Life After 18

02/17/2026

Don't Fall for This Computer Scam!

You're using your computer when suddenly a scary pop-up message fills your screen. It says your computer is infected with viruses. It warns you not to shut down. It tells you to call a number right away — and claims the people there are "authorized by Microsoft" to help you.

Stop! This is a scam!

Nobody on that screen wants to help you. Microsoft has nothing to do with it. If you call that number, the person on the other end will find a way to take your money — guaranteed.

Here's the good news: your computer is probably fine. This kind of pop-up almost always lives only in your computer's temporary memory. That means it can't survive a restart. You have more control here than the scammers want you to think.

What to Do Right Now:

1. Kill the power immediately. DO NOT try to close the pop-up, save your work, or shut down normally.
Just unplug the computer or hold the power button down for about 10 seconds until it shuts off.

2. Disconnect from the internet if you can — unplug the cable or turn off your Wi-Fi router.

3. Restart your computer and log in as you normally would.

4. Run a full virus scan. If it finds anything, quarantine it and scan again. Keep going until the scan comes back clean. Once it does, you're safe to reconnect to the internet.

And whatever you do — do not call that number!

Have questions or just want to talk it through? Reach out to the tech expert behind this post — my guy Dick Knuth. Give him a call at (760) 672-8333 or shoot him an email at dknuth@raknuth.com. He's the real deal.

02/15/2026

02/15/2026

🎉 The January issue of Pahrump Life is out NOW! 🎉

My article on Credit Card Balance Transfers is featured this month—perfect timing as those holiday bills start arriving!

💳 Getting balance transfer offers in the mail? Before you sign up, make sure you know:

✅ What fees they're charging upfront
✅ The payoff timeline (and if you can actually meet it!)
✅ What happens if you DON'T pay it off in time

Not all balance transfer offers are created equal—some are great deals, others... not so much. I break it all down so you can make smart decisions about your money.

📍 Pick up your FREE copy around Pahrump!
📧 Want the full PDF? Email me at jan@lifeafter18.com

Want to learn even more about credit cards and credit scores?
Check out my course at https://zurl.co/Dhw1u!

02/14/2026

Happy Love Day💖

02/14/2026

Concerned about your young adult's financial readiness? These banking basics are what every parent wishes they'd taught before their child left home.

Ready to Build Stronger Financial Foundations?

Financial independence starts with understanding these basics—but it doesn't end here. Whether you're navigating your first bank account or helping a young person in your life prepare for financial independence, solid banking knowledge is just the beginning.

Take the Next Step:
📖 Get the complete guide: "Life After 18" available on Amazon
💻 Dive deeper with our comprehensive online Banking lesson at LIFE AFTER 18. com
🎤 Want to bring this training to your organization or group? Contact me to discuss presentation options

What banking mistake do you wish someone had warned you about? Share your experience in the comments below.

02/14/2026

Straight talk about relationships: Sometimes the person who seems "perfect on paper" isn't perfect for YOU.

I used to think finding the right partner was about checking two or three simple boxes:

✓ Good job
✓ Nice to your friends
✓ Says the right things

But here's what I learned the hard way: Your gut knows things your simple checklist doesn't.

That person might look great on paper, but if something feels off when you're with them—if you find yourself constantly explaining away small disrespects or feeling like you can't fully be yourself—that's data too. Actually, that's some of the MOST important data.

I've talked to so many people who said, "Looking back, I knew something wasn't right. I just didn't want to admit it."

Don't be that person.

This Valentine's season, instead of settling for someone who checks a few boxes, get clear on what YOU actually NEED to feel respected, valued, and genuinely happy.

Need help figuring that out? Download my FREE "Perfect Match Worksheet and Sample." It'll help you identify:

• Your core values in relationships
• Your absolute must-haves
• Your deal-breakers (the things you WON'T compromise on)

👉Get your worksheet now: https://zurl.co/fYtTl

When you know what matters most to YOU, trusting your gut becomes so much easier.

So, what's one green flag you've learned to look for in relationships?
🚩💚

02/13/2026

Yup, I feel this way some days.🤪

02/13/2026