It's July Fourth, and in this episode of Coffee with Your Retirement Coach, Nic and I kick things off with holiday cheer, backyard BBQs, and a few firework fails—yes, my pyrotechnic history makes a brief, reluctant appearance! But while the grills are hot and online sales are hotter, we shift focus to something far more important: how to protect yourself from online shopping scams.

We break down the latest tactics scammers are using, especially around big holiday sales and through social media ads, phishing texts, and fake websites. More importantly, we share how you can still take advantage of the convenience and deals of online shopping—safely and confidently. Plus, we’re giving away some special goodies and a free checklist to help you stay scam‑free this summer!

Episode Timeline:

[0:34] – Celebrating the Fourth: Fireworks, grilling, and family fun

[2:15] – Marietta Square memories and small-town community charm

[4:10] – Holiday deals and the draw of themed online shopping

[5:45] – The rise of fake websites and too-good-to-be-true offers

[7:30] – Why you should never click links in promotional emails

[8:00] – Spotting phishing scams via text and how to respond

[10:20] – The safest way to pay online: credit cards vs. debit cards

[12:55] – Real-life scam story: credit card fraud caught in action

[15:00] – How to use points and perks wisely on your credit cards

[16:40] – Social media ad scams and how to avoid them

[17:30] – Free one-sheet checklist offer to stay scam-safe

Links & Resources:

🎁 Get your free scam-awareness checklist by emailing: connect@yourretirementcoach.com

☕ Win a bag of Retiree Roast Coffee – tell us how you celebrate the 4th of July (first four entries win!)

📬 Questions?

Email: connect@yourretirementcoach.com

Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063585099972

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🛑 Disclaimer:

Your Retirement Coach is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.