In partnership with

The weekly email that keeps you up to date on exciting Retirement topics in an enjoyable, entertaining way for free.

The Digital Pickpocket: How Social Media Scams Are Emptying America’s Wallets

by Eric Seyboldt, MBA

It began with a message—ordinary, friendly, and devastating. A young woman booked what she thought was an appointment with a tattoo artist she admired online. The deposit was small, the profile looked real, and everything seemed legitimate, until the day of the appointment, when the “artist” vanished. The $300 she sent was gone forever, siphoned through a maze of digital deception that’s become all too common.

This is the new face of theft in America. Not the kind that breaks through a window or lifts a wallet, but one that hides in plain sight, behind a glowing screen.

The Rise of the Digital Hustle

Social media platforms, once places to connect and share, have become hunting grounds for a new breed of con artists. They pose as sellers, artists, even friends, luring unsuspecting users into what’s called “push payment fraud,” where the victim willingly authorizes the transfer. Apps like Zelle, Venmo, and CashApp—meant to make life easier—have become the perfect tools for digital thieves.

Unlike credit cards, these peer-to-peer apps offer little to no protection once money is sent. Every year, billions of dollars flow through these platforms, and while most transactions are honest, a growing share vanish into scams that banks can’t reverse and regulators can’t trace fast enough.

Stories That Hit Close to Home

A woman responds to a Facebook Marketplace ad offering a “free piano.” The catch: she must prepay the movers through PayPal and Zelle. The piano never arrives. Another woman buys Taylor Swift tickets from what appears to be a friend’s account, hacked by someone hundreds of miles away. The $1,600 is gone before her bank can even process the claim.

Each story follows the same pattern: a trusted platform, a human connection, and a payment made in good faith. The result is not just the loss of money, but the sting of betrayal.

The Modern Con Man’s Playground

Scammers thrive in the gray zone between technology and trust. They know how to copy legitimate listings, mimic real people, and use urgency as a weapon. Common tactics include:

• Fake Marketplaces: Counterfeit listings offering deals that are too good to be true.

• Romance Scams: Emotional manipulation disguised as affection.

• Investment Traps: “Opportunities” promising fast, risk-free returns.

• Giveaway Grifts: “Prizes” that require you to pay a processing fee first.

According to a 2025 threat report, Facebook accounts for 63% of all social-media-related scams—far more than YouTube (22%), X/Twitter (7%), or Instagram (3%). The scale of deception is massive, and it’s spreading fast.

Guarding Your Digital Wallet

Banks are adding more safeguards, but the real protection starts with you. Slow down. Think before you click. A little skepticism goes a long way. If someone is asking for payment through an app, especially for something that’s time-sensitive, pause. Verify the person by calling or video-chatting. Don’t rely on profile pictures or usernames—those can be faked in seconds.

Keep accounts private, and use strong, unique passwords. Never store payment details on social platforms. When possible, use credit cards or verified business payment portals; they offer purchase protection and fraud recovery. And if you’re ever unsure, walk away. No good deal demands instant payment.

The Final Lesson

In an age where convenience moves faster than caution, the greatest risk isn’t technology—it’s misplaced trust. These scams don’t just steal money; they chip away at the faith we place in people and platforms.

The next time your phone pings with a tempting offer or a plea for help, remember: the most expensive mistakes are often the ones we approve ourselves. Protect your wallet, yes—but more importantly, protect your judgment. Because in today’s digital world, wisdom is the strongest form of security.

Reach out to us for a complimentary, 10-minute consultation call. A well-constructed retirement strategy should do more than just manage risk—it should provide clarity, confidence, and long-term stability. Schedule a complimentary 10-minute consultation by calling 614-943-2265. Thoughtful planning today can help ensure your retirement is built on a foundation of informed choices—not guesswork.

Home insurance rates up by 76% in some states

Over the last 6 years, home insurance rates have increased by up to 76% in some states. Between inflation, costlier repairs, and extreme weather, premiums are climbing fast – but that doesn’t mean you have to overpay. Many homeowners are saving hundreds a year by switching providers. Check out Money’s home insurance tool to compare companies and see if you can save.

Compare coverage

When State Lines Redraw Your Legacy: How to Protect Your Estate When You Move

by Eric Seyboldt, MBA

Client: Eric, my family just moved across state lines, and I keep hearing that I should update my estate plan. Is that really necessary if everything was already set up?

Eric: Think of your estate plan as a finely tuned engine—it runs smoothly only when every part aligns with the laws of the road you’re driving on. Each state has its own set of estate, property, and tax rules, and even minor inconsistencies can throw your plan off course. What worked in one state might fail in another, leaving your heirs tangled in red tape, or worse, facing unnecessary taxes.

Client: So what’s the first thing I should look at when moving to a new state?

Eric: Start with the people who hold the keys to your plan—your executor, trustee, and power of attorney. If your estate includes property or real assets, appointing someone local can prevent logistical nightmares later. Many states limit who can serve as an out-of-state executor, requiring them to be a family member, appoint an in-state agent, or even post a bond.

If your trustee or power of attorney still resides in your former state, verify that they can legally act on your behalf where you now live. And because every state defines a “resident trust” differently, your tax exposure can change overnight. Have your financial advisor review how your trust will be treated under your new state’s income tax laws. In some cases, moving could trigger new filing requirements or taxes you didn’t anticipate.

Client: What about my healthcare documents? Do those change too?

Eric: Absolutely. Advance healthcare directives—the documents that speak for you when you can’t—must match your new state’s legal language. A form that’s valid in Illinois may not hold in Florida. Review your living will and healthcare proxy, and ensure your chosen representative can still respond quickly in an emergency. When illness or accident strikes, clarity can mean the difference between smooth decisions and heartbreaking delays.

Client: We also own property. How do state laws affect that?

Eric: Property law is where state differences really matter. If you’re moving to or from a community property state—like Texas or California—your asset ownership structure and capital gains exposure can shift dramatically. In those states, a surviving spouse receives a full step-up in basis, resetting asset values and potentially eliminating capital gains tax on inherited property. But in separate property states, that step-up may only apply to half of the asset’s value, leaving the survivor exposed to a costly tax bill. Before you move, retitle assets where appropriate and coordinate with your estate attorney to ensure your property rights stay balanced.

Client: And what about taxes after I’m gone? Do some states take more than others?

Eric: They certainly do. Twelve states and the District of Columbia levy estate taxes; six others impose inheritance taxes on beneficiaries. Moving from a no-tax state to one that does can quietly erode your family’s inheritance. The same is true in reverse—moving away from a high-tax state without adjusting your documents can leave your plan unnecessarily complex or noncompliant. Every move deserves a tax map, and your financial team should chart that path before it’s too late.

Client: Is there anything else that people often overlook?

Eric: Yes—declaring your domicile. You can own multiple homes, but you can only have one legal domicile for estate and tax purposes. If you don’t formally establish it—by updating your address, driver’s license, voter registration, and tax filings—you invite confusion and potential double taxation.

Finally, treat relocation like a reset button for your estate plan. Major life events—marriage, divorce, birth, illness, or new wealth—also warrant a review. Your documents aren’t stone tablets; they’re living instruments that must adapt to your life’s geography.

Client: So updating my estate plan isn’t just paperwork—it’s protecting the future.

Eric: Exactly. An estate plan isn’t about death—it’s about direction. Moving across state lines can redraw your map, but with a few deliberate steps, your legacy stays intact. Review, revise, and reaffirm your intentions now—because the laws may change, but your responsibility to those you love never does.

Contact us for a complimentary, 10-minute estate planning consultation. Moving across state lines—or through life’s major milestones—deserves the same level of care and foresight as building your wealth in the first place.

Call Eric Seyboldt at 614-943-2265 to schedule your free estate and legacy review. Because the plans that protect your family’s future are worth keeping as strong and up-to-date as the life you’ve worked so hard to build.

💥 Newsletter Sponsored by Luke’s Property Services 💥

🧼 Ohio’s Most Trusted Name in Power Washing & Window Washing

Is your home’s curb appeal fading fast? You’re not alone—and there’s never been a better time to bring it back to life.

Right now, Luke’s Property Services is offering 10% OFF all power washing services—but only for a limited time (end of May)! Whether it’s your driveway, patio, deck, walkway, or siding, they’ll blast away years of grime in a single visit.

🏠 Before and after? Like night and day.
💧 Equipment? Commercial-grade and eco-friendly.
💪 Results? Shockingly clean—and they speak for themselves.

✅ Trusted by homeowners across Central Ohio
✅ Fast, professional, and always reliable
✅ No-pressure, free quotes — just text or call!

📞 Call or Text Luke’s Property Services Today: (614) 531-6979

Fixed annuities can be an essential component of a well-rounded retirement strategy, offering security, predictability, and efficiency in financial planning.

These are current fixed annuity rates and their durations from Top A-rated carriers (subject to change at any time, not FDIC insured):

Rates Are Dropping! Don’t Wait To Lock These Fixed Annuity Rates In Today!

3-year: 5.45% (under $100k Deposited)

3-year: 5.60% (over $100k Deposited)

5-year: 6.05% (under $100k Deposited)

5-year: 6.30% (over $100k Deposited)

7-year: 6.25% (under $100k Deposited)

7-year: 6.50% (over $100k Deposited)

Please feel free to call Eric at 614-943-2265 if you’d like to ask any questions or request information on these fixed annuities or other retirement topics that are on your mind.

REAL ASSETS, Invest Like the Ultra-Wealthy

Invest Like the Ultra-Wealthy: Why Smart Money Is Flocking to Real Assets Like Gold

Let’s call it like it is: the traditional retirement game plan is starting to look outdated. Inflation keeps climbing, the dollar doesn’t stretch like it used to, and central banks continue flooding the system with liquidity. Meanwhile, the markets? Still as volatile and unpredictable as ever.

That’s why today’s smartest investors aren’t sitting on the sidelines—they’re taking action.

They’re turning to gold—a timeless, tangible asset that doesn’t disappear when Wall Street stumbles. Gold has quietly built and preserved wealth through centuries of financial upheaval.

This isn’t just a hedge. It’s a proven strategy for uncertain times.

📌 Gold has stood the test of time as a store of value across every major crisis.
📌 It provides a reliable safeguard against inflation and currency devaluation.
📌 Unlike stocks or bonds, gold is a physical asset you can see, hold, and control on your terms.

When the future feels uncertain, gold offers stability, security, and peace of mind. Make it a cornerstone of your retirement strategy today.

During market chaos, real assets don’t flinch. They thrive. History proves it. While equities tumble, hard assets often surge—shielding portfolios and delivering asymmetric returns when they're needed most.

And even in calm times? They add powerful diversification. That’s why the ultra-wealthy use them as a cornerstone—not a sideshow—in their wealth strategy.

Ask yourself:

🧠 Are you truly diversified?
🧠 What happens to your retirement if inflation stays elevated?
🧠 If the dollar weakens, what asset in your portfolio gets stronger?

If you don’t have a good answer, it’s time for a new conversation.

Allocating funds into the asset class known as “Real Assets” may be a strategy that you should consider.

Ask us how to Rollover a portion of Your IRA or 401k To a GOLD IRA (see link below) and:

• Safeguard your assets from the collapsing dollar

• Incorporate the ‘REAL ASSET’ class into your portfolio like the ultra-wealthy

• Hedge against the current high-inflation conditions

• Protect your retirement assets against economic crises

Just get in touch. We make it easier than ever.

Feedback or Questions?

You’re invited to get in touch with us if you’d like to find out how the Novus Financial Group can help you on your journey to a happy, fulfilling life in Retirement. 

Office: 614-943-2265

Feel Free To Forward Retirement Examined To A Friend and Have Them Subscribe By Clicking The Button Below:

Reach out if you’d like to advertise your business on Retirement Examined or would like to be a sponsor.

Investment advisory services are offered by duly registered individuals on behalf of CreativeOne Wealth, LLC a Registered Investment Adviser.

The content we provide here isn’t financial advice and cannot be taken as such. Please speak to your financial advisor before making any investment decision. Also, note that every investment comes with its risks and drawbacks. Lastly, we would like to remind you that past results cannot guarantee future returns.

This website contains one affiliate link. When you click on the link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. We only promote companies that we have personally used or researched and believe will add value to our readers