By LouAnn Schulfer,  AWMA^®, AIF^®
Accredited Wealth Management Advisor^®
Accredited Investment Fiduciary

Technology is remarkable.  Think back just ten years; the world has changed dramatically as companies innovate to stay competitive and consumers adopt new experiences that would not have been possible if not for the advancements and affordability of tech.  For some though, technology can be intimidating and even seem scary.

For our wealth management clients, we have an AccountView system that enables them to log in and to see a tremendous amount of up-to-date information.  Sometimes when we offer access, clients say they would rather not log in.  We hear different reasons:  some people are simply not interested and others just do not use computers very often.

Occasionally, someone will tell us that they prefer not to create a log-in as they do not want to put their information out on the internet.  While that is understandable, the reality is that if you work with a company who uses technology as part of their business, your information is already on the internet.  Banks, hospitals and clinics, credit cards, investments, insurance, hotels, airlines, and even social security and Medicare are examples of industries who must use technology to run their modern-day operations.  When they offer you an opportunity to log in, more often than not, they already have your information in their systems.  What they are offering to you, is access.  In other words, your information is already on the internet.

The choice that you have is whether you want accessibility.  Every responsible business uses security measures and as a responsible technology user, it is important to understand how you can work toward protecting yourself as well.  This is nothing new:   all new innovations come with the responsibility of understanding how to safely use them.  Cars, electric appliances, power tools, medications:  all are examples of innovations that necessitated users to learn how to safely and responsibly use them.  Technology is the same, in that regard.

It feels good to be technologically literate.  You do not need to know everything, but you may be able to enhance your life by knowing some things.  Remember that the world will continue to move forward, whether or not you choose to log in.

LouAnn Schulfer is co-owner of Schulfer & Associates, LLC Financial Professionals and can be reached at (715) 343-9600 or [email protected].  www.SchulferAndAssociates.com

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor.  Member FINRA/SIPC.