Identity theft is a real threat to everyone, no matter what your credit score is or how many credit accounts you have. Once a thief has your personal information (name, address, date of birth, and social security number) they can start applying for credit in your name, damaging your credit rating.

The threat is even scarier when large credit reporting agencies, like Equifax, announce they’ve been hacked and millions of people have their information at risk. Shouldn’t it be a top priority for these companies to protect your information? Yes. And no. While they should have protection measures in place and do everything possible to protect your information, the ultimate responsibility for your credit is on you.

A regular check of your credit report is a good way to ensure that your identity hasn’t been stolen, but there are ways to protect yourself before you’re at risk. Here are a few ways to protect your identity from falling into the wrong hands.

Never give your personal information, especially your social security number, to a stranger. Whether they call, text, or email, if you don’t know the recipient don’t give them any information. Unless you’re paying your taxes to the IRS or your state, don’t write your social security number on your checks. If your SSN is your account identification, the last four numbers should be enough for them to find your account. And never write your social on any forms or anything that is not credit related.

Don’t keep your social security card in your wallet. Likewise, don’t carry any infrequently used credit cards or notes of passwords and PINs. Make sure your wallet and/or purse is always within your site or locked up tight in the trunk of your car, out of site for strangers.

Don’t post things that could be used to identify you on your social media accounts. These things would include your mother’s maiden name, your full date of birth, your pet’s names, or any other answers to your account’s secret questions. Better yet, check your privacy settings so that only people you choose to friend can see any of your personal information.

Set up mobile alerts with your credit and bank accounts so that you are notified of any transactions. This will help you know quickly if someone has stolen your card so you can contact your bank or credit company.

Photocopy the fronts and backs of all of your credit cards, reward cards, driver’s license, and any other cards you carry in your wallet then place it in a secure place within your home. If your wallet is ever stolen, you will have all of the phone numbers and account numbers you need to cancel your cards.

Place credit freezes on your credit reports through the credit reporting agencies. This will keep any identity thieves from obtaining credit in your name.

Keep your devices protected with a password. This includes your cellphone, laptop, desktop computer, tablet, and any other devices you use to log in to your financial accounts, social media, and emails.

If you have small children, place a credit freeze on their social security numbers as well. Identity thieves love to steal the information of minors because their reports are usually clean and no one ever checks them.

These simple tasks will help you to keep your identity safe and your credit secure.

You May Have More Resources Than You Realize

Money management isn’t easy, and it’s hardly taught in schools. Wise allocation and utility of resources can make a rich man out of a meager income. It can even turn something like debt into a “good” thing.

Student debt is often characterized as “good” debt, because if appropriately pursued, it can lead to gainful employment. It can also lead to a lifelong expense perpetually hanging over your head; so be careful to study something that will actually get you employed down the line.

Bad debt would be something like credit card debt, or that which usually develops from getting stuck in a payday loan cycle. This debt drags you down, is usually unnecessary, and can be disastrous to your personal autonomy in terms of finances.

It can be hard to get out of debt if you’ve made a few money management mistakes in your life. But there are techniques, strategies, refinancing options, and consolidation solutions available; you’ve just got to seek them out.

Ways To Overcome Debt

Seek out extensive, experienced, and insightful debt-liberation advice from professionals, such as those at Debt Academy for example. Using services available through agencies like this can provide you information about debt that you likely wouldn’t find on your own. You can get solid advice that helps you make your next step. For example: what kind of expenses can you cut from your regular budget to help pay off existing debts more quickly?

Do you eat fast food, or have a penchant for pricey coffee? Cut that out. If you buy one $5 Starbucks coffee a day, that’s $35 a week, and $140 a month. In a year, you’ve spent $1,680 on coffee. Meanwhile, you’ve got a $200 a month car payment. Between the two, you’re spending $4,800 annually you don’t need to.

Sell the car and turn that money into a more cost-effective used vehicle. If you can recoup $5k from your car, then you can go on Craigslist.com and find a very good vehicle that will last you at least five years if you take care of it. Now you’re saving $4,800 a year that you can use to pay off debt.

Sustainable Energy And Mortgage Sale

Depending on your situation, you may sell your property. If you’re in debt, but have a good piece of property and the ability to spend several thousands before selling, you could increase the money you make in the sale. Firstly, you’ll want to find an organization that can sell a mortgage note.

Once you know who can help you sell your property, it’s time to upgrade it. A $5k investment in solar energy can get you a $5.1 kWh solar energy system which will increase property value between $15k and $20k depending on the state you live in. You may also get a tax break, but collecting on that will depend on when you sell the house.

With the money you make from selling the home, you can pay off your debts and downsize until you can afford a larger property once again.

Everyone’s situation will be different, but one thing is sure: by getting rid of certain lifestyle costs, you can free up resources and transcend debt more quickly.

Living in a world that has so many fun things to do and buy can be hard when you are trying to save money. Here, there, and everywhere are ads telling you to buy this car or buy this product for your home. It is hard to not give into the temptation to buy new things, but it is important to be wise when you do. Your home can look great without breaking the bank, and you can drive the perfect car for you without overspending. Keep reading and you will find out how!

Most people cannot live without a car unless they are in a very urban area. Even then it is nice to have a car to get you wherever you need to be. Cars are usually not a cheap and quick purchase, but there are ways to be savvy when purchasing a car. Feel like every time you turn on the tv there are copious amount of commercials promoting different cars? Well some of those commercials are actually promoting deals that car dealerships are currently offering. Make sure to be aware of those when they do pop up! Another thing to be aware of is car salesman. Their job is to be good with words and persuade you to buy a car. When dealing with them it is important to be smooth as well.

Sometimes going from car dealership to dealership can really be a hassle, especially if they are large distances from each other. Plus it can take a lot of time out of your day. If this is the case, head online to cars.com. Cars.com has a multitude of car classifieds that are easy to browse through. If you are in search of a specific vehicle you can easily search for it along with a variety of other categories if applicable. Once you select the car you want, they provide all the details you need for the vehicle. They even have a price comparison tool, so you can see how the price stacks up against other sellers. Cars.com really makes it easy to shop for cars right from your home!

Now when it comes to your home saving money can be easy as well, you just have to be smart. Don’t just become friends with the nearest real estate agent in sight. Just like shopping for a car, it is okay to browse through your options. This will help you make sure to find the right one.

If you are looking to rent or buy a new home there are some great websites out there that can assist in your search. For example Zillow is a great resource for buying, selling, or renting homes. Once on the site you click which tab you are interested in then search by city, neighborhood, address, or zip code. They even have a unique feature called a Zestimate which allows you to estimate your home’s worth before you try to sell or rent.

Not looking to buy, rent, or a sell a home and just looking to fix up your current living space? Well you can do so on a budget if you make sure to stay on your toes. Many home decor magazines out there display expensive pieces of furniture, wall accessories, etc, but the thing is you find similar items for a lot less. It is good to browse through those magazines find things you like, but instead of buying them at the high ticket price, save the picture clippings and go find them for less. For example try out stores like Marshalls and HomeGoods, which carry some great items at prices that you can afford. You will be sure to feel good when you save!

Another great way to save money when buying items to fix up your home is coupon hunting. With the right coupons you can save a lot on different products. If you are looking for some new shades, bedding, appliances, wall decor and much more then check out Bed, Bath, & Beyond. They always have coupons that will be sure to save you money on all your home purchases.

Buying a new car, home, or fixing up your home can take time, but does not mean you have to spend a lot. As long as you are smart with your purchases and do not buy things on a whim, you will be sure to saving more than expected. Just always make sure to do your research, compare your options, utilize discounts and other coupons, and find affordable alternatives.