12 Identity Protection Tips for the Holidays
By: Genisys Credit Union

'Tis the season for a spike in identity theft. As consumers step up their online shopping leading up to the holidays, it's a prime time of the year for identity theft. While you are busy snagging hot deals on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, thieves are phishing for your information. 
Don't let an identity thief take the jingle out of your holiday. Follow these 12 tips to keep your financial information secure during the holiday season. 
Shopping Online Or At Home
1. Update Your Antivirus Software
Make sure that your computer security software installs updates regularly. And make sure your operating system is also up to date. 
2. Don't Overshare On Social Media
Leaving home for a holiday trip? Don't post this information publicly - be aware of your social media privacy settings. 
3. Bring Packages Inside
Stealing delivered packages is not uncommon during the holidays. Packages left outside might also make thieves believe you're out of town. 
4. Don't Open Suspicious Emails or Click Links
There is an increase in phishing scams around the holidays. Remember, financial institutions, the IRS, and credit card providers will NOT ask for personal information in an email or by calling you. If in doubt, hit delete or hang up. Go to the company's website or call using a phone number you looked up yourself. 
5. Shop With Familiar Companies
Fake and unscrupulous internet retailers exist. Be suspicious of unbelievably low prices compared to other vendors. If you stick with stores you know, you may avoid sending your credit card to a thief. 
6. Strengthen Your Passwords
When doing a lot of online shopping, it can be tempting to use the same password (or an easy-to-remember password) for multiple stores. Don't do it! Your passwords should contain a mixture of upper and lowercase letters, as well as numbers and symbols for maximum security - after all, you're giving stores credit card and personal information. Don't use the same passwords you use at your financial institutions. 
7. Give From The Heart, But Be Smart
The holiday season is a time when many give generously to charity. You'll notice a big uptick in the number of emails, letters and phone calls you receive from charitable organizations. Use caution - especially with vague or unfamiliar charities. Don't give credit card information if a charity calls you. Instead, do homework, and if you wish to give, contact them directly. 

When You Are Out Shopping
8. Watch Your Wallet And Bags
Thieves know you're distracted during holiday shopping. Keep track of your wallet at all times and don't leave purses, shopping bags or your phone behind while you browse. 
9. Use Caution On Public Wi-Fi
In the rush of Black Friday, be careful about buying items using your mobile phone or tablet in public. If you're on your cellular network, your information should be safe (provided the retailer's website is secure). But hackers can easily monitor your information if you use free (open) public Wi-Fi networks. 
10. Keep Track Of Your Cards During Checkout
Lines are long and cashiers are tired. If you leave a credit card on the counter, there's no way of knowing who may pick it up. Make certain you get your card back after every transaction. Return it to its place in your wallet - never drop it in a shopping bag or stick it in your pocket. 
11. Guard Your PIN
If you pay with debit cards, block the keypad while you enter your PIN.
12. Be Careful What You Say
Many stores ask for your personal information when you're checking out. For example, you will typically be asked for your home address, phone number and perhaps your birthday when you sign up for a customer loyalty program. Don't reveal too much information out loud in a crowd. 

Don't Wait Until You Are A Victim
Genisys Credit Union members and their family members can count on identity protection services - at no additional cost. Powered by Identity Theft 911 America's premier provider of identity services, these fraud-specialists help detect and resolve identity theft and fraud. 

*Blog shared from Genisys Credit Union* 

The Positive Effects of Volunteering
By: Total Health Systems 

Volunteering your time and energy to a project that is meaningful to you can produce extraordinary health benefits above and beyond the sense of community and joy you get from helping others. According to a report compiled by the Corporation for National and Community Service, possible health benefits associated with volunteering include reductions in chronic pain, despair and depression following a heart attack, satisfaction and sense of control over life and physical health. 
This report also notes that, to get the greatest health gains from volunteering you need to exceed a "volunteering threshold" of 1 to 2 hours a week per year. Though volunteering appears to be a healthful activity at any age, it is adults over the age of 60 who tend to benefit the most from this pursuit, notes Rush University Medical Center. 
Your chiropractor is one of your biggest health advocates and can counsel you in depth on the many ways that volunteering can be beneficial for your physical, mental, social, and emotional health. 
In this edition of the Wellness News Network we will explore some of the most important health benefits associated with volunteering important health benefits associated with volunteering. 

Decreased Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects about 65 million Americans and is a leading factor in cardiovascular disease - the No. 1 cause of death in the United States. Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University have found that older individuals who volunteer no fewer than 200 hours per year reduce their risk of hypertension by a whopping 40%. This research indicates that volunteer work may be a potent natural alternative to pharmaceuticals in preventing this common health problem.

Results from this research study indicate that the type of volunteer activity is not what is important and that only the total amount of time spent volunteering is what contributes to a reduced risk of hypertension. The researchers believe that volunteer work helps create positive social connections encourage healthy aging and protection from numerous negative health outcomes. 

Reduced Risk of Depression & Anxiety
Proactively engaging in meaningful volunteer work may be an effective way to combat depression and anxiety. A 2003 study published in the Journal Social Science & Medicine states that the access to social and psychological resources that comes with volunteering helps counter negative moods, including depression and anxiety. Another study, published in 2005 in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior, reports that formal volunteering has a beneficial effect on depression but that informal "helping" does not produce the same beneficial effects on mood. Many researchers feel that the positive health effects of volunteering on depression are due to the social integration it encourages - a particularly important aspect of volunteering, especially for elderly individuals and people who find themselves socially isolated. 

Improved Social & Psychological Well-Being 
Volunteering on a consistent and formal basis offers the possibility of improved social well-being to the volunteer. The National Health Service of the United Kingdom notes that volunteering may help you enhance this important aspect of overall health by improving family relationships, meeting new people and boosting self-esteem, motivation and sense of purpose. Enhancing confidence and self-esteem is particularly important for teens and elders, who may find their volunteer experience to be an unexpected source of strength, stability and comfort in a period of rapid change. The experiences you have through volunteering can contribute to a positive self-identity and provide you with a core group of long-term friends. 

Reduced Risk of Mortality 
Research evidence suggests that volunteering can significantly reduce your risk of mortality. According to a 2005 article published in the Journal of Health Psychology, community-dwelling individuals over the age of 70 who are frequent volunteers experience significantly reduced mortality compared to non-volunteers of the same age. 
In their report, the Corporation for National and Community Service notes that, even after other factors - age, health, gender - are controlled, research still finds that individuals who volunteer are more likely to live longer. One possible explanation for this is that volunteering adds valuable hours of non-exercise activity to your life. All humans require appropriate amounts of both exercise and non-exercise activity for optimal health and longevity. 
​
​*Blog post shared from Total Health Systems*

4 Reasons to Take a Break From Your Computer Screen
By: Total Health Systems 

Let's face it: many of us spend a lot of time in front of our computer screens - in some cases, probably too much time. It can be difficult to break away from the computer screen but there are a number of compelling reasons to carve out some screen-free time in your life every week. According to the Mayo Clinic, avoiding screens (television, computer, etc.) is an important health habit, particularly for children, as too much screen time has been linked to the following problems: obesity, irregular sleep, behavioral issues and impaired academic performance. 

In this edition of the Wellness News Network, we will take a closer look at how reducing your computer screen time can benefit your health. Your chiropractor can expand upon these health benefits to give you a more comprehensive picture of the merits of this important health habit. 

Reason #1: It Can Save Your Spine & Joints
Reducing your screen time can have a hugely beneficial effect on your spine and joints. Sitting for prolonged periods in front of a computer screen can (in the absence of perfect posture) place a significant amount of strain on your spine and its supporting structures. The Spine Health website states that the leading contributor to neck pain is forward head and shoulder posture - a posture that computer users commonly adopt when working at a computer for hours on end. Sitting in front of a computer can also place a tremendous amount of stress and strain on your mid and lower back joints and tissues and may lead to chronic back pain. Spending more time away from your computer screen can reduce the burden on your spine and improve the health of your spinal joints. 

Reason #2: It Can Ease the Burden on Your Eyes
Staring at a computer screen for hours at a time places a large burden on your eyes and may lead to a problem called Computer Vision Syndrome, or CVS. According to the American Optometric Association, CVS may cause eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, and dry eyes, and it is most commonly caused by poor lighting, computer screen glare, improper viewing distances, poor posture, uncorrected vision problems or any combination of these factors. A review article published in 2005 in the journal Survey of Ophthalmology states that proper lighting, anti-glare filters, ergonomic positioning of your computer monitor, and frequent breaks from your computer screen may help boost your visual comfort, or ease the burden on your eyes. 

Reason #3: It Can Help You Keep Your Weight in Check 
Limiting screen time can be an effective anti-obesity tool. Devoting some or all of the time to physical activity that you would have otherwise used to compute can have a profoundly beneficial effect on your weight. The Harvard School of Public Health notes that sedentary activities, including using computers, burn very few calories, replace more active pursuits and promote obesity by changing what and how people eat. It is this unfavorable alteration in diet that may be most significant for weight gain, even more so than the reduction in physical activity, states the School. 

Reason #4: It Can Help You Recharge Your Batteries
One of the most important (and least discussed) reasons to step away from your computer screen from time to time is the restorative effect this action can have on your energy levels and sense of well-being. It is easy to fall into a pattern of checking email dozens of times every day, communicating with your friends or contacts via Facebook and Twitter in near real-time and watching movies or playing games in your free time. But this may not be the most beneficial habit, both in terms of time management or its effects on your physical, mental and social health. Excessive screen time can be isolating, in some cases, drawing you away from activities or events where real human contact (not to mention natural light!) could enrich your life and improve your health. 

Computers are an extremely important tool that have reshaped how we live and operate in the world. Computers allow us to enjoy many benefits that were previously unavailable in the pre-computer era and have become nearly indispensable to our way of life. However, like many things in life, moderation may be the key. Here is one simple exercise you may consider trying: pick one day every week and go screen-free for a full 24 hours. After a few weeks of doing this, you may notice a boost in your energy levels and quality of life. Ask your chiropractor for other ideas about how to step away from your computer screen for improved health and well-being. 

*Blog post shared from Total Health Systems*

Counting Young Children in the 2020 Census
Counting everyone once, only once, and in the right place
An estimated 5% of kids under the age of 5 weren't counted in the 2010 Census. That's about 1 million young children, the highest of any age group. 

We need your help closing this gap in the 2020 Census. Here's what our research tells us about why young children are missed and what you can do to help make sure they are counted. 

Common situations where young children aren't counted and how you can help:
1. The child splits time between two homes. The child lives or stays with another family or with another relative such as a grandparent. 
 -Emphasize that the census counts everyone where they live and sleep most of the time, even if the living arrangement is temporary or the parents of the child do not live there. 
 -If the child truly spends equal amounts of time between two homes, count them where they stayed on Census Day, April 1. Coordinate with the other parent or caregiver, if possible, so the child is not counted at both homes. 
 -If it's not clear where the child lives or sleeps most of the time, count them where they stayed on Census Day, April 1. 

2. The child lives in a lower income household. 
 -Explain to service providers and families that responding to the census helps determine $675 billion in local funding for programs such as food stamps (also called the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program or SNAP), the National School Lunch Program, and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). When children are missed in the census, these programs miss out on funding that is based on the number of children counted. 

3. The child lives in a household with young parents or a young single mom. 
 -Explain that filling out the census yourself, on your own schedule, is easier than having to respond when a census worker knocks on your door. Remind these households that the form should only take about 10 minutes to fill out and can be done online or over the phone, in addition to mailing it back. 
 -Encourage moms with young children to ask other household members to count them and their children on the form if others live in the household. 

4. The child is a newborn.
 -Emphasize that parents should include babies on census forms, even if they are still in the hospital on April 1.
 -Encourage facilities providing services to newborns to remind parents about the importance of counting their children on the census form. 
 -Highlight the fact that the census form only takes about 10 minutes to complete, and parents can fill it out online or over the phone in addition to paper at a time that works best for them. 

5. The child lives in a household that is large, multi-generational, or includes extended or multiple families. 
 -Remind the person filling out the form to count all children, including non-relatives and children with no other place to live, even if they are only living at the address temporarily on April 1. 
 -Spread the word that the census counts all people living or staying at an address, not just the person or family who owns or rents the property. 

6. The child lives in a household that rents or recently moved. 
 -Encourage renters and recent movers to complete their census forms online or over the phone, right away. That way they don't need to worry about paper forms getting lost in the move. 
 -Focus efforts on multi-unit buildings that are likely to have renters. 

7. The child lives in a household where they're not supposed to be, for one reason or another. 
 -Please explain to those that have children living in places where they aren't allowed (for example, grandparents in a seniors-only residence that have a grandchild living with the, a family with more people, including children, than the lease allows) that they should include the children because the Census Bureau does not share information so it can't be used against them. 
 -Emphasize the Census Bureau's legal commitment to keep census responses confidential. 
 -Explain that the Census Bureau will never share information with immigration enforcement agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), law enforcement agencies like the police or Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), or allow this information to be used to determine eligibility for government benefits. 

8. The child lives in a non-English speaking or limited-English speaking household.
 -Conduct outreach and create resources in non-English languages that highlight the importance of counting young children. 
 -Encourage non-English speakers to self-respond to the census and let them know that for the 2020 Census, the online form and telephone line will be available in 13 languages, including English. Language guides will be available in 59 languages other than English. 

9. The child lives in a household of recent immigrants or foreign-born adults. 
 -Work with community members to conduct outreach in neighborhoods with recent immigrants. Focus efforts on the community's gathering places like local grocery stores, places of worship, and small restaurants. 
 -Emphasize the Census Bureau's legal commitment to keep census responses confidential. Explain that the Census Bureau will never share information with immigration enforcement agencies like ICE, law enforcement agencies, like the police or FBI, or allow this information to be used to determine eligibility for government benefits. 

More information on the 2020 Census can be found at census.gov. 

Six Steps to an Effective Violence Prevention Program
By: Accident Fund

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) defines workplace violence as any physical assault, threatening behavior or verbal abuse in the work setting. Establishing a workplace violence prevention program is an important way to help keep employees safe, comfortable and productive. 

There are many different approaches for developing a workplace violence prevention program. An approach that works well for one organization may not be suitable for another. However, with extensive planning and effective program management, organizations can dramatically reduce incidents of workplace violence. 

While there are a variety of ways to develop a workplace violence prevention program, the following steps are necessary to the process:
​
1. Assess the organization's current ability to handle potentially violent situations.
Specifically, examine these areas:
-Physical security
-Pre-employment screening programs
-Termination practices
-Outplacement procedures

2. Identify the in-house resources and skill levels needed for addressing a workplace violence incident and provide training if skill levels are different. 
-Each job classification should identify the positions responsible and accountable for your organization's safety program. 

3. Develop a written workplace violence prevention policy that includes:
-Definitions
-Incident reporting procedures
-Response plans

4. Develop a crisis plan.
5. Provide initial and annual training to employees.
6. Establish a schedule for periodically conducting mock simulations. 

For more information on building a violence prevention program, visit our Hiring For Safety site or download our violence prevention handout and program. Accident Fund policyholders can also log into our website for a variety of additional safety tools. 

If you're not a customer, click here for WorkSafe information or find an Accident Fund agent near you! 

The Sterling Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce is Macomb County's leading business organization with over 1,100 members. The Chamber represents the communities of Sterling Heights, Shelby Township, Utica, Clinton Township and Macomb Township. 

This positions is responsible for selling Chamber memberships to prospective businesses by communicating the benefits of the Chamber, by providing information on various programs offered through the Chamber. This position reports directly to the President/CEO. 

Job Description:
-Identifies and helps to develop strategic relationships with partners or potential chamber members. 
-Assists in the development of a strong pipeline of new business opportunities through direct or indirect customer contact and prospecting. 
-Responsible for growing and maintaining the membership base by developing and implementing strategies that assist in both retention of current business members and the recruitment of new business members. 
-Responsible for soliciting event sponsorship for Chamber events.

Duties & Responsibilities: 
-Actively prospects and sell membership in person, via telephone or written communication.
-Strategically plans sales activities for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
-Represents the Chamber at corporate and community events. 
-Achieve budgeted revenue and membership goals. 
-Assists Chamber members in taking full advantage of their membership. 
-Keeps accurate and timely records of prospects and members. 
-Increases the rate of renewals by communicating with members to ensure they take advantage of resources and remain engaged. 
-Develop, prioritize, and implement tactical project plans, including event programs, trade shows, activities, and meetings. 
-Assist in connecting Chamber members to programs, services and involvement opporitunites that meet their needs.
-Develop business relationships with sponsors and potential sponsors.
-Manage new member experiences - Grand Openings and Ribbon Cuttings.
-Develop multiple and measurable campaigns. 
-Adhere to company policies and procedures.
-Performs other duties assigned. 

Required Qualifications Skills:
-Excellent interpersonal and written skills.
-Self-motivated, detail orientated and relationship driven
-Ability to meet a monthly sales quota.
-Proven ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks. 
-Established people management and interpersonal relationship-building skills, with the ability to publicly speak and present comfortably. 
-Entrepreneurial mind set and ability to take ownership of work. 
-Computer literate; proficient in MS Outlook, Word, and Excel.
-Must be flexible regarding job responsibilities. 
-Must be able to work in a team setting as well as independently.
-Have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation. 
-Ability to life approximately 25 lbs. 

Experience:
-3+ years proven sales background

Education:
-Bachelor's Degree Desired, but not required. 

Salary:
Base Salary, plus commission 

Interested Candidates please submit resumes to Stacy Ziarko at sziarko@shrcci.com

Diapers and Delegation: Important Lessons in Micromanagement
By: Charlie Westra, Growth Services Program Manager, Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center

​It may be hard to believe, but when my wife and I had our first child, I volunteered to change his diaper every time. Odd, I know, but let me explain why. Think about it - when is the happiest time in a baby's life? When they're naked. Those with kids likely know what I'm talking about. Every time his diaper was getting change, he would giggle and shake with excitement. Realizing how joyful he was during this time, I wanted to be part of the experience so I would always be associated with happiness. 

My wife did not argue with me over who would get to change the diapers. However, over time, she started observing my diaper changing and informed me that I was, in fact, "doing it wrong." Thinking I was a pro, I was reluctant to accept this criticism but ultimately gave in and "re-learned" this simple task. Just a few diapers later, she notified me I was still doing it wrong. At this point, I gave up on diaper duty and let her do it her way. 

The Key to Successful Delegation is ... Delegation
This may be an experience many can relate to. There are times when tasks are delegated to us and we are happy to do them, only to be discourage as soon as micromanagement and control come into play. On the flip side, sometimes when we are the ones delegating, we might find ourselves closely monitoring others' methods and critiquing them to perform more like us, with a "my way or the highway" type of paradigm. 

Consider, for a moment, similar circumstances in your daily work. How often have you delegated a task to someone else, only to find yourself quickly jumping back in to manage the process? For me, the answer was quite often. That's when I realized better results can be achieved if I remove myself from the process and fully delegate responsibility, authority and execution of the task, rather than trying to control the exact methods being used. 

We can all agree that morale is a major contributing factor to increased production, especially when it involves completing menial tasks. When I am micromanaged, my attitude quickly plummets, and I become completely disengaged in the process. A once joyful experience is transformed into a chore. 

Through the process of changing diapers, I learned a valuable lesson for both home and work life: when you delegate tasks or ask for help, don't micromanage. Instead, allow others the freedom and safety to make adjustments in methods that achieve the same result. In doing so, ownership is created and the entire process is more enjoyable, proving as long as the outcome is favorable, the details of how they got there don't really matter. 

For those interested in learning more about delegation strategies and ways to enhance leadership abilities, The Center offers an expert-led course in Supervisor Skills. Learn more about this class and view the upcoming course schedule here. 

Charlie Westra is a Growth Services Program Manager at the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, which provides services and support to manufacturers in Macomb County and beyond to enable them to compete, grow and prosper. Learn more at the-center.org. 

​Managing debt can seem like it’s never ending, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Having a plan set in place will help you through this process, so take a look at a few tips to help make managing debt a bit easier. 

1. Create a Budget 
You must know who you owe and how much you owe. Once you have an idea of the amount of debt you have, you can create and set a budget. Track your expenses over one month to figure out how much money you have to work with and decide how to spend it. Determine your needs vs. wants and set aside a realistic budget to pay off debts. If you have extra money left in the budget, use it to pay off your debt faster. If you have trouble budgeting, try using a budget worksheet to get you started. 

2. Prioritize Which Debt to Pay Off First 
When deciding your strategy to pay off debts, you have a few options. If you have multiple credit cards, you may want to pay off the debt with the highest interest rate first. Then pay off the next and the next until all cards are paid off. Or maybe you want to start with the loan that has the smallest balance and work your way up. Whatever you choose, stick with your plan. 

This may also be a time to consider a debt consolidation plan. Combining multiple debts into one lump sum will keep you on track and pay off debts faster.  Plus, these plans often offer lower interest rates which helps save money! 

3. Pay More than the Minimum 
Of course, paying the full amount will save money in the long run by eliminating the need to pay extra interest each month. If you cannot pay the full amount, try paying more than the minimum. Making smaller payments throughout the month can help pay the balance down as much as possible. 

For a loan, keep in mind to pay extra on the principal and not the interest since interest is calculated on the remaining loan balance. If you’re planning to pay your mortgage off early, ensure there is no penalty for prepayment. 

4. Never Miss Payments 
Your payment history makes up 35% of your credit score, so it’s best to never miss a payment. If you are having trouble making payments on the scheduled date, contact your credit card company to inquire on moving your payment date. You can coordinate the new due date with your job's payment schedule, limiting missed payments and those pesky late fees and a potential decrease in credit score. If it’s helpful, set reminders or enroll in automatic bill pay to stay on track. 

5. Have an Emergency Fund
This sounds crazy, right? Saving for emergencies and paying off debt? While it might seem foolish, saving for emergencies is key to helping manage debt. Think about it this way, if you need a new alternator for your vehicle, is it best to charge it to your credit card - adding additional debt to your existing balance, or take the money from your emergency fund? 

Life happens, so having an emergency fund that can cover those expenses that happen out of nowhere, will help you in the long run. When budgeting, be sure to contribute to your emergency fund. Though the suggested amount for an emergency fund is 3-6 months worth of expenses, begin saving what you can and adjust as you begin to pay down other debts. 

6. Seek Help
You’re not alone when navigating through managing your finances. The experts at GreenPath Financial are available to help you gain control of your finances. They can provide help with creating your budget and sticking to it, prioritizing debts and answer any questions you may have. 

Depending on the amount of debt, this is not a process that will happen overnight. It’s a slow and steady race that will offer a great reward in the long run. It’s important to remember your goals, stick with them and try your best to stay on track! 

*Blog post shared from Genisys Credit Union*

​Remember when you got that first paycheck?  You couldn’t wait to see how much cash you received.  In fact, you probably had that amount memorized pretty quickly.

It is essential to know exactly how much you will be earning so you can manage your spending in line with your income. But there are other numbers that are important for you to know to avoid making financial mistakes. Here are a few that can help you establish a strong money foundation.

What Is Your REAL Checking Account Balance?
Too many people make the mistake of determining how much they can spend on a purchase by simply checking today’s balance on your mobile phone or online. There’s a problem with that approach. The balance you see in your account today probably doesn’t count all the expenses you have already authorized against your account. It’s easy to forget that cable or cell phone payment that you authorized to have automatically deducted from your account on the same day each month. What about that small debit card transaction for a coffee? Now that you’ve finished drinking the coffee, is the memory of the debit card transaction lost as well?

If you don’t keep track of your real balance using an old-fashioned checkbook, spreadsheet, or another method, you’re leaving yourself open to spending more than you think you have in your account. The result of the overspending can be overdraft charges that you don’t want.

What Is Your Available Credit Card Limit? 
When you open a credit card, you are approved to use the card to borrow up to a limit. The limit minus the amount you owe for your credit card use is referred to as your “available credit.”

Why is it important to know this? Obviously, it tells you how much more you can spend, especially in the event of an emergency.  When the unexpected happens, it’s convenient to have credit available to you if you don’t have enough funds in your savings account.

Perhaps more important, though, your available credit amount can affect your credit score. As your balance owed starts to be a more significant percent of your credit limit, your credit score starts to decline.  This ratio can be the sole difference between a so-so credit score and an excellent one. And that can impact not only your ability to get credit again; it can also determine how much you will pay for that credit and other things like car insurance.

To maintain an excellent credit score, try to keep your outstanding balance less than 35% of your credit limit. If that ratio starts to creep up, you can consider paying off some of your balance or requesting a limit increase to get the ratio back in line.

What Is Your Cash Flow?
Cash flow determines whether you have enough cash coming in to cover all the expenses you have going out. This number is vital to track on a monthly basis to determine if you need to make changes to your spending. Not following your income versus expenditures can lead to increasing debt and potential troubles down the road.

What Is Your Net Worth Trend?
Your net worth is worth knowing if you plan on building wealth over your lifetime.  It’s a simple calculation. Let’s stick solely to financial assets for now and skip trying to put a value on possessions.

What are your financial assets?  
How much do you have in your savings account?  You might want to leave your checking or debit account balances out of this calculation if you try to minimize the amount you keep in this account.
Do you have funds in a 401(k)?
Do you have other investments or savings-type accounts?
How much do you owe?  Do you have a car loan, a home loan, a credit card balance, or other debts?  

Now, subtract the amounts you owe from the financial assets you have? Chances are good this will be a negative balance because we didn’t put a value on things like the car you financed or the things you bought with credit. That’s okay, especially when you’re first starting out in adult life. What you want to look at is the trend.

When you compare to your previous month’s number, are you moving in the right direction? Is the difference between your financial assets and your outstanding debt starting to skew more in favor of the assets? That’s what you want to see. If you can keep a positive trend going, you will begin to see your wealth build over time. If the number is going in the other direction, you then have the first piece of information you need to determine if changes are required.

Know your numbers.  You may be thinking, “I wanted a paycheck, but I didn’t know math would be involved!” Don’t feel bad, many people resist thinking about numbers as they relate to money. But just by monitoring these numbers, you’ll be making good progress to a stable financial future.

*Blog Shared from Genisys Credit Union*