Have you received a call from "Equifax?" If so ... STOP!!! Don't tell tell them ANYTHING!!! IT'S A SCAM! Here's how not to get got by these imposter calls.
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By now I’m sure you have heard or read about Equifax’s massive security breach that exposed personal and financial information for over 140 million consumers.
I know what you’re thinking …
“What’s the Equifax Data Breach got to do with me?”
Well, not only were credit card and other credit account numbers acquired by the hackers … social security numbers, addresses and birth dates among other sensitive personal information were stolen. Your personal information may be among the 140+ Million consumers.
“WTW (What The Wealth) do I do now?”
I’m glad you asked. Here are 5 quick things to do right now.
Check To See If You Were Impacted
Equifax has created a new website for consumers to check if they have been impacted. Go to https://www.equifaxsecurity2017.com/potential-impact/ to find out if you are one of the ones impacted today.
If you are one of the (un)lucky ones impacted … hold up, wait a minute! Before you enroll in their program, read the fine print to make sure you don’t waive your right to sue them in the future. Look for the “Arbitration Clause.”
Get Free Copy of Your Credit Reports
You are entitled to at least 1 (some states may allow up to 2) #Free copy of your Credit Report from all three Credit Reporting Companies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) annually. You can also get a free copy of your credit report when you have been denied credit based on information in your credit report.
Go to http://www.annualcreditreport.com to get a free copy of your credit reports today.
Don’t worry! It’s easy and the website walks you through what to do.
Freeze Your Credit Reports
Each Credit Reporting Company (Equifax.com, Experian.com & TransUnion.com) has a service to Freeze your credit report so no one can access your information. They may charge a small fee to do it, but it just might be worth the investment.
Just remember to UnFreeze your credit report(s) before you apply for Credit.
Sign up for Credit Sesame
Get your Credit Score for #Free from Credit Sesame at https://tinyurl.com/ydgf4rkg. Just keep in mind that the credit score you will see is considered an “Educational Score” and will be different than the credit scores pulled and viewed by Financial Institutions.
Related: The Truth About Credit Scores for Consumers
Credit Sesame also has Identity Theft Insurance as well as a Credit Monitoring program.
Pay Attention
Stay abreast of what is going on with this data security breach, as well as money tips and ways to protect and Cover Your A$$ets at https://www.madammoney.com. You can also send your questions to info@madammoney.com.
[ctt template=”8″ link=”cbtba” via=”no” ]Knowing what is on your Credit Report will make it easier for you to identify changes and take the necessary action immediately.[/ctt]
Post your tips below and don’t forget to #Share this info with everyone you know. 
❤
Credit card debt is one of the leading causes of financial hardship and is a budget killer.
Here is cool infographic by Bankrate.com for 5 ways to dig yourself out of credit card debt.
Share your tips below.
Source: Bankrate.com
So, you have a copy of your credit reports. Now What? Meredith Simmons of Credit Info Center shares some easy tips about the Anatomy of a Credit Report.
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Dear Credit,
I was so excited to meet you that I had to have you! But, I think we rushed into our commitment. Instead of being patient and learning more about you, I fell in love with what you I could acquire with you without realizing the cost of our relationship. So, our financial one-night stand turned into a long-term financially abusive relationship.
You didn’t change … I did.
I was surprised when your “giving” demeanor changed into “Debt,” the “Taker.” But, that is just a part of your personality.
Now that I am wiser, I realize that our relationship is financially and emotionally unhealthy. For example, when I started having financial problems, you were relentless in your demand of my money, time and emotions to satisfy you.
It’s not you … It’s me.
Credit, you are who you are. And because I was financially promiscuous and did not use financial contraception (a budget) with you, I wound up with Financial STDs (Substantially Tremendous Debt). That financial dis-ease not only infected and affected me, it infected and affected everyone around me, especially my family. I took time away from my family to work to make enough money to relieve the financial hardship I was in with you. I have just decided to make the changes required to have a better financial life for my family and me.
I’m in love with another.
I can’t go on treating the one I love like a financial side-piece. Even though you think that you are the center of my universe, I will no longer work and live my life enslaved by you. I’m actually in love with Money and he’s been helping me get a handle on stabilizing the financial roller-coaster I’ve been riding on with you.
You’re not bad.
Credit, you are not Bad. You are actually a good business partner and friend. I just got consumed with you and became overwhelmed when you turned into your alter ego, Debt.
Let’s just be friends.
Credit, I don’t want to lose you, but our current relationship is financially abusive. I do believe that there are some awesome opportunities for us to partner in the near future. But, this time, I am better prepared to handle this partnership.
Thank you for being there for me.
I do appreciate everything you helped me to acquire. It was indeed a learning experience. Now that I know better, I look forward to having a more productive and profitable relationship with you as “friends.”
Sincerely,
Tarra
Do you desire financial freedom? I DO!
While interviewing a few millionaires and people who are considered “Financially Free” and living the life of their dreams, each of them shared some tips about how to become financially free. So, here are 7 Easy Tips to Achieve Financial Freedom.
Set a SMART Goal.
Your first goal doesn’t have to be big. Your goal should be Small, Meaningful, Attainable, Reasonable & Timed, which will put you in a better financial position than you are right now. Making your goal too big or too difficult may make you feel defeated if you don’t or cannot reach it. For example, start by trying to save $500 in 6 months. Once you reach your goal, work towards the next one.
Control Spending.
Overspending is the assassin of savings and can keep you in financial bondage. By controlling your spending through a spending plan or budget will help you make better purchasing decisions. Also, do small things to avoid miscellaneous spending that takes a big chunk out of your budget. For example, avoid getting that $5 cup of coffee every morning; bring your lunch to work instead of eating out every day; look for season sales where you can get 50-75% discounts for clothes or technology; and cook dinner instead of eating out every night. You will see that you will save a heap of change over time.
Save with a passion.
You have to be passionate about your savings in order to make real substantial progress. Being half-hearted about your goals won’t get you anywhere. You maintain momentum when your saving is driven by your passion. Remember, financial freedom doesn’t come free, it comes with a price. In order to reach your goal of financial freedom for your future, you must first make small sacrifices now. Develop a monthly savings goal with an actual dollar figure and use discipline and self control to reach it.
Avoid high cost mistakes.
Major money mistakes are by far the best way to sabotage your financial future. We are all probably guilty of at least one big financial blunder in our past. In life there are always setbacks, delays, obstacles, and problems to overcome. If you can avoid high cost mistakes by staying focused on your priorities and goals, you can continue on your path with minimal or no disruption. If life throws a monkey wrench at you, remember to keep focused with positive thinking. Stay optimistic, even in the worst of times. Our attitude towards each problem, dictates our success or failure in overcoming them. Use any disruption or setback as a motivator to work harder, catapulting yourself forward.
Invest with diligence.
You don’t have to be a stock broker to know how to invest. All it takes is a little self-education and desire to do so. You can start by starting a 401k with your employer, if they offer it. If they don’t, then open a Traditional IRA (Individual Retirement Account) or Roth IRA. Start making small contributions to the retirement savings account on a consistent basis. For a 401k, you should make sure to contribute enough to get the company match, if they offer it. Most companies match contributions up to 6% of your weekly gross pay. Of course it will vary from one company to the next. Start contributing as soon and as much as possible. Starting at a young age will increase your chances of having a nice nest egg at retirement. Time and compounding will work for you.
Timing is Everything.
Bad timing in finances can be devastating. Moving ahead too quickly by making a purchase of a big ticket item before you can really afford it can be detrimental. Timing is crucial with purchasing and investing. For example, when purchasing a vehicle, go shopping in October, close to the end of the month. This is when most dealerships get their new shipment of the new year vehicles. They usually have great deals on current and past years models to make room for the upcoming year’s new models.
Create 7 Streams of Income.
Identify at least 7 ways that you can create revenue. Work on the first 2 – 3 by establishing a plan of action, seek assistance, and execute. Then work on the next 2. Streams of income could include Employment income, investments, home-based business, etc. This is powerful because if one of your streams of income is stopped or reduced, you will the others to fall back on. Helpful Hint: Be creative!!! Remember all great new businesses or ventures start with one small creative idea. Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple Computer started his business by selling his car for supplies and building his first computers in his parent’s garage.
Using these 7 easy tips will help you on your journey to financial freedom.
Comment your tips for financial freedom below.
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