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Target

Friday’s need-to-know money news

March 20, 2015 By Liz Weston

847_interestrates1Today’s top story: Why the Fed’s rate changes won’t immediately impact your loans. Also in the news:Why all credit checks aren’t created equal, how to avoid an IRS audit, and the four pillars of building wealth.

Why Fed Moves Won’t Hugely Affect Your Loans Anytime Soon
A slow creep instead of a dramatic jump.

Do All Credit Checks Hurt My Credit?
Not all credit checks are created equal.

How to avoid an IRS tax audit
Avoiding an unpleasant experience.

No Matter What, Building Wealth Always Comes Down to These Four Pillars
The four constants.

Target to Settle Data Breach for $10 Million
One of the largest breaches in retail history.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: building wealth, credit checks, data breach, interest rates, IRS, Target, tax audits, tips

Not to make you paranoid, but…

February 7, 2014 By Liz Weston

Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailIt’s bad enough that tens of millions of Americans’ financial and personal data got hacked in recent database breaches (Target, Michaels and Neiman Marcus have admitted breaches, and more may be on the way).

But this week we learned that you’re much more likely to be the victim of identity theft these days than you were even a few years ago. From Kathy Kristof’s post on MoneyWatch:

If your data had been stolen three years ago, you only had about a 10 percent chance of falling prey to identity thief. Today, one-third of those who are affected by a security breach become victims of identity theft, according to Javelin Strategy and Research, which has done comprehensive annual studies of identity theft since 2006.

If your debit card information was stolen, the chance is even higher – 46 percent of consumers with a breached debit card in 2013 became fraud victims in the same year, according to the Javelin study.

As I wrote earlier, you should demand a new debit card (one with a new number) and change your PIN if you used your card at any of the affected retailers. Same goes if you used a credit card, although you have more protections from fraudulent charges when you use that type of plastic.

And you need to be vigilant. Scrutinize your statements and question every charge you don’t recognize. Beware of emails and phone calls purporting to come from your bank, your credit card company, even the IRS. The Target breach included email addresses and other personal information that could be used to deceive you.

If you really want to make yourself paranoid, watch this short video that shows how much data we leak in a typical day. It’s an eye-opener.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Credit Cards, database breaches, debit cards, Identity Theft, Target

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

February 5, 2014 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: The wrong way to boost your credit score. Also in the news: Target’s data breach spreads to big hotels, how to make a tax lien disappear, and better, more responsible ways to use credit cards. images (1)

The Wrong Ways to Boost Your Credit Score
What not to do in pursuit of a better score.

Latest Known Credit Card Data Breaches Target Big Hotels
If you’ve stated at the Sheraton, Marriott, or Holiday Inn, pay close attention to your bank statement.

How to Make a Tax Lien Disappear
How to handle on of the worst things to appear on your credit report.

Yes, Virginia, There Is a Responsible Way to Use Credit Cards
Credit cards are not the enemy.

10 Ways to Boost Your Retirement Savings
It’s time to build a better nest egg.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Credit Cards, Credit Score, data breach, retirement savings, Target, tax lien

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

January 29, 2014 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Could your job search be impeded by medical debt? Also in the news: Easy steps for a complete money makeover, the future of identity theft, and details on the new MyRa retirement savings plan. Zemanta Related Posts Thumbnail

Could Your Medical Debt Keep You From Getting a Job?
Not if Senator Warren has her way.

9 Easy Steps for a Complete Money Makeover
Start by choosing a better bank.

Here’s What Identity Theft Will Look Like in 2014
Thieves are after more than just your money.

Introducing the myRA retirement savings account.
Announced at last night’s State of the Union, the account would work like a savings bond.

Got a charge for $9.84 on your credit card? Beware
This small charge could put your credit and identity at risk.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: banking, employment, Identity Theft, medical debt, myRA, Target

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

January 21, 2014 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Finding the best balance transfer credit card. Also in the news: Keeping your financial resolutions, what not to buy at the drugstore, and the latest on the Target credit data breach. iStock_000016702801XSmall

The Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards in America
Ranking the contenders.

8 Hacks to Help You Keep Your Resolutions
After three weeks into 2014, where do your financial resolutions stand?

5 things not to buy at drugstores (including drugs)
The bigger the store, the better the price.

Did you get an email from Target? What you need to know
Target’s credit theft nightmare continues.

6 Critical Changes to Note When Filing Your 2013 Taxes
Important changes to the tax code you need to know about.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: balance transfers, Credit Cards, lifehacks, prescriptions, resolutions, Savings, Target, tax code

Friday’s need-to-know money news

January 17, 2014 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Security tips from a former identity thief. Also in the news: What to teach teen about debt, tax mistakes you don’t know you’re making, and tips on retiring early. Ways-of-Identity-Theft

4 Security Tips From a Former Fraudster
Advice on how to protect yourself from guys like him.

4 Things Your Teen Needs to Know About Debt
Teaching your teens to avoid the debt trap.

7 Easy Steps to Pay Off Debt
Budgeting is essential.

7 Tax Mistakes You Don’t Know You’re Making
Don’t forget about tax credits!

5 tips to help you retire early
Treating dollars like employees.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: credit breach, debt, early retirement, Identity Theft, security, Target, tax credits, Taxes, teens

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