fall2014 Don’t be an Easy Target: How to Protect Your Smartphone Letter from the President Smartphones and other mobile devices have made our lives easier in many ways. But, their allure and high resale value has also made them a prime target for thieves. While there’s no way to completely eliminate risk when owning one, there are ways you can protect yourself, your device and all the important data it contains. What do you do with all of your paper statements? If you are like most people, you review them and put them in a box to be thrown away at a later date, or balance your accounts and throw them away, or maybe they don’t even get opened! With current technology, we have made access to your accounts simple, easy and electronic. This month, I would like to encourage you to think about switching from paper to eStatements. Keeping Your Device Safe When out and about, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. If an area feels unsafe it may be best not to use your device, or to use it discreetly. Never leave your device visible in an unattended vehicle. Take it with you or lock it in the glove compartment or trunk. Every action you take has an equal reaction, especially when we’re talking about the environment. How does a small step like using less paper help the environment? To begin, it not only preserves forestland, but it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and consumption of resources from the manufacture, transportation and disposal of all those little slips of paper. According to a new study commissioned by the PayItGreen Alliance, it is estimated that the paper statements sent to one household from banks would strip 24 square feet of forest each year. The study also finds that U.S. households receive about 19 bills and statements from financial institutions each month. If one in five households switched to electronic bills, statements and payments, the collective impact would save 151 million pounds of paper, avoid filling 8.6 million household garbage bags with waste and avoid producing 2 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Now that’s a lot of garbage! Write down your device’s make, model number, serial code and unique device identification number. This information can be given to the police in the event that your device is stolen. Protecting Your Data The first step in protecting your data is to establish a password to restrict access to your device. This can help prevent unwanted usage charges or use of your personal information if the device is stolen. Keep current with updates and patches to your devices’ operating system. These updates often include new protections when vulnerabilities in software arise. Also be sure to back up vital data to a trusted computer. Installing anti-theft software on your phone can help in the event that it is lost or stolen as well. These apps are able to locate your device, lock your device remotely or even wipe sensitive data from your device using any computer. Legislation has been introduced in some states and nationally to require new smartphones to be sold with a preloaded “kill switch.”  Continued on page 4  Continued on page 3 lifetimes First National Bank of Waseca www.fnbwaseca.com 507.835.2740 Let our dedicated home equity team find the perfect solution to make your financial dreams a reality. Home Equity Loans and HELOCs Put Your Equity to Work Looking for ways to pay for large home improvement projects, supplement your children’s college fund or manage medical expenses? Thanks to their lower interest rates and potential tax advantages, home equity loans can be an ideal way to finance big-ticket items.  Home equity lines of credit, or HELOCs, are funds issued in the form of a revolving line of credit with a variable interest rate. They allow homeowners to borrow smaller amounts, up to their credit limit, as needed. As the funds are repaid, they become available to borrow again. But what is a home equity loan exactly? Home equity loans use your home as collateral. That can create a lot of borrowing power, since your home may be your largest asset. Home prices across the country have been rising recently, which may give you more equity to work with. Now could be the perfect time to use your equity to finance the things you’ve been dreaming of. Expert Guidance Also, since the loan is secured by your home, the interest is tax-deductible for most people.* Tax-deductibility can effectively make your borrowing costs even lower. Already done your homework and ready to get started on a home equity loan or HELOC? Look no further than First National Bank’s trusted team of home equity and mortgage experts. We understand your unique financial needs and have the tools and expertise to help you achieve your goals. Let our dedicated home equity team find the perfect solution to make your financial dreams a reality. Know Your Options Homeowners can tap into the equity in their home with either a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit.  Home equity loans allow homeowners to borrow a single lump sum that is repaid over a set term, usually at a fixed interest rate. 2 First National Bank of Waseca Careful planning and review of your financial needs will help you determine which type of loan is better for you. Not sure where to start or looking for some expert advice? Our home equity and mortgage experts at First National Bank are happy to answer your questions and help you understand your available options. * Check with your tax advisor regarding tax deductibility in your situation. Set up Finances to be Goof-Proof for Your Spouse Letter from the President It’s not uncommon for one partner to be the primary decision maker for a couple’s finances or investments. But if you die or become incapacitated, how easy would it be for your spouse to assume sole responsibility for your finances? You can ease that transition by taking a few straightforward steps now. Help us reduce waste and keep your banking services reasonably priced by switching to eStatements today. For every account that switches to eStatements during the months of September and October, First National Bank will make a $1 donation to the Arbor Day Foundation to help replenish our trees and forests!  Continued from page 1 Get Organized In addition to all of their usual responsibilities, your spouse will be navigating a paperwork maze to claim life or disability insurance proceeds, request Social Security benefits and change asset ownership. Give your spouse a starting point by compiling a master financial list.  Include account numbers, passwords, each company’s contact information and details for any automatic payments.  Leave instructions regarding where to locate important papers such as income tax returns, car titles, marriage certificates and military discharge papers. If they’re in a safe deposit box, both partners need access.  For collectibles, leave approximate values and the name of a trusted expert to help sell the items. Plan Ahead for Investment Decisions A spouse who is less involved financially may be particularly insecure about making their first solo investment decisions. Even for couples with a modest investment portfolio, the surviving spouse may need to invest life insurance proceeds. Investment decisions can be overwhelming yet have a long-lasting effect on your family’s financial future. If you work with a financial advisor, be sure that your spouse has not only met your advisor but also has a plan of action to reach out to your advisor very soon after your death or incapacity. If you don’t have a relationship with a financial advisor, begin now to meet with advisors as a couple so that your advisor becomes familiar with your finances and family situation and can provide continuity for your spouse. Bernie Gaytko Snippets Spotlight on … Backing up Your Digital Files Update Your Estate Plan Make sure you and your spouse have current wills, financial powers of attorney and health care directives — and that your spouse knows how to find them. Review beneficiary designations for life insurance and retirement plans. Do you have a revocable trust? Verify that your trust is properly funded. Your financial advisor can work closely with your accountant and attorney to make sure that your estate plan is up-to-date and reflects your current wishes. If your partner is more removed from financial decisions, assuming that role can be awkward at first. But with a master financial directory, relationships with trusted advisors and an updated estate plan solidly in place, your spouse’s transition into financial decision maker can be an easier one. What would you lose if your computer crashed, wiping out your hard drive and everything on it? 46 percent of surveyed U.S. adults say losing all of their digital files would be “life-altering.” 3 in 10 U.S. adults never back up their files. Losing photos and home videos is a concern for 46 percent; losing documents for work, personal use or school is a worry for 38 percent; losing music is a top concern for 7 percent. CD vs. cloud? Among those who use data storage systems, 63 percent use physical storage (disk, CD, USB drive) while 13 percent use cloud data storage (email, remote server, cloud services) and 24 percent use both physical and cloud storage. 82 percent of adults would pay money to recover lost photos/home videos ($1,200 is the average amount people would pay!). Nov. 3, 2014, is National Back It Up Day. When you turn back your clocks for daylight saving time, take a moment to back up your digital assets, too. Source: Harris Interactive survey conducted on behalf of Transporter, October 2013, www2.filetransporter.com/backitup. lifetimes 3 101 North State Street Waseca, MN 56093 Phone: 507.835.2740 a.com w.fnbwasec Check ww ges an dates, ch often for up e th to ns or additio ndar. events cale This publication does not constitute legal, accounting or other professional advice. Although it is intended to be accurate, neither the publisher nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage due to reliance on this material. Websites not belonging to this organization are provided for information only. No endorsement is implied. Images may be from one or more of these sources: ©Thinkstock, ©iStock, ©Fotolia. ©2014 BlueSpire Strategic Marketing | bluespiremarketing.com. fall2014 Trips and Events Don’t be an Easy Target: How to Protect Your Smartphone  Continued from page 1 In the Event of Theft If your device is lost or stolen, there are several steps you can take to help protect yourself and your valuable information. First, change the login credentials to any online accounts you have access to through your mobile device. If your device is used to access First National Bank’s online or mobile banking you can visit www.fnbwaseca.com to change your password. If you have installed anti-theft software on your device, you may be able to use it to locate your phone or wipe the data remotely. Do not attempt to retrieve a stolen phone yourself. Always report the theft to your local authorities as well as your wireless carrier. Finally, if you’ve purchased insurance on your mobile device find out what your plan covers in case a replacement is necessary. To make your reservation, please contact Megan at 507.835.2740. September 10, 2014 LifePerks BINGO Join us at the Waseca Senior Center for coffee, refreshments, & BINGO! Time: 9 a.m. Cost: FREE October 9, 2014 Diamond Jo Casino See if Lady Luck is on your side when you join us for a fun filled day at Diamond Jo Casino! $10 in free slot play and a delicious lunch buffet at The Kitchen is included! Load: 8:45 a.m. Leave: 9 a.m. Cost: $30 April 6-17, 2015 The Legendary Danube Travel Preview From the splendor of Prague to the Gypsy violins of Budapest, you’ll treasure every moment of this memorable Danube River cruise. Enjoy three nights in Prague with guided sightseeing as well as time to explore this marvelous city on your own. Discover the Hradcany Castle grounds, wander through Prague’s Jewish Quarter, stand in Wenceslaus square where protestors demonstrated against Communism, or visit one of the areas many churches. Then drive to Nuremburg and set sail for medieval Regensburg, Passau, Vienna, and Budapest, with guided sightseeing in each city. Sail through the fascinating Main Danube Canal and witness the scenic beauty as you cruise past quaint towns. Attend a beer tasting, tour Melk’s splendid Benedictine Abbey, and experience the music, art, culture, and historical sites in romantic Vienna. Call Megan Lynch for more details! December 6 & 7 Christmas Time’s a Comin’ Mark your calendars for the fifth annual production showcasing local talent! These shows offer the flavor of a Branson stage show, featuring country gospel and holiday music. Proceeds go to the American Red Cross. Central Intermediate School (CIS) in Waseca Time: S aturday at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. Time: Sunday at 2 p.m. December 10 Holiday Open House – Hope Office Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. December 11 Holiday Open House – Waseca Office Time: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. December 12 Holiday Open House – Ellendale Office Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.