Over a billion financial records fall victim to identity theft every year.
How do you protect your identity?

• Be careful when giving out your information
• Shred sensitive documents
• Monitor your financial activity

How can you monitor your activity? 

• Southern Bank app alerts will notify you for:
  • Credit or debit card usage
  • Bill payments
  • Account withdrawals

What happens when you identity is already stolen? 

• Southern bank offers:
  • Free identity theft coverage
  • Fraud specialists
  • Identity monitoring
  • Identity restoration

What are some tips to consider about saving?

• Put your savings first 
• Make automatic deposits 
• Use your online banking or mobile banking app 
• Save for those unexpected expenses 

• What should you consider? 
  • Monthly Income 
  • Down payment 
  • Monthly payment 
  • Payback period 
  • Current level of debt 
• What are some mortgage tips? 
  • Payments should be less than 25% of your monthly income 
  • Total monthly payments should be less than 40% of monthly income 
  • Put down 20% to reduce payments 
  • Ask about 15 to 20 year loans because these reduce interest in the long-run. 

Today, a lot of people are choosing to stay in their present home rather than buying something new. That often leads to home improvement.

What is considered as home improvements projects?

• HVAC units
• Roofing
• Kitchen and bathroom remodeling
• Great room renovations and garages

What are the different financing options?

• Savings plans
• Home equity lines
• Home improvement loans