In today's digital world, protecting your personal information online is more critical than ever. It's essential to be proactive in protecting your online presence and reducing risks of falling prey to scams or other risks. In our latest Lakeside Chat we explore practical tips and strategies to help you be safer in the digital world. 

These days, it’s likely that most of your important financial information is stored digitally through a combination of online accounts, saved documents on your personal computer, and your smartphone. Chances are you keep a lot of other important information stored digitally too.  If you’re a small business owner with registered domain names, a thriving e-commerce website or a money-making blog, you should recognize these as important digital assets as well. Have you thought about what will happen to these financial and sentimental digital accounts when you die?

The Dark Web is an interesting place with a ton of potential, and a ton of risk. This month, we were joined by Twinstate Technologies as we go into the dark web, so you don’t have to.

Your annual physical checkup and health screenings are scheduled. Your dental checkups, and perhaps those for your spouse and children, are on your calendar or smartphone. Yet many people fail to schedule time for a regular financial health checkup. 

Whether you prefer to block out some time each month or review your financial goals annually, here is what you need to do at least once a year to make sure your money is working hard for you, and that you address the goals most important to you and your family.

Avoid common financial pitfalls for a more secure future.

In life and matters of the wallet, rest assured that we all make mistakes. Mistakes are a critical part of our education process – but when it comes to your finances, some lessons and consequences can be quite lasting. In an effort to help you learn from others, and potentially save a great deal of money and heartache, you may wish to review some of the following most common financial mistakes, and ways to avoid or mitigate them.

Does Long-Term Care Insurance break or protect the nest egg?

It may seem a bit unusual to be examining insurance with a financial advisor, but looking at long term care insurance is a critical step in the retirement plan process. It is much easier discussing the risks potential health problems can pose to your retirement plan now, while you’re healthy, rather than later when it may be too late. Exploring the viability of long-term care insurance can provide peace-of-mind and flexibility to you and your family in the future if something were to happen.

When a medical crisis hits you or a family member, you are faced with often daunting financial and emotional challenges. While health issues can be overwhelming in their magnitude and unpredictability, preparing for unpleasant contingencies can eliminate some of the problems you might face. Planning ahead may seem all the more daunting with health care and insurance in an ongoing state of flux. The question is: How do you prepare for the unexpected, in times of uncertainty?

Whether you are embarking on a new career or relocating due to shifts in the job market, keeping on top of your options regarding your existing insurance policies and pension or retirement plan is critical. You don’t want to leave assets behind unintentionally. There are often time-limited opportunities, strict guidelines and tax penalties to watch for so consider your options carefully whether you’re simply changing employers or making an across-country move.