~DETER IDENTITY THEFT~

We recently received some information from the Federal Trade Commission regarding their campaign on avoiding identity theft. Identity theft is a widespread problem that affects approximately 10 million people each year. It can ruin your name and destroy your credit. The following tips are important in understanding how to safeguard your personal information.
1. Shred- all documents with personal and financial information.
2. Social Security Number- only give it out if absolutely necessary and do not carry it with you.
3. Internet Safety-Do not click on unsolicited email links. Always use firewalls, anti-virus, and anti-spyware to protect your computer. For more information on Internet identity protection go to OnGuardOnline.gov .
4. Passwords- that are related to personal information should not be used. Such as birth date, last four digits of your social security number, or mother's maiden name.
5. Personal Information- needs to be kept in a safe and secure place in your home.

Identity theft is certainly a major problem and the only way to protect yourself is through education. We will continue to add pertinent information on this topic as it arises. For additional information visit the Federal Trade Commission's site.

~JURY DUTY SCAM~

I received some alarming information regarding a jury duty scam that everyone should be aware of. This has been verified by the FBI.

You receive a call from someone claiming to be a jury coordinator.
When you say that you did not get a summons they ask for your
Social Security number and birthday.

They claim that this information is needed to cancel
your arrest warrant.
When you comply your
identity was just stolen!!

This is especially insidious because the scammer
is pretending to be with the court system.
The fraud has been reported in 11 states thus far.

The FBI and the Federal Court System have issued nationwide alerts.
Check it out for yourself at the FBI's site.
Pass It Along!!

~LEAD POISONING DANGERS~

According to the Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning, lead poisoning is the number one environmental hazard that threatens children in the US. With all of the toy recalls due to lead paint, this is certainly a concern. The largest factor in lead poisoning is still home related. Working in Real Estate, I am certainly familiar with this issue. Anyone buying a home that was built prior to the year 1978 must sign a lead based paint addendum and decide if they wish to elect to have the home tested for lead based paint. This is due to the fact that prior to 1978 lead based paint was used in homes.

Lead poisoning is particularly dangerous to pregnant women and children under the age 6. It can cause irreversible damage to the brain and nervous system. The effects range from learning and behavioral problems to speech delay and hearing loss. So now that we are all sufficiently terrified here are steps we can take as parents and care givers.

*Have your children tested- The coalition recommends doing so each year in children 1-6.
*Cook with healthy foods- Foods high in iron, calcium, and vitamin C help reduce the effects from lead.
*Wash little hands often- Before eating and sleeping wash children's hands thoroughly.
*Wash toys often- especially those on the floor.
*Lead free housing- inquire as to when a house was built and have it inspected if built prior to 1978. Using a Realtor when you purchase a home can help with such matters.
*Remove any potential lead hazards from your home.
*Clean your home frequently- especially after any renovation work done on homes built prior to 1978.
*If your children are of the age to chew on toys (or everything for that matter) be extra cautious about their toys. Check the cpsc website (see the previous blog on protecting your children) to get information on toy recalls. According to the coalition if the toys were manufactured in India or China you may want to use caution.

Unfortunately this is the day in which we live and are raising our children. Hopefully this information can help. For more information you can goto leadsafe.org Pass It Along!!

~PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN~

I don't know about you, but I am appalled at the amount of children's toys and products that continue to be recalled. Last year alone 20 million toys were recalled. As a concerned parent I have enough to worry about without adding to it the thought, are my kids toys dangerous or potentially poisoning them. Lead based paint, strangulation hazards, magnets, and choking hazards are just a few items of recent concern. If you are anything like me you are sitting there wondering,what can I do? I have come across some information that I feel every parent needs to know regarding recalls and additional hazards.

Top 5 Hidden Home Hazards-
1. Magnets- they can fall out of toys and become a choking hazard and dangerous if swallowed. Action- Watch for these products and keep them away from children under the age 6.
2. Recalled products- there are several sites you can goto to view these recalled products. Recalls.org and CPSC.gov are two great options.
Action- subscribe to the CPSC's email alerts @ cpsc.gov. This is a great site and they will notify you via email regarding any recalls.
3. Furniture that can tip-over- TV's and ranges can tip over and onto your little one.
Action- install wall anchors for added protection.
4. Windows and coverings- cords can pose a strangulation hazard.
Action- safeguard your windows and if possible use cordless blinds.
5. Pools and spa drains- the suction can be so powerful it can entrap an adult or child.
Action- inspect drain covers and make sure they are in place.

Other things you can do:
*always return registration cards that accompany children's items
*read warnings and directions on all products
*carefully assemble all products and look for broken parts

The first thing that I did was immediately subscribe to the CPSC's e-mail alert @ cpsc.gov. Their site is great and I got allot of very useful information from them!! It puts my mind at ease knowing that I am doing everything possible to protect my children. Pass It Along!!

~MAKE SOME EXTRA MONEY~

Over the past year I have been exposed to the wonderful world of consignment and I have become quite a fan. There is a store in our city that is dedicated to children's consignment and they do a beautiful job. Now we all know how quickly our little ogres out grow things. Toys they loved yesterday are now an after thought and how about those growths spurts. My little girl decided to skip over size 3T entirely, which made my after Christmas returns much more interesting. If you can find the right consignment store this could be a revolving door of extra income. I have found, however, that the store is very important. An overcrowded store is a big negative. Shoppers need to be able to shop without having to plunge themselves into an abyss of onesies and PJ's. Obviously, the store and it's items must be clean. At Repeat Street, the store I love, they make sure that every item they take is like new and their store is impeccably clean. All of this makes for a desirable shopping experience and a win-win situation for all involved. As a consignor you are much more likely to make money off of the items you bring in if the store possesses these qualities. Typically the store will price items at half of the retail price. You then receive an agreed upon amount when the items sell (50% is common). As long as the store is neat, clean,and easy to navigate you will make money in the time frame alloted. Often times they will keep the items for up to 60-90 days and what doesn't sell you can either take back or they will donate them. In the past month I have made approximately $75-100 dollars in children's consigning alone and I feel good knowing that the remaining items are given to those in need. So, the next time you marvel at the fact that you just bought that outfit that no longer fits your angel, consider consigning. As a stay at home mom it never hurts to make some extra money. By the way, you can also get great deals on name brand items. Pass It Along!!!

~KEEP YOUR GERMS TO YOURSELF~

I recently read an article dispelling common myths regarding children and germs. Yes, I am germ-phobic and would prefer my children be exposed as little as possible. There were 3 things in this particular article I wanted to pass on. These are health shortcuts that you should not take with your children.
1. "Rinsing" pacifiers with your mouth- Yes I have seen this done on an occasion. I always felt it was quite nasty and apparently I was correct in thinking so. Not only could this transmit an illness, but it also is dangerous for little teeth. This is due to the fact that our adult mouths carry cavity causing bacteria that babies do not have.
2. Not washing little hands before meals- This is especially important because most children like to use their hands when they eat(I know my 3 year old does). In order to prevent infections this needs to be done for 20 seconds and with warm water and soap.
3. Neglecting proper food-prep safety- To avoid E.coli infections, meat needs to be well done for kinds under age eight. It is also important to always use a disinfectant to clean countertops (bleach).
*All of these tips came from physicians and are important to remember when raising our precious little ones. Pass it Along!!

~IDENTITY THEFT CONTINUED~

After spending hours trying to rectify her bout with theft, my sister was given very valuable information from our grandmother. She had kept this information for several years waiting for an occasion to use it. She gave my sister three phone numbers for the credit reporting agencies so she could report the theft (listed below). When she called Equifax she was surprised and delighted. The call was automated, easy, and offered the following free services.
**They would contact the other two agencies for her.
**If anyone attempts to pull/access her credit within 90 days she will be contacted.
**One free credit report.

Not only did this put her mind at ease, but also made her life much easier. I hope that these numbers will help someone in a similar unfortunate circumstance. Pass It Along!!!

Equifax- 800-525-6285*
Experian- 888-397-3742
Trans-Union- 800-680-7289
Social Security-800-269-0271

*The number referred to above.

~IDENTITY THEFT~

You wonder why Identity Theft is such a ramped problem these days. Take, for example, the situation that occurred with my sister just this afternoon. Her wallet was stolen yesterday and she had to use her husbands credit card when she ventured out to run an errand. (Now understand that she truly wanted the clerk to allow her to use his card without question). When she got to the counter he uttered those dreaded words, "May I see your card please." Well, that's it, surely she does not look like a Chad. However, without a second glance he gave the card back and completed the transaction. She was happy until the thought of the person who now has her card entered her mind. How incredibly easy would it be for them to march into any retail store and have a free for all on her tab. Fortunately, upon the cards theft she promptly called the bank to cancel it. I cannot say how many times something similar has happened to me. For example, I write "see ID" on my credit cards and rarely do I get asked for it. What amazes me in this circumstance is the fact that ,in an obviously robot like manner, the clerk asked for the card and yet must have not even cared to look at the name. I thought this was a great story to pass on. Be very careful and if you do loose your valued information be sure to act immediately. Pass It Along!!!