As we approach Veterans Day, we’d like to share some fascinating facts about this important holiday and offer some suggestions for how you can celebrate this memorable holiday.

Interesting Facts:

1. Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, was established to commemorate the end of World War I in 1918.
2. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill renaming it Veterans Day to honor veterans of all U.S. wars.
3. A moment of silence is observed at 11 a.m. on 11/11 to remember veterans.
4. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs hosts a National Veterans Day Poster Contest for students, featuring the winning design on Veterans Day materials.

Ways to Celebrate:

1. Visit a State Park or Museum.
2. Attend a Veterans Day Parade.
3. Join the nation in observing a moment of silence.
4. Consider volunteering your time at a local veterans’ organization.

Remember, the most important thing you can do on Veterans Day is to genuinely thank veterans for their service and sacrifice. It’s a day to honor and show respect to those who have defended our country and its values. For more information on Veterans Day, please visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 

Financial Planning Month is indeed an excellent opportunity to emphasize the importance of financial planning and empower individuals and families to secure their financial futures. Here are some valuable financial planning tips from expert Laurie A. Siebert, CPA, CFP®, AEP®.

Financial Planning Month is indeed an excellent opportunity to emphasize the importance of financial planning and empower individuals and families to secure their financial futures. Here are some valuable financial planning tips from experts Rodman D. Young, CPA, CFP ® and Jaclyn M. Cornelius, CFP®, EA.

Essential Cybersecurity Measures for Clients (a five-part series)

By: Rob Ziobro, VNFA Assistant Vice President, Technologies

As they say, you get what you pay for, so let’s discuss Public Wi-Fi this week and how it can be a potential pitfall. While convenient, public Wi-Fi networks can be risky. Hackers can intercept data transmitted over these networks, potentially compromising your personal information.

If you must use public Wi-Fi, consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your data and maintain your privacy. VPN settings can be used on your laptops, as well as on iPhones and Androids. It is always better to take a few minutes to set up your connection than to leave yourself open in a public setting. Stay safe out there and check back next week for another topic.  

Essential Cybersecurity Measures for Clients (a five-part series)

By: Rob Ziobro, VNFA Assistant Vice President, IT

Be Wary of Phishing Attempts: Cybercriminals often use emails or messages that appear legitimate to trick you into revealing sensitive information. Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown senders. Always verify the sender’s email address and avoid sharing personal or financial information through email.

Keep Software and Devices Updated: Regularly updating your operating system, software, and apps is more than just a chore – it’s a vital security measure. Updates often contain patches for known vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Ensuring your devices are up to date helps seal potential entry points for cyber threats.

Check back next week for additional tips.

Essential Cybersecurity Measures for Clients (a five-part series)

By: Rob Ziobro, VNFA Assistant Vice President, IT

Understanding cybersecurity measures is crucial to safeguarding your digital life in our interconnected world, where personal and business activities thrive online. Here are some valuable insights to help you navigate the intricate landscape of cybersecurity:

Secure Passwords Are Your First Line of Defense: Believe it or not, a strong password can be one of your most effective shields against cyber threats. Use unique combinations of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid easily guessable details like birthdays or pet names. And remember, it’s crucial not to reuse passwords across multiple accounts.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adding an extra layer of protection, MFA requires more than just a password to access your accounts. This could involve a verification code sent to your phone, a fingerprint, or a facial scan on your smart device. By requiring multiple forms of identification, MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, even if your password is compromised. And always remember, if you are prompted with an MFA request to log in to an account that you didn’t request, you may want to check the recent logins of the account or change the account password just to be sure your password wasn’t compromised.

Come back next week for our next topic called Phishing. 

National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) is the entire month of August each year.

With the purpose to promote the importance of immunizations and raise awareness about the benefits of vaccination for people of all ages.

Visit the CDC for more information on National Immunization Awareness Month.

Disability Pride Month is an annual event held in July to celebrate and raise awareness about disability, promote disability rights, and advocate for greater inclusion and accessibility in all areas of society.

Disability Pride Month is a time to celebrate the diversity and contributions of people with disabilities, challenge negative stereotypes and discrimination, and work towards a more inclusive future for all.

Visit DCRC for more information on Disability Pride Month.

Plastic Free July is a global movement that encourages people to reduce their use of single-use plastics during the month of July. Participants take a pledge to refuse single-use plastics and find sustainable

alternatives, with the aim of raising awareness of the environmental impact of plastic pollution and inspiring action to reduce plastic waste.

Learn more about Plastic Free July, visit Plastic Free Foundation.

Easter is also a time to celebrate the arrival of spring!

Easter is a holiday that marks the arrival of spring, new beginnings, and hope. It is celebrated by many people worldwide with traditions such as Easter egg hunts, the Easter Bunny, and springtime festivals. The Easter egg has become a popular symbol of Easter, representing new life and renewal.

The Easter Bunny is another popular symbol of Easter, known for bringing Easter eggs and treats to children who have been good throughout the year. Many people also celebrate the arrival of spring by planting new flowers, enjoying outdoor activities, and participating in community events. As we celebrate Easter this Sunday, Apr 9, 2023, let us cherish our loved ones, enjoy the beauty of spring, and spread joy and kindness to those around us.

Your VNFA family wishes you a joyful Easter filled with love and laughter.