It’s time to lift our heads from the proverbial sandbox and acknowledge that the US economy has begun to slow, as some may argue, considerably.

One thing is certain, more and more Americans are encountering difficulty with finding high paying jobs while others struggle to make financial ends meet. Nevertheless, Americans are overwhelmingly resilient, repeatedly demonstrating the ability to rebound from troubling times, emerging stronger than before.

The unfortunate side to the predicament we are facing as a nation is the period of uncertainty. How long before our economy breaks free of its sluggish performance and picks up so folks can return to honest work and a sense of normalcy?

When viewing times such as these with the perspective on personal safety and security, it is understandable why vigilance is paramount. An unfortunate reality to consider is the inclination of social predators to sink even lower, becoming more audacious and brazen in their criminal behavior. It is often stated that “desperate times require desperate measures. This practice applies to both sides of the social spectrum. As the criminal element in our society begins to feel the affects of an economic slowdown and they will we should anticipate their move to seek out targets of opportunity and avoid becoming a victim.

Quick sources of cash are the most sought after. We should always assume that ATM machines are under surveillance by criminally minded individuals or even groups, hoping to cash in as you take cash out. For this reason, it is ill advised to use these bank instruments during darkness. Some other points to consider about ATMs:

–Machines should provide superb light and should be clear of any close objects that provide concealment to anyone nearby, nor should obstacles impede your ability to monitor your surroundings when withdrawing cash. If anything does not look or feel right, move on and find another location.

–Complete your transaction quickly and do not count your cash at the machine. Retrieve your cash, card and receipt if requested and move to a safe area. Typically, machines located inside businesses, such as shopping malls or grocery stores are safest. This is because there are usually more people present. The old adage safety in numbers applies. Least safe are those found in gas stations or roadside quick stops. These ATM should be avoided when at all possible

–ATMs that allow you to drive up and remain in the vehicle have advantages and disadvantages. As an advantage, they allow you to remain safe in your vehicle during the transaction. Pull up as close to the machine as possible. Ideally, this allows you to reach the keypad without leaning too far out of the window. The disadvantage is with visibility, which is obscured. There are numerous blindsides around your vehicle that could conceal someone’s approach. For this reason, all doors should remain locked and ensure you keep the engine running. As the computer is reviewing your account request, remain alert and monitor the immediate area for anyone moving toward you. Others in the vehicle with you can assist with observation. Remember, if you feel threatened, depart immediately and report the incident to local law enforcement.

Many recognize the value of a hard-earned dollar. In fact, much of our working lives are devoted to earning even more dollars, thus being able to provide for some of life’s necessities and increasing financial wealth in the process. In time, we begin to understand the power of investing a portion of our earnings wisely and the dividend growth that follows.

Another instrument worthy of wise investment is the time it takes to develop the mental capital needed to master common sense approaches. We have all heard at one time or another that the solution to a particular problem is common sense. But what is common sense and how do we know if we truly possess it?

This unique reference to communal knowledge works its way into discussions about personal safety and security as well. For example, it’s just common sense not to open your door to a stranger. Common sense dictates that you don’t leave a firearm anywhere within reach of a child. Arguably, few adults would disagree with the logic of these statements. Unfortunately, each of these sound measures is violated repeatedly and often meets with tragic results. The problem can be traced to the failure to invest in mental capital and spending it to reach common sense solutions.

To understand the path to common sense, as a conscious undertaking is to acknowledge the requirement to analyze choices by weighing the near and long-term outcomes, e.g. to what extent will our decisions influence the nature of our environment. Simply stated, each challenge faced produces a unique set of circumstances, which may only be addressed in two manners the right way and the wrong way. Reaching the correct solution requires thinking through the problem and uncovering the positive or desired outcome.

Let’s return to the first common sense example. In most every instance, we choose correctly not to open our door to a stranger, recognizing the near-term threat to our safety and well-being. This decision is reached quickly since we have acquired the mental capital that when divested or spent calculates the risk involved. The common sense dividend is personal security.

In the second example, the potential for serious injury or death resulting from failure to secure a firearm in such a manner that precludes a curious child from handling it is another example of the benefit from analyzing decisions and the near and/or long-term impact. Firearms are one of many tools that may be selected to increase personal security. However, like any tool, firearms left unsecured where children are present pose unacceptable risks to serious injury or death. Upon thinking through the scenario it becomes clear a positive outcome demands storing the weapon in a safe and secure manner out of a child’s reach. Once again, we see the advantages of investing in mental capital. The common sense dividend is a safer environment for children.

In summary, common sense is the solution-based decision, which produces a positive outcome and is only arrived at through careful calculation and experience. Acquiring these sound skills and techniques through education and practice is a step in the right-direction to dividend growth that aids with increasing personal safety and security. Begin investing in your security today. Be Safe!

We last discussed important points to consider when returning to your vehicle after a day of frenzied holiday shopping. Consider your vehicle a mobile safe haven; it protects you from the elements and provides a degree of safety and security from physical threats. This exemplifies the importance of knowing exactly how to reach it safely after exiting buildings and equally important not to step out from it too hastily. Consider the following when heading out on your shopping spree.

Most of us truly look forward to the year-end holiday celebrations but often dread the hectic pace that leads to them. Even the most affluent shopper will snatch up a bargain given the opportunity to do so. And so, it is the quest for that perfect gift that leads us into unfamiliar territory. Often times we drive enormous distances to a cross-town location that offers that last chance of having that one special gift remaining on the shelf or in-stock we never give a second thought that it is a part of the city that we infrequently visit. Thus, we venture onto unfamiliar turf.

This in and of itself is not reason enough to avoid the drive altogether, but it does require an understanding of the tools we possess that can aid our security in these instances. Remember your mobile safe haven? Just as we acknowledged the importance of returning to your vehicle in the safest and direct manner, it is equally important to survey the surrounding area before stepping from it.

After arriving at your destination, spend a few moments in the relative safety of your vehicle and decompress from having just shared the highway with highly motivated bargain hunters like yourself. Use this time to gather your thoughts and plan your movement to the building you will need to enter. Also, be watchful for the surrounding norms things that seem as likely occurrences. Scrutinize the areas you will need to cross through to reach your destination. Once you have determined that the area appears safe, then and only then should you unlock your door and proceed to make the purchase that will put a smile on the face of someone special.

Holiday shopping can be a joy. It also is a time to recall our blessings and give thanks for our relative safety and security. Enjoy the spirit and Be Safe!