If you were born in the last thirty years, you have lived through a time when vendors accepted cash, checks, and credit cards for payment. Today, you can use bitcoin, cryptocurrency, or digital payments to pay for many things in addition to the previously mentioned methods. The same is true for your possessions. They can take a physical form or be in the form of digital assets.
You could have an online savings account or a 401K, an IRA, or an annuity that you automatically contribute to monthly, quarterly, or annually and all you ever see is an account statement. You never get escorted into the back of a building where the vault is to see your money all stacked up in the form of gold bullion.
You only ever see an account statement telling you your money is still accumulating wealth. You trust the bankers and money managers to tell you the truth, so you go on about your daily activities without a care in the world.
You’re fine with your possessions, like your home, your car, your jewelry, and your boat. If you can see them, use them. You’re okay and they’re okay, plus, you have homeowners’ insurance to cover them should they get stolen and burn up in a fire, so all is well or so you think.
To be sure that all your possessions, the digital as well as the physical, are truly protected, you must go at least one step further. For instance, if your diamond engagement ring falls down the drain, it is not covered by your homeowner’s insurance. If someone is attempting to repossess your car and your car is damaged or your car is damaged during a police chase, your car may not be covered by insurance. It will not be covered if you are the criminal being chased. If squatters are in your home and they set it on fire, you may not be covered. You may ask, “What are squatters?”
Squatters are people that move into your home when you go on vacation or leave your home to relocate. While it is empty, the squatter takes over, changes the locks, and acts as if it’s his or her home. Many homeowners have had to deal with this infraction where a stranger simply takes over their property while they are not there. It is extremely hard to extract the squatters even using legal means, but it can be done with perseverance and consistent pressure. However, if the damage is caused to the property, it may be difficult to collect on the existing policy.
You have seen the many ways you are not truly covered by insurance for your possessions. Here are some additional ways to protect your physical possessions. When you leave your home to go on vacation, be sure to have video surveillance monitoring your property. That way when someone enters your home, you will know it no matter where you are. If it’s an unauthorized entry and you are connected to a security company, they will be made aware of the incursion as well and it will be reported to the police. If you are the only one alerted, it will be your responsibility to alert the police.
If you are a strong proponent of digital monies, you’ll need to be savvy about the digital world and follow as many of the recommended security steps as possible:
1) Use strong passwords that cannot be easily remembered (write them down and hide them).
2) Don’t store your money in a warm wallet (digital wallets store your security keys and codes in their online servers, which can be hacked). Instead, store it in a cold wallet (completely offline).
3) Use a reputable wallet backed up by your own intricate research. Whenever use hardware wallets.
4) Keep your devices safe and secure.
5) Put your coins or tokens in several places.
6) Secure your accounts with two-or-more-factor authentication.
7) Don’t share information about your investments. Keep that information quiet and confidential.
8) Use secure networks that you trust.
9) Encrypt your wallet with an intricate password, not the same one you use for everything else.
10) Back up your wallet often and sporadically.
Be super focused on security these days because the thieves of today are digital and physical removal geniuses. They can steal anything. Unless you are truly a genius yourself, don’t risk it trying to outsmart the thieves.
