September
2019
b s ep t ember 2019 •
bella magazine
• page 1
inside
S E PT E M BE R 2 0 1 9
{{ trailblazers }}
Issu e On e Hu n d re d Fift y- N i n e
pages 4-5 With humble beginnings in her basement in Floyd, Anne Vaughan has turned her gorgeous accessories business into a nationwide company with a huge loyal following.
{{ mind•body•soul }}
Joey Coakley Beck Publisher & Owner jbeck@beckmediagroup.com
page 7 Dr. Jenna Montana of Cultivate Wellness offers helpful hints to leveraging your lifestyle to give your immune system a boost as we head into flu season.
•••
editorial
For editorial consideration: features@beckmediagroup.com Contributors: Beth Deel, Jason Gallimore, Wendy Maxey, Member One Federal Credit Union, Dr. Jenna Montana, Hayleigh Worgan
4
pg
{{ bella finds }}
pages 9-10 We’ve rounded up a few hot skincare and wellness products to give your skin and body an extra boost as autumn and back-to-school kick in.
{{ travel }}
•••
page 12 Okay, we know, we know... you aren’t even thinking about 2020 vacation plans yet! BUT Wendy Maxey of Star City Travel has a few money-saving, stress-reducing tips that will help with vacation plans as we look to next year!
advertising
With over 13 years experience in Southwest & Central Virginia, Bella is the BEST advertising option with proven results, loyal readership, wonderful content, and an award-winning design!
{{ happenings }}
To market yourself and your business to the women of Southwest & Central Virginia, call us at (540) 339-6117 or email advertise@beckmediagroup.com •••
operations
For general inquiries: bella@beckmediagroup.com Sara Coakley Office Manager
pages 15-17 Fall brings some
12
pg
of our favorite annual events to the region! An excellent fundraiser and also a very loving and reflective event, Good Samaritan Hospice’s Hike for Hospice, takes place September 8 at the Explore Park. (The event also happens to fall on Grandparent’s Day this year.) And don’t miss the Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival taking place the last weekend of September. Read on for more details!
{{ bella eats }}
pages 18-21 This month Bella Eats is packed
with recipes and tips! We’re tackling tailgating and back-to-school with easy recipes to take your dinners (and football fare) up a few notches!
LLC
P.O. Box 107 Roanoke, Virginia 24002 (540) 339-6117 Bella Magazine is the property of Beck Media Group LLC. It is a free publication printed monthly and is distributed throughout Southwest and Central Virginia and beyond. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse ad space for any advertisement or editorial content the staff deems inappropriate for our readers. The concept and design of Bella Magazine, as well as the design, advertisements, art, photos and editorial content is property of Beck Media Group LLC and may not be copied or reprinted without written permission from the publisher. ©2006-2019 Beck Media Group LLC All Rights Reserved. PRINTED IN VIRGINIA
{{ save smarter }}
page 22 Something we don’t think about until someone we know is affected is Elder Financial Abuse. In this month’s column, Member One Federal Credit Union explains what it is and how to avoid it happening to you and your loved ones.
22bella magazine
pg
s ep t ember 2019 •
• page 3
{{ trailblazers }}
page 4 •
bella magazine
• se p t e m b e r 2 0 19
Anne Vaughan Designs Floyd-based business has blossomed into a nationwide company
WRITTEN BY Hayleigh Worgan PHOTOS COURTESY Anne Vaughan Designs
Anne Vaughan Designs offers unique and affordable jewelry pieces to As the business grows, Anne’s customers in over 300 stores across the nation. Their bracelets, neckcreative process is influenced laces, and earrings are created by artisan makers in the Blue Ridge by everything from textiles and Mountains. These memorable designs may travel far and wide, but the landscapes to her mood when heart of the work remains rooted in the Roanoke and New River Valley! she approaches a new design. ReThe venture began nearly fifteen years ago, when a brave mother chose cently, she has enjoyed working to pursue her dreams. with leather, and has worked to In 2006, Anne Vaughan established the business in the incorporate it into her favorite basement of her home in Floyd, Virginia. It flourished as her creations color palette, Fall Jubilee! This found an audience at local events and her booth at the City Market in Anne Vaughan look pairs black with oranges and downtown Roanoke. turquoise for a vibrant feel that brings each piece to life. “I’ve always been a creative person,” Anne explains. “I used to paint, Anne also listens to her customers, and creates some designs with their feedand I made jewelry in high school. I had one child, and I knew I was going to back in mind. However, she isn’t afraid to push the boundaries of design, and stay home. I wanted to do something that would be fulfilling and potentially often adds new elements to her work. add a little income to our household.” “We have some established collections that maybe last into the As the business grew, Anne’s husband, Aaron, continued working next year, and some that only last about six months. There are always new full-time and helped Anne on the weekends. He assisted Anne in the creation creations and collections coming out,” Aaron adds. of her displays, and he taught himself print and web marketing to help build For more information on Anne Vaughan Designs, visit www.annethe business. Their investment of time and energy paid off, and the couple vaughandesigns.com. You can also find them at several local events this fall. were eventually able to hire their first part-time employees. Look for their booth at Olde Salem Days on September 14, at The Crafts To fill the off-season between shows, Anne and Aaron began looking men’s Classic Art & Craft Festival on October 11-13, and at The Stocked into wholesale opportunities. They purchased second-hand mannequins, Market on November 8-10. Between events, find their work at the Vintage and Anne was inspired to begin creating layered collections and established Vault in Salem and the Troika Contemporary Craft Gallery in Floyd. Stay a foundation on which she could demonstrate the cohesion of her work. updated with their latest designs and locations by following Anne Vaughan Through this presentation, business owners were able to digest the collections Designs on Facebook (AnneVaughanDesigns) and Instagram (@annedifferently and several partnerships were born. vaughandesigns). www.annevaughandesigns.com Anne and Aaron add that the support of the community in the Hayleigh is a freelance writer, independent author, and writing Roanoke and New River Valley has built their business into what it is today, consultant. In 2017, she published her first novel. She spends a and it allows them to pursue their passions while providing for their family. lot of time traveling and exploring new regions for inspiration, but Today, the couple continues to build their business while balancing family Roanoke will always be her home. www.hayleighworgan.com life. They are surrounded by the beautiful Floyd landscape and find inspiration in the open, airy space of their new studio in Floyd’s Innovation Center. s ep t ember 2019 •
bella magazine
• page 5
page 6 •
bella magazine
• se p t e m b e r 2 0 19
{{ mind•body•soul }}
Immune Support Leveraging your lifestyle can give your immune system a boost
WRITTEN BY Dr. Jenna Montana Back to school shopping? Don’t forget the most important school supply: Immune Support. Classically, the end of August kicks off “Flu Season” but perhaps you’re interested in ways to support your immune system naturally, or get the most out of your flu shot. In fact, we can actually leverage our lifestyle (read: how we eat, sleep, move, think, etc.) to protect us from seasonal immune blunders. Take a peek below to find out precisely how.
EAT: In my practice, Cultivate Wellness, a keystone of treatment is nutrition. Using food to fight disease rather than promote it is not only highly supported by scientific research, but it is highly intuitive (eat better = feel better!). That’s why it may come as no surprise at all that my first recommendation for immune system support is going to focus on what’s on your plate. Because, let’s face it, we all eat in some way or another, you might as well let it work FOR you, rather than against you. So what do we reach for if we’re trying to be flu-proof? Immune supporting nutrients like vitamin C, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids can be found in a wide spread of tasty foods, but can also be easily and affordably supplemented for picky eaters. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which helps clean up the biochemical mess that comes with fighting infections. The highest dose of vitamin C from food can actually be acquired through broccoli, brussels sprouts, and cauliflower; extra points if you squeeze a lemon over top. Zinc is an essential mineral that is crucial in all sorts of chemical reactions, but most notably, folks who are deficient in zinc are more likely to have underactive immune systems. Best bet for dietary zinc? Red meat, shellfish, and hemp seeds are all solid sources. Omega 3 Fatty Acids are admittedly one of my favorite players in the field of nutrition. We find out more and more about them every day; how they help our brains, our cells, our blood vessels, our immune systems—so of course I’d have them on this list! These fats are essential, meaning that we cannot live without them, one of the many risks of low fat dieting. Fish is bar-none highest in omega 3s, but these can easily be supplemented to ensure you never miss a dose!
SLEEP: If the nutrition part came as no surprise to you, well sit back, because this next one is even more obvious: sleep! Sleep is arguably one of the most economical and powerful interventions to prescribe to someone either trying to fight disease or prevent it. Good sleep = stopping caffeine at 2PM (or abstaining entirely), going to bed at or before 10pm, and waking up feeling refreshed. Better still, ensure your brain is entering each phase of sleep; many handy apps can help us stay on top of sleep hygiene. How does this keep us from getting sick? Before we nod off, the immune system releases cytokines to help you feel drowsy. These proteins go on to assist the immune system in fighting inflammation and infection, and without that sleep, the cytokine response never occurs, or at least not as strongly. MOVE: Autumn bringing shorter days means an even bigger emphasis on “carpe diem.” Making the time to get outside and salvage those last few daylight hours either on a walk, or engaging in a favorite sport not only clears the mind, but creates a glorious flood of hormones that protects us from infection, while all of that huffing and puffing increases lung circulation and flushes out bacteria from the airways. There are always methods to avoid getting a cold or flu, it simply does not have to be an inevitability every year. Lifestyle changes will overpower fads any day, so whatever you choose to do—make it stick! As always, consult with your trusted healthcare provider to decide what methods for immune support will work for you. These recommendations are solely intended to encourage healthy habits, not serve as an alternative for medical advice. Dr. Jenna Montana practices functional medicine in Roanoke. She holds a Doctorate of Chiropractic and Master’s degree in Nutrition from Logan University. Additionally, she uses acupuncture and nutritional counseling to enhance her treatment offerings in her practice, Cultivate Wellness. Find her on Instagram @dr.jennamontana
s ep t ember 2019 •
bella magazine
• page 7
page 8 •
bella magazine
• se p t e m b e r 2 0 19
s d n i F a l l e B
Knours Skincare
Watch our Facebook page
Your skin reflects everything going on in your life, inside and out. That’s why Knours is made differently. Forget skin type. It’s all about tuning into your body and giving your skin what it actually needs (when it needs it). We recently discovered a product line with not only a wonderful philosophy, but wonderful products! Knours is 100% committed to healthy skincare that respects your body. What you put on your skin gets absorbed, so they’re careful to use proven ingredients with top EWG safety ratings that won’t harm your skin. No PEG. No phthalates. No parabens. No endocrine disruptors. You shouldn’t have to stress about whether your skincare is hurting you. Seriously. Real clean beauty is good for your skin, safe for your body, and better for the world. Knours never tests on animals or uses GMOs. We want to help elevate the standards of the beauty industry. We’ll always be up front about everything that’s in our products, because information is power & choice. That’s really the core of what we believe in: empowering you to advocate for your health and decide what feels right for you. Our favorite product is their popular facial cleanser, Your Only Cleanser. The oil to foam formula cleanses skin twice to ensure the perfect clean. The hybrid cleanser starts off as an oil to dissolve every last trace of makeup, then transforms into a foam cleanser for a non-stripping double cleanse. Read more about their philosophy and check out the entire skincare line at www.knours.net. s ep t ember 2019 •
bella magazine
• page 9
{{ bella finds }}
BeScentered has developed a line of four scents, each spe-
cially formulated to respond to the user’s mood at the moment and produce a feeling that takes them to their desired emotional place—be it with enhanced optimism, extended energy, increased joyfulness, or renewed inspiration. Made from essential oils, all are organic, completely natural and available at www.bescentered.com.
Watch our Facebook page
Active Beauty Marine Collagen was designed to be the perfect collagen for an active lifestyle. Active Beauty set out to create a superior Collagen product that would slow down the aging process, give you beautiful, radiant skin, and aid in the recovery from strenuous workouts while rebuilding muscle. Marine Collagen stimulates beautiful, radiant skin by restoring collagen and Hyaluronic Acid. It improves muscle recovery and elasticity with electrolytes. And boosts collagen production with a unique combination of Marine Algae, Silica, and Vitamin C. www.activebeauty.co
If you’re a gym-goer or love a boost at 3 PM to beat the afternoon slump, Plexus Active is ideal for you. Not only does it contain bioavailable forms of Vitamins A, C, E, and B-vitamins and a boost of caffeine, it’s all natural, vegetarian and gluten free. AND the mango flavor tastes divine! Active is a lifestyle performance supplement mix providing clean, long-lasting energy without jitters or a ‘crash’ in addition to enhanced mental clarity. Green tea and yerba maté provide healthy energy while l-theanine supports enhanced focus. Natural caffeine sources plus Citrulline Malate and an antioxidant-rich blend of plant extracts like turmeric, blueberry, tart cherry, kale, and more provide nitric oxide support for better daily performance and muscle recovery. Feel better and bring your ‘A-Game’ everyday with Active. www.plexusworldwide.com
page 10 •
bella magazine
• se p t e m b e r 2 019
We recently discovered the fabulous skincare products of Dermaquest! A complete line for all skincare issues and concerns, we are loving their Mini Pumpkin Mask. It employs pumpkin pulp because it is anti-bacterial and rich in enzymes that actively digest excess skin cells. AHA’s gently decongest clogged pores for a polished complexion. Mini Pumpkin Mask is ideal for mild forms of acne and pigmentation. Also their C Infusion Cleanser is packed with vitamin C and improves the appearance of skin, prevents wrinkles, and is essential in cell proliferation. It can also be used for the treatment of hyperpigmentation as a tyrosinase inhibitor. Created to help tone and brighten, C-Infusion Cleanser is catered to reenergizing the skin through the power of nourishing antioxidants and brightening botanicals. www.dermatquestinc.com
s ep t ember 2019 •
bella magazine
• page 11
{{ travel }}
Let's Look Ahead to 2020 For the best deals, now is the time to start your 2020 vacation planning
WRITTEN BY Wendy Maxey Maybe your summer vacation has become a distant memory now that September is here, and football season is under way. But now is the ideal time to think about your vacation plan for summer 2020 if you haven’t already. Start organizing your itinerary with these practical tips. The more you do now, the less stress you deal with later. • Lock in your destination. Oftentimes, we have a desire for a dream destination, but as summer gets closer, we ditch it for someplace easier to book. Also, the great thing about planning now is that you can pay off your vacation in increments. • If you’re planning a multigenerational family vacation, make sure you get everyone on the same page as part of your early planning process. It may sound like a no-brainer, but it helps to make sure everyone agrees on the vacation plan. • Take advantage of the upcoming holidays. If you know you’re in need of new luggage or a good carry-on, put it on your wish list. Travel accessories make good stocking stuffers. • Now is the perfect time to make sure your passport is up to date. We have seen this time and again—you’re ready to book and your passport is close to expiration. The renewal process takes time (unless you want to more for an expedited version). If you’re considering a trip abroad, many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry. So, if you want to travel overseas in July 2020, your passport needs to be valid at least through January 2021. • Booking accommodations in advance is a debated subject. The truth of the matter is there are benefits to booking early and late, but often the months in between will expose you to more price fluctuations. If you book a hotel now, you’ll have more options as far as room categories. In addition, you can compare prices and aren’t forced to book just because one hotel has availability, and another doesn’t. This is especially true for cruise cabins. Many cruise lines only have a certain number of specialty cabins and they fill up quickly. Keep in mind, too, that most hotels allow you to cancel your reservation without penalty up to at least a week before your stay. page 12 •
bella magazine
• se p t e m b e r 2 019
• As far as airlines, unless you’re using points, you can only book flights up to 331 days in advance. And one thing to note about booking early flights is that usually it’s more expensive. Think of it like buying the first version of the Apple watch. As a rule of thumb with flights, look to book between four months and three weeks before your departure date. However, if you happen to come across a promotion you can’t resist… book it! You can always build your trip around your flights. • If you have good credit, take advantage of credit card offers that will help you save on flights or hotel stays. There are some good deals to be had. For instance, signing up for a Delta Airlines American Express gold card and agreeing to $1,000 in purchases within the first three months gets you 30,000 bonus miles, a free checked bag for each cardholder in the family and main cabin priority boarding for life. Look for the annual fees. Some will waive the first year and then add the fee later. But $95 a year isn’t bad if you and yours fly a lot. The free checked bag alone will pay for itself in no time. (Obviously these credit card deals are always changing.) • Now is the time to start learning some catch phrases in a new language if you’re planning a visit abroad. Sign up for an introductory class at a local community college or invest in a language app like Duolingo. • Research your phone provider’s data plans and the SIM card situation for your destination. This will ensure you can use your phone and not expose yourself to astronomical roaming fees. • Lock in a deal with a travel agent who can monitor fluctuations in fares and get you the best deal, even after you book. Happy 2020 travels! Wendy’s love of travel started at an early age with family beach vacations. Early on in her career she was managing editor of a hotel reservations website. Wendy is co-owner of Star City Travel, a Roanoke-based Dream Vacations franchise. Need travel advice? Call (540) 713-3068 or visit starcitytravel.com.
s ep t ember 2019 •
bella magazine
• page 13
{{ happenings }}
Smith Mountain Lake
Wine Festival
Taste local & regional wines at one of our favorite annual traditions, the Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival
An aerial of the Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival by Star City Skycams
The fun-filled Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival takes place the last weekend in September each year along the shores of picturesque Smith Mountain Lake. We love this annual tradition where we get the chance to taste local and regional wines! Be it wineries you’re familiar with, being able to taste your tried and true favorites, to checking out wine you aren’t familiar with, wine festivals are a great opportunity to learn about other varietals and winemakers. In addition to 30+ Virginia wineries, SML Wine Festival visitors can check out the booths of dozens of quality artisans, as well as craft and food vendors. And both days feature live music with plenty of room for dancing. In recent years, the festival has welcomed a limited number of craft breweries and distilleries, too. The Wine Festival will take place September 28-29, 2019 at Crazy Horse Marina (400 Crazy Horse Drive in Moneta), rain or shine. On Saturday the event will run from 11am-6pm and Sunday 11am-5pm. Please NO PETS. Parking is FREE. Tickets do not include cost of food, purchased wine and/or crafts. Advance tickets: $26 Taster; $16 Non-taster. At the gate: $36 Taster; $26 Non-taster. Children 12 & under free admission. For complete details, visit www.visitsmithmountainlake.com. s ep t ember 2019 •
bella magazine
• page 15
{{ happenings }}
Walk for Good, Walk for Reflection
Hike for Hospice Join Good Samaritan Hospice for their fifth annual Roanoke Hike for Hospice, scheduled for Sunday, September 8 from 1:30-4:30pm at Explore Park, located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. The day begins with a personal hike (easy and intermediate routes available) through the heart of Explore Park to the main event area located at the Historic Houtz Barn. At the main event hikers will enjoy a catered BBQ lunch (vegan jackfruit option offered too), Homestead Creamery ice cream, live bluegrass music, raffle prizes, vendors (including massage therapy and music therapy exhibits), a yoga demo, a complimentary family photo area, and games such as jumbo jenga and cornhole. There will also be optional group excursion hikes led by Walkabout Outfitter and the Society of American Foresters. The day will conclude with a moment of reflection and a dove-release. This year’s Roanoke Hike for Hospice coincides with National Grandparents Day! In honor of the guidance and love that grandparents bring to our families, there will be a “wisdom sharing” Grandparents Day booth with complimentary family photos. Bring your grandparents with you to this year’s Roanoke Hike for Hospice and celebrate them during our family friendly event! Funds raised will support Good Sam’s extensive bereavement program, serving Roanoke Valley residents who are coping with loss and grief. Participants can register online by visiting, www.hikeforhospiceva.org. Online registration will be open until Wednesday, September 4th. Day of registration will also be available from 1:30pm until 2:30pm. s ep t ember 2019 •
bella magazine
• page 17
{{ bella eats }} Simple, Healthy
Back-to-School Meals With school and fall activities back in full swing, it is possible to make nutritious and delicious meal plans!
page 18 •
bella magazine
• se p t e m b e r 2 019
{{ bella eats }}
5 Tips for a Tasty Tailgate Casual and diehard sports fans alike can all agree one of the best parts of game day is the tailgate. Whether you’re heading to the game to take part in the action or tuning in on the big screen, you can light up the scoreboard this season with these tips for a fun, easy and downright tasty tailgate (or home-gate).
Grilled Smoked Sausage & Pepper Hoagies Cook time: 22 minutes Servings: 4
Start early. There’s likely no easier way to send a tailgate spiraling out of control than to get a late start, which puts the party in a rush ahead of game time. Prepare early, and if you’re heading to the stadium, leave yourself plenty of time to find the ultimate parking spot, light the grill and enjoy the atmosphere.
1 package Eckrich Smoked Sausage 1 red or green bell pepper, halved and seeded 4 slices (1/2-inch thick) large red onion 1/4 cup bottled hickory or spicy barbecue sauce 4 hoagie rolls or 8-inch French bread rolls, split
Keep it simple. A true tailgate experience starts with flavorful foods fit
for a crowd, which calls for ready-to-go ingredients like Eckrich Smoked Sausage, crafted with just the right blend of spices for a rich, savory and smoky taste. Because it’s pre-cooked, just heat it up and pair with other simple ingredients, such as a hoagie bun and some peppers for an easy Grilled Smoked Sausage and Pepper Hoagies.
Share the responsibility. Preparing shouldn’t fall on one person’s
shoulders. Instead, ask each attendee to bring something useful for the entire group, such as plasticware, trash bags, napkins, cups, drinks and games.
Heat grill to medium-high heat and oil cooking grates. Cut each sausage link in half crosswise. Grill sausage, peppers and onions, covered, 5 minutes. Turn; continue grilling, covered, 5 minutes, or until sausage is heated through and vegetables are crisp-tender. Brush barbecue sauce over both sides of sausage and vegetables. Arrange rolls, cut-sides down, around edges of grill. Continue grilling, covered, 2 minutes, or until rolls are lightly toasted. Cut bell peppers into strips; separate onion slices into rings. Serve sausage and vegetables in rolls.
Deluxe Nacho Dogs
Make it customizable. Especially if you’re bringing a large group,
Prep time: 15 minutes Servings: 4
creating a spread that allows for personalization can help ensure everyone leaves happy. These Deluxe Nacho Dogs call for an abundance of topping options, giving guests full freedom to concoct their own creations, and they pair perfectly with Nathan’s Famous Beef Franks—made with 100% premium beef, no artificial flavors or colors and no fillers or by-products.
Ensure an easy cleanup. When the tailgate is winding down and the
game is about to start, it’s almost inevitable there’ll be a rush to pack up and head to the stadium (or the couch). Make things simpler and quicker by using disposable plasticware, plates and cups, and strategically placing trash bags in easily visible areas for everyone to clean up as the party continues, rather than scrambling to pick everything up at once. For more recipe ideas and tailgating inspiration, visit www.nathansfamous.com and www.eckrich.com.
Recipes and food photos courtesy Nathan’s Famous and Eckrich.
1 head lettuce 1 tomato 1 red onion 2 jalapeno peppers Chives 1 package (8 hot dogs) Nathan’s Famous Skinless Beef Franks Cheese sauce 1 package hot dog buns Sour cream
Heat grill to medium-high heat. Wash and dry lettuce, tomato, red onion, jalapeno peppers and chives. Chop lettuce. Dice tomato and red onion. Remove jalapeno stems then slice. Chop chives. Grill hot dogs 4 minutes, turning once halfway to warm through. Heat cheese sauce according to package directions. Personalize hot dogs with desired toppings. Spoon cheese sauce over entire dog then layer lettuce, tomatoes, onions and jalapenos. Add sour cream and garnish with chives. Tip: To add heat, slice jalapenos and fry in skillet over medium heat with olive oil, salt and pepper. Cook until slices begin to blacken.
s ep t ember 2019 •
bella magazine
• page 21
{{ save smarter }}
Protecting Your Loved One Against Elder Financial Abuse ARTICLE COURTESY Member One Federal Credit Union It’s a quietly growing crime with often devastating consequences: financial fraud targeting older victims, often online. In 2017, the U.S. Treasury Department reported over 60,000 cases of elder financial abuse, a 19% increase over the previous year. If you’re among the millions of American women who provide some level of care to a parent or older relative, or if you just want to watch out for older family members, be on your guard with these tips from the Member One Fraud Team.
What is it? Elder financial abuse could be any form of financial exploitation committed against an older adult. Across the United States and here in southwest Virginia, elderly fraud victims commonly fall prey to charity scams, IRS scams, fraudulent lotteries, email/phishing attacks, online romance scams, or family fraud.
Common red flags. Signs of trouble include unpaid bills, disappearing household items, or changes in behavior. If you have access to your loved one’s bank and/or credit card statements, you may see evidence such as unusually low account balances (or unusually large withdrawal amounts), unusual credit card usage, or maxed out lines of credit. Multiple new loans or lines of credit being opened is another big giveaway. In some cases, your loved one may tell you that they’ve begun a relationship online. Ask questions and do your own research to verify whether what your loved one has been told by this person is true. Immediate red flags: the person claims to be in the military and in need of support, and/or requests that your loved one wire funds, ship property to a third party, or mail anything to another country. page 22 •
bella magazine
• se p t e m b e r 2 019
What you can do. If you suspect fraud, contact your local branch of Adult Protective Services for support. You should also contact your loved one’s financial institution(s) immediately. Depending on the extent of the situation, you may decide to cancel debit/credit cards, change online banking passwords, place a warning on accounts, or even close the compromised accounts. Financial fraud should be reported to your local authorities.
Stop it before it starts. In the best case scenario, you’d be able to protect your older loved one against financial abuse before it happened. Fortunately, there are ways of doing that. Contact your loved one’s financial institution and ask what kind of fraud protection they offer, such as automated fraud alerts. Talk with your loved one about the kind of information they’re sharing online, and remind them to be wary of anyone they haven’t met face-toface. Ask them to consider adding a trusted joint holder to their bank accounts. You may also want to speak with a lawyer or financial planner for more personalized advice on how your family can protect its older members. Above all, trust your instincts! You know your loved one and are in the best position to help protect them—if something feels off, don’t hesitate to ask and to act. Join Member One here each month for more money-saving tips and financial advice! Be sure to visit their website, www.memberonefcu.com, for more info on their products and services. Member One Federal Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration.
s ep t ember 2019 •
bella magazine
• page 23