September 20, 2006

Credit reporting quiz: True or False?

In order for my credit report to be used or seen, I must give my permission to the company that is inquiring.

The answer is false.

One of the practices I take with all my clients is to go over their credit report and look for inaccuracies, errors, omissions, etc. I also give tips on ways to improve their scores. And many times, my clients are amazed at the number of inquires that appear on their credit report. Most of them, of course, were done without their permission. But the fact of the matter is that any company that has a legitimate reason to use your credit information can access it. Only your employer, or potential employer, must have your permission.

September 11, 2006

Do you remember where you were on that dreaded day, exactly 5 years ago, when the Twin Towers came crumbling down? It is one of those moments in time that is indelibly etched into our memories forever. Just about everyone remembers where they were, what they were doing, etc. Perhaps the only other time in the history of our country where that was true, was during the Kennedy assassination, and the attack on Pearl Harbor.

And just as we can still remember that day exactly 5 years ago, we should take time to remember those that innocently lost their lives on that day. And that they lost their lives much too prematurely. We should also remember that many of them left behind children and families. And that each and every one of them woke up that morning not knowing that they would forever be a part, albeit a sad part, of American history. We should remember that it was not because of their choosing.

We should also remember all the courageous acts by the firemen, policemen, hospital workers, good samaritans, etc. that risked, and many lost, their lives to help others. Many of these workers still have health complications because of their courageous acts. Many of them think about that dreaded day, each and every day. We should also remember that there are many people overseas right now, that are fighting for protecting our freedom. They too are risking their lives for a war that we did not start. Many of them too have families at home that may not see them again.

Let us all take time to reflect and remember that day....and to also remember this day. We should all take a moment to remember what is important in this life....it is not how much money you make, or what you have, etc. It is the relationships that you have that is important (i.e. your relationship with God, your family, yourself, your friends, neighbors, etc.). Will others miss you when you are gone? How will you be remembered after you are gone?

Think about these questions as you take time to reflect, and to remember that dreaded day, to remember this beautiful day, and hopefully to remember a future day.

And may God Bless America.

September 7, 2006

Hurricane Workshop

I just came across an interesting workshop that should be of interest to all homeowners in the Tampa Bay area:

When: 10AM to 1PM, Saturday Sept 9th, 2006
Where: The Pier Aquarium, 800 2nd Ave NE

A hurricane expert from the NOAA will speak on how to prepare for the next storm, food demonstrations (ie. How to cook without electricity!), etc.

Should be an excellent and informative event.