Personal Finance Has Evolved: Are You Keeping Up?

Did you know Americans lost over $10 billion to fraud last year?

That’s just one sign of how much personal finance has changed. Gone are the days of jotting every expense in a handwritten register and paying solely with cash and coins.

In fact, the last penny was minted in November 2025. Today, nearly everything happens online—from paying bills and applying for credit to managing investments and shopping. This digital shift brings convenience, but it also introduces new risks. Protecting your identity and financial health now means evolving your habits to match the times.

Fraud Awareness: Why It Matters

With International Fraud Awareness Week taking place November 16-22, 2025, the FCCU Foundation has focused on helping our community adapt to this new reality. Fraudsters are getting smarter, but so can you. Whether you’re 18 or 80, here are three essentials for thriving in today’s financial world:

  1. Create strong passwords that can’t be guessed easily

Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters—and avoid using personal details like birthdays or pet names. Consider using a password manager to generate and store unique passwords for every account.

  1. Spot secure websites before entering sensitive information

Always check for “https://” and a padlock icon in the browser address bar before entering personal or payment details. Secure sites encrypt your data, making it harder for hackers to intercept.

  1. Protect your identity when using credit or sharing data online

Monitor your accounts regularly for suspicious activity and enable alerts for unusual transactions. When shopping or banking online, use secure networks—not public Wi-Fi—and never share sensitive information through email or text.

Resources to Help You Adapt

  • Test Your Scam Smarts – Use this quick digital tool to get personalized tips for staying scam smart.
  • Manage Your Digital Footprint – Use this helpful checklist to run down the 7 different ways you can manage your identity online.

FCCU Foundation in Action

The tools above are made possible by the FCCU Foundation. In addition to providing free in-person financial education workshops, the Foundation makes possible SmartMoney Online, powered by Enrich—a free resource featuring videos, articles, courses, and tools on every financial wellness topic. Whether you’re a First Commerce member or part of the broader community, our resources are here to guide your journey toward financial wellness.

This November, in honor of International Fraud Awareness Week, we’ve been out in our communities helping people evolve their financial habits and stay safe online:

  • Middle & High School Teens: In classrooms, the FCCU Foundation combined lessons on saving, budgeting, and credit with online safety tips. Middle schoolers learned the basics—creating strong passwords and protecting data on shared devices. And high school students preparing for the workforce explored how credit works, why it matters for their future, and how to manage personal information responsibly to avoid identity theft.
  • Adults & Families: At FCCU’s 85th Anniversary Celebration and at workshops on “Building Credit Confidence” we connected with community members of all ages and guided attendees through our Identity Theft Risk Tool, sharing strategies to build and maintain strong credit while staying safe from scams.
  • Veterans & Retirees
    At an area Veterans Wellness Fair, held near Veterans Day, we honored those who served by focusing on fraud prevention and financial wellness. Veterans and retirees are often targeted by digital scams, so we shared practical steps to protect personal information and strengthen online security.

 

First Commerce Credit Union provides this content to inform and inspire. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee this information is accurate, complete or current.  This information is not professional advice (tax, legal, financial, etc.) and should not replace your individual consultation with qualified advisors. Laws, rules, and personal circumstances can change, so please verify how this information applies (or does not apply) to your situation and location. All decisions remain your responsibility. First Commerce Credit Union and its affiliates and employees assume no liability for outcomes resulting from the use of this material. 

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Who We Are

Established in 1940, First Commerce is a full-service, not-for-profit credit union with locations across North Florida and South Georgia. We are a member-owned cooperative and committed to the communities we serve. Our purpose is to empower people to enhance their financial well-being by helping them achieve their financial goals – whether it’s simplifying their day-to-day finances, buying their first car or home, or building a great retirement. When you bank with First Commerce, you get a truly personal experience backed by 80 years of financial expertise.