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Tag: Credit

Check Your Credit

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

One in five people have an error on at least one of their credit reports according to a study conducted by the Federal Trade Commission.

When is the last time you checked your free credit report? Credit reports affect many aspects of your life, including your ability to get a loan, rates for loans and insurance, and more. Sign up today for K-State Research and Extensions’ Check Your Credit email program. We’ll remind you to check your credit report three times during the year on February 2, June 6, and October 10 (2/2, 6/6, 10/10). We will also send you periodic emails with information about how to understand your credit report, correct errors, and use your credit report to your advantage. There is no cost to participate and registration is easy!

Take a step towards financial well-being today by signing up for K-State Research and Extension’s Check Your Credit email program at http://bit.ly/ksrecheckyourcredit .

By: Brenda Langdon

Identity Theft

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

Kansas is seeing an increase in reports or unemployment claim fraud due to identity theft.

Fraudulent claims are being filed using the names and personal information of people who have not lost their jobs. People are often unaware a claim has been made on their behalf until they receive a determination notice in the mail or until their employer receives a notice to verify the employee’s status.

If you suspect a claim has been improperly filed using your identity or your employees’ identity, please contact the Kansas Department of Labor. They will investigate your claim, suspend the fraudulent account if suspicious activity is found and refer the matter over to law enforcement for action.  It is recommended to follow these steps:

  1. Notify all three major credit reporting bureaus, Equifax, TransUnion & Experian and request a “fraud alert” on your credit report.
  2. Contact your banks and credit card companies. Follow their advice as to whether you should close your account.
  3. Contact the Social Security Administration. Order a copy of your Personal Earnings and Benefits Estimate Statement in order to check the accuracy of your work history on file with the SSA.
  4. Notify the Internal Revenue Service. Request a copy of your Wage and Income Transcript from the IRS.
  5. Go to ftc.gov to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission.

By: Brenda Langdon

Check Your Credit

Posted on by Nora Rhoades

One in five people have an error on at least one of their credit reports according to a study conducted by the Federal Trade Commission. When is the last time you checked your free credit report? Check your credit from once a year to once a week.  You can access your credit report from each credit reporting agency – Equifax, Experian, TransUnion@annualcreditreport.com.  Be sure to check your credit and keep errors off your account.  Especially if you are postponing bills, using more credit than usual, applying for loans.

By: Brenda Langdon

Balancing Income and Expenses

Posted on by Nora Rhoades
Brenda Langdon, Family Resource Management Extension Agent

The 5 C’s are a great starting point to assist people who are struggling to balance income and expenses in economic good times or bad such as trying to reduce debt, ​establish an emergency fund, save for retirement, or reach a personal financial goal.

Control – As much of the situation as you can.  Recognize that it is natural to feel the effects of stress.  Developing and following a plan can reduce stress and help you maintain control of your financial position.

Communicate – Talk with family members about available income and resources.  Decide what the family needs now, soon and in a few months.  Then make a plan together.

Be Prepared to Change – To make it through the hard times, look for ways to reduce expenses, use the things you have longer, swap items with others, trade services.

Claim benefits that are due to you – Apply for unemployment, SNAP, utility assistance, and local resources as soon as possible.

Confer with creditors – Don’t ignore the situation.  If you can’t make credit payments contact creditors and work out realistic payment schedules.

By: Brenda Langdon