Banking on line for many people is not only convenient but it can also be necessary.  Before on-line access, when there were two of us on our checking account, I would have given my right arm to know what checks and debit expenses my husband withdrew.  Our budget was pretty set; but he was a free spirit.  He would often vary from what was planned.  That made life more exciting than necessary, especially on the months when finances were tight.  For the most part, we were a cash-based family.  We never had more than one active credit card; and we usually accessed money with our debit cards, once they became a reality.  We even paid cash for most of our cars.

Therefore, as soon as on-line banking was available, I gleefully signed up.  Not understanding the problem with security on-line banking can cause, I freely checked my account almost daily.  Recently, I learned that there are several safety tips that will insure a safer banking experience when you are on-line.  They are pretty simple rules to follow.

1.  Use the  same computer everytime you access your account.

2.  Use a computer that will travel with you.  I use my laptop to view my account.  Therefore, if I’m not going to be at home and I need to view my account, I still have it available.

3.  Change your password often.

4.  Use a unique password for this purpose.  Many people have one password that they use for everything.  When it comes to on-line access, every account that involves finances should have its own unique password.

5.  Don’t use birthdays or anniversaries as banking passwords.

6.  For your security question chose anything other than your mother’s maiden name.  That is too easy to obtain on line.

7.  Each time you access your banking account, turn your computer completely off.  My understanding is that this will erase those nasty traceable cookies from your computer memory.

While identity theft may not be avoidable, we can do our part to make it harder for thieves to have access to our money.  The Bible talks more about money than it does heaven.  In fact, handling money is a favorite Biblical topic.  God is concerned that we use wisdom in our the area of our finances.