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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina s congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Myorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Stay Secure, Spend Within Means this Holiday Season

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Wednesday, November 29, 2017   

SEATTLE – Don't let the holiday cheer turn into misery.

Experts say folks should follow some safety tips to make sure their information stays secure.

Already, American shoppers are out in record numbers, and they're surfing the web for gifts more than ever.

Michael Murdoch, a communications specialist with Wauna Federal Credit Union, which has branches in Washington state, says people need to be careful when making purchases online.

He advises people to use secure websites that begin with HTTPS and refrain from buying gifts while connected to public Wi-Fi.

Most importantly, Murdoch says weak passwords are one of the easiest ways for fraudsters to get hold of personal information.

"One thing that everybody can do is to use complicated passwords,” he states. “We can't stress that enough – to change them and use complicated ones.

“So, at least eight characters, including numbers, special characters and, of course, upper and lower cases."

In stores, Murdoch encourages people to shield their PIN numbers when entering them. He says people also should monitor their accounts online.

Credit unions such as Murdoch's and most other financial institutions offer phone apps for tracking accounts.

Murdoch says people also should track how much they're spending this season. Making a list and keeping a budget can help.

"It's always a good idea to set yourself a budget because – I'm definitely guilty of this – before you know it, you've overspent or perhaps you purchase something that you didn't quite plan to purchase for," he states.

Murdoch says people should keep to their budgets through the holidays, including the day after Christmas, which is a big shopping day.

He adds that websites such as Pricewatch.com or Google shopping are good places to compare prices online and find the best deals.






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