Credit Accuracy<\/strong><\/p>\r\n Credit reports include personal information, credit history, credit inquiries, and public records.\u00a0 Credit cards, mortgages, and loans are all listed along with the payment status. If you fall behind on payments or default on a loan, your credit report will list this negatively.\u00a0Negative entries<\/a> may make it more difficult for you to open a new line of credit,\u00a0be approved for a new loan, or receive a promotion or security clearance. It may also mean that you will be approved for a loan, but with a higher interest rate.<\/p>\r\n Credit Privacy<\/strong><\/p>\r\n Regular credit report checks help\u00a0you\u00a0monitor your accounts and determine whether someone has accessed your credit report without your permission or opened\u00a0accounts in your name.\u00a0If you notice suspicious activity, information that does not belong to you, or believe you have become a victim of identity theft, follow these steps: A budget helps you see where you can cut back on spending and create a workable plan to pay off debt.Take the time to set a budget. Divide your regular expenses into categories for housing, food, transportation, health care, personal & family and finances. Determine how much you can afford to spend on each category every month. Use a spreadsheet or online tool to\u00a0keep track of all of your accounts and expenses.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n Follow your gut.<\/strong>\u00a0If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Unfortunately, service members are frequent targets for various scams.\u00a0Companies or organizations could call and\u00a0claim\u00a0to belong to a\u00a0veterans group or another legitimate sounding organization. Be sure to research the organization, find out where they’re located,\u00a0see if there is a complaint board online, and\u00a0investigate whether the company is reputable.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n Be cautious<\/strong>. If you receive a call from someone, do not provide\u00a0any personal identifying information, such as your social security number or\u00a0date of birth, or access to bank accounts or\u00a0credit and debit cards.\u00a0 Require them to provide you with something in writing that states who they are and where they are located.<\/p>\r\n Remember, you\u2019re not alone<\/strong>. There are many services offered through the Department of Defense\u00a0and veterans organizations to help service members keep finances on track. Do your research and make a financial plan that is right for you.<\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Military life is one of frequent transitions. Each\u00a0deployment, promotion, and change in duty status brings the need to make money-related decisions.\u00a0These financial decisions can have long-term effects on family life, mission readiness, and security clearances. Service members often\u00a0run into trouble because of the irregularities in their daily life.\u00a0They may tend to overspend and receive contact … <\/p>\n
\u00a0 -Contact the Bank or Creditor
\u00a0 -File a Police Report
\u00a0 -File a Fraud Alert
\u00a0 -Request your current credit reports
\u00a0 -File an Identity Theft Affidavit with the Federal Trade Commission
\u00a0 -Keep an organized file with all correspondence and records
\u00a0 -Protect your personal information.\u00a0 Keep it private.<\/p>\r\nKnow How Much You Spend<\/h2>\r\n
Be Aware of Scams<\/h2>\r\n
Financial Guidance for Service Members<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Seek Legal Help<\/h3>\r\n
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Flitter Milz is a nationally recognized consumer protection law firm that assists victims of identity theft that have suffered from credit report harm, abusive debt collectors and wrongful vehicle repossessions by aggressive lenders and repo agents.\u00a0 Contact<\/strong> Us<\/strong><\/a> to discuss whether your consumer rights have been violated. There is no cost for the consultation.\u00a0\u00a0Pictured above:\u00a0 Attorneys Cary Flitter (center), Andy Milz (left),
Jody L\u00f3pez-Jacobs (right).<\/em><\/p>\r\n