I’m sure most of you know that August is women’s month, with National Women’s Day on August 9, but did you know that last month was National Savings Month?

Criminals are scoring top marks for their devious ways. Automatic teller machine (ATM) fraud involving close personal contact tends to be opportunistic and ranges from serious violent crime to carefully orchestrated plans to defraud victims. Know the facts so you can avoid becoming another unwitting victim.

Money seems to be used less often these days. I’m not talking about disposable income, I’m talking about the jingle in your pocket and the change in my purse.

With all the interest rate increases over the past year, money in your pocket has become scarcer than hens’s teeth.

Another year is ahead of us and, like its predecessor, 2008 is bound to be fast-paced and filled with challenges. Follow our guidelines to ensure that, at least financially, you are ready to tackle the new year.