How to Safely Shop on Cyber Monday

Cyber Monday is the first Monday after Thanksgiving (this year, that's November 28^th). Like Black Friday, it's a day for holiday shopping, and it is becoming bigger and bigger with each passing year. In fact, some analysts predict that Cyber Monday could outstrip Black Friday this year in total dollars spent. And that isn't surprising, if you consider how pervasive online shopping has become over the last decade. After all, who hasn't bought something (or more likely, many hundreds of things) off of Amazon?

But Cyber Monday can pose risks if you aren't careful. Thankfully, there are a number of simple preventive measures you can take to safeguard against theft. To ensure your information is secure and safe, follow these tips on Cyber Monday. Whether you're shopping from your phone or your computer, you can't be too safe or too cautious.

Use Different Passwords

If you maintain multiple accounts on e-commerce websites, it's best that you use multiple passwords for each. Any website with stored credit card information should be treated with the utmost respect and care; don't use simple passwords, and don't use passwords that you've used elsewhere. If you are concerned that you won't be able to remember multiple passwords for multiple sites, consider using an online password manager. There are a multitude of password managers to choose from, many of which are completely free.

Keep Your Mobile and Desktop OS Up-to-Date

Your operating system, whether on your smartphone or your computer, acts as a front-line deterrent against malware, viruses, and other potentially harmful online risks. To protect your private data and credit card information, it is important that you regularly update your operating system. If you shop online using your phone or tablet, you may also consider getting a phone with built-in security features. Mobile processors such as Snapdragon by Qualcomm offer a number of built-in security features that can help with malware detection, theft deterrence, content protection, and user authentication on your phone. Buy a phone that helps protect your data for you.

Don't Use Public Wi-Fi to Shop

No matter what, don't shop on a public, unprotected Wi-Fi network. The dangers of open Wi-Fi networks are well documented, but if you are unfamiliar with the dangers, the basic risk is this: open Wi-Fi networks leave you vulnerable to identity theft, including theft of private financial information, such as bank account and credit card numbers. If you choose to shop from your smartphone or tablet, do so over a secure cellular network or protected Wi-Fi network, or install a virtual private network (VPN) on your mobile device. These applications encrypt private data, offering a helpful barrier against would-be hackers.

Shop from Trusted Retailers

Sometimes the simplest solution is the most effective one. If you shop only from trusted retailers, you can minimize your risk of identity theft and fraud. Most major retailers maintain SSL certification on their websites. Sites with an SSL certificate are more secure than those without, and are easily identified by two distinct features: an HTTPS web address, and a padlock icon in the domain field, which is placed in front of the web address. Retailers like J. Crew and Walmart have SSL certificates on their websites, while others, like Target, surprisingly do not (as of this writing).

Disable Cookies

Cookies are small pieces of digital information or data that are stored by your web browser. Typically, cookies are intended to help improve the user experience by storing information that may be used later. For example, your web browser may remember your shipping address or contact information; when you activate an input field, your browser may automatically input this data or suggest it for quicker data entry. It certainly is convenient, there is no doubt about that. But this information is often of a sensitive and private nature, and should your device become lost or stolen, this data could end up in the wrong hands. For peace of mind and added security, disable cookies on your device.

Shop Smart. Shop Safe.

There's no reason to be afraid of shopping on Cyber Monday. But that isn't an excuse to become complacent either. Taking simple precautionary measures can help ensure your personal and private data isn't stolen or leaked, and this in turn can guarantee a safe, pleasant, and trouble-free shopping experience this holiday season. Happy shopping and happy holidays!

Samantha Rivers is a freelance writer who lives in Chicago (Go Cubs!) and loves writing anything in the lifestyle, parenting and career realm both online and print. When she's not running the Upward Onward blog, she enjoys curling up with a good book, finding new restaurants, being active outside, and indulging in a glass of wine or two. 

Follow her on Twitter!

Feeling Lost? Find Some Clarity and Focus

Clarity and focus are among the most important things that anyone can have in life. Most of us function at our best when we know what we want, what we need to do to get there, and what our next big step needs to be. When we’re lacking focus and direction, we can end up feeling downcast, restless and lost. If you’ve hit a point in your life when you’re not sure what your next move is, here are a few ways to get things back on track.

Image from Public Domain Pictures

Take Responsibility

When people feel lost, it can be pretty common for them to assume that clarity and direction will simply fall in their lap after enough time. Others simply roll into a rut of self-pity, wondering why other people were gifted with so much clarity and direction, while they missed out. These are both rooted in the assumption that focus is something that comes from somewhere outside. Although this assumption is understandable in some ways, it’s ultimately self-defeating and pointless. It may not feel like it now, but there’s nothing out there that can give you direction in life. You need to create it yourself. If you’re really not sure of where you want your life to go at this point, there’s no issue in staying open to different options. However, you shouldn’t let this go on for so long that you get stuck in a state of hesitation. Finding your path in life can be difficult, but the most important first step is realizing that it’s you who needs to find it.

Avoid Things Which Are Damaging to Clarity

Some attitudes, thoughts and actions we choose can make us feel clear and focussed in life. Others will make our outlook on life even more clouded and hazy. If you want to have more clarity and focus in your life, you need to cut yourself off from the things which are making this harder. If you’re hanging out with a lot of unfocused people, who are drifting aimlessly through the motions with no real direction in life, then consider spending less time with them. If you know you’re spending too much time watching TV, playing video games, surfing the web or you’re stuck in any other time-wasting habits, then try to cut down on this in increments. Numbing your mind with alcohol, drugs, and junk food can be very damaging to our sense of clarity too. If you’ve accepted responsibility for your life, and you’re still finding clarity hard to grasp, then it may be time to work more on your lifestyle. Seek out more focused friends to spend your time with. Work on your dietary and exercise habits, cut down on the alcohol, drugs, or other unhealthy substances that cause your mood to fluctuate. Getting into the habit of planning your day out and looking for the next big goal can also help to turn things around. I can’t guarantee that if you change your lifestyle, you’ll gain clarity and focus overnight. However, it’s certainly helped a lot of people in the past, and it’s worth a shot!

Reach Out for Help

Image from Flickr

Many of us hate the idea of asking for help in getting some sense of direction in our lives. With everyone seeming so focused and clear about where they’re going, admitting that you don’t have a clue can make you feel weak and embarrassed. I assure you that anyone who cares about you won’t look at it this way. Don’t be afraid to throw your hands up and ask for help! Talk to your closest friends and family who seem to have a clear sense of purpose, and ask them for advice. You may be surprised at how many of them have gone through the exact same phase as you! If you’re still not finding the guidance you need, you may have to look elsewhere. Talk to a life coach, counselor, or even a real psychic about the lack of focus which you’re going through. These people have a lot of experience dealing with problems just like yours, and will often be great at helping you find your way again. Religious mentors, old teachers and so on could also be an option. While reaching out for help can often be just what the doctor ordered, make sure you don’t lean on others too much. Remember my first point; that you’re responsible for your sense of direction in life. Help is great when it’s there, but there will inevitably be times when you have to stand on your own two feet.

Get $5 When You Sign Up For #Swagbucks

 

 We've reached the Holiday season - can you believe it? People are already preparing for Thanksgiving and getting ready to start shopping for the Holidays (if they haven't already begun)! Since this time of year in particular is a good one for having some extra money, Swagbucks is offering a $5 bonus to people who sign up through me this month!

Swagbucks is a rewards site where you earn points (called SB) for all sorts of things you're probably already doing online, like shopping, discovering deals, taking surveys, watching videos, and more! Then you can turn your gift cards into PayPal cash or gift cards to places like Amazon, Starbucks, and more!

Here's how you get your bonus:

1. Sign up using this link

2. Earn 300 SB total before 12/1. You'll get a $3 (300 SB) bonus for it!

3. When you do your holiday shopping, spend at least $25 through Swagbucks Shop* and you'll get another $2 (200 SB) bonus on top of the cashback you'll get from shopping.

That's it. It's super easy, and Swagbucks is for real. I use it myself, and I've earned [GIVE EARNED SB AMOUNT, WHAT YOU SPEND IT ON]

*You must receive your shopping SB before January 1st

Why Online Adult Education is the Hot New Thing

Heading off to college, getting your bachelor’s degree, and maybe even earning your Masters is an exciting time in life. But what if you are an adult returning to education? Perhaps you want to work towards gaining a postgraduate degree for better work opportunities. Or maybe even for your own self-satisfaction. As adults, we have more responsibilities than we used to. These include work, family, and financial constraints, all which make online learning more inviting. So today we’re going to look at the option of taking online courses to further your education.


Picture found on: Pixabay

Why Learn Online?

Online adult education allows flexibility and interactive study, straight from your home. It’s cost effective, means you can continue working and also set your own pace of study. Distance learning also means you can achieve your degree no matter where you live in the world. Not only is it a more affordable option, but because you have invested the money into your learning, you will find you are much more dedicated to reaching your goals. Undergraduate, postgraduate and professional levels of courses are all available for online study. And in an age of advanced technology, it means courses are far more interactive.

Things You Can Do When You're Feeling Blue

Image from Google

If you're having a bit of a hard time, it can be hard to lift your mood. When things go wrong, it's easy to get stuck in a rut and only look at the negatives. There is so much around you that can make you feel positive, though! It's the little things that can make a difference. By simply mixing up your routine and letting yourself have a bit of fun; you could completely change your frame of mind. You just need to cut yourself some slack and focus your energies on something super positive.

Watch something comforting

When you're feeling a little bit low, you need to put the serial killer documentaries away and watch something that will feel like a big hug. If you used to tune into Disney movie as a youngster, stick your favorite on and get cozy. If Gilmore girls is your thing, kickback and remember the good Stars Hollow times. If you like to be busy, you might, at first, feel like this is a waste of time. But it's essential you relax your mind.

Get your bake on

Not only will cooking something give you an enormous sense of pride, but you also get to eat it after. Trying new things in the comfort of your own home can be seriously soothing. The smell of a freshly baked cake is divine and sharing what you've done with other people will help you break the cycle of being quiet and sad. Treat yourself to a new cookery book and get baking!

Update your living space

If you haven't changed around your furniture in an age or you're a little tired of where you're living - a great idea is to invest in some new furniture. If you can't afford new furniture, a great idea is to visit http://www.mylightingsource.com/Quoizel_Lighting_s/1832.htm and give yourself a little light update. Whether you opt for a more soothing light bulb wattage or you make a feature with a beautiful light shade; the change will really perk you up.

Make some moves

As tempting as it is only to stay in bed and watch Netflix, it's essential that you do get outside for some fresh air. Moving your body, even a little bit can't give you a new lease of life. If you have a dog, give it a little walk and if you can, get yourself to a relaxing yoga class. Moving around will get the blood pumping.

Enjoy your own company

Doing things on your own can be incredibly satisfying. You might not feel like doing it, but wandering alone with your thoughts can be very eye-opening and calm. If you've had a hard time of late, you might need the space to clear your head. If you don't want to go to the movies on your own, you could take a trip to the seaside or visit a museum. Give it a go; you might not regret it and it could do you the world of good.