A Word to the Wise...

We have offered numerous tips on budgeting, saving and credit cards, but we would like to deviate a little to offer some suggestions on protecting both you and your money. We hope to make you less of a target while being just a little more aware of your surroundings.

There are four main tips we would like to reccommend...

1. Photocopy all contents of your wallet and keep in a secure file. If your wallet or purse are stolen you will have access to all of your bank cards and contact numbers better enabling you to report the theft.

2. If your wallet or purse are stolen, immediately report the theft to each of the three credit reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Then report the theft to your bank, etc. Additionally, you should be checking your credit report for inaccuracies annually at, you guessed it, annualcreditreport.com. The report is free, the credit score is not.

3. How many times have you pulled up to the gas tank to fill your car and not locked your doors??? Ladies, if you have a purse most likely you leave it on the passenger seat. If your car is unlocked while you are filling up anyone can grab your purse and run. Be safe and lock up.

4. Many of us eat out and instead of paying with cash we use our debit/credit cards to pay. When the actual bill comes out we don't think twice about writing in the tip amount and total. However, by doing this we are creating an easy target for dishonest people. If we do not clearly indicate the amount of the tip or bill total, adjustments can be made well after we have settled the bill. To protect ourselves, it is a good idea to place the dollar symbol ($) directly in front of the amounts we are charging. This way the total can not be adjusted or increased. Please keep in mind that most of the time you are dealing with honest, hard working individuals, but just one person can spoil it.

Once again, our goal is to help you become less of a target, so if you have any useful tips please let us know and we will post them.

Thanks!

Savvy Student