How to Protect Your Child’s Identity

How to Protect Your Child’s Identity

by | Aug 22, 2014

How to Protect Your Kids Identity @ RichSingleMomma.comI’ve heard of and know a few people who have had their identity stolen as children. It’s mostly family members who where the culprit. Please do not use your children’s identity to open accounts for any reason. They deserve a financial future that hasn’t been ruined by you or any of your family members.

By Jason Alderman

I’m sorry to report that child identity fraud is alive and well in 2014. If anything, the problem may be worsening as identity thieves devise new methods to steal – and use – children’s personal information. Most commonly, they’ll harvest kids’ dormant Social Security numbers (SSNs) and use them to illegally obtain jobs or open fraudulent bank and credit accounts, mortgages or car loans.

Many victims don’t realize there’s a problem until they later apply for a student loan, bank account, job or apartment and are turned down because of the poor credit history someone else racked up. Some families are even hounded by collection agencies or arrested because the debts or criminal activities were so extreme.

There are no completely foolproof methods to protect your children’s identities, but here are some precautions you can take:

While it’s tempting to simply not register your kids for SSNs until they turn 18, that’s not practical in today’s world. For one thing, they’ll need one to be claimed as dependents on your taxes. You may also need SSNs for your kids to obtain medical coverage or government services or to open bank accounts in their names.

Because each person’s SSN is unique, it’s not uncommon for schools, healthcare providers, insurance companies, banks and others to require them as ID. However, don’t be afraid to ask:

  • Why do they need to use an SSN – is there a legal requirement?
  • Will they accept alternative identification?
  • What will happen if you don’t disclose it?
  • What security precautions do they take with personal information?
  • Will they agree not to use the SSN as your child’s personal identification number on correspondence, account statements or ID cards?

Watch for these clues your child’s personal data may have been compromised:

  • They receive preapproved credit account offers.
  • They receive calls or billing statements from collection agencies, creditors or government agencies.
  • You’re unable to open a bank account in their name because one already exists with the same SSN.
  • They’re denied credit, employment, a driver’s license or college enrollment for unknown or credit-related reasons.

Remember, there could be legitimate reasons why your child is receiving credit offers. For example, it could be a marketing outreach from an affiliate of your bank or because you opened a college fund in their name.

If you strongly suspect or have evidence that identity theft has been committed, you can:

  • File a police report and keep a copy as proof of the crime.
  • Contact the fraud units at the three major credit bureaus for instructions: Equifax (800-525-6285), Experian (888-397-3742) and TransUnion (800-680-7289).
  • Notify the Federal Trade Commission (877-438-4338), whose Identity Theft site contains information on fraud alerts, credit freezes, how to work with police and much more (www.ftc.gov).
  • Ask Social Security (800-772-1213) whether anyone has reported income using your child’s SSN. Search “Identity Theft” at www.ssa.gov for information.
  • Contact the IRS’ Identity Protection Unit (800-980-4490).

The FTC recommends contacting the three credit bureaus around your child’s 16th birthday to see whether they have credit reports on file. (There usually wouldn’t be unless they’re an authorized user on one of your accounts.) If there is a report – and it has errors due to fraud or misuse – you’ll have time to correct it before you kid needs to use credit.

Warn your kids about the dangers of revealing personal information by phone, email, or social networking. Don’t hesitate to monitor their accounts and install parental blocking software. And remember, if they share your computer, a downloaded virus could infect your accounts as well.

Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney.

How My Daughter Learned to Fly a Plane Thanks to Delta, Chick-fil-a, Coca-Cola

How My Daughter Learned to Fly a Plane Thanks to Delta, Chick-fil-a, Coca-Cola

by | Aug 14, 2014

Thanks to the generous sponsorship of #Chick-fil-a, #Delta, and #Coca-Cola (all Atlanta-based companies) my daughter got to learn to fly a plane practically for free! The Organization of Black Airline Pilots (OBAP) program was created to give minority kids an introduction to the aviation industry and a chance to learn how to fly planes.

How it All Began

Last year she went to OBAP Aviation Career Experience (ACE) academy to learn about aviation careers and did quite well. This summer I encouraged my daughter to apply for the OBAP Solo Flight Academy where she could learn how to fly a plane.

She went through the application and interview process and was chosen as an alternate. Because someone couldn’t make it she was able to take the spot. It was meant to be. We got the paperwork in including a medical exam because she’d have to be fit to fly.

A Little Sacrifice for a lot of Reward

Now the sacrifice would come because it is a two week camp, it’s an hour away, and I had to pay $150. But the sacrifice was worth it to me because she’s my child.
We made arrangements for her to stay with my sister who lived closer to the academy. She would have to drive everyday to classes and I’d have to cough up the money. But she’s worth every penny and that money was a drop in the bucket compared to what it could have cost.

A Unicorn in the Making

Now that the course is complete she is among the rare league of African-American women who know how to fly a plane. She may become a pilot someday and get the Unicorn designation. Why unicorn? Because like the mythical creature, very few people have ever seen an African-American pilot.

flightlineLexi

 

The Next Steps

If my daughter decides to become a pilot she will have to go through a series of steps. The first goal is to get her private pilot’s license. Next is to either attend a flight school and get more flying time or go to university and get a degree, then join a flight training program. Finally, she will apply to become a pilot for any number of companies that need pilots. It may be a private or commercial company.

She loves flying so I’m going to help her in anyway I can make that dream come true. There are many people in our circle who is connected to the airline industry that will help her as well. She’s made even more connections recently after attending the annual OBAP conference. She met pilots from Delta, Fedex, Chick-fil-a, UPS, ExpressJet, and a few others.

A Future So Bright She’ll Have to Wear (Aviator) Shades

To have a bright future she has to prepare and do the work. She’s already begun the journey so she’s off to a good start, but she has to keep moving forward no matter what.

As with all careers it’s important to connect with people who are in the position she wants to be in. There are membership organizations she can join including women aviator associations, minority aviation associations, and private pilot organizations. Each offers something different but all offers support, scholarships, and a sense of community.

She plans to go on to college to get a degree then go on to be a commercial pilot. I know that whatever she decides to do will be a success. This kid is simply too amazing for words.

Thanks for letting me share with you and brag about my daughter. 🙂

Dumping Mommy Guilt and Mastering Motherhood Summit

Dumping Mommy Guilt and Mastering Motherhood Summit

by | Aug 13, 2014

guilttripI used to be a miserably guilt-ridden mom. I remember distinctly walking into my kitchen one day and just wanting to cry. The dishes were piled in the sink, the leftover breakfast from the morning was on the stove, my son was crying, and my daughter was hungry.

The Voices in My Head Had Me Guilt Trippin’

In the back of my mind I could hear my all the perfect T.V. moms (and sometimes my own mother) telling me I needed to do better. I was a mother now so I needed to keep the house spotless and sanitary. Each day I felt more and more inadequate.  But it was tough juggling work, school, and kids all alone. They would never really understand.

I tried to live up to their standards but I always fell short. I was unhappy and depressed. It felt like I couldn’t do anything right.

A Wake Up Call

Then one day I had an epiphany. I looked at all I was doing and how I was keeping it together despite the circumstances. I was a superwoman leaping over my school work, providing for my children, and doing well on my job. I was handling more than any other woman in my life at the time. I was tired of the guilt.

Decide to Dump Guilt and Super Mom Complex

moms-and-guilt-tripsI decided that the dishes would have to wait until I could get to them. I decided to stop feeling guilty and start being glad that I had healthy kids, a nice place to live, food to eat, and money to take care of it all. I was not going to play the role of super woman anymore. I was going to prioritize my life and let the rest of it fall off my shoulders.

Learning that I didn’t have to do it all was the first step to creating a guilt-free life. Putting it all in perspective helped me see what was most important. My kids were most important, then my education, then my career and family. A perfect house was not important at the time. Nurturing my children was top priority. Teaching them and being present for them despite my hectic schedule was important.

Realize You are Enough

Through the years I’ve had to maintain that commitment to guiding and being present for my kids. It hasn’t all been perfect but I’m happy to say that our bond is solid and they are thriving today because of the decision I made in my yesterday.

Guilt truly is pointless. It only causes anxiety and stress which can lead to health problems. You deserve more than that in your life. Hear my tips on how to turn the guilt into gladness while raising healthy, happy children.

Diving Deeper to Dig Up Guilt and Create Balance

I’ll be one of 21 experts to share how to create balance in your life during the Mastering Motherhood summit on August 18. It’s a FREE online event that will surely be a source of encouragement. You will also get lots of free goodies from each expert. I’m excited about what I’ll be giving you to help you re-think the guilt and start embracing your imperfections.

mastermotherhoodpromo2

Register here >>> Mastering Motherhood Summit

Single Mom California Dreamin’ + My Walmart Blogger Day Event

Single Mom California Dreamin’ + My Walmart Blogger Day Event

by | Aug 1, 2014

My mini vacation was fantastic! Oh you didn’t know I was gone? Well I was. In fact I had my first trip out west ever in all of my 40-something years. I had a layover in Las Vegas (no it didn’t get to gamble or see the strip but the mountains were gorgeous) and then went on over to San Francisco.

Wal~mart Blogger Day

Let me back track a bit and tell you how I ended up out there. Early last month I got an invitation to the Walmart Blogger Day. Wooohooo!!!

Last week I went out to the Walmart Labs to hear about the new initiatives in the digital and real life world.

I was treated to firsthand look at back to school fashion, a delicious lunch make from recipes on the Walmart blog, and the Savings Catcher app. Also, I got to hear about the new affordable home fashions created by designers Libby Langdon and Courtney Novagratz. Shauna Miller, author of Penny Chic, was also there discussing how to look fabulous and fashion forward on a budget.

I stayed in a king suite at the Wild Palms hotel. It is an older hotel but the rooms were very clean and spacious. The wall were a bit thin but I was so tired it really didn’t matter much because I was fast asleep after a long day.

Wal~mart Savings Catcher

I think that learning more about the Walmart Savings Catcher was the best part of the day for me. I didn’t realize they had this new feature though a few people said they have seen the commercial but didn’t really believe it.

In a nutshell, Walmart will give you money back for your purchases. It works like this:

  • Log into your Walmart.com account on the Walmart App
  • Scan your Walmart receipt
  • Check back to see how much you have made
  • Cash in the amount for a Walmart gift card after you get $5 or more cash back

How does Walmart do it? Well they scan competitor sales and if there is something on your list that was a lower price, Walmart will credit you the difference.

So if  you bought a box of cereal for $3.75 at Walmart and Kroger had the same brand and size for $1.99 you would receive $1.76 credit. You might have several items that are on sale at other stores for which you’d receive credit.

At the end of the year you could have quite a large amount of money accumulated. You could even get a large chunk of cash for birthday and holiday gifts at the end of the year.

Recipes, Bling, and Hard Candy

I had my first black bean burger in San Franciso and it was delicious! Who knew?!?!? The recipe was from the Walmart food blog. In fact all the yummy food I had at the Walmart Blogger Day was from recipies from the blog. Here are a few pictures of the catered picnic-style meal.

The day would not have been complete without a little SWAG (Stuff We All Get). Walmart didn’t disappoint. I got my first chunky necklace which I think I looked pretty nice in. I admit I played it safe and got a crystal piece but it goes with mostly everything. The crazy thing about it all is Walmart is selling this costume jewelry for only $10. Pretty nice for dressing up a cute outfit or adding a little pizzazz to a casual ensemble.

The outfit wouldn’t be complete without a little Hard Candy. I’m talking about the brand, Hard Candy, which will be sold through Walmart stores. I had mini-makeover to end the day and I have to say it was different (I don’t wear a ton of eye makeup or lip color) but I was cute.

I was able to pick up a few full-sized samples to take home and play with. My daughter will likely do more experimenting than me but it is nice to have new makeup.

Great Day Overall

My day at the Walmart labs was so fun. I spoke to a few executives and enjoyed hearing about their jobs, families, and living in California. They were a great group of people.

I am planning to get back to California as soon as I can. I loved seeing the mountains and feeling the amazing weather. I want to take the kids out there too. Thought northern California was cool I really want to get to San Deigo for a little Southern California action! Smile

Here is the highlight reel from the day…