Category: Business

Register your .MEME DomainRegister your .MEME Domain

Register Your .Meme Domain Today!

You’re likely no stranger to the world of memes, but have you considered taking your online presence to the next level by registering a .meme domain? If you’re a content creator, brand, or simply a fan of internet culture, a custom .meme domain can be a game-changer. It’s a unique opportunity to establish a distinctive online identity and connect with your audience in a more memorable way. But before you can reap the benefits, you need to secure your desired domain name – and that’s where the real challenge begins.

Benefits of a .Meme Domain

You’re probably wondering why you’d want to register a .meme domain – what’s in it for you?

Registering a .meme domain can help you stand out online, especially if you’re a content creator or run a website focused on humor or pop culture. A .meme domain instantly conveys the tone of your website, setting audience expectations and making it more likely they’ll engage with your content.

It can also help you build a strong brand identity and establish credibility in your niche. With a .meme domain, you’ll have a unique and memorable web address that sets you apart from more generic .com or .net sites.

This can be a major advantage in a crowded online landscape.

Choosing a .Meme Domain Name

Now that you’ve decided to register a .meme domain, it’s time to pick the perfect name. Choose a name that’s catchy, memorable, and aligns with your meme’s theme or niche.

Consider your target audience and what type of content they’ll be expecting from your domain. Brainstorm a list of potential names and narrow them down to the most relevant and creative options.

Make sure to check the availability of your desired name before finalizing your choice. You can use online tools to see if the name is already taken or if it’s available for registration.

It’s also a good idea to choose a name that’s easy to spell and pronounce, as this will make it easier for users to find and remember your domain.

Registering Your .Meme Domain

After choosing a catchy and relevant .meme domain name, it’s time to secure it by registering your domain.

You’ll need to find a reputable registrar that offers .meme domain registration. Some popular options include GoDaddy, Namecheap, and Google Domains.

Compare prices, features, and customer reviews to choose the best registrar for your needs. Once you’ve selected a registrar, create an account and search for your desired domain name.

If it’s available, proceed to register it by providing your contact information and payment details. The registration process typically takes a few minutes, and you’ll receive confirmation once your domain is registered.

Make sure to review and agree to the registrar’s terms and conditions before completing the registration process.

Setting Up Your .Meme Website

With your .meme domain registered, it’s time to set up your website. You’ll need to choose a web hosting service that supports your .meme domain. Look for options that offer easy setup, reliable uptime, and flexible plans.

Once you’ve selected a web host, you’ll need to set up your domain name system (DNS) records. This will connect your domain to your website. You can usually do this through your web host’s control panel.

Next, you’ll need to install a content management system (CMS) or website builder. Popular options include WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace.

These platforms will help you create and customize your website’s content, design, and layout. Follow the installation instructions provided by your web host or CMS to get started.

Using .Meme for Branding Success

How can you leverage your .meme domain to catapult your brand to viral success? By using it as a creative extension of your brand, you can tap into the internet culture and make your brand more relatable and memorable.

You can create a separate .meme domain for a specific campaign or product, allowing you to target a specific audience and track engagement. Use your .meme domain to host humorous content, memes, or viral challenges that showcase your brand’s personality and values.

This will help you connect with your audience on a deeper level and increase brand awareness. By embracing internet culture, you can turn your brand into a viral sensation and reach a wider audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Transfer My Existing Domain to a .Meme Domain?

You’re wondering if you can transfer your existing domain to a .meme domain.

Yes, you can transfer, but you’ll need to follow the transfer process, update your DNS settings, and possibly renew your domain registration.

Are .Meme Domains Available for Bulk Registration?

You’re interested in bulk registration, so you can secure multiple domains at once.

Yes, you can register .meme domains in bulk, which is ideal for businesses or individuals managing multiple online properties simultaneously.

Can Non-Us Residents Register a .Meme Domain?

You’re probably wondering if non-US residents can register a specific domain.

The answer is yes, you can, as most registrars offer services globally, allowing you to secure your desired domain regardless of location.

Does .Meme Domain Support Non-English Characters?

You’re wondering if .meme domains support non-English characters.

While many top-level domains accept international characters, some don’t.

You’ll need to check with the .meme registrar to see if they allow non-ASCII characters in domain names.

Are .Meme Domains Eligible for Domain Auctions?

You’re probably wondering if .meme domains are eligible for domain auctions.

Typically, yes, they are, but it depends on the auction house and their specific rules regarding new top-level domains like .meme.

Lets tie it all up with a bow

You’ve successfully registered your .meme domain and set up your website. Now, you can unleash your creativity and showcase your brand’s unique voice. With a .meme domain, you’ll stand out in the online world and attract like-minded individuals who appreciate humor and creativity. Use this opportunity to build a loyal following and establish your brand as a leader in the meme landscape. Your .meme domain is your ticket to online success.

Exploring the Rise of Restaurants Serving THC: A New Culinary FrontierExploring the Rise of Restaurants Serving THC: A New Culinary Frontier

The culinary world is constantly evolving, and one of the most exciting developments in recent years is the emergence of restaurants serving THC-infused dishes and beverages. As cannabis becomes increasingly legal and socially accepted in many parts of the world, chefs and restaurateurs are exploring new ways to incorporate THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, into their menus. This trend is opening up a whole new frontier in dining experiences, where food and drink are not only about flavor but also about creating unique, elevated experiences for guests.

The Growing Popularity of THC-Infused Dining

As cannabis legalization spreads, so too does the interest in THC-infused cuisine. Restaurants across the United States and beyond are experimenting with incorporating THC into a wide variety of dishes, from appetizers to desserts. These establishments are not just catering to cannabis enthusiasts; they are also attracting foodies and curious diners looking to try something new and exciting.

One of the key aspects of THC-infused dining is the focus on dosage and responsible consumption. Restaurants are carefully measuring THC levels in each dish to ensure that diners have a controlled and enjoyable experience. This approach allows guests to enjoy the psychoactive effects of THC without feeling overwhelmed, making it accessible to both newcomers and seasoned cannabis users.

THC Drinks: A Refreshing Twist

While THC-infused foods are gaining popularity, there’s another exciting trend emerging in the world of cannabis cuisine: THC-infused drinks. These beverages offer a refreshing and discreet way to enjoy the effects of THC, and they are quickly becoming a favorite among those looking to enhance their dining experience.

THC drinks come in various forms, from cocktails to teas and even sodas. One particularly popular option is THC Seltzers, which combine the light, bubbly refreshment of seltzer water with a controlled dose of THC. These drinks are perfect for Social settings, offering a fun and relaxing way to unwind without the need for alcohol. For those interested in exploring this trend further, THC seltzers are making waves in places like New Jersey, where they are becoming a popular alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages. 

Navigating the Legal Landscape

While the rise of THC-infused dining is exciting, it’s important to note that the legal landscape surrounding cannabis can be complex. Laws vary significantly from state to state, and even within states, there may be different regulations for recreational versus medicinal use. Restaurants that serve THC-infused dishes and drinks must navigate these regulations carefully to ensure they are in compliance with local laws.

In many cases, THC-infused dining experiences are only available in states where recreational cannabis use is legal. Additionally, some restaurants may require patrons to be of legal age and may have specific guidelines for how much THC can be served in a single meal or drink. These regulations are designed to promote safe and responsible consumption, ensuring that diners can enjoy their experience without legal or health-related concerns.

The Future of THC in the Culinary World

As the cannabis industry continues to grow, the culinary world is likely to see even more innovation in the realm of THC-infused food and drink. Chefs are already experimenting with pairing different strains of cannabis with specific flavors and ingredients, much like how wine is paired with food. This trend has the potential to create a whole new category of gourmet dining experiences that cater to both cannabis enthusiasts and adventurous eaters alike.

Moreover, the integration of THC into mainstream dining could help to further destigmatize cannabis use, positioning it as a natural and enjoyable part of social and culinary culture. As more states and countries move towards legalization, the possibilities for THC-infused dining are vast and exciting.

Conclusion

The rise of restaurants serving THC marks a significant shift in the culinary landscape. By incorporating THC into both food and drinks, these establishments are offering guests a unique and elevated dining experience that goes beyond traditional cuisine. Whether through carefully crafted dishes or innovative beverages like THC seltzers, the future of THC-infused dining looks bright and full of potential. As this trend continues to evolve, it’s likely that we will see even more creative and delicious ways to enjoy cannabis in a culinary setting.

Why Isn’t My Site Ranking in Google for Its Brand Name?Why Isn’t My Site Ranking in Google for Its Brand Name?

In the vast landscape of the digital realm, where visibility reigns supreme, the question of why a website fails to rank for its own brand name in Google can be perplexing and frustrating. Let’s delve into this enigma and unravel the potential reasons behind this seemingly counterintuitive phenomenon.

Get ahead in the digital game – understand your website's ranking potential.

Why Isn't My Site Ranking in Google for Its Brand Name?

Unraveling the Mystery: Why Isn’t My Site Ranking in Google for Its Brand Name?

In the vast landscape of the digital realm, where visibility reigns supreme, the question of why a website fails to rank for its own brand name in Google can be perplexing and frustrating. Let’s delve into this enigma and unravel the potential reasons behind this seemingly counterintuitive phenomenon.

Inadequate Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

One common culprit for poor ranking is inadequate search engine optimization (SEO). Despite the prominence of the brand name within the website’s content, if the site lacks optimization for relevant keywords, meta tags, and other SEO elements, Google’s algorithms may struggle to recognize its relevance and authority in relation to the brand.

Technical Issues

The presence of technical issues can significantly hinder a website’s ranking performance. Factors such as slow page speed, broken links, improper indexing, or duplicate content can adversely impact the site’s crawlability and indexing by search engines, thereby relegating it to lower positions in SERPs.

Competitive Landscape

In fiercely contested industries or niches, multiple entities may vie for visibility under the same brand name, leading to intense competition for the top search positions. Achieving and maintaining a prominent ranking for branded searches requires a concerted effort to outmaneuver competitors through superior SEO tactics, content quality, and overall online reputation management.

Negative Publicity and Reviews

Negative publicity or unfavorable reviews can tarnish a brand’s online reputation and diminish its credibility in the eyes of both consumers and search engines. Mitigating such risks requires proactive reputation management strategies, including addressing customer grievances promptly, soliciting positive reviews, and fostering transparent communication with stakeholders.

Algorithmic Changes and Adaptation

The evolving nature of Google’s search algorithms and ranking criteria necessitates continuous adaptation and optimization on the part of website owners. Staying abreast of industry trends, algorithm changes, and best practices in SEO is imperative for maintaining competitive visibility in search results.

Personalized Search Results and User Intent

Google’s algorithms strive to deliver highly relevant and personalized search results tailored to individual users’ preferences, search history, and location. Understanding the nuances of user intent and optimizing content accordingly can help improve visibility and engagement with target audiences.

Addressing the Challenges: Strategies for Improvement

Now that we’ve identified the potential reasons behind a website’s failure to rank for its brand name, let’s explore actionable strategies for overcoming these challenges and improving visibility in Google’s search results:

  • Comprehensive SEO Audit: Conduct a thorough audit of your website’s SEO performance, focusing on keyword optimization, meta tags, site structure, and other essential elements. Identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes to enhance your site’s relevance and visibility for branded searches.
  • Technical Optimization: Address any technical issues that may be hindering your website’s crawlability and indexing, such as page speed optimization, fixing broken links, ensuring proper indexing, and eliminating duplicate content. By optimizing technical aspects, you can improve your site’s overall performance and ranking potential.
  • Content Quality and Relevance: Invest in creating high-quality, relevant content that resonates with your target audience and reflects positively on your brand. By offering valuable insights, solutions, and engaging experiences to users, you can strengthen your brand’s authority and relevance in the eyes of both consumers and search engines.
  • Reputation Management: Proactively manage your brand’s online reputation by monitoring and addressing negative publicity or unfavorable reviews. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews and testimonials, and strive to maintain open and transparent communication with your audience to build trust and credibility.
  • Stay Updated and Adapt: Keep abreast of industry trends, algorithm updates, and best practices in SEO to ensure that your website remains competitive in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Continuously monitor your site’s performance and metrics, and be prepared to adapt and optimize your strategies accordingly to maintain or improve your ranking for branded searches.

Conclusion

The failure of a website to rank prominently in Google for its brand name is a multifaceted issue that requires a holistic approach encompassing technical optimization, strategic SEO tactics, reputation management, and adaptability to algorithmic changes. By addressing these challenges proactively and implementing actionable strategies for improvement, website owners can enhance their chances of securing a coveted position at the top of SERPs for branded searches, thereby bolstering their digital visibility and brand authority in the competitive online marketplace.

Is Congress Cutting Social SecurityIs Congress Cutting Social Security

The media in the U.S. is reporting that possible legislation from the House of Representatives could potentially cut Social Security benefits, but, that may not be the full story.

The legislation that the House is looking to pass is bill H.R.5779 – Fiscal Commission Act of 2023.

The Fiscal Commission Act of 2023 is calling for the creation of a 4 person commission that will design a pathway to a balanced budget “at the earliest reasonable date.”

The requirements of this commission will be to “stabilize the debt-to-GDP ratio at or below 100% by the end of the 10-year period”.

As of the 3rd Quarter of 2023, according to the St. Louis Federal Reserve that U.S. debt-to-GDP is at 120.13%. Meaning that the U.S. is spending well more than what it is taking in.

Is the Fiscal Commission going to be all Republicans?

The construction of the commission, according to the bill, will consist of “3 individuals from among the members of the Senate, and 1 outside expert”.

The Senate Majority Leader, Charles (Chuck) Schumer, will have the responsibility of selecting all members of the commission.

Yes, this is a Republican bill, but the power and control this bill will create will reside within the confines of the Senate Majority Leader and only that person, which until the next election is going to be a Democrat.

Will this commission begin cutting Social Security benefits?

There is nothing specific within the Act to Social Security nor is there any mention of cuts, cutting or even the word cut throughout the entire bill.

Again, the bill from the House is simply requesting that the Senate Majority Leader hand select 4 individuals to devise a plan on how to bring down the country’s debt.

Are Social Security benefits going to be cut?

According to the Social Security Board of Trustees (SSBT), the Social Security program has enough funding to continue benefits as they are today through at least 2034.

However, the Trustee are also reporting that the program’s operating expenses will increase by 5.42% annually while the payroll tax revenue to fund it will only grow by 3.80% over the next 9 years.

Coupling this issue is the demographics within the United States as the Trustees are also stating that the country’s fertility rate will only be 1.99% going forward.

This means that the current Social Security program is in the death spiral of having more and more people aging into the program while less and less people are taking their place to fund the benefits.

Eventually, when it comes to the Social Security benefits, something has to give as it appears that there just won’t be enough revenue from taxes to continue to paying out the same amounts when it comes to benefits.

But, again, there is nothing in this bill that even suggests that Congress will be cutting Social Security benefits.

IRMAA may be able save the Social Security program.

By law Social Security benefits automatically pay Medicare premiums on a monthly basis.

Medicare also has a tax on income through Medicare’s Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA).

IRMAA is simply a surcharge that is added to a retiree’s Part B and or Part D premium if they are earning too much income.

Currently, you have to qualify for IRMAA by generating $103, 000 in income a year if you are an individual and $206, 000 for couples.

The more income you generate after these initial qualifying points the higher the chances that your Medicare premiums increase even higher.

Saving the Social Security program or at least lowering the obligations of the program can literally just come down to changing the IRMAA qualifications.

Proposed Cuts to SocialProposed Cuts to Social

You may have heard by now that there are proposed cuts to social Security and are not sure if this true or not, well, unfortunately, it is actually true.

Social Security is in trouble.

Before diving into the who’s and what’s of these proposed cuts to Social Security it must be stated that something needs to be done really soon as the program is in big trouble on paper.

Since 2018 the part of the Social Security program that provides Retirement benefits (OASI) is and will be running at a loss each and every year.

This means that the amount of benefits that the OASI is providing to retirees is greater than the amount of money that the program brings in.

To provide some clarity on this huuuuge problem:

In 2018, according to the Trustees of Social Security:

  • The total cost to provide benefits within the OASI program = $853.4 million.
  • Total revenue for that year = $831.0 million.

There is an obvious shortfall of $22 million and the problem is not getting better, in fact the gap between benefits verse revenue is widening.

By 2022, according to the Trustees, the problem became:

  • The total cost to provide benefits within the OASI program =. $1, 097.5 billion
  • Total revenue for the year = $1, 056.7 billion.

The shortfall grew to $40.8 million in just 4 years and, again, the problem is growing larger annually.

The Trustees of Social Security, in its 2023 Annual Report, is reporting that:

  1. The costs to run the program are going to inflate by over 6.40%
  2. The revenue to provide benefits is only going to grow by 4.90%.

At these rates by 2032 the shortfall for the OASI part of Social Security will be $428.3 billion!

This is why the media is reporting that by 2032 the Social Security program may become insolvent.

What are the current proposed cuts to Social Security?

The Social Security Administration has 9 proposals for cuts to the program which all begin by the end of 2024 and they are:

1st Proposal: Reduce the annual COLA by 1 percentage point.

  • This option will decrease Social Security benefits for retirees.

2nd Proposal: Reduce the annual COLA by 0.5 percentage point.

  • Like Option #1, this proposal will decrease Social Security benefits for retirees. The only difference is the decrease will be half of Option #1.

3rd Proposal: Compute the COLA using a chained version of the consumer price index for wage and salary workers (CPI-W).

  • The Social Security cost of living adjustment (COLA) uses the 3rd Quarter monthly averages of the Consumer Price Index for Workers (CPI-W).
  • Social Security takes the averages of these 3 months in the 3rd Quarter and compares them to the previous year’s 3rd Quarter.
  • If the average is greater than the previous year, then there will be a COLA for those receiving benefits.
  • Chained Weighted CPI-W is a more accurate average where certain averages are disregarded if they are not in the norm.
  • This proposal will decrease benefits going forward.

4th Proposal: Compute the COLA using a chained version of the consumer price index for wage and salary workers (CPI-W) but start it in 2026 instead of 2024.

  • This proposal will decrease Social Security benefits for retirees, but will start 2 years later.

5th Proposal: Add 1 percentage point to the annual COLA for beneficiaries who have lived past a “specified age”.

  • It appears that only certain retirees who are a certain age and older will receive a COLA going forward.
  • This proposal may lower benefits across the board for retirees, but the good news, those retirees who reach the specific age may receive a COLA that would be higher than before.

6th Proposal: Compute the COLA using the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E).

  • The CPI-E tracks the expenses specifically for Americans who are 62 years of age or older.
  • Historically this Index is much lower than what the Social Security Administration uses and may lead to lower Social Security benefits for retirees.

6 Good Reasons Why You Need To Switch Over To Solar energy6 Good Reasons Why You Need To Switch Over To Solar energy

Start Saving And Bring In Hard Earned Money

Contrary to popular perception, making the change to solar energy doesn’t have to break the bank and can perhaps even put cash back into your wallet!Whenever you make the swap to solar energy, you essentially use the power that you produce and, when you do use power from the network, you can strive to do so when the electricity is at its most affordable. Solar Info Here -

Decrease Your Effect on The Earth

The electrical energy that your solar energy panels create is a hundred% clean and sustainable and entails no burning (on our earth anyway!) which means there are no discharges of harmful greenhouse gases released. On the other hand, the energy from power stations may be obtained from burning fossil fuel. 

Independency from the Network

Energy costs have certainly never been higher, and as consumers we’re never quite confident when the next cost hike is going to be put into effect, sending our individual finances and financial plans into disarray.When you switch over to solar energy, you disconnect yourself from the psychological burden of unexpected rate jump.

Government Incentives and Aid 

Because of the campaigns of the State to lower the magnitude of environmental change, and the multiple sustainability aims that they will need to attain, there are now considerable rewards to shift to solar energy power at home. More -

House Worth Increase

When solar energy panels primarily started being installed on domestic roof tops, a lot of property owners were worried about devaluating their property – after all, a solar power array isn’t the prettiest thing to have ever enhanced the top of a Building.

These days however, as a result of ever increasing electricity prices, as well as an increased recognition of ecological responsibility and safeguarding our world, this assumption has altered, with the addition of solar photovoltaic cells on a rooftop adding to the market value of a residential property.

Modest Repair And Maintenance Technology

Solar power panels in actuality only need a quick inspection every calendar year to guarantee they’re functioning optimally. It’s also great to make sure the solar panels are kept well-maintained and aren’t overshadowed by trees – do this, and your solar panels really should last well over twenty yrs. 

As you’ll now understand, it is now less complicated than ever before to switch over to solar power. Click on this link now -

Leasing Deals for Alfa RomeoLeasing Deals for Alfa Romeo

The Italian carmaker Alfa Romeo, famous for its stylish design and thrilling performance, has emerged as a popular automaker among auto enthusiasts. For individuals who aspire to drive an Alfa Romeo but are not ready to commit to purchasing one, leasing provides a compelling alternative. This write-up will examine the available leasing deals for Alfa Romeo vehicles, providing a comprehensive insight of the advantages, choices, and important aspects. Find some of the best on this site.

Summary of Alfa Romeo Leasing Offers

  • Benefits of leasing an Alfa Romeo
  • Current leasing deals and promotions
  • Popular models to lease
  • Leasing terms and conditions
  • Choosing the best lease deal

Benefits of Leasing an Alfa Romeo

Choosing to lease an Alfa Romeo offers multiple benefits. You can not only enjoy the latest models with modern features and gadgets, but they also take advantage of more affordable monthly payments in contrast to buying. Leases generally come with warranty coverage, cutting down on personal expenses for fixes and maintenance. Additionally, at the end of the lease term, lessees have the ability to switch to a new car without the trouble of disposing of their car.

Current Leasing Deals and Promotions

Alfa Romeo regularly has enticing lease promotions to make their automobiles more affordable. These promotions often include low monthly payments, minimal down payments, and extra incentives for loyal customers or those moving from another Brand. For example, the Spring Leasing Event by Alfa Romeo may feature exclusive rates on popular models like the Giulia sedan and Stelvio vehicle, making it an ideal time to explore leasing options.

Key Models Available for Lease

Several Alfa Romeo models are available for lease, each delivering a special combination of performance, style, and luxury. Here are some of the standout options:

Giulia by Alfa Romeo

The Giulia sedan is a dynamic sedan that merges stylish design with exhilarating performance. It boasts a powerful turbo engine, advanced safety systems, and a plush interior, making it a popular choice for leasing.

Stelvio by Alfa Romeo

The Stelvio SUV is a dynamic SUV that blends SUV versatility with sports car handling. It features a range of high-tech features and a spacious, upscale cabin.

4C Spider by Alfa Romeo

For individuals wanting a unique driving experience, the 4C convertible is a sporty convertible that offers thrilling speed and control, paired with Alfa Romeo’s signature Italian style.

Lease Agreement Details

When thinking about leasing an Alfa Romeo, it is crucial to know the contract details. Leasing contracts often cover 24 to 36 months, with annual mileage restrictions that can change. Going over these limits can incur extra charges. Lessees are also obligated to maintain the automobile properly, and any noticeable deterioration could result in additional fees. It’s essential to review the lease contract meticulously and address any issues with the leasing agent to guarantee a hassle-free lease process.

Picking the Ideal Lease Deal

Selecting the right leasing option requires evaluating your driving patterns, budget, and needs. Think about the yearly mileage you anticipate and select a lease with the right mileage allowance. Consider the overall lease cost, covering the down payment, monthly rates, and possible end-of-lease charges. Additionally, consider the car features and specs that matter most to you, guaranteeing the selected model fits your life and driving habits.

Leasing provides a fantastic opportunity to experience Alfa Romeo’s performance and luxury without the extended commitment of buying. By knowing the pros, present deals, and main points, you can choose wisely and experience an Alfa Romeo with certainty.

Beware of Criminal Scammers Pretending to be from CanopyBeware of Criminal Scammers Pretending to be from Canopy

No one wants to be a victim of fraud. Unfortunately, criminal scammers are continuously evolving their tactics and technology to find new ways to commit fraud. Recently, we’ve been getting reports from our members at Canopy Credit Union that scammers have been targeting some of them by spoofing Canopy’s main phone number and pretending to be representatives of Canopy. These scammers are taking advantage of the trust our members have when they see our phone number flash on their caller IDs, with no way to tell that it’s a fake number. The scammers are using information they’ve gleaned about the members they are contacting, which can include names, addresses and other details, in order to convince the members to give them additional sensitive data, such as login information, account numbers, social Security numbers, or card numbers.

Your Security is Our Top Priority

Canopy takes all security risks seriously and treats all threats with the highest priority. We want our members to know that we will never ask for personal details over the phone or through e-mail communications. If someone reaches out to you and requests information that feels suspicious, such as your account password, social security number, credit or debit card details, or accounts numbers, hang up immediately. Reach out to us afterwards with a phone call to 509.328.2900 or through the secure online chat at canopycu.com. Actual representatives from Canopy will never ask you for this kind of information over the phone. 

HOW TO TELL IF IT’S REALLY US

When a representative from Canopy is legitimately reaches out to a member because of a suspicious transaction alert, we provide you with the exact merchant the transaction was charged from, the date the purchase took place, and amount of the transaction in question. If it turns out that the transaction is the result of fraud, we will ask if the address we have on file for you is the correct one to send a new card out to, and we will state the address in full, checking with you only if it needs to be updated.

As always, if a member does not feel comfortable communicating over the phone, we applaud them for being cautious. With so many scammers learning more and more about everyone through data breaches on the dark web, it is always better to be safe than sorry. If for any reason you feel unsure about a phone call that appears to be from Canopy, hang up and call us back or come into a branch to speak with a member of our team in person. 

FRAUDSTERS USE YOUR INFORMATION TO SOUND LEGITIMATE

To make themselves sound more legitimate, fraudsters are giving fake case numbers, names, and asking members to call them back on a different line than Canopy’s. If you receive a voicemail message asking you to call back on a number that is not Canopy’s main phone line of 509.328.2900, treat it with suspicion and call us directly instead.

To minimize the chances of becoming a target for fraudsters, it’s important that you are diligent about where and how often you share sensitive information on the web. Fraudsters work full time obtaining as much information about their targets as they can before reaching out to them. They look for addresses, family tree information, search through social media, and gather data from the dark web released in data breaches. When they have a list of targets, they research which financial institutions their targets may belong to and reach out to them, pretending to be from one of their trusted banks or credit unions. 

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself

One of the best things members can do to protect their sensitive data is sign up for a service that scans for their information on the dark web and will alert them to take action when it’s found. At Canopy we offer this service through Norton LifeLock for free when our members obtain one of our credit cards, but even then, members need to be wary of scammers impersonating Norton as well.

Canopy is always striving to provide the highest level of security possible for our members. Even so, it’s vital that our members remain vigilant and alert regarding any suspicious callers or e-mailers requesting any specific information about accounts or personal identity. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the security of any of your accounts or information at Canopy, please feel free to reach out to us by phone, chat, or by stopping into to any of our branches.

Canopy Credit Union

Are your Fire Doors fit for what you need?Are your Fire Doors fit for what you need?

All property managers and business owners have a lawful commitment to make certain their buildings, and the people that use them, are correctly safeguarded against fire. From regular upkeep to fire risk assessments, it is essential to make certain fire safety measures are taken seriously. Get in touch with us here 

Fire Risk Assessment

Fire doors hold an essential function in the fire security of a property. They are created to prevent the spread of smoke, fire and poisonous gases in the event of a fire. Fire resistant doors are different to usual doors, in that they are exclusively created and checked to provide fire resisting qualities. Need

Fire Risk Assessment

  ?

Typically, fire doors are made of wood or metal.

Precisely Why are Fire Doors vital?

There are 2 primary advantages of fire safety doors:

Improved Safety: Fire doors allow for quick departure of individuals and their valuables, and to allow the fire department to fight a fire.

Decreased Damage: Fire doors decrease the rate of fire damage to a premises.

The minimal period fire doors can tolerate fire is twenty minutes.

Much more than simply the door

A top quality fire rated door is only as effective as its installation. When selecting a fire door provider, you need to make sure the installer has the lists of specifications needed and an experienced professional will help to direct you in making a solid purchasing decision.

Are your Fire Doors suitable for their application?

Fire doors are only efficient if they are maintained to the highest possible standards and are fit to perform their intended functionality in the event of a fire outbreak. To make sure the safety and security of a property’s occupants, you must routinely check all fire doors.
Although your fire doors need to be evaluated periodically by a fire safety professional, your business also has a responsibility to check for any faults and damage on a more routine basis.

Did you know 53% of individuals don’t know exactly how to spot a bogus fire door? Find Out more from 

Fire Risk Assessment

Navigating the OASDI Limit 2023:Navigating the OASDI Limit 2023:

Ever wondered why some numbers in finance seem to shift every year? The OASDI limit for 2023 is one such figure that’s crucial yet often misunderstood. For those scratching their heads, OASDI stands for Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability insurance – essentially social Security. This year brings a fresh twist you’ll definitely want to get cozy with.

The OASDI limit marks the ceiling of your earnings taxed for Social Security purposes. Understanding this number is more than just ticking a box for the sake of it; it’s about smartly mapping out your financial journey ahead. In the same way you manage your credit cards to optimize credit health, understanding the OASDI limit helps optimize your financial health.

Understanding the Social Security Tax Limit 2023

The limit on Social Security tax isn’t something to shrug off. It’s the maximum amount of your earnings that are subject to the Social Security tax each year.

That limit is $160,200. A nice chunk of change, right?

What Is the Social Security Tax Limit?

Let’s break it down. If your earnings hit that $160,200 cap, you’ll pay a maximum of $9,932.40 in Social Security taxes for the year. Your employer will kick in the same amount, for a total of $19,864.80 paid into the system on your behalf.

But if you’re self-employed, you’re on the hook for the whole enchilada – 12.4% of your earnings up to that $160,200 limit. The silver lining? You get to deduct half of that amount on your tax return. Every cloud, my friend. This is akin to how wisely managing your credit can lead to significant savings over time.

Now, let’s say you’re an overachiever and earn more than $160,200. Congrats. But here’s the thing: you don’t pay Social Security taxes on anything over that amount. It’s like hitting the jackpot, tax-wise.

How the Increase Affects Payroll Taxes

So, how does this compare to last year? In 2022, the Social Security tax limit was $147,000. That means the limit jumped by $13,200 for 2023. Not too shabby.

But wait, there’s more. If you’re a high earner, you could pay up to $818 more in Social Security taxes this year compared to 2022. It’s all thanks to that increase in the wage base limit.

So, what does this mean for your paycheck? If you earn $160,200 or more, you’ll see 6.2% taken out for Social Security taxes until you hit that magic number. Then, poof. No more Social Security tax withholdings for the rest of the year. It’s like a little bonus, right? Much like how responsibly using credit cards for monthly expenses can help manage cash flow effectively.

Changes in Social Security Benefits in 2023

Now, let’s talk about the fun part: Social Security benefits. Benefits are getting a boost.

Thanks to a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), benefits will increase by 8.7%. That’s the biggest jump since 1981. It’s like giving your monthly check a caffeine boost.

Retirement Earnings Test Thresholds for 2023

But wait, there’s a catch. If you’re under your full retirement age and still working, the retirement earnings test comes into play. This quiz is all about figuring out if earning a bit more cash will mean your benefits take a hit.

The earnings limit is $21,240 per year or $1,770 per month for those under full retirement age. If you hit that limit, your benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn over the threshold. Ouch.

But once you reach full retirement age, the earnings test disappears like magic. Poof. You can earn as much as you want without any reduction in benefits. It’s like hitting the retirement jackpot. Similar to how managing credit effectively can increase your purchasing power over time.