Matt Carver

I hate Junk Mail, just more crap to shred.  I also hate Telemarketers, they call at the most inconvenient times and are too desperate.  I wonder what would happen if someone stole my identity…  I think we’ve all said or thought the same things.  After doing a little research, I found a very cost effective method to freeze your credit report from the 3 credit reporting agencies (Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian) for $10.  In addition, you can reduce email spam, telemarketer calls, and Junk Mail for free!  Some people would rather put a fraud alert on their credit reports rather than a freeze.  Fraud alerts are free but offer no real protection, just a notification when credit is opened in your name.  Check some of these links for information on the differences: Google: Fraud vs Alert

Here is the list of things you can do to lock down your credit, reduce spam, reduce telemarketer calls, and reduce junk mail:

1. https://www.optoutprescreen.com :: Opt-Out of Junkmail offers from Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian.  This is a legitimate website from the FTC.
2. http://www.donotcall.gov :: Opt-Out of Telemarketer Calls
3. http://www.dmachoice.org/consumerassistance.php :: Opt-Out of direct mail marketers lists for free.
4. http://www.dmachoice.org/EMPS :: Opt-Out of Email marketers lists for free.
5. https://www.experian.com/consumer/cac/InvalidateSession.do?code=FREEZECENTER :: Freeze your Experian Credit Report for $5.
6. https://www.freeze.equifax.com/Freeze/jsp/SFF_PersonalIDInfo.jsp :: Freeze your Equifax Credit Report for $5.
7. https://annualcreditreport.transunion.com/fa/securityFreeze/landing :: Freeze your TransUnion Credit Report for FREE!

*Most of this information was freely obtained from the FTC website at or from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre17.pdf

Life as you know it couldn’t get any worse…  Somebody backed into the back bumper on my car parked out front.  I haven’t taken pictures of the damage.  Its time to either sell the car or get full coverage because this is ridiculous.  At this rate, the car will be scrap metal by the end of the year   Wish me luck on this one…

I watched the fireworks on the 4th of July at the Stone Sports Complex in Sierra Vista.  Supposedly, the fireworks display this year was the largest in the state although the finale was ranked 3rd.  Overall I thought the fireworks were great.  Here is a picture I took with my cheapo Canon, I was toying with the shutter speed.  Hope you all enjoyed your 4th!