StraightLine

In April, Mike Bisaro AIF®, Mike Rice and Zach Rivard represented StraightLine at Central Michigan University’s inaugural Financial Planning Invitational.

We enjoyed seeing the students showcase not only their financial planning knowledge, but also their ability to communicate recommendations thoughtfully and connect with clients' needs. The future of the profession is bright!

This Week’s Financial Snack, brought to you by Beth Mosshart!

What are the best ways to protect yourself from scams?

Scam and fraud attempts are increasing, and bad actors are becoming more sophisticated. We are notified almost daily of attempts to access accounts, impersonate trusted institutions, or pressure individuals into sending money.

Remember, in most cases, nothing is actually wrong and it is just a scam!

Rule of thumb: If you did not initiate the contact, do not trust the request. The best protection is simple: do not engage with unsolicited contact.

If someone you do not know contacts you by phone, text, or email:
• Do not respond or click on links
• Do not share personal or financial information
• Do not allow remote access to your computer
• Do not send money, especially via gift cards or wire transfers

Even if the message sounds urgent or official, disconnect immediately and contact the institution directly using a verified number (such as the one on your credit card, statement, or invoice). If needed, reference “fraud protection.” Financial institutions take fraud seriously.

It is also helpful to create and maintain a list of trusted contact numbers for your financial institutions, so you are not searching for a phone number while feeling pressured.

Before taking any action, check in with a family member, trusted contact, or your financial advisor. A short pause to verify can often prevent a costly mistake.

After disconnecting, block the sender and delete the message to reduce the chance of future contact or accidental interaction.

Questions to Ask Yourself:
✔️ Did I initiate this contact, or did someone unexpectedly reach out to me?
✔️ Am I being asked to do something out of the ordinary, being rushed to act quickly?
✔️ Have I created a list of verified phone numbers for my financial institutions, so I am not looking for a phone number in a panic?

If you have questions or would like to learn how this Financial Snack may apply to your individual financial situation, please Contact Us, or call our office at 248-269-8366

Happy 3rd Work Anniversary to Rob Rickey, CFP®! 🎉

We’re so grateful to celebrate 3 wonderful years with you. Here’s to this milestone and many more years ahead! 🌟

Happy 3 year anniversary to Kyle Zammit, AIF®,ChFC®!

We appreciate everything you bring to the team - thank you for everything you do.