Digital Literacy: How to Avoid Scamming Incidents

streetsmartmasterclass

15 Sep, 2021

The internet is a platform where almost everything is possible — building connections, acquiring information, leisure shopping, most especially, online scamming. Fraudulent activities are very common online. It targets people who are easily gullible and unaware of how the internet works.

Digital literacy is an essential thing to be taught to every individual in order for them to wisely maximize the possibilities of the internet. Hence, this blog caters to teach people, most especially students, about how to avoid scamming incidents and how to tell if someone is scamming you online.

Common Types of Online Scams

It is important to be aware of the different fraudulent motives that prevalently circulate online. This is to prevent you from being a victim of these thefts.

Phishing

Generally executed in the form of e-mails and websites. Thieves deceive their victims into giving out their personal information and money through a deceptive website disguised as a legitimate one.

Smishing

In the form of text messages or SMS, deceitful website links are sent that either download malicious software in your mobile phone or compel you to give out your personal information and money.

Vishing/ Spoofing

It is the act of deceiving people by making phone calls or sending automated voice messages. Vishing is often used by thieves to falsely represent themselves as legitimate personnel working for either the government, the security, and the bank.

6 Ways to Protect Yourself From Online Scams

Internet frauds are very rampant in this age of technology. Hence, everyone must learn how to protect themselves from falling into these kinds of traps. Through using ABCs, presented below is a fun and easy way to remember protective measures! It delves into topics such as how to stop scammers from calling and what to do when scammed.

Always think Before you Speak And/or Click

Whenever you enter websites or engage in calls that require you to input your personal information, think twice before doing so. For instance, legitimate banks would never ask for your account information, especially your PIN, over the phone.

Browse the Internet Safely

One of the easiest ways on how to tell if someone is scamming you online is by using protective-browsing services that could be found on the internet.

Check the Website

Fraudulent websites commonly have questionable interfaces, designs, and link addresses. Once you notice that something does not sit right, leave the page right away

TIP: Download this ‘Safety Indicators’ checklist to guide you on how to determine whether website links are trustworthy or not

Safety-Indicators-Checklist Download

Dump the Spam Calls

Setting up your phone’s privacy by blocking malicious spam calls is one way on how to stop scammers from calling

Enable a Protective Software on All of Your Devices

Installing anti-virus and anti-spyware software on your phones, tablets, and computers shield you from malware and cybercrime incidents. This anti-theft software can also detect the presence of harmful programs inside your devices.

Fast Action is Key

In case you become a victim of these online scams, immediately report it to both your local and national authorities. In the instance of bank-related scams, you may reach out and report the incident to the bank’s provided contact details.

Online Safety Should be Practiced Daily!

Now that you know how to prevent yourself from being scammed, it is time for you to apply what you have learned in order to protect yourself!

Cybercrime activities are very rampant nowadays. With the emergence of online media and technology, digital literacy should be taught to everyone, most especially to students and children. It is important to disseminate information on how to avoid scams, as well as what to do whenever you got caught in one. Internet thieves come in different ways. Hence, we should also broaden our knowledge about the different ways in how we can safeguard ourselves from these inconveniences.

Safety should be your utmost priority, so never forget to use the internet wisely!

Find this article helpful? Share this link to promote online safety and digital literacy!

The 25 Kitchen Utensils & Gadgets You Need

streetsmartmasterclass

15 Sep, 2021

Novice chefs and seasoned pros; gather around. Dreaming of becoming a chef? Or simply wanting to try out a recipe for the first time? Whatever your reason is, knowing the gadgets and tools needed in the kitchen is always a good idea. This may serve as an essential step in learning how to prepare food and eventually becoming a great cook!

If you have a recipe you’re trying to master, look at our list of utensils in the kitchen and kitchen gadgets that’ll make your cooking experience process easier and faster. We’ll help you set up an essential kit with 25 tools in kitchen and gadgets. Read on to know more about it!

Must-Have Kitchen Utensils

These are the essentials in your kitchen, those you’ll reach for more often than you think. For example, did you know that an egg ring exists? It can make your egg cooking process more manageable. Always remember, whether you’re cooking a simple egg or baking a cake, make sure you have these tools on hand before getting started.

With these items, you can cook just about anything!

KITCHEN UTENSILS

Slotted Spoon

A slotted spoon can be a miniature strainer, which removes solids from liquids, like pulling small pasta noodles from boiling water.

Metal Spatula

A metal spatula is vital for flipping, tossing, and serving all kinds of food such as eggs, pancakes, and sauteed meat.

Tongs

You can buy a cheap pair of metal tongs that twist and turn your food in the pan. This comes in different sizes, and they’re also great for serving dinner.

Ladle

Unless you’re someone who exclusively eats solid food (if you exist, please contact us), you will need a ladle to transport any liquid from the pot to your bowl. Other than that, there are different types of ladles, one of which can act as a strainer for your future pasta recipes.

Mitts

Do you use a towel to wrap your hand when you’re transferring hot food? There’s an alternative for that called oven mitts! These are used to protect your hands from being burned when transferring hot food.

Meat Thermometer

Do you constantly guess if your meat is well-cooked already? Why guess when you can accurately know? Take a peek at this thermometer! It’s a meat thermometer that’ll give you an accurate temperature reading of your food within seconds.

PREPARATION TOOLS

Mixing bowls

Buy mixing bowls to whip up a meal when you need to marinate meat, beat some eggs, or set aside some prepped vegetables.

Chef’s knife

Want to save your fingers? Buy a decent chef’s knife. Dull knives are prone to sliding around, and it requires a greater applied force to effectively cut. Thus, there’s a greater chance to cut your fingers. Every time you cook, you will reach for this essential, so go with a high-quality blade for cutting.

Bread knife

Using a chef’s knife might smash your bread and tomatoes if you cut them. A bread knife is ideal for slicing bread since it won’t crush nor tear it into messy pieces.

Cutting board

If you have knives, you should also have cutting boards. Do not make a habit of cutting things on a plate or the counter. You could damage both your knife and your counter. Other than that, cross-contamination might occur.

Colander

If you don’t have a colander, where will you drain all that pasta? Do you really want to use your sink to drain your pasta? No, that would be gross, which is why colanders exist.

Whisk

Nothing whisks quite like a whisk. When making gravy, mixing batter, or whipping your own cream, you need to purchase a whisk.

Can Opener

It would be convenient if every can had a pull tab, but fantasies are better than reality. Most cans don’t have a pull tab in the real world, and attempting to open a can without a can opener is frustrating. Make your life easier and purchase a can opener.

Peeler

You got your potatoes, your carrots, your cucumbers, your beets; all things that might need a good peeling. Of course, some people like to leave the skin on their vegetables, but if you want to make apple pie, or cube some thick-skinned squash, a peeler is a godsend. They are small and cheap anyway, so you might as well get one.

Grater

Your cheese won’t grate itself. Maybe some people prefer to eat their cheese solid, but if you want to mix your cheese with your pasta, a grater is what you need.

Measuring cups and spoons

If you eyeball your ingredients based on how much you think a tablespoon and a cup are, then you’re signing yourself up for an inaccurate and non-replicable recipe. If you want to make decent cooking or a balanced salad dressing, purchase measuring cups and spoons to make your life easier.

Salt and Pepper Grinder

Using pre-ground pepper may make the volatile oils and flavor compounds inside the peppercorn begin to dull. Freshly ground pepper is more potent and better in flavor. Thus, it is more favorable. To make it easier for you to hone your pepper or salt, buy your own salt and pepper grinder.

COOKWARE & BAKEWARE

Non-stick Pan

The first thing you’ll need in your kitchen is a nonstick pan. You can use this to cook eggs, but it tends to stick to stainless steel and cast iron. Luckily, these pans are low-maintenance to clean, perfect for a beginner cook.

Soup Pot

A standard soup pot can function as the one-pot in a one-pot meal. You can do a lot of things here, such as boil pasta or make soups and stews.

Saucepan

If you’re boiling frozen produce or preparing a stock from dashi, reach for a saucepan. You can even make instant ramen using this product.

Sheet Pans

Sheet pans are essential for baking cookies or roasting vegetables. It’s also the thing you put your recipe on when you want to turn it back to an edible state.

Egg ring

An egg ring is used to make eggs be cooked into a perfectly round shape. Other than that, it also keeps the egg from spreading around the pan.

APPLIANCES

Blender

If you’re a fan of making fruit shakes, smoothies or dips, you’ll need a powerful blender instead of using a food processor every time. This is a multi-purpose purchase, make the most out of it.

Microwave

Most likely, your home already has a microwave, but it’s usually worth an upgrade if it’s an old model, and it’s definitely a must-buy if there isn’t one. It’s a must-have for reheating food.

Air Fryer

An air fryer uses minimal oil and hot air to cook or bake food. There is a lot of food that you air-fry, such as frozen chicken wings, homemade french-fries, and even fresh-baked cookies.

Fully stocking an efficient kitchen doesn’t have to be frustrating nor expensive. By purchasing high-quality products that have a strong value proposition, your fully stocked kitchen can last a lifetime, without costing you a kidney.

Were you able to take note of all of that? Fret not! To help you know exactly what tools to start out with, we created a Kitchen Utensils Checklist for you. All of the essential utensils in kitchen, kitchen gadgets, tools in kitchen are there. Even the egg ring! Check what you have and what you don’t, and there’s even an extra page for you to write your own list of essentials!

Kitchen-Utensils-and-Gadgets-Checklist-1 Download

Kitchen-Utensils-and-Gadgets-Checklist-2 Download

Any Luck with Your Lock: A Basic Guide How to Change Door Locks

streetsmartmasterclass

3 Sep, 2021

Everything is replaceable—even that heavy duty lock on your door. But worry not, for this is something you can fix on your own! No professional help needed, unless things are too complicated to deal with.

But before anything else, do you have the basic knowledge to start that door lock replacement? If not, then lucky you because we’re going to walk you through everything. Let’s begin!

Why is Changing Your Lock Important?

Changing locks or rekeying locks is one of the most important parts of ensuring a safe, functional home. Safety and security is a human need, so we should do what we can to provide it to ourselves and our loved ones. With the regular checking or changing of locks, you also gain extra peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and sound. Here are a few reminders before planning to replace that lock.

Note that it is important to make an inventory of all the locks around your home. By doing this, you will be able to pinpoint which locks need changing. In buying a new lock for your door, it is advised to look for knobs or locks like your old one. Or those who have a matching code. This way, it would be easier to replace or “fit” your new knob without making extra adjustments. Purchasing a different one isn’t a bad idea too, if you’re up for a change!

What Things Will You Need?

Here are the things you will need in doing your own project. First, is the new lock. As you purchase that new lock, you’re going to notice that it already includes the pieces that rekeying requires. This refers to the mounting hardware and the interior turner. Next is a measuring tape. This is important especially if you bought a lock which is different from the original one. While most new models are adjustable, you still want to make sure it fits just right.

Of course, there’s no question that a screwdriver is a must. Before pulling it out of your toolbox, determine whether you’ll need a flathead or a Phillips screwdriver. Yes, there’s a difference between the two.

In a few words, a flathead has a single blade, while a Phillips screwdriver has two blades in the shape of a cross. Knowing which one to use is important because using a flathead tool on a screw designed for a Phillips won’t work, and vice versa. Depending on the screws, you may need both.

A Step-by-Step Guide in Changing Locks

Now that we have elaborated the things you’ll need, let’s change those locks!

Step 1: Remove Your Door’s Old Lock and Hardware

The first step is to remove your door’s old lock and hardware. This part is one of the easiest. You simply have to locate the screws on the interior side of the lock (the side with the turner) and remove them, along with the turn plate. There should now be a hole where you can see through.

To make things easier, you can open your door so that you can see the side of the lock, or the narrow part on the side of the door. You should locate and remove those screws as well. You can now remove the rest of the hardware from the door.

Step 2: Install Your New Lock

The next step is to install your new lock, or new deadbolt. Pick up your newly bought hardware and install it where the old one used to be. Most deadbolts have labels which indicate “up” on one side to help you pinpoint where to position it. You can now use the provided mounting hardware in your assembly kit to secure things in place.

Step 3: Insert Your New Lock

The third step is to insert your new lock. The deadbolt has slots where you can fit both the key part and the turning part. Pay attention as you assemble the pieces in their right place, and secure those pieces in place using the screw found inside your assembly kit.

Step 4: Test It

The fourth and final step is to test it. Remember to always test your new lock after changing it instead of just assuming that it works. This is to ensure that all the pieces are in their right place, and that the screws have been screwed properly.

In doing so, make sure that it locks and unlocks using the key, and that it locks and unlocks using the turner.

And…we’re done! One last reminder that doing things on your own isn’t always easy, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t do it. However, if things become too hard, don’t hesitate to call for professional help. You may also want to consider switching to the programming Schlage lock, where you need to press three to four numbers (your code) to unlock your door. There are traditional locks, and there are locks improved through technology. Good luck with your locks!

Business Plan Writing 101: The Ultimate Guide for Kids and Teens

streetsmartmasterclass

3 Sep, 2021

Were you ever told that only adults can have their own business? Adults may have discouraged you from putting up your own lemonade stand or selling old toys online. They tell you that you are too young and that you should wait for a few more years. Well, that might have been the case a few decades ago—times have changed now!

In the present, there are hundreds of kids and teens who have succeeded in running their own businesses. With that, we can tell you that your age will not be a hindrance to your venture! However, there are a few things you need to prepare before you can actually open your business to the public. One of the things you need to create beforehand is a solid business plan.

Writing a business plan may seem complicated and intimidating at first. However, this first step is fundamental in ensuring that your business will thrive! If you want to start your very own business at a young age, this article is for you. Take a look at the steps to writing your own business plan to guide you in kickstarting your venture!

What are the parts of a basic business plan?

For starters, here is a business plan outline to guide you through the process. There are plenty of business plan examples available online, but we formulated one especially for young business owners! These are the main parts of your business plan, and you should not forget to include these in your draft. The next sections will explain these parts in detail!

Business Idea
Business Name
Target Customer Market and Demographics
Marketing Strategy
Business Expenses
Pricing and Profit

Steps in Writing a Business Plan

Come up with a creative and unique business idea

The first step to writing a business plan is to come up with your very own business idea. Evaluate your special interests and skills that have profit potential! You may also look around your village and check for services that your neighbors might need. For example, do your neighbors need someone to mow their lawn? Are your neighborhood friends fond of friendship bracelets? The possibilities in the business idea step are endless!

To guide you in this part, here are some questions that your business idea must answer. Make sure to take these points into consideration so that you will have a solid foundation for your business plan.

In your business, will you be selling a product, or will you be offering your services? If you are confused between the two, examples of products are drinks, snacks, and trinkets. On the other hand, examples of services are lawn mowing, babysitting, and tutoring.
What makes your business idea from the rest that is already available? What will make your business idea stand out from the rest?
Why will people want to avail of your product or service?

Create a fun and catchy name for your business!

This step is one of the most fun parts of writing a business plan! In selecting a name for your business, make sure that it reflects your personality as a business owner. After all, it’s your very own business!

Moreover, ensure that your business name is unique to avoid confusing your potential customers. Your business name must also be memorable so that your clients will always remember your brand! Finally, your business name must be easy to pronounce to reduce the risk of others mispronouncing your business name.

Set the target customer market and demographic for your business

Now, it is time to know who your potential customers will be. It will help to create a profile for your target customers so that you will have an idea of who to contact for marketing! Here are some questions to ask yourself to determine the specifics of your target customer market.

Who will buy your products?
What is their average age?
Are they male or female?
What is their occupation?
Where do they live?
What are their passions and interests?

By answering these questions, you can then create a customer profile. The customer profile will guide you in selecting the most effective marketing strategy to reach them!

List down your potential marketing strategies

Of course, a market plan is crucial in establishing your own business! During this stage, you need to keep your customer profile in mind. Make sure that you are catering to the preferences of your potential customers. That way, they are more likely to buy your product or avail of your services! Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you through this stage.

How will you spread the word about your business?
Will you hand out flyers? If yes, where?
Will you conduct a door-to-door advertisement in your neighborhood?
Will you be sending out emails?
Will you post an advertisement in the local newspaper?
Will you create your own website?

Take note of your possible expenses for the business

List down everything you need to buy to create the product that you will be selling. You may ask your parents if they could lend you some supplies in your home! For example, if you will provide lawn mowing services, you have to buy your own gas and bring your own lawnmower. If you are going to bake cookies, you have to buy baking materials and supplies! Make sure to list down all of your possible expenses and not forget a single thing.

Finalize your pricing and profit

Lastly, you will have to set the price of your product or service. Take note of your expenses and set a price accordingly! Make sure to price higher than your expenses, or else you may go bankrupt. Also, remember to put a price on your effort and labor!

Final words

Establishing a business is not exclusive to adults—kids and teens can do it too! To succeed in this venture, the first step is to create your very own bulletproof business plan. With proper planning, you can achieve anything—even at a very young age.

We hope this article informed and inspired you to follow your dreams! Follow the steps indicated above to ensure the prosperity of your business. Good luck on your business adventure—we know you can do it!