Friday, January 11, 2008

Security Breach at Election Commission in Nashville

Many of us have been hearing the horrors of identity theft for sometime and how prevalent it has become. We in Nashville now have an additional concern: There was a security breach recently at the Davidson County Election Commission when a couple of laptops were stolen. More than 300,000 of us have been affected. They think our names, addresses, and full social security numbers have been stolen by an unauthorized person.

My first reaction was one of helplessness. What in the world can I do about this? My second reaction was, well if they got 300,000 files, with my mixed up finances, I don't think identity thieves would pick me out of the pile--that there would be riper plums to pick! But you can never be sure of that--thieves might be able to make hay with anyone's ID.

Of course, there is also concern about voter fraud, particularly in this election season.

But Nashville has stepped up and is taking measures to help us. The gov. has alerted the credit bureaus about the situation and is providing free identity theft protection. We can renew for a second year at a big discount from the regular rate.

I am sorry this happened but I am glad that Nashville responded so well so quickly.

Impulse Control

There was a great article today on MSN.com called "Middle Class Reality Check: The 'Essential ' Indulgences." (Link at bottom of post)

It talks about how a lot of us consider nonessential items to be essential now. I am bad about this. Nonessential items for me that have become essential are eating out, buying wine, going to school when I can't afford it, buying skincare products I can't afford, etc., etc.

Someone in the article commented that she knows she shouldn't do this, but it makes her feel better.

I commiserate with her. I do a lot of things too that I can't afford to make myself feel better. I am single and sometimes I have to treat myself. Sometimes buying something is the only way to make yourself feel better. I know that sounds lame, but if you need a new piece of clothing so you won't look fat, you just have to get it!

The problem for me is that my splurges would not be a big deal if I were not in debt. I don't spend that much on things--it's just that I don't have much wiggle room with my money.

As soon as I get out of school in August, I am going to damp down my debt and save my emergency fund. I actually can't wait.

I guess the good thing for me is that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. At least when school is out, I will free up a huge piece of cash each month to pay off bills. And I won't have taken out more debt for school. That is probably different from those who have debt, continue to overspend, and will not have a break like that coming up.

I will get out of debt and save. I will get out of debt and save. I will! I will!
The article talks about how so many Americans live on the edge with debt now and I have been one of them. But not for much longer.

http//articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/HomeMortgageSavings/MiddleClassRealityEssentials.aspx#pageTopAchor