Search Results for: credit freeze

Protect Yourself

This weekend started off like any other weekend – running errands including a trip to the gas station. Everything seemed like a regular weekend. But here we are the next day and I go into my wallet and my ATM / debit card isn’t there.

First thing I do is to check my wallet, maybe I put in in another spot or maybe it’s loose in my purse. No such luck. Next, I go online to my bank account to see what transactions have posted, nothing that I didn’t recognize – that’s good. I immediately call my bank to ask them to freeze my card. This will give me a chance to look for it without any liability.

ATM / debit cards are different than credit cards when it comes to your liability. The most important thing to do is to contact your bank to stop your liability. If you contact your bank immediately before any unauthorized transactions occur, you have zero liability. The longer you wait, the more liability you have. Form more information, check out the Federal Trade Commission information page.

If I don’t find it today, I will call and cancel it and get a replacement card. Wish me luck in the search for my card.

2020 A Year For The Records Books – Part 2

This is part 2 of 2020 A Year For the Record Books – click the link to read part 1.

We must learn to adapt our finances to changing times.If you live in the tri-state areas, we had a hurricane Esaias. Many people had damage to their homes / property and lost power for days. Having to replace all the food in your fridge and freezer is a huge expense, that you probably weren’t expecting. Look into reimbursement from your renter’s / homeowner’s insurance (and possibly the power company) to ease your budget.

Spending more than you have. With more time at home and less going out, did you find yourself spending more online than your budget allows? Just because something is a good deal, doesn’t mean you need to purchase it. As they say, you don’t need to keep you with the Jones’s.

Credit card debt. You know that debt is the enemy of your budget, so carry a balance month to month on your credit card in not good. Yes, I know that right now creditors are working with you if you are having trouble payment your debt. But think long term, what is it costing you? Make a plan to payoff your debt in full each and every month, so this won’t be an issue with your finances.

With the holidays just around the corner, that will be another big expense for many. Think about what your plans are and how they may need to be adapted to fit your finances. Another words, don’t overdue it. Now is the time to make a plan and stick to it.

Now that I have shared with you some of the ways you might be accumulating debt, what are you planning on doing (or have done) to stop debt from accumulating?

Another Data Breach – Was Your Information Compromised?

It happened again – this is NOT the first time and it won’t be the last! Another data breach. This time it’s Capital One!

So what should you do?

When is the last time you changed your passwords? Not only should you change them often, each account should have a different password. Yes, you heard me – each one should be unique. That way if someone gets your password, they won’t have access to all your accounts.
When is the last time you checked your credit report and/or credit score? You can monitor your own credit easily for free.
If you are not planning on using your credit in the near future, freeze it. Not only will they not be able to open an account, neither will you. Remember to freeze all three credit reports.
When is the last time you viewed your accounts? Do you check them in between statements? You should consider checking your accounts at least weekly. The sooner you catch something, the easier it is to stop it.

Take some time to make a plan that works for you and do your research. You may need to do other things to protect yourself. Here are some tips from AARP about the breach.

To be reminded to view your credit report three times a year, sign up for my newsletter and get a reminder email to check your credit report.

What To Pack To Save Money

Summer is coming and that makes me think of vacations. You might be saying, here they go again! You may be right, but not yet. There are a couple planned for later this year.

I wanted to offer you some packing tips that will save you money. When we head to a beach or resorts with pools, we pack our pool toys. Yes, you read this correctly. First, by using an airline credit card, we get our checked bags for FREE – only that makes this work. One suitcase is for us and one is a suitcase for toys. So this is in the beach toy suitcase:

•   Noodles / Rafts / Tubes / Snorkel Gear
•   Soft-sided cooler – we have one that the freeze pack is a part of the cooler
(one less thing to carry along)
•   Entertainment – playing cards, games, etc.

When we travel to a destination, we try to reserve a unit with a kitchen or at least a fridge. This saves us so much money by being able to make and bring our own meals. You might be thinking cooking on vacation – ugh! This can be as simple as having breakfast, beverages and snacks from a grocery store versus paying restaurant or resort prices. Picking up a bottle of water at the store is much more cost effective than buying a bottle at pool side.

Here’s an example of what we do. We bring as much as possible, especially things you won’t finish, like steel wool, paper plates, herbs and more. Next, we place an online order (if that is possible) from the grocery store before we leave. Then we either pick up the order at the store or have it delivered to where we are staying. Having some or most of your meals at grocery store prices saves money. Yes, we still do go out for some meals – just not all.

Remember that you typically cannot bring meat, fruit or vegetables out of the US and into another country. Usually, you can bring sealed items in their original packaging. Here’s one of our suitcases.

If you want a copy of my food packing list, email jill@jillrussofoster.com and I will share it with you.

Hurricane Season: Prep with these simple steps

It’s Hurricane Season! At least it will be on June 1st on the Atlantic side. That gives you 2 weeks to plan your strategy – just in case.

If a hurricane is heading your way, these easy preparations will save you a lot of grief.

1. Lower your fridge and freezer temps. If and when you lose power, these large appliances are no better than a picnic cooler. Turning down the temp ahead of time will help the food last longer.

2. Pack up the yard or secure loose items. Your favorite lawn chair is a weapon of mass destruction in 100 mile per hour winds. This will save your home (and your neighbors’ homes) from flying debris.

3. Move items that are indoors to higher ground. Hurricanes often bring flooding. If you don’t have a basement, or your basement floods, move items that will be damaged by water to higher ground – either off the floor or the next story up.

4. Charge your cell phones. Assume you’ll be without electricity for a few days. After the storm, use your phone sparingly.

5. Make a paper list of important phone numbers. Who does that anymore? It’s in your phone right? If your phone dies you might have to borrow a neighbor’s, and they won’t have the numbers you need.

6. Keep important papers in one place in a water proof container or plastic bags. This should include your family records (birth, marriage, death certificates), financial records (insurance policies, bank and credit cards information, passports, social security cards, deeds, stock certificates and other valuables). If you have to evacuate you can grab them and go.

7. Have your medications (including your pets’) in one handy place. It’s the same ‘grab and go’ strategy from step 6.

8. Prepare your food pantry. If you are staying in place, make sure you have non-perishable food and water (and a manual can opener). Non-perishable means boxed or canned – they last longer than fresh foods or foods that require refrigeration. Don’t buy items that require milk, eggs, or cheese to prepare. If they’re pre-cooked, that’s even better – they might taste better heated, but it’s not necessary. Buying non-perishables is something you can do right now. Stores sell out fast, so it’s good to have your prepper foods before the hurricane is spotted.

9. Have what I call ‘camping supplies’ ready – extra batteries, lanterns, blankets, battery powered radio, car cell phone chargers, a grill for cooking, etc.

10. Cash! When power outages happen, credit card and ATM machines may not work. Hurricanes bring widespread power outages, downed trees and flooding. It might not be easy (or possible) to drive far enough to find a store or bank that still has electricity.

11. Fill up the car gas tanks before the storm gets close. Gas stations do run out! They might not even be open.

These are the basics. It shouldn’t be too overwhelming if you’ve got your to-do list ready ahead of time.

If you think it’s too much, search the web for hurricane survival stories. Millions of people have shared their personal anecdotes about the week their neighborhood became a 3rd world ‘urban campground’: No electricity, running water, heat, or access to open banks, gas stations and grocery stores. If it sounds like an adventure, you’ll also learn about the items, pets and people they lost permanently to the storm.

Be safe and be prepared.

How to Prepare for a Summer Power Outage

It’s summer – hurray! But with summer comes the possibility of storms and power outages. This has been a year of unpredictable weather. Are you prepared for whatever comes next?

These are things we have to think about.

Batteries: Needed for flashlights and/or lanterns, battery operated radio, etc.
Water: If you have well water, have water stored in containers (both drinking and for washing). Your pump will not work without electricity.
Non-perishable food: We all have some canned food, but could you make a meal with it? Do you have a manual can opener to use when the power is out?

The difference between winter and summer storms is the outside temperature. With this being summer, you have to think about preserving and using the food in your refrigerator and freezer.

How long will it last?
Do you have grill supplies handy to grill the food if necessary?
Do you own a cooler to store food if need be?

If you hear of a possible storm coming, take precautionary steps before it strikes.

Turn up the temperature in the fridge and freezer (food will last longer).
Fill up the gas tank on your car (gas stations can’t pump gas without electricity).
Get cash (if there are stores open they may not be able to accept credit cards).
Charge your electronics
Get bottled water if needed and be prepared to live without life’s conveniences.

The more you do to prepare, the better you will be able to weather the storm in your own home.

Replace an Appliance using the Federal Rebate Program

Have you been thinking about replacing an appliance for another more efficient one? Were your appliances damaged in one of the storms this spring? Now may be a good time to make a purchase.

Connecticut is one of 14 states participating in the Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program The Federal Government gave Connecticut $3.4 million to use for this program The program started January 25, 2010 and will run out when the funds are used up So if you are thinking about replacing that old appliance for a more efficient one or you lost one in the storm damage, this is the time to consider buying one or more.

This program is designed to stimulate the economy with sales that will help retailers and to provide you with a more efficient appliance that will lower you energy usage (therefore lower you utility bill) If you live in Connecticut, go to www.ct.gov/opm/ApplianceRebates If you live in another state, search your state government’s website for more information.

You will get the following rebates:

Clothes washer $100
Refrigerator $50
Freezer $50
Room A/C units $50*
Central Air units $500

*You are allowed one each except for room a/c where you are allowed 3.

Only buy an appliance if you can afford it, or if you know your insurance company will reimburse you for your claim Buying something you don’t need or can’t afford will not do you any good, even if you get a rebate As always, consider how you will pay for it before you buy This is one of those things that you should be able to pay for from money in your savings account This is not a good purchase for to put on a credit card and make minimum payments for years to come.

Energy Efficient Rebate Programs Help Replace Appliances

Many states have been affected by severe weather this spring Wind and rain can cause significant damage, not only to the structures of our homes, but our possessions inside Severe weather can cause power outages and power surges, not to mention flooding, structural damage, and fires.

If you have to replace one or more of your appliances (for any reason), you might want to see if your state offers a rebate program.

I live in Connecticut Our is one of 14 states participating in the Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program The Federal Government gave Connecticut $3.4 million to use for this program The program started January 25, 2010 and will run out when the funds are used up So if you are thinking about replacing that old appliance for a more efficient one, or you lost one in the storm damage, this is the time to consider buying something new.

This program is designed to stimulate the economy with sales that will help retailers and to provide you with a more efficient appliance that will lower you energy usage (therefore lower you utility bill) For Connecticut details go to www.ct.gov/opm/ApplianceRebates If you live in another state, check your state’s website for more information.

In Connecticut, you could get the following:

Clothes washer $100 rebate
Refrigerator $50 rebate
Freezer $50 rebate
Room Air Conditioning units $50 rebate
Central Air units $500 rebate

You are allowed one appliance per each home (except for room air condition units – you are allowed 3 for each home).

Only buy an appliance if you can afford it or if you know your insurance company will be reimbursing you for your claim Buying something because of a rebate or sale that you don’t need or can’t afford is not doing you any good Before you buy, consider how you will pay for it This is one of those things that you should have money in your savings account for, not put it on a credit card and make minimum payments for years to come.