We're committed to safeguarding not just your financial well-being, but every aspect of your life that matters. In today’s digital world, protecting your personal data is as essential as securing your investments. As we step into 2026, our team is here to empower you with simple, actionable steps to strengthen your digital privacy. Let’s make this year your most secure yet—because your peace of mind is our priority.
Every January, we rally around resolutions to improve our health, finances, and relationships. But in an era where our lives are deeply interconnected online, it’s time to add digital wellness to that list. Small habits like reusing passwords or ignoring app permissions can leave your data vulnerable. This year, let’s treat our digital lives with the same care we give our physical and financial goals.
Here are 5 practical tips to help you build a safer, more resilient digital foundation in 2026:
1. Update your passwords
Why it matters: Weak or reused passwords are like an open invitation for hackers. If your password is easy to guess or used across multiple sites, it makes it much simpler for cyber criminals to gain access to your accounts.
What to do: Make it a habit to reset your passwords regularly, starting with your most critical accounts, like banking, email, and social media. Aim for strong, unique passwords – think 12+ characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. A friendly reminder to never reuse your banking password for other accounts.
2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
Why it matters: Even if a password is compromised, 2FA adds an extra layer of security. It ensures that even if someone gets your password, they still can’t access your account without that second verification step.
What to do: Turn on 2FA for all accounts that offer it – especially banking, email, and social media. Most platforms make this easy to set up in your security settings.
3. Review app and website permissions
Why it matters: Many apps and websites collect more data than they actually need. Over time, this can lead to unnecessary privacy risks if that data falls into the wrong hands.
What to do: Take a few minutes to check your privacy settings on your apps and other accounts. Limit permissions like location tracking, microphone or camera access, and data sharing wherever they aren’t essential. While you’re at it, remove apps from your devices that you no longer use. This helps protect your information and saves you some device storage!
4. Scour and protect your socials
Why it matters: Social media accounts are commonly hacked. They include a wealth of information about you – photos, names of family and pets, birthdays, etc. All of this is intel that a hacker can use to steal your identity or engineer a scam targeted to you.
What to do: Protect your socials by reviewing your privacy settings – set your profiles to private and turn off geotagging/location in your device’s settings. Delete accounts that you don’t check or engage with. For accounts you’re keeping, take a moment to review your posts, and remove any unnecessary information.
5. Be wary of phishing attempts
Why it matters: Phishing is a common online scam where an email is sent attempting to trick you into revealing sensitive information by pretending to be a trusted source, like your bank or a service provider. The fraudster then gains access to your accounts or computer system.
What to do: Treat unsolicited communication with caution, it’s likely not legitimate. Don’t click on any link, attachment, or provide information if you can’t confirm with certainty who’s contacting you. Remember, legitimate organizations will never ask for information in this manner. Simply ignore the email and delete it. When in doubt, contact the company directly via the contact information on their official website.
Stay Proactive, Stay Protected
Just as we regularly review your financial plan, your digital habits deserve ongoing attention. By adopting these simple practices, you’ll shield your identity, finances, and personal life from unseen threats.
Here’s to a year of prosperity, security, and digital confidence!
Rhonda Hymers & Team
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." — Benjamin Franklin