FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 29 AUG 05 OC CARUSO

OVERVIEW BUDGETS CREDIT CARDS IDENTITY THEFT IMPORTANT FINANCIAL TOPICS FOR NEW COLLEGE STUDENTS

BUDGETS WHAT YOU’RE GETTING –DON’T FORGET TAXES WHAT YOUR BILLS ARE –MAKE A LIST OF RECURRING BILLS HOW MUCH EACH BILL REQUIRES –SHOOT HIGH! MAKE IT FIT!! FIGURE OUT:

BEWARE: PITFALLS!! FOOD PARTYING –BEER (IF YOU’RE 21…DIFFERENT BRIEF) –COVERCHARGES ENTERTAINMENT –MOVIES –VIDEOGAMES

CREDIT CARDS NOT FREE MONEY!!! VISA WANTS YOU! –TARGETS COLLEGE STUDENTS –NEW FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE INTEREST RATES HIDDEN CHARGES

Introduction While you probably can’t prevent identity theft entirely, you can minimize your risk By managing your personal information wisely, cautiously, and with an awareness of the issue, you can help guard against identity theft

Manage Your Personal Information Order a copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus Place passwords on your credit card, bank, and phone accounts Secure personal information in your home Ask about information security procedures in your workplace

Maintain Vigilance Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing with Guard your mail and trash from theft Before revealing identifying information, ask how it will be used and secured and if it will be shared with others

Maintain Vigilance Continued Don’t carry your SSN card; leave it in a secure place Limit the identification information and the number of credit/debit cards that you carry Keep your purse and wallet in a safe place at work

Consider Your Computer Update virus protection software regularly Don’t download files or click on hyperlinks from strangers Use a firewall Use a secure browser

Consider Your Computer Continued Do not store financial information on your laptop Avoid using an automatic log-in feature Delete any personal information stored on your computer before you dispose of it Read web site privacy policies

Social Security Numbers If someone asks for your SSN, ask the following questions: –Why do you need my SSN? –How will my SSN be used? –What law requires me to give you my SSN? –What will happen if I don’t give you my SSN?

WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS: CALL YOUR PARENTS!!

QUESTIONS?