Recovering From ID Theft
- Created on 16 May 2013
We recently received a question via Facebook.
I feel my personal information may have been compromised by a coworker this week. Do you have any recommendations, for a credit alert company? Please let me know, as soon as possible. Thank You.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, nearly 9.9 million people a year, including this Debt Free Diva, are victims of identity theft. In my case, one instance was a family member misusing my credit. The other two were perfect strangers. In each case, I’ve been able to restore any damage to my credit or missing funds from a bank account. However, the frustration of dealing with each violation leaves a lasting impact. One must be diligent to protect yourself from others who would seek to do you harm. I’ve learned the following from my ordeal and don’t mind sharing.
Loosing Weight vs. Debt
- Created on 06 May 2013
The comparison between losing weight and dumping debt has intrigued the Divas for some time. As we continue to help people work towards debt freedom and I inch toward minimizing this post baby bump (not cute after the kids start walking and talking), the similarities are clear. In both cases, discipline and internal motivation are essential ingredients. Weight loss and overwhelming debt can present as insurmountable obstacles; especially as the numbers grow. However, we can borrow from lessons learned in the success with one challenge to encourage us as we work through the other.
- A long term perspective is required. Adding weight, or debt, did not happen overnight. Unless you employ a radical technique (i.e. surgery or the lottery), neither will disappear quickly either. In each case, it helps to visualize your end goal as you take each step. Settle in for the long haul.
Honored to be a Debt Hero
- Created on 03 May 2013
Not one to toot my own horn generally, I am honored to have others toot it for me. Our fabulous Facebook community helped the Debt Free Divas win a recent contest sponsored by Debt.org. The prize included a profile covering my family’s multi-year battle with debt. Providing information for the story took me back through a winding journey that was our debt dumping experience.
They asked how WonderMan felt about the process. Good question. I’d never asked him. He’s pretty flexible with most things and since I was pretty determined he didn’t make much fuss. If you’d like to see what he said, along with other details of our journey, click here for the full story.
The Divas on TV
- Created on 30 April 2013
The Debt Free Divas had a little publicity excitement. We were interviewed by the great folks of Good Day Chicago (local Fox channel 32) for a segment about eliminating debt and increasing savings. The interview centered on our new book, Give Yourself a Raise in 21 Days. If you missed it, check out the video below.
Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 NewsShop Your Closet – Back to Basics
- Created on 25 April 2013
The Shop Your Closet challenge has reached the final week. To round out your challenge, we’d like you to focus on the basics. You have organized your space, identified reusable accessories, and spiced up your look with a pop of color; now tie it all together with great staple classics!
I’ve been shopping in my closet along with you. For Money Smart Week, I was able to incorporate a chocolate sweater coat left by my mother. This one piece added a little pizzazz that was missing without hitting the mall. While the spring weather may leave something to be desired, I have a great coordinate set in mind that I can pull out for our appearance on Good Day Chicago (Fox 12) this Monday. Shopping in my closet has been very fruitful this month.
5 Reasons to Give Yourself a Raise
- Created on 25 April 2013
We’ve finished our new book, Give Yourself a Raise in 21 Days. This book was written to help readers keep more of their hard eared money. Eliminating debt can be accelerated by effectively using the resources you already have. Not convinced? Consider the following 5 reasons why you should get the book today.
Building a Budget Friendly Wardrobe
- Created on 16 April 2013
Guest post by
I’m going to let you in on a little secret: probably 85% of my wardrobe was purchased at a thrift shop: Goodwill, Salvation Army or a local consignment shop. I buy undergarments and shoes new. Almost everything else comes from a thrift shop. It supports my ecological, environmental or “green” goals of keeping things from landfills, and it saves me buckets of money.
It’s possible to look professional and stylish without spending a fortune. But like anything worth having, you have to be creative, understand what it is you hope to achieve and build upon a strong foundation.
What the What!
- Created on 12 April 2013
When did articles of clothing become investment pieces?
Full disclosure: I should have been asleep hours earlier. I was up well into the bewitching hour nursing a fanatical obsession with last minute tweaks to our upcoming eBook, Give Yourself a Raise in 21 Days, and matching wits with a one-year-old practicing civil disobedience by refusing to lie down.
My son, much like his mom, can fall soundly asleep to the banter of late night talk shows. While flipping channels and rocking him, a final segment of the Wendy Williams’ Show caught my attention: Audience Eye Candy. For the uninitiated, she selects a member of the audience to stand and broadcast the details of their outfit. Whether the audience member voluntarily offers price tags or has been instructed to do so is beyond me. The young lady mentioned the designers and proudly exclaims that her shirt was originally $200, but she bought it for $100. Hmmmm… Her (plain) white jeans were $80. Next field trip, try Old Navy. The icing on the cake: she referred to her shoes as an investment piece. They were $800. What the what!!!
Money Smart Week 2013
- Created on 09 April 2013
Once again, the Debt Free Divas have partnered with the Federal Reserve Bank to host events for Money Smart Week. This week offers a plethora of FREE events April 20 – 27, 2013. Check their calendar to find an event in your area.
If you live in the Chicago area, hang out with the Debt Free Divas at our after work mixer or workshop at the Rockford Public Library. If you can't make either event, register for our free webinar. We'll come to you!
Shop Your Closet Challenge
- Created on 04 April 2013
I am loving the monthly challenges. Hopefully they are helping you focus and build useful skills needed to slay your debt dragon. Last month, we worked on building our budgeting muscles with the 30 Day Budget Challenge thanks to our friends, the Debt Free Squad. April ushers in the spring season and a great reason to shop in your own closet.
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