With the election over and the holidays approaching, I want to discuss an issue that could affect us all. Especially at a time when so many families will be spending time in busy airports. I’m referring to financial fraud.

Years ago, when writing physical checks was more prevalent, a criminal somehow got hold of my checking account number and had checks made with what was almost my name on it. Instead of Ken, the name on the checks were Kendra.

The sheriff’s department did a great job investigating. They even watched hours of in-store surveillance videos. My bank also did a fantastic job, and at the end of the day I didn’t lose a cent. The fraudulent perpetrator, however, was not caught.

Things are different in today’s high-tech world. Criminals have become far more sophisticated.

While dining at a local restaurant recently, my wife and I decided to apply for a frequent diner card. The staff was hands-on trying to help us register on our cell phones. We tried to input two different credit cards during the process. After the fifth failed attempt, I concluded that it just wasn’t meant to be.

The staff was sincerely trying to help, but I wondered afterward if it was a good idea to display our credit cards so openly. Were we being too trustworthy? In retrospect, we probably were.

The following day, I came across “State of Scams,” a biannual report issued by Visa. It stated, “there has been a resurgence in physical theft in the last six months, with criminals buying gift cards or physical products using stolen payment info that can be resold or using the card number for money transfers”.

Nonetheless, I prefer using a credit card over a debit card; it’s one way to protect yourself. With a credit card, the card issuer is liable. With a debit card, your own money is on the line, which means you are likely on the hook.

The Visa report used the term “digital pickpocketing”, a term I was not familiar with. Nowadays at the checkout, you no longer have to insert your credit card. You simply have to tap it. It’s very convenient for you, but it’s also convenient for the fraudsters.

Because the same technology that lets you tap, lets them extract information from your card. They just have to get close to your wallet or purse to do so. In a crowded environment, that’s a piece of cake. It’s like having someone picking your pocket without even using their hand.

There are also a lot of fraudulent websites out there. I recommend that you not transact any business on a website unless you’re absolutely certain it’s legitimate. You could be putting both your money and your sensitive data at risk. As for websites you know and confidently use regularly, many require two-factor authorization. That’s a very good idea.

Most people are naturally trustworthy, so it’s difficult for them to comprehend just how sophisticated the criminal element has become. It’s vital to keep your guard up at all times, but even that might not be enough.

Criminals are increasingly shrewd and devious and will go to any length to access your personal financial data. Please do your best to make that very difficult for them. Don’t become a victim.

Email your questions to kenmorris@lifetimeplanning.com

Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. Society for Lifetime Planning is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS. https://kestrafinancial.com/disclosures

The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those held by Kestra Investment Services, LLC or Kestra Advisory Services, LLC. This is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. It is suggested that you consult your financial professional, attorney, or tax advisor with regard to your individual situation. Comments concerning the past performance are not intended to be forward looking and should not be viewed as an indication of future results.

By Rachelle Vartanian

Guest Columnist

Work is a fundamental part of life, providing not only financial security but also a sense of purpose, social connection, and personal fulfillment. It’s what keeps society moving. Without it, there would be no commerce, no education, no production, and no cultural progress. Simply put, work is essential for individuals and for civilization as a whole.

But while work may be a given for many of us, finding employment is not always easy, especially for individuals with mental or physical disabilities. This is why National Disability Employment Awareness Month, observed every October, is so important. It shines a light on the barriers that people with disabilities face in the workforce and reminds us of the untapped potential that exists within this community.

At Living and Learning Enrichment Center in Northville, we work with neurodiverse individuals every day, helping them develop job skills and find meaningful employment. We’ve seen firsthand how much they can contribute when given the opportunity, but there is still much more to be done.

One of the biggest obstacles to employment for people with disabilities is the stigma that persists in many workplaces. While initiatives promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have made some headway, too many businesses remain reluctant to hire individuals who are perceived as “different.”

The challenge for organizations like ours is convincing companies to give these individuals a chance. Through our programs, we educate and train businesses to understand the value that neurodiverse employees bring to the table. When done right, hiring individuals with disabilities isn’t just an act of inclusion, it’s a true win-win situation for both employer and employee.

A significant part of the challenge is overcoming the fear of the unknown. Many employers hesitate to hire people with disabilities because they’re unsure of how it will work in practice. They have concerns about accommodations, productivity, and fitting into the company culture. These are valid concerns, but they are often based on misconceptions rather than reality.

In fact, employers who have taken the step to hire neurodiverse individuals typically find these employees to be some of the most dedicated, reliable, and hardworking members of their team. A great example is in the manufacturing sector, where repetitive tasks are common. Neurodiverse employees often excel at such tasks, performing them with consistency and precision. They appreciate routine and are more than willing to take on roles that others might find monotonous.

In addition to strong job performance, employers frequently report a positive impact on overall workplace morale. Working alongside colleagues with disabilities helps foster empathy and understanding, often leading to unexpected friendships and a more inclusive company culture.

The numbers tell a sobering story. In 2022, over half of Michigan’s residents with disabilities were not employed, according to Source America. Only 25.6% of working-age adults with disabilities in Michigan held full-time, year-round jobs, and for those with cognitive disabilities, that number drops even further to 21.2%. Despite some progress, individuals with disabilities remain significantly underrepresented in the workforce.

At Living and Learning, we’ve seen that this gap is not due to a lack of ability or desire to work. It’s often due to a lack of opportunity and awareness on the part of employers. That’s why we are so committed to partnering with businesses, helping them understand how to create an accommodating and welcoming environment for non-traditional employees.

We encourage more employers to explore the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities. The rewards are clear. Employers get dedicated, reliable workers, and employees gain the sense of purpose and independence that comes with meaningful employment.

The more we can expose employers to the potential of the disabled workforce, the more everyone stands to gain. Opening the door to neurodiverse and other non-traditional employees is a low-risk, high-reward opportunity that can enhance your company culture and workforce.

Let’s continue working toward more inclusive and diverse workforces.

Rachelle Vartanian is Founder and President of Living and Learning Enrichment Center in Northville. Living and Learning’s programs and services address issues that impact the neurodiverse community.