Your Financial Success Blog

Wherever your itinerary takes you, we have some tips to help you protect your finances from criminals and overspending while traveling.

1. Budget Before You Go
   Before you buy a plane ticket or book a hotel, plan ahead financially. How much will this vacation cost you? Don’t forget to include travel, hotels, food, entertainment, as well as a small emergency fund. Additionally, check with your wireless service provider (cell phone company) about out-of-state and international calling plans/calls. It’s likely that any text messages or calls you make will cost more overall.
2. Let EVERYONE Know Where You’re Going
   Sure, your family and friends should know where you plan to travel, but you should also contact your financial institutions and credit card companies. If they don’t know you’re going out of state or overseas, your transactions could be blocked, causing all kinds of problems for you. Plus, this is a good way to avoid fraud or fake transactions back home while you are away. To keep us in the loop, use Card Controls or contact us.
3. Use Credit Cards for Everything
   Cash is great, but not nearly as safe as a credit card. Carry multiple credit cards on your trip for those just-in-case moments. Additionally, store those credit cards in different places (luggage, purse, wallet, etc.) or with different people in your travel party. Two of the best reasons to use a credit card while traveling include protection against fraud and the ability to verify every purchase and your overall card usage as you go. Simply log into Online Branch to get started. 
4. Avoid Public Wi-Fi
   Free public wi-fi is a wonderful thing for checking social media or the weather. But these public networks can and are easily hacked by criminals. If you log into an account or share a password while connected to public wi-fi, that information could quickly fall into the wrong hands. If you must use public wi-fi, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for encryption.
5. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
   Log into your accounts regularly (using a secure network). Look for any possible fraud or unauthorized transactions. If you spot anything unusual or suspicious, contact us immediately.

BONUS TIP: Don’t Share Anything on Social Media Until You Get Back Home!
Posting photos and comments, as well as checking in to specific destinations while you’re away, simply tells criminals that you’re not home. It can also alert people around you that you are tourists. Hang onto your photos until you return home, then post everything online for others to see.

Your Financial Success, Powered by Mid-Atlantic FCU

As your local credit union rooted in Montgomery County, we’re here to help you move your financial life forward with confidence. That’s why we launched a blog: Your Financial Success, powered by Mid-Atlantic FCU. Whether you’re saving for the future, buying a car, budgeting smarter, or navigating homeownership, we deliver with quick, in-depth articles that matter to you.