New Target for Identity Thieves

Most parents have never given it a thought.  They may be concerned that their child might become ill, be bullied or not do well in school.  Parents of young children should add to that list.

A report released in December 2012 by Identity Theft Assistance Center, a non-profit organization, stated that among children under 18 years of age, one in every 40 households have been effected by child identity fraud.

Among adult who have their identity stolen, it is difficult to track down the thief and repair the damage.  With children, however, it is even more difficult.

Cyberthieves use children’s Social Security numbers more than any other piece of information.  Most parents apply for Social Security cards for their children when they are born.  Then they file or lock away the card, never giving it another thought.

Unfortunately, thieves now often attach these freshly-issued Social Security numbers to a variety of names and birthdates and set up new identities.  They then use the fraudulent identifications to obtain credit, apply for driver’s licenses, apply for government benefits and even access medical care.

Because the parents haven’t looked at their children’s Social Security or credit rating, the illegal activity may not be discovered for years.  A study conducted in 2011 found that the Social Security numbers of 10.2% of children in the United States were used by someone, a far higher rate than those of adults at 0.2%.

The possibility of how the child’s future will be impacted is dreadful to think about.  The child’s application for student loans may be denied; they may not be able to get a job, a mobile phone or even a place to live.

Children should not have a credit record.  If they do, it is a “red flag” that someone has fraudulently used their identity.

There are a few steps parents can take to prevent their child’s ID from being used.  Shred any and all papers containing account or Social Security numbers for everyone in the family. Do not carry your child’s or your own Social Security number (SSN) with you.  If your child’s school asks for their SSN, ask it is optional. If not, find out from the school’s district office how the information is safeguarded.  Teach your children that it is dangerous to give out personal information over the phone or internet.  This also applies to adults.  Check with your child’s physician’s office to see what precautions they use to protect their records.

No matter how careful we are, we cannot possibly guarantee that our children or our own identity will not be stolen, but taking these steps can greatly reduce the possibility.

Finally EVERYONE should have Identity Theft Protection, no matter their age.  There are several companies that provide ID Theft Protection.  Among the best is Lifelock® ID Theft Protection. 

Xpress Healthcare offers Lifelock® for only $19.95 per month for your immediate family that lives with you.  With Xpress Healthcare, Lifelock® is included in a package of discount benefits that includes Pet Care, Roadside Assistance, Legal Services and a Cash Back Rewards mall. 

All five discount services in our Lifestyle Select plan will cost you and your immediate family less than $20 per month!  You can even take a 14-day trial to check out the benefits for only $4.95 (shipping & handling fee).  You can learn more about this discount plan at http://ibourl.net/EverydaySavings.

Where Are the Golden Years

I’m on the older end of the baby boomer generation. I am officially considered a senior citizen. I don’t think like I’m old. People tell me I don’t look that old. Unfortunately, my body won’t let me forget it.

I’d always heard that the Golden Years would be wonderful! Seniors are free to do whatever they want to do whenever they want to do it. They no longer have children to worry about, and money is no longer a problem.
Now that I’m in what was supposed to be “The Golden Years,” I realized that they lied to me. As my body creaks. cracks, and groans when I rise from the couch, it is definitely not cheering. As osteoarthritis takes over my fingers, I am beginning to wonder if I’ll be able to play the piano. Actually, I never have before, so it would be pretty miraculous if I could now. 

My husband and I still walk two miles every morning.  I couldn’t walk any distance at all without my hiking stick. I refuse to use a cane. That would make me officially old!  When I’m walking with my hiking stick, people laugh and ask if I use it to beat up my husband. See, that makes it funny, not pathetic.

It’s odd, I never had freckles as a child or young adults, but I do now. I much prefer calling all those “age spots” freckles, wouldn’t you?

The lives of my children and grandchildren is like watching a TV drama. My sons are responsible young men, but “stuff” keeps “happening” to them. Not worry about them? It’ll never happen.

Starting when I was very young, I was very responsible with money. I began investing and saving at an early age. I expected that, by this time, I’d have tons of money, so I could relax and enjoy life. It should have been that way.
Unfortunately, throughout the year of 2008, my investments went down about $5000 per month. During 2010, my investments began to increase again, but we’re still not back to where we were before the meltdown. So, vacations are on the back burner. We are fortunate that we have a few different means of income aside from our investments. So we have no problem paying our bills, but the luxury items will have to wait a while.

One thing that I do love about my age now is that I can still work my home business, sitting on my nice ergonomically correct office chair. As long as my mind stays sharp (which I sometimes wonder about even now… What was I looking for?), I can sit at my computer and work.

One more advantage of being a senior citizen is the discounts various stores, theaters and restaurants offer. You betcha!  I’ll admit I’m a senior to get a ½ of meal or free coffee. More and more businesses are offering discounts to seniors, so I’ll take advantage of them all!

The senior years don’t look Golden to me. Growing old is not for sissies or wimps. However, I’m facing them with head held high. I may have many more years remaining, so watch out! I’ll take advantage of every one of them to the best of my now limited somewhat abilities.

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To learn about Julie Klein and how you can be successful in network marketing, look at the Xpress Healthcare Business Opportunity at http://joinxpresshealthcare.com

The Little Plant that Could

Most of us have heard or read the story, “The Little Engine that Could.”  I want to share a story about “I think-I-can” plants.

My husband and I walk five days a week for exercise in our local mall.  It is a small mall, single story, ½ mile around the entire inside.  It is nice looking, with many large potted plants, mostly some type of palm.  A few months ago, we noticed they had added a few plants, more palms.  The new ones, however, had no leaves.  They were simply trunks with thick, tough, rather unattractive bark.  We thought it was rather odd.

As weeks went by, we began to notice little bumps in the bark.  As time went on, we saw tiny little leaves that had pushed themselves through the bark.  We were fascinated, because they were very delicate leaves and the bark was really thick.

More weeks passed, and a couple of the palms had actually grown into plants with many leaves.  We grew to like these plants, but we noticed that the two nearest the door were not growing well.  In fact, the tiny leaves that were there one day were gone the next.  This particular door is in an alcove and is the least used door.  We began to suspect that someone was breaking off these tiny leaves.

We have now reached the point where we are cheering for the two plants with no leaves.  Then, lo and behold, earlier this week there were bumps in the bark and today, a tiny bit of green is showing on each of the bumps.  Those plants refuse to give up.  No matter how many times someone tries to stop those leaves from growing out, those plants keep on sprouting replacements.

I’ll bet you know where I’m going with this, don’t you?  And, I’ll bet you are right!

Those tough, never-say-die palm plants are not quitters.  No matter what nature or man throws at them, they keep coming back!  That bark is so thick, and it seems that someone does not want them to succeed in growing their leaves.  However, those palms appear to be determined to grow no matter how long it takes.

I won’t continue with this story since you all know the moral by now.  I will suggest to everyone starting out with their home business, to simply follow the example of these tough little plants. 

  

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Learn how to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more at http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance).

To learn about Julie Klein and how you can be successful in network marketing, look at the Xpress Healthcare Business Opportunity at http://joinxpresshealthcare.com.  

The REAL Memorial Day

For many in the United States, Memorial Day has become a day off work, barbecues and family gathers.  This holiday is so much more, and I hope all Americans will take at least a moment to remember and thank those who died so we could enjoy these events.

I read this brief history of Memorial Day at this site:  http://www.memorialdayquotes.com/.

“Memorial Day is a public holiday in the United States of America. It is observed on last Monday of May, which is 27 May in 2013.

Memorial Day was first enacted in memory of the soldiers who fought in the American Civil War but later, Memorial Day was expanded to commemorate the soldiers who fought in all American wars, including the World Wars.

Memorial Day is also called Decoration Day. On Memorial Day people visit the graves and cemeteries to honor the memory of the soldiers who laid their lives to protect their country. The U.S. flag is usually flown at half-staff from dawn to noon. Flags are also placed at the grave sites in national cemeteries. The National Memorial Day Concert is held on the lawns of the United States Capitol. Music is performed to honor the memory of the men and women who sacrificed their lives for the country.”

I found this collection of quotes about the holiday here:  http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_memorialday.html#zmTfYHgl5lyWzVOP.99 

Memorial Day this year is especially important as we are reminded almost daily of the great sacrifices that the men and women of the Armed Services make to defend our way of life.  Robin Hayes  

As America celebrates Memorial Day, we pay tribute to those who have given their lives in our nation's wars.   John M. McHugh 

137 years later, Memorial Day remains one of America's most cherished patriotic observances. The spirit of this day has not changed - it remains a day to honor those who died defending our freedom and democracy.   Doc Hastings 

While there are towns and cities still planning Memorial Day parades, many have not held a parade in decades. Some think the day is for honoring anyone who has died, not just those fallen in service to our country.   Allen West 

Nowadays, many Americans have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At cemeteries across the country, the graves of the fallen are sadly ignored, and worse, neglected.  Allen West 

On thy grave the rain shall fall from the eyes of a mighty nation! — Thomas William Parsons, Dirge for One Who Fell in Battle

We come, not to mourn our dead soldiers, but to praise them. — Francis Amasa Walker

For love of country they accepted death. — James A. Garfield

And they who for their country die shall fill an honored grave, for glory lights the soldier’s tomb, and beauty weeps the brave. — Joseph Rodman Drake, To the Defenders of New Orleans

The patriot’s blood is the seed of Freedom’s tree. — Thomas Campbell, Stanzas

Thank you all who fought and died so that we could live with the freedom we enjoy today.

Biblical Humor

It doesn't hurt to have a little Biblical humor.... 

Q. What kind of man was Boaz before he married Ruth? 
A. Ruthless. 

Q. What do they call pastors in Germany? 
A. German Shepherds. 

Q. Who was the greatest financier in the Bible? 
A. Noah He was floating his stock while everyone else was in liquidation. 

Q. Who was the greatest female financier in the Bible? 
A. Pharaoh's daughter. She went down to the bank of the Nile and drew out a 
little prophet. 

Q. What kind of motor vehicles are in the Bible? 
A. Jehovah drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden in a Fury. David's Triumph 
was heard throughout the land. Also, probably a Honda, because the apostles 
were all in one Accord. 

Q. Who was the greatest comedian in the Bible? 
A. Samson. He brought the house down. 

Q. What excuse did Adam give to his children as to why he no longer lived in Eden? 
A. Your mother ate us out of house and home. 

Q. Which servant of God was the most flagrant lawbreaker in the Bible? 
A. Moses. He broke all 10 commandments at once. 

Q. Which area of Middle East was especially wealthy?
A. The area around Jordan. The banks were always overflowing. 

Q. Who is the greatest babysitter mentioned in the Bible? 
A. David. He rocked Goliath to a very deep sleep. 

Q. Which Bible character had no parents? 
A. Joshua, son of Nun. 

Q. Why didn't they play cards on the Ark? 
A. Because Noah was standing on the deck. (Groan) 

PS... Did you know it's a sin for a woman to make coffee? 
Yup, it's in the Bible. It says, "He-brews"

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Learn how to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more at http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance).

To learn about Julie Klein and how you can be successful in network marketing, look at the Xpress Healthcare Business Opportunity at http://joinxpresshealthcare.com.  

The Boss is Looking over Your Shoulder

One of the not-so-fun things about being an employee is that there is often someone looking over your shoulder. Your employer may even give annual performance reviews. 

It has been about a decade since I last had a boss.  I’ve worked for myself, and I am actually tougher on myself than any employer I ever had. 

It can be challenging for those just starting out with their own business to complete all their daily tasks.   Many home business owners have difficulty with time management.  I often suggest that my team members write out a work schedule to help them accomplish everything each day, week or month. 

I recently read an article that basically said the same thing, but the terminology they used was better than mine.  In the article, the home business owner suggested that we follow a routine each day.  Just getting started each day (going “to work”) can be difficult for some.  If we have a regular routine, however, it is less challenging.

I never thought about it before I read the article, but I have a routine that I follow nearly every work day.  My morning routine is about the same as if I was working a “job.”  I am an early riser and get up and have breakfast with my husband while we catch up on the TV news.  I then shower and get dressed.  I don’t wear heels and a dress, but I dress neatly, fix my hair and wear makeup. 

My husband and I then go to our local mall to walk for 30 minutes.  This time together with no phones, no email or other interruptions is physically good for us; and it is our “alone time” when we discuss various topics and connect.  It is a good way to start the day.

We arrive home at about 8 AM, and it is time for me to “go to work.”  I go to my home office, and my work routine begins.  I read and respond to my email first.  I write a blog five days a week after processing my email.  When I have new team members who need training, I schedule training sessions for late morning if it works for them. 

I do not “advertise” my business very much, but I participate quite a bit on forums and network marketing websites.  I’ve been in my current business over two years and have accumulated a variety of networking sites that are good places to “brand myself.”  I also enjoy visiting and sharing information with other members on these sites.  The forum members learn from each other and help one another promote their businesses. 

I spend time daily on three sites.  I visit a few others less frequently, a couple times a week.  My business is network marketing, so I must be flexible.  I sometimes receive calls from prospects and team members. I handle the calls and return to my routine. I won’t go through my entire day, because I’m sure you get the idea.

Home business owners who are disorganized and cannot manage their time are unlikely to be successful.  Self-motivation is also required since there is no boss looking over their shoulder to be sure they are working.  Working a home business is not for everyone, but for those of us who are able to “be their own boss,” the rewards are many.

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Learn how to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more at http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance).

To learn about Julie Klein and how you can be successful in network marketing, look at the Xpress Healthcare Business Opportunity at http://joinxpresshealthcare.com.  

Are We Safe Anywhere?

With the disastrous tornado that hit Oklahoma this week, it got me thinking.  Why would people rebuild there, when similar incidents have occurred in the past. That’s a silly question really.  Where can we live in the United States that doesn’t experience natural disasters?  Curious, I decided to do a little research. According to the Institute for Business & Home Safety, every location in the country is exposed to one disaster or another.  However, there are places that are less susceptible than others to natural hazards. Sperling’s Best Places, a data collection company, compiled weather and disaster data for over 300 major US cities.  I was surprised to find that Honolulu, Hawaii was at the top of the list as the safest place to live (in regard to natural disasters).  I thought they experienced frequent hurricanes.

Hawaii can experience hurricanes, but major ones are rare and have caused mainly localized damage with little loss of life. They also have a few brush fires, but in recent years no major ones burning down homes or injuring anyone.   I found it interesting that volcanoes weren’t even mentioned, but it is likely that those who live in the path of eruptions expect them periodically and are prepared to evacuate.

The State of Hawaii is not prone to tornadoes, wind, hail or extreme weather. According to Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), between 1972 and 2000, Hawaii had only 12 major disasters declared. That's relatively low compared to states like Texas, where 51 major disasters were declared in the same period, or California, which had 45.

Boise, Idaho and Santa Fe, New Mexico are relatively safe places to live, as are a few cities in Oregon and Washington State.  Even though natural disasters are less frequent in the Pacific Northwest, those who live there know that their area is not truly secure.  Potential natural hazards in the Norwest include tsunamis, earthquakes and volcano activity.  None of these has happened in recent years, but the possibility is there. 

The least safe places to live tend to be in the South or Coastal areas.  At the very bottom of the list for dramatic weather events is Monroe, Louisiana, where they experience frequent damaging wind and hail.  Dallas, Texas, also has lots of wind and hail and is prone to tornadoes.  Also not a safe place to live is Florida, where they experienced four major hurricanes in the summer of 2004 alone. Jackson, Mississippi, is hit by twisters with some regularity and West Palm/Beach-Boca Raton, Florida, frequently is hit by hurricanes.

Although the topic is controversial, according to many scientists, increased “global warming” will lead to more hurricanes per year, resulting in greater loss of life and property. 

Here are a few safety rankings (based on a study of 331 cities) for other large metropolitan areas.  The lower the number, the safer it is.  Honolulu, Hawaii’s rank is 1.  Washington, D.C., 153; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 246; Monroe, Louisiana, 292; Los Angeles/Long Beach, California, 282; New York, New York, 207; and Chicago, Illinois, 237.

I did no research outside the United States, so I don’t know if there are much safer places to live in other countries.  I now understand better why people continue to rebuild in areas that regularly experience natural disasters.  If they go somewhere else, they will likely just trade one type of catastrophe for another.