As a child, my father used to buy me savings bonds for my birthday along with some toys, of course.  This is one of the staples of my father's generation to put monies back into the government to help invest in the future for his children but how times have changed.  We have recently seen the US government almost default on its debt due to our current indebtedness.  One of the measures taken by the US Treasury to help offset some costs is to discontinue sending out paper copies of savings bonds. After December 31, 2011, you will no longer be receiving a paper copy of the savings bond purchased but you will be directed to set up an account at www.treasurydirect.gov to maintain your savings bonds as well as when you purchase a savings bond for someone else, they will be asked to register an account to maintain the savings bond. SouthPoint will still be able to redeem or cash in your existing paper savings bond.

Brian Goblirsch, Finance Specialist

Imagine yourself on vacation, you get out of the cab all excited to get to your hotel room and start your relaxation. Then the horror sets in, you forgot your cell phone in the cab. Would you feel comfortable with somebody finding your mobile device, turning it on and seeing your recent phone calls, your text messages and possibly your email?

Here are some things that you should do

1. Choose your device based on needs. Ask your sales representative about the security of the device.
2. Require authentication (put a password on your phone)
3. Control third-party applications (everybody loves Angry Bird but not all apps are what they appear)
4. Turn off Bluetooth if you are not using it or turn to hidden mode at the very least

If the device is for business purposes you can also add the following to the above list 

1. Turn on encryption (many enterprise software solutions will have options for this)
2. Utilize remote wipe capabilities (you can then have that lost phone factory reset from your main office)
3. Call your IT staff as soon as the device goes missing
4.  Firewall policies (limit exposure by only offering access to types of data needed)

Change can be difficult but these changes, or additions, could really save you a huge headache in the future.

Scott Berbrich, IT Lead

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I often think about how in the world I was ever able to communicate with co-workers, family, and friends prior to the incredible invention of email.  I don't necessarily like talking on the phone, so I assume I am much more in touch with these people in my life now that email is so easy and convenient to use.

But, I do sometimes look back at the emails I send and wonder if the ‘real' meaning of my message was communicated.  And, I do occasionally have concerns about whether email is the best method of communicating some ideas.  Below are a few tips that I found helpful to enhance email communication and make it more professional. 

• Make the subject line actually mean something.
• Keep your message short.
• DON'T TYPE LIKE THIS - people may think you're yelling at them.
• When you reply to an email, include some sort of short ‘recap' of the prior message.
• Watch your spelling.
• Answer emails quickly - minimum of within one working day.
• Use a signature file - most clients can automatically insert a file of who you are, what you do and your contact information.
• Format your message so it is easy to read - use white space and bullet points to help made the message easier to pick out important points.

And, the one thing I always like to keep in mind when sending an email is to ask myself, is email the best way to communicate this message or should I be picking up the phone or talking to this person face to face?  I hope you find these tips helpful!

Patti Gohl, VP of Operations

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With the government making big news recently about our current state of debt, it should make us look closer at our own personal debts.  Though it might seem confusing how our government can "fall behind", there are some key things to watch on your personal accounts so you don't follow their lead.

Did you know?

• National average credit card debt per household with a credit card is $15,799
• The average college graduate has nearly $20,000 in debt.
• The average credit card interest rate is 14.26%
• The average American household has 13 credit cards
• Nearly 25% of all bankruptcies filed in recent years are done by consumers under the age of 25.

Managing your debt, monthly payments and spending habits can help keep your finances in order and hopefully eliminate that chance of having late payments or going into collections. If you feel overwhelmed with your finances, there is help out there - check with your local credit union, financial adviser's or even local debt counseling services.

If unexpected expenses occur and you find yourself looking for help, forgetting about your debts and ignoring your credit providers will not make things easier. We have many resources for you to use.  Even in the privacy of your own home you can begin to check out your financial condition with a program called Debt in Focus. Check out www.southpointfed.com for the link or contact us - we're here to make sure what you've worked so hard for is secure.

Mark Newman - Business Services Rep/Collections Rep

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