Surviving Social Media: 7 Financial Tips

By Larry Miller

Even if you try your best, it’s possible to find yourself in some rough waters. So, here’s a rescue kit of ways to stay smart and keep yourself out of the deep stuff.

1) Knock, knock. Who’s there? Just because someone knocks on your social media door doesn’t mean you have to answer. You may or may not know them. In fact, the person could be an imposter posing as a friend. This is how a lot of scam artists begin to build trust with young people. So, if you are uncertain at all, don’t accept their request.

2) Privacy, please! You can start by making sure you have the strictest privacy settings on all of your social media accounts––and keep as much of the info in your profile private, as well. Why? Because a profile set-up usually asks your full name, age, date of birth, where you live, where you go to school, your email address, your mobile number and more––all of which can be used to steal your identity.

Love My Community: Weeping Water

At a spot south of Omaha and east of Lincoln, you’ll find a town that has defied the odds. Many small Midwestern towns have withered over the decades, their populations scattering like dry soil in stiff prairie wind, whipped up by droughts or economic downturns. Weeping Water and the more than 1,000 people who still call it home, however, continue to thrive.

While life has changed over the 150 years since the first European settlers arrived, the hopeful spirit of Weeping Water’s residents has not. Certainly, if you explored the town at its peak size (about 1,300 people in the 1890s) you wouldn’t have seen the modern vehicles and flash-fast technology now on display. But you would have encountered friendly, industrious people and streets full of activity, just like today. You also would have felt the spirit of community that still exists.

Heart of a Hero: Elmer Rempe of Superior

Lifetime resident of Superior, Elmer Rempe, has been nominated by Randy Rhoads as this month’s “Heart of a Hero.” Not just one act of kindness can be traced back to Elmer. In fact, it’s because of his lifelong contributions to the community that he stands out among all who know him.

“I’ve watched Elmer my entire life and have always admired him for his good nature and unstoppable volunteerism,” says Randy. 

Elmer, who worked for the United States Postal Service for decades, is clearly one to show up for folks through rain or sleet or snow or heat of day. Now retired, many in the community know him from his work at the post office.

Smart Tidbits.

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