KINDNESS THAT LASTS BEING THERE FOR SOMEONE WHO’S STRUGGLING
Focus on small gestures. Along with providing company, you can support your loved one with simple gestures — a phone call, handwritten note, or warm meal. These acts remind them that someone cares and that they are not alone. Continuing to show up for your friend even after the rest of the world has moved on can have an even greater impact. There’s no specific script to follow, but small efforts all add up and may matter more than you’ll ever know. If you have a friend or family member going through a hard time, validating their experience and being present for them can be all they need. While they may not remember what you said, they won’t forget you showed up and stayed when they needed you most.
We’ve all experienced bouts of bad mood and even occasional depression. While difficult to go through, it can be equally challenging to see someone we care about hurting and not know how to help. The main thing to remember is that providing support isn’t about fixing things; it’s about showing up in meaningful ways. Skip the pep talks and listen. For many of us, our initial instinct is to rush to lift our loved one’s spirits and help them break out of a bad mood. However, offering them space and a calm ear is often the best thing we can do. Friendly company can be comforting even if they’re not ready to talk. Just be sure they don’t feel pressure to do or say anything. This might mean bingeing a favorite TV show together or just being with one another in the same room.
Hacks for Outwitting Hackers and Scammers
Last August, 78-year-old retiree Laura Kirkland received a call from someone claiming to be a fraud specialist named Alan Davis. He said her checking account had been compromised and urged her to grant him remote access to her computer to halt an unauthorized transaction. Despite initial skepticism, Davis’s convincing demeanor and knowledge about her bank and accounts led Kirkland to comply. The end result? A $15,000 wire transfer from her account to an unknown individual in the United Arab Emirates. This incident underscores the escalating threat of cybercrime, which has burgeoned into a $10.5 trillion global industry. In fact, it now surpasses the combined value of all illegal drug sales in the U.S. A 2023 Gallup poll revealed that 15% of U.S. households experienced a scam in the past year. Karen Denise, head of wealth client service at CAPTRUST, notes a rise in clients reporting interactions with
fraudsters who pose as legitimate financial institutions. Recovering lost funds can be a protracted and stressful process. Modern scammers employ sophisticated tactics, often operating from abroad, making prosecution difficult. One prevalent scam involves calls claiming “your account has been hacked,” prompting victims to act hastily. Criminals are adept at social engineering, using personal information to gain trust. What can you do to protect yourself? • Verify Communications: Always confirm the identity of callers or email senders, especially when they request sensitive information or immediate action. • Limit Information Sharing: Avoid disclosing personal details over the phone or online unless you’re certain of the recipient’s legitimacy. • Educate Yourself: Stay informed about common scams and tactics, which are rapidly evolving.
• Use Security Software: Install and regularly update antivirus and anti- malware programs on your devices. • Consult Professionals: Seek advice from financial advisors or cybersecurity experts if you suspect any fraudulent activity. By remaining vigilant and informed, individuals can better safeguard themselves against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.
Call Us Today 703.535.5300 • 3
20250611-4577075
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator