Your brokerage firm has an obligation to safeguard your personal financial information. But even the best procedures cannot prevent all instances of identity theft -- especially if the vulnerability lies with you, the customer.
In a society where everyone has enough cash at all times, credit cards would seem unnecessary. Unfortunately, however, many of us need to spend now and pay later.
But do yourself a favor and don't go overboard. The number of credit cards you own can damage your credit score, which in turn affects your ability to lock in low interest rates or even qualify for a mortgage or car loan.
The economy is teetering between double dip and slow growth, and neither benefits the serial debtors among us. If it worsens, unemployment will rise -- meaning it gets harder to service that debt. If it brightens, interest rates will rise -- meaning it gets harder to service that debt.
Now is the time to get your house in order. Here are the 5 1/2 steps you must take.
It can cost you anytime you apply for a mortgage, rent an apartment, buy homeowners insurance or even interview for a new job.
It's your credit score, yet most people don't understand what it measures or how it works, according to a recent survey by the Consumer Federation of America of Washington, D.C., a nonprofit association of some 300 consumer groups.
The information on your credit report directly impacts your credit score. In fact, it's the only thing that impacts your score. Your credit score in turn determines your ability to obtain credit and potentially be approved for loans. Having a poor credit score will either keep you from obtaining credit altogether or place you in a high-risk category, which means that if you're approved for credit or loans, the interest rates you'll be offered will be significantly higher than someone with excellent credit. Over the life of a mortgage, home equity loan, car loan, or student loan, for example, this can cost you tens of thousands of dollars in interest fees.
Buyers just need to overlook a stigmatized property's dark past.
Fall foliage sends thousands of New Yorkers north in search of
brilliant natural beauty. But how long can you stare at trees, no
matter how colorful? You need something to provide a little structure to the trip, and the Dutchess Wine Trail is as good a framework as any. (Grape vines have leaves, too.)
You're at a business dinner. It's the end of the day, you're tired, thirsty and hungry, and the first thing the waiter asks you is what you'd like to drink.
You're still on the clock, technically, so your actions here are considered part of your job performance. You would like a glass of wine, but how exactly should you order it in this situation?
The short answer is sparingly, appropriately and indulgently.
This year, high-income families are forecast to place 22% of their
assets in alternative investments, according to Capgemini and Merrill
Lynch, up from 10% in 2002. And that includes wine.
Whoever came up with the expression "life is a beach" probably envisioned something more simple than the Sea Island resort complex, which has been luring vacationers to the tranquil coast of Georgia for almost 80 years.
