meal planning is not something to dread — it can actually add immense value and structure to your week. It *really* does save money and reduce decision fatigue, and who wouldn’t benefit from that?” — @thefinancialdiet
66. “I have never asked for a raise before in my life. And I’m so glad instead of silently steaming about being underpaid, I decided to take action.” — @thatdebtfreelife
67. “If you have a ‘policy’ for things you buy, invest, believe etc everything will have a purpose and it will be easier to justify or disregard new purchases/ investments because of how it fits in your policy.” —@everydayfinancegirl
68. “Saving and investing on pretty much ANY salary can make you rich over time. The best time to build good money habits is when you’re young. And now is the youngest you’ll ever be!” — @bossgirlmillionaire
69. “If your savings account pays less than 1 percent, you’re missing out on an opportunity to earn more interest and reach your savings goals faster.” — @bankrate
Related: How Penny Pinchin’ Stay-At-Home Mom Tracie Fobes Paid off $37k in Debt in Two Years—Here Are Her Top Tips to Getting out of Debt
70. “Be mindful of your non-essential spending aa your income increases or your expenses decrease. Lifestyle creep can very easily derail your financial goals.” — @cleveregirlfinance
71. “Don’t forget to cancel that free trial before they charge your card.” — @financialfreedomplan
72. “It’s not about having lots of money. It’s about knowing how to manage it.” — @financial_accountability
73. “There are many many ways to reduce the amount of energy you are using around your house, that can help reduce the amount of electricity/gas/oil you are using and therefore save you money on your bills and help the environment. [For example…] Use energy efficient appliances.” — @biglifeplan
74. “[Choose …] the things that you love enough to spend extravagantly on—and then cutting costs mercilessly on the things you don’t love.” — Ramit Sethi
75. “Rules to get rich: live below your means and invest early and often.” — @bossgirlmillionaire
76. “An emergency fund is vital. You never know when an emergency will strike and often times you can do very little to prevent or control it.” — @biglifeplan
77. “If you went over budget, bought something on impulse you now regret, or just plain need some extra cash, return some things! I’d almost always rather have more money in the bank than more things cluttering up my home.” — @thatdebtfreelife
78. “If you don’t sacrifice for what you want, what you want becomes the sacrifice.” — @thatdebtfreelife
79. “Get on a written budget and get extra jobs temporarily to get out of debt as soon as possible.” — @bossgirlmillionaire
80. “Are you reviewing your account activity and monthly statements? If not, you may be paying for fees without even realizing it.” — @citygirlsavings
81. “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” — Maya Angelou
82. “Being in control of your money provides freedom.” — @financial_accountability
83. “You have to be intentional about what you do with your money. Each dollar should have an assignment. If you don’t plan where your money go.” — @moneyinmatrimony
84. “Regardless of when you want to retire, you should have some sort of retirement plan so that you may retire comfortably.” — @savewithsabet
85. “You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.” — John C. Maxwell
86. “Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship.” — Benjamin Franklin
87. “Replace thee word ‘spend’ with ‘invest’ in your vocabulary and notice how it impacts your everyday decisions.” — Randy Thio
88. “Each cent you apply toward diminishing your debt replenishes you.” — Sure Orman
89. “There’s no easy magical formula when it comes to getting out of debt. It takes a lot of time, hard work and discipline.” — Dave Ramsey
90. “Every time you borrow money, you’re robbing from your future self.” — Nathan W. Morris
91. “I’ve met a lot of people who tell me they don’t know how to save or that they can’t save. Well, here’s a simple trick I was taught. Assuming you work 8 hours a day, save $10 from only the first hour of your pay per day. You can keep everything from the other 7+ hours. That means you save $10 per day which is about $300 per month.” — @savewithsabet
92. “Are you paying yourself first? If you want to be rich, you better be putting your priorities above everyone else’s. However, what most of us do (myself included) is pay everyone else first… then try to pay ourselves with what’s left. Usually the money gets spent. We don’t save it. We wind up in a vicious cycle of constantly worrying about how to get out of debt. Without realizing we’re causing our own problem by not paying ourselves first.” — @commonwealthtoday
93. “I see it. I want it. I save for it. I pay in cash.” — @bae_onabudget
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94. “Try out an all cash diet for a week or a month. It’s a great way to curb overspending.” — @clevergirlfinance
95. “Learning is a part of growing. Stop using the excuse of not being good with numbers or finances not being your thing as a cop out for not properly managing your finances.” — @coachdreek_plfinances
96. “If you’re one or two years out from your home purchase, consider a long-term CD account, or look at high-yield savings accounts that you can withdraw from at any time.” — @bankrate
97. “You don’t have to sacrifice everything. I love a nice purse and some cute shoes. Those are somethings that I’m not willing to part ways with. I don’t buy very expensive purses or shoes, so it doesn’t break the budget, but since I love it so much I find a way to fit them in. Budgeting is not all about giving up everything you love.” — @budgetqueen_blog
98. “Are you searching for ways to invest more for 2020? Looking for ways to reduce costs next year? Take a look at your cell phone plan and try to negotiate a better deal. If that fails, look into switching to a different carrier. You don’t have to sacrifice coverage or quality.” — @mrsmilleronfire
99. “Learn to say no to people, places, and things that keep you from reaching your financial goals.” — @moneyinmatrimony
100. “A lesson about money: You can be broke making $150,000 per year but rich making $40,000 per year. It all comes down to your lifestyle choices and spending habits.” — @makemoneywithcassie
Ready to make a budget and set smart savings goals of your own? This 10-step DIY financial plan can help.
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