Summer’s here—time for sunshine, travel, and a change of pace. Whether you’re off on a big adventure or just out and about more often, it’s a good idea to stay mindful of your home and finances. A little preparation goes a long way in helping you keep everything safe while you enjoy the season.
Here are seven no-nonsense tips to give you peace of mind this summer:
- Don’t Broadcast Your Vacation Plans Online. It’s tempting to share your vacation plans and photos in real-time (on social media), but doing so can also signal that your home is unoccupied. To help keep your home safe, wait to post until you’re back or share updates privately with people you trust.
- Set Up Smart Home Alerts. Modern security systems make it easy to keep an eye on your home—no matter where you are. With smart cameras, motion detectors, and video doorbells, you can monitor everything from your phone in real-time. Set up alerts for any unusual activity and take advantage of features like remote locking and unlocking—perfect if you forget to lock up or need to give someone access while you’re away.
- Put Your Mail and Deliveries on Pause. Stacks of packages and a bursting mailbox scream, “No one’s home!” Not only does this invite thieves, but it can also put your identity at risk. You can easily use USPS’s Hold Mail service or ask a trusted neighbor to collect your deliveries. If you’re expecting multiple packages, consider using Amazon lockers or redirecting shipments to a friend or family member.
- Use Credit Over Debit While Traveling. When you’re traveling, using a debit card puts your actual cash at greater risk. If your card is skimmed or stolen, the money is gone until your bank resolves the issue. Instead, use a credit card with strong fraud protection. That way, if something shady happens, your bank or card company can reverse the charges with no money lost and no stress added.
- Watch Out for Fake Wi-Fi Networks. Public Wi-Fi can be convenient, but it’s often not secure. To stay safe, only connect to password-protected networks you can verify, and consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your online activity. Avoid accessing bank accounts or entering passwords when using public Wi-Fi, especially in locations such as hotels, airports, or cafes.
- Don’t Leave Valuables in Your Car. That quick hike or beach walk? Just 30 minutes? That’s all it takes for someone to smash a window and make off with your wallet, laptop, or bag. Leave valuables at home or take them with you. If you must leave items in the car, stash them out of sight—preferably in the trunk before you park.
- Automate Your Finances. Summer often brings a more relaxed routine, but it’s crucial to stay on top of your finances. Missing a payment or overlooking a low balance can negatively impact your credit and leave you financially vulnerable. To help avoid issues, set up autopay for recurring bills and enable account alerts for things like unusual activity or low balances. These simple tools can help you stay organized and in control—without needing to check your accounts constantly.
Bonus Tip: Tell a Trusted Friend
Before you head out of town, let a close friend or neighbor know you’ll be away. They can keep an eye on things, pick up unexpected packages, or respond to emergencies. A little communication can go a long way toward preventing headaches.
Stay Safe, Stay Smart
Summer is all about enjoying yourself! And following a few simple security tips can go a long way in giving you peace of mind—without costing much time or money. So before you head out for a trip or settle in for a relaxing day, take a moment to make sure everything’s in order. Then, kick back and make the most of your summer—you’ve earned it.
