Bernanke was a victim of identity theft by a nationwide crime ring. - ABC News

Bernanke was a victim of identity theft by a nationwide crime ring. - ABC News

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Protect Yourself! FTC's Identity Theft Program

So recently, I had an inquiry of how to protect yourself against identity theft. Many of us don't take the necessary precautions and innately trust others with very sensitive and private information, which can cause years of heartache, money and time. Often, we do innocent things such as set our purse or laptop down while we speak to someone or get something. I had an embarrassing moment recently at a Financial Readiness Event in Texas. I was helping with registration and set my purse close by on a table. I kept glancing over my shoulder to keep an eye on it while I spoke with John Sileo, the Identity Theft expert. At one point in our conversation, several soldiers penetrated the table to where I couldn't see my purse anymore. I quickly excused myself to retrieve it and then it hit me....I HAD JUST LEFT MY PURSE AND WALKED AWAY WHILE TALKING WITH A NATIONALLY RENOWNED IDENTITY THEFT SPEAKER! Brilliant, I know!

Innocent acts such as this, even for a split second, can create years of heartache. Most people don't know this, but the #1 perpetrator of identity theft are family members or close friends (i.e. roommates or business partners). You never know what is happening in another person's life and what desperate measures they may take to steal your identity and everything you own....without you evening knowing!!

So, my recommendations....Check out the FTC's identity theft website! It's chalk full of great information. You need to know the basics of how to protect yourself! Also, John Sileo has a some great stories and ideas of how to take preventative measures against this threat. One tip he gives as an example is, do you know the #1 place that laptops are taken? Hotel conferences. So lock it up on your room right? Well that's the #2 spot!

Be aware! You can never be too careful, especially since the largest identity theft ring was just taken down last week!

Stop Calling Me!! FTC's Do Not Call List

So last week, I was inundated with telemarketing calls. It was extremely frustrating and you always know when they are calling because you hear the *pause* and then, "Is Miss Bell there?" Immediately, my defenses turn on. After 3 or 4 calls in 2 days, I decided it's time to register all of my phone #s on the Do Not Call registry that FTC runs. It is an easy, two-step (and now I don't mean country dancing ;)) registration process. It takes just a few minutes, but within 30 days, these #s should not be receiving any more telemarketing calls.

Another piece of advise: Currently, there are not any government backed Do Not Email or Do Not Send Mail lists. I found a few private ones for the mail side, but most of the Do Not Email lists are primarily spammers, which will flood your email box with even more unwanted emails. A Do Not Email list has been proposed to Congress, but so far no action has been taken.

Engaging Generation Y

I just read a though provoking article called Engaging Generation Y. How do you develop Generation Y employees to be leaders? I'm working on a presentation series called Money Talks: Communicating about Money Amongst Generations. Facinating topic...and I'll continue to share interesting articles as I find them.

House of Cards - CNBC.com

This production by CNBC about how the housing crisis came to be is a facinating study and incredible reporting. One of the best shows I've seen in years. It simply gives the facts and uncovers the mass of confusion that reigned. When Alan Greenspan says even he didn't understand, then how in the world did Wall Street think they could grapple it and win. My favorite line is from the woman who grew up in Compton: "I am being held accountable for making bad choices, but who in that industry is being held accountable?....I am stupid, but you are guilty, litterally guilty."

House of Cards - CNBC.com

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Financial Tip of the Week

Avoid overdraft fees by keeping a set minimum balance in your checking account at all times. If you choose to use overdraft protection (usually a line of credit or savings account connected to your checking account), know the fees. Although there are fees associated with overdraft protection, the fees are much less than if you are charged the higher non-sufficient funds fees.