How to avoid identity theft?
In today's, digital internet based world identity theft is becoming a becoming a huge issue. It will be biggest crime in coming 21st century.
Here are few tips to avoid the identity theft:
- Free Credit Reports: You can get free credit reports from all three credit bureaus (Experian, Transunion, Equifax ) free once a year. It can be obtained from web site www.annualcreditreport.com
- Shred Documents: Never throw documents having your personal information. Instead shred them properly. This is must especially when document has SSN or credit card number!
- Never disclose Personal Information: When you get a phone call, never give your personal information like SSN & Credit Card. But if you think there is a need to tell your personal information, then you should call back with trusted destination phone number (for eg. bank or credit card company) and provide the information. Same is true for email and online websites.
- Use Virtual Credit Card For Online Shopping: For online shopping or shopping on the phone, always use virtual card numbers instead of your actual credit card numbers. This feature has to be provided by your credit card company. Citibank and discover card provides this feature.
- Check Monthly Statements: Always check credit card, banks monthly statements carefully for unauthorized activity.
- Watch your mails: Make sure that your mails are not getting stolen.
- Credit Monitoring Service: Best way is to sign up for credit monitoring services from various banks like Citibank, Wells Fargo. But there will be monthly charge of $10 or more for this service.
How to save money on gas? How to beat the high cost of gasoline?
Here are the tips to save gas:
Driving habits:
- When drving on highway (speed >= 45 mph) use the cruise control. You may be able to save up to 10-20% of gas. Especially for long drives, this is must.
- Avoid sudden accelerating or sudden breaks, drive at consistent speed.
- Anticipate next light or stop sign or slow traffic early and do a gradual stop.
- Avoid using AC when not required.
- Always keep windows closed. It is always better windows closed & AC ON than windows down & AC off.
- It is better to shut off engine when idling the car more than 2 min.
- Typically cars give best mileage at 55 mph, so on freeway you can use this speed when within speed limit.
- Try to park car in shade so there is less evaporation of gas.
Other common tips:
- Carry minimum weight in car, remove unnecessary stuff car & its trunk. It will improve gas mileage.
- Fill up gas with lower octane rating (typically 87 is above the most car's needed ratings).
- Avoid driving at time when traffic is at peak (avoid stop & go traffic).
- Check web sites like gasbuddy.com to check lowest price gas station in your neighborhood.
- Simply avoid using car! Try to use bike. Live close to work and walk to work. Use cheaper public transport.
- Buy gas at coolest time of day as gas will be denser.
- Do Carpool with friends/coworkers.
- Convert multiple errands to one.
- When you buy a gas, use a credit card which give a cashback on gas purchase (eg. 5%).
- Buy/Use hybrid car.
- Always have correct tire pressure.
- Always have correct wheel alignment and tire balanced.
- Have clean air filter.
- Make sure that gas tank cap is air tight otherwise gas may evaporate slowly.