Identity Theft – More Tips on How it Can Be AvoidedWritten by Charles Essmeier
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 documents you no longer need or unwanted credit card applications that come in mail. Thieves can and do search through garbage to obtain such things. If you don’t need it, shred it.
Do not provide financial or personal information to anyone who calls you. The party on phone may say that they are from your bank, but your bank isn’t going to call you to ask for your credit card or Social Security number. If in doubt, hang up and call institution directly. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Print as little information as possible on your checks. Don’t preprint your phone number, driver’s license number or Social Security number. You’re making that information available to anyone who sees your checks. Print your name and address only; you can provide any other information yourself if necessary.
Don’t carry your Social Security card with you. Put it in a safe place. Many people are never asked to show card during their lifetimes, so only bad can result from carrying it around with you. Be safe. Leave card at home. While you’re at it, remove any other credit or debit cards from your wallet that you rarely use. Keep them at home and take them with you only if you need them. The fewer cards you carry less damage that can be done if you lose them.
Anyone concerned about identity theft should make it as difficult for thieves to obtain his or her personal information as possible. A few simple steps can go a long way towards avoiding what could be a drawn-out and expensive problem.
©Copyright 2005 by Retro Marketing. Charles Essmeier is the owner of Retro Marketing, a firm devoted to informational Websites, including http://www.End-Your-Debt.com, a site devoted to debt consolidation and credit counseling, and http://www.homeequityhelp.net, a site devoted to information regarding home equity lending.
| | Wal-Mart: Discount Store, Discounted Stock?Written by Dr. Charlie Tian
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Is Wal-Mart a good buy? It is certainly a much better buy than it was 5 years ago, when stock was priced at $70 and a price/earnings ratio of 55. During last 5 years Wal-Mart’s earnings have doubled, but stock has fallen to $49, giving it a P/E of 18. This is what Bill Nygren has to say about Wal-Mart’s P/E ratio: “That’s same earnings multiple as market average, that only makes sense if you think Wal-Mart is an average company.” And he doesn’t. Wal-Mart is rapidly gaining market share in its grocery business, and profit margins for its Sam’s Club are improving. Bill Nygren also likes Wal-Mart’s share-repurchasing plan: “We expect to see an increase in share price on a decreasing share base,” he says. “And obviously, company believes that stock at this price is an attractive investment.” Going to Wal-Mart for its “Everyday Low Prices”? Check if its stock is also low priced! Source: http://www.gurufocus.com/
Dr. Charlie Tian, Director of Research of http://gurufocus.com, the website that tracks the stock picks of Warren Buffett, George Soros and other guru investors like Bill Nygren, Mason Hawkins, Ken Fisher, David Dreman, Martin Whitman, James Gipson, Robert Rodriguez, Ronald Muhlenkamp, Wallace Weitz, William, Ruane, Edward Lampert, Edward Owens, Richard Aster, Jr, Robert Olstein, John Keeley, Brian Rogers and Tweedy, Browne.
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