1. Freeze your credit:
Even if you’re not worried about identity theft, a credit freeze keeps crooks from opening accounts in your name.

2. Use call filtering apps:
Try tools like Hiya, Nomorobo or your carrier’s spam call protection. And never answer unknown numbers, voicemail is your friend.

3. Get a password manager:
Weak passwords make you easy prey. Use a manager like NordPass to generate and store secure logins.*

4. Talk about scams with loved ones:
The people most at risk often don’t think they’re at risk. Share this with your spouse, parents, grandparents and neighbors.

5. Don’t trust caller ID:
Scammers spoof numbers from banks, hospitals, even relatives. If something feels off, hang up and call the official number directly.

Try Orb.net. It’s a free, easy-to-use, excellent tool that checks if your device is the issue or if the internet itself is slowing things down. You’ll see exactly how your connection is performing in real time, including local vs. remote speed tests. 

Try the bounce test. Find a flat, solid surface like a countertop or hardcover book. Hold the AA or AAA battery vertically and drop it from about 8 inches (20 cm).

If it clunks and tumbles? Still got juice. If it bounces, It’s dead. 

Discharged batteries have a different internal structure that makes them springier. 

Cant find your cursor? Shake it. If your mouse pointer disappears, especially on large or dual monitors, just shake your mouse back and forth quickly.

On Macs, the pointer automatically grows larger, so you can spot it.

On Windows, turn on a similar setting: Go to Settings > Devices > Mouse > Additional mouse options > Pointer Options tab, then check “Show location of pointer when I press the CTRL key.” 

Now, tap the Ctrl key anytime you lose the pointer, and watch it appear with a ripple.

If you’ve ever moved, changed jobs or had a relative pass away, sit up and pay attention. Look up your name and others you know.

Go to MissingMoney.com, a free site backed by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators. Type in your name and any states you’ve lived in. 

If there’s a match, you can usually file a claim right then and there. Just be ready to upload proof of identity. A driver’s license or utility bill will do.

If your state isn’t listed there, check Unclaimed.org. It links you directly to every state’s own unclaimed property site.

For your 401(k):

Check the National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits to see if your money’s ghosting you. If you left a job and forgot to roll over your 401(k), your money might be sitting in a holding account. 

Savings bonds, IRS refunds and VA life insurance:
Unclaimed tax refund? Go to IRS.gov/refunds.
Matured savings bond? Check TreasuryHunt.gov.
VA life insurance benefits? Search insurance.va.gov.

Happy Friday!

I’m excited to share that we’ll be having our Company Picnic on Sunday, July 27th at Bonnet Springs Park from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

There will be food, drinks, games, and tons of fun for everyone to enjoy!

Please see the attached flyer for all the details. Don’t forget to scan the QR code to RSVP so we can plan accordingly.

I hope everyone can make it – it’s going to be a great time!

Please review the attached map for updated employee parking instructions.

Due to upcoming construction, Effective Immediately, all employees must park  in the yellow highlighted area only shown on the map. The green highlighted area is designated for overflow parking only. Parking is on a first come, first serve basis.

Parking in unauthorized areas is strictly prohibited.
Any vehicle parked outside the designated zones is subject to towing without prior notice.

This policy applies to everyone—including:

• Chevy Sales & Service
• Kia Sales & Service
• Pre-Owned Sales
• Body Shop
• BDC Sales & Service
• Detail
• Finance
• Managers

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work through these changes.

“Life isn’t fair.  It’s true, and you still have to deal with it.  Whining about it rarely levels the playing field, but learning to rise above it is the ultimate reward.”

~Harvey MacKay

If your smartphone was ever lost or stolen, would you know what to do? Lock it remotely, call your carrier or use a tracking app. That’s a start.

But you know what weapon most people sleep on? 

That weird 15-digit code called your IMEI. Your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is like a Social Security number for your phone. Every phone has one, and it’s not tied to your phone number or SIM card.

Why does this matter? 

Let’s say someone nabs your phone and jams in a shiny new SIM. They think they’re slick. But your carrier can use your IMEI to block the hardware itself from the entire mobile network. Boom. The phone is now a $900 coaster.

It doesn’t get you the device back. Think of it as your phone’s self-destruct button, minus the explosions. Those cost extra.

Find your IMEI 

This part is easy. Just open your phone app and dial: *#06#

That’s star, pound, zero, six, pound. You don’t even have to press call. Your IMEI number will pop right up on your screen.

Grab a pen. Take a screenshot. Email it to yourself. Save it in a secure notes app. Etch it into a cursed amulet you hang above your door. Whatever works.  Just don’t only store it on your phone (reminder: likely the missing item in this future scenario)