More and more often, we are hearing about data breaches and hacks in the news. Often times, your personal identifying information, or PII, may be compromised or leaked through no fault of your own.  And while this can be a serious matter, Amy Walls and Jag are going to have some fun today - explaining how you can be your own super hero in the event of a data breach.

Recently, the Oregeon DMV was hacked, compromising the drivers' licenses, photo, birth date, addresses, and last 4 social security digits of up to 3.5 million people.  In another example, an software employee stole 33,000 credit reports and sold them for $30 each, netting anywhere from $50-$100 million for scammers.

First, we explain how these hacks happen, through data breaches, your own online activity, and even just plain theft of your wallet or phone.  Amy shows us what these bad actors can do with your information.

Now, it's time to be your own super hero, by doing the following:

• Unmask the Invisitble Intruders - use AnnualCreditReport.com
• Ice Out The Enemy - by freezing or locking your credit (Amy explains the differences)
• Shield Your Secrets with Two Factor Armor - by enablying two-factor authentication (2FA)
• The Power of the Unbreakable Code - creating strong and unique passwords
• Dodge Digital Phantoms - identify and avoiding phishing scams.
• Fortify Your Digital Fortress - use only secure Wi-Fi networks, and make your own safe!

Through these strategies, you can fight "the never ending battle against cyber villains."

For more information contact Amy Walls and her staff at 503-610-6510 or click here Thimbleberry Financial.

To get in touch with Amy and her team at Thimbleberry Financial, call 503-610-6510 or visit thimbleberryfinancial.com.

Jag is back and joins Amy Walls of Thimbleberry Financial for the first of a 6 part series on finances for healthcare professionals.

Today they focus on three key areas: cash reserves, debt management, and cash flow. Healthcare workers often find it more stressful to manage their finances compared to the general population. Amy emphasizes the importance of having a cash reserve for emergencies and opportunities. She recommends having three to six months' worth of expenses set aside. Many healthcare professionals have lower cash reserves due to their higher incomes, but it is crucial to have a sufficient amount to cover unexpected expenses. Amy also highlights the significance of managing debt, including student loans, mortgages, and credit card debt. She suggests strategies such as paying off the highest interest debt first, or alternatively, using the snowball method. Additionally, Amy discusses the importance of cash flow and living within one's means. She explains that healthcare professionals often struggle with wealth accumulation due to factors such as the cost of education, late start in earning, and societal pressure to maintain a certain lifestyle. Amy encourages healthcare professionals to seek financial advice and education to better manage their finances.

**Key Takeaways:**

- Healthcare workers find it more stressful to manage their finances compared to the general population.

- Cash reserves are important for emergencies and opportunities. Aim for three to six months' worth of expenses.

- Healthcare professionals often have lower cash reserves due to their higher incomes, but it is crucial to have sufficient funds for unexpected expenses.

- Strategies for debt management include paying off the highest interest debt first or using the snowball method.

- Cash flow is about finding balance between current lifestyle and future goals. Seek financial advice and education to better manage finances.

For more information contact Amy Walls and her staff at 503-610-6510 or click here Thimbleberry Financial.

To get in touch with Amy and her team at Thimbleberry Financial, call 503-610-6510 or visit thimbleberryfinancial.com.

This might be one of the most important episodes of ThimbleberryU. Amy Walls with her vast experience will discuss how to conduct a beneficiary review focusing on  the importance of designating beneficiaries for your accounts to ensure the smooth transfer of assets upon the account holder's death. She’ll have a step-by-step guide as well as the best practices for maintaining beneficiary designations, such as keeping records in a secure location, informing loved ones about the designations, and reviewing beneficiaries.  

For more information you can reach Amy and her staff at 503-610-6510 or email Thimbleberry Financial at https://thimbleberryfinancial.com/

To get in touch with Amy and her team at Thimbleberry Financial, call 503-610-6510 or visit thimbleberryfinancial.com.

 In this episode Amy Walls talks about the S&P 500, the stock market index that measures the performance of 500 large companies listed on the US stock exchanges. She’ll break down how diversification reduces investment risks and increases returns compared to solely relying on the S&P 500, and the risks of relying solely on one index for investment growth. Plus, she will discuss fees associated with investing solely in an S&P 500 fund compared to fees associated with more diversified investment strategies.

And as always, she and her staff can be reached at 503-610-6510 or email Thimbleberry Financial at https://thimbleberryfinancial.com/

To get in touch with Amy and her team at Thimbleberry Financial, call 503-610-6510 or visit thimbleberryfinancial.com.

This time Amy helps us understand Roth IRAs and executing a backdoor Roth. She explains how they work, who the strategy is for, and the steps needed to properly execute a backdoor Roth IRA. More importantly she discusses the need for Form 8606 filing, and some of the pitfalls someone may find themselves in when implementing this strategy. 

For more information contact Amy Walls and her staff at 503-610-6510 or click here Thimbleberry Financial.

To get in touch with Amy and her team at Thimbleberry Financial, call 503-610-6510 or visit thimbleberryfinancial.com.

We are diving into the mail bag for this episode. Email and letters from those who need answers involving navigating personal finances as a Tech Executive.  

Amy will answer a variety of questions like how much should one save for retirement and how to minimize tax liability while maximizing income and benefits. And she’ll discuss in some detail the importance of planning for retirement early on in your career.

Contact Amy and her team at  503-610-6510. Or at Thimbleberry Financial HERE.

To get in touch with Amy and her team at Thimbleberry Financial, call 503-610-6510 or visit thimbleberryfinancial.com.

This episode is essentially about balance. The Retirement Trifecta is the internal language financial advisors’ use when explaining how a successful retirement plan needs a balance of assets, income, and expenses. Amy will discuss how advisors work for you: It’s not an off the shelf solution. Each person or couple has a different idea of what they want their retirement years to look like. And she will examine some of the biggest misunderstandings she sees around this topic. 

For more information reach out to Amy and her staff at 503-610-6510 or online at Thimbleberry Financial Services HERE!

To get in touch with Amy and her team at Thimbleberry Financial, call 503-610-6510 or visit thimbleberryfinancial.com.

In this episode, Amy Walls discusses the importance of understanding fiduciary standards in financial services and how to choose a financial advisor who is legally obligated to always act in the best interest of their clients. We also discuss the three types of financial professionals: fee-only, commission-based, and fee-based/hybrid. Consumers should look for a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professional to ensure fiduciary standards are met. Choosing a fiduciary financial advisor who acts in the best interest of their clients is crucial. Consumers can make informed decisions by understanding the different compensation structures and seeking a CFP professional.

For more information call (503) 610-6510 or reach out to Amy and her staff at Thimbleberry Financial  HERE. 

To get in touch with Amy and her team at Thimbleberry Financial, call 503-610-6510 or visit thimbleberryfinancial.com.

Thinking of buying a house? Soon? Now is the best time to have an expert on your side when making such a life-changing investment.

Amy Walls has solid information to help you navigate this new higher interest rate environment. 

She also explains the phrase heard a lot these days: Marry the house; date the rate. Plus, Amy will discuss the ways in which people should be cautious about rates and prices.  

If you have questions about anything related to your financial future, reach out to Amy Walls and the team at Thimbleberry Financial at 503-610-6510  or click here: Thimbleberry Financial 

To get in touch with Amy and her team at Thimbleberry Financial, call 503-610-6510 or visit thimbleberryfinancial.com.

This time Amy discusses what you need to know about taxation of RSUs (Restricted Stock Units). Restricted Stock Units are a way a company can compensate an Employee that isn’t cash and ties that employee’s future income (from the RSUs) to company performance and longevity with the company. It’s a future form of stock. Kind of like an IOU – but with a commitment to how the shares will be given by the employer and received by the employee. However there tends to be a catch with these types of things and Amy will give you the facts needed to make the right decisions.

 If you have questions about anything related to your financial future, reach out to Amy Walls and the team at Thimbleberry Financial at 503-610-6510 or contact them at thimbleberryfinancial.com

To get in touch with Amy and her team at Thimbleberry Financial, call 503-610-6510 or visit thimbleberryfinancial.com.