Good credit pays off. Even if you’re not planning to borrow money to make a large purchase, good credit may qualify you for better insurance rates, help you avoid paying security deposits when you sign up for new cell phone service or even help you negotiate a better rate on a vacation rental.

The information in this month’s post not only outlines some of the benefits of great credit, it also provides ways to improve it. Page one delves into eight benefits of having good credit, from qualifying for lower interest rates on loans and credit cards to improving your chances of getting a great job. Page two provides five tips to help you improve your credit score. Read them here:  Better Credit!   If your credit is already great, the tips will help you ensure it remains high.

If your credit is already stellar, feel free to pass this information along to someone else who may benefit. This information is intended to help make financial goals more achievable.

Albert Einstein once said, “The hardest thing in the world to understand is income tax.” Luckily, tax preparers and DIY tax software take much of the mystery out of the process. Whether you prepare your taxes yourself or send them to a professional, it’s still important to collect and sort your information, including any changes in status or economics that occurred during the year.

The information I’m sending this month is intended to prepare you for tax time. Page one provides a list of financial details you may need to gather ahead of time to make the process easier,  as well as some tips to help you get your refund faster. Page two outlines steps to take to help you protect your identity from thieves who wish to gain access to your information.

Access here: TAX HELP

Tax season doesn’t have to be stressful. With a bit of preparation, the process becomes a breeze.

For some extra information on how the new Tax Laws will affect you, click on the following links:

First Time Owners and FIrst Time Buyer Example

Home Sellers and Home Owners

Check out my newest exciting Listing under the Listings Tab!

As more people rely on the internet to shop, bank, file taxes and more, thieves are finding more ways to steal personal information. While many people take the necessary precautions to keep their details safe, thieves may still be able to attain personal information by hacking into the systems of larger businesses. How can you make sure you’re secure and what steps can you take if your information is stolen?

This month, I’m digging deeper into the topic of identity theft, specifically discussing the rise of data breaches. Sometimes, despite your best efforts to protect your identity, you may still be compromised—as the 143 million people impacted by the Equifax data breach learned. Page one outlines what to do if you learn you’re the victim of a data breach, from monitoring your credit reports and accounts to placing fraud alerts and freezes on your credit file to prevent thieves from using what was stolen. Page two outlines the specific steps to take if your banking and credit card information or driver’s license information has been stolen.

Read here: Identity Theft!

Although the thought of a thief having access to your online identity is frightening, this piece is intended to empower you to take control should you ever find yourself in the position where your information has been compromised.

Check out my two new Listings and call me if you or someone you know would like more information on these great properties.

Bay Park:      http://1345violastreet.epropertysites.com/

Happy Holidays!

The holidays are a special time of year to spend with friends and loved ones. Holidays are also the busiest travel times, which can make getting to your destination stressful. However, there are things you can do to make it easier.

This month’s information is intended to take the stress out of traveling during this season. Whether your trip is already planned or you’re searching for last-minute deals, this piece offers tips to help you reduce the stress of flying or driving. Additionally, I share important advice on how to stay healthy and how to ease traveling with small children or pets.

Access here: Stress Reduces

Don’t let the stress of traveling dim your holiday spirit; follow these tips and you’ll arrive at your destination happy, healthy and ready to celebrate with your loved ones.

My sincere wishes to you and your family over the holiday season. Click here for: My Family’s Holiday Wishes!

For various reasons both intrinsic and external we seem to always be running after the “Next Thing”.

We wish things were different, or better or quicker or <insert gripe here>. Essentially we are dissatisfied with our lot.

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to turn that upside down and focus on what we DO have and what we are thankful for, if only for a day. But hopefully this blog will encourage you to make it a part of your daily routine. There are many benefits to this habit and some of these links will help you to begin to explore, and hopefully adopt an ‘Attitude of Gratitude” or learn to “Want What You Have”!

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/andrea-reiser/11-tips-for-instilling-true-gratitude-in-your-kids_b_4708019.html

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3564794/

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/andrew-merle/how-to-have-an-attitude-of-gratitude_b_8644102.html

http://www.andrewmerle.com/blog/

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/238991

5 Ways to Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude

https://my.happify.com/hd/cultivate-an-attitude-of-gratitude/

It’s almost time to celebrate the spirit of the season with parties and get-togethers to reconnect with our families and friends, especially those who live far away.

The information this month will help you throw the perfect holiday party without breaking the bank. You’ll find several tips to help make the planning process fun, stress-free and budget-friendly, from prioritizing where you’d like to spend most of your dollars to ordering food and coordinating entertainment your guests will love. Whether you’ve been planning your holiday party for months or you’ve just decided to throw one, you’ll find this information valuable.

Access here: Party Time!  as well as here: Party Tips

I want to take a minute to thank you for your business. Your business and referrals drive my business and make it successful. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.