The 3 Credit Bureaus and Your Privacy

Control Who Sells Your Information: Read the Fine Print

Equifax, with TransUnion, and Experian (mentioned below) make up the Big 3 Bureaus

A few weeks back Financial Plus Federal Credit Union held a seminar here at the Grand Blanc branch outlining steps to protect your identity and what to do if it is stolen. It was an informative program and one bit of information I learned really bothered me, not only because demographic information like spending habits, age, and likely income was being sold, but that it is the very organizations that help us fight ID theft which offer it for sale.

Managing the Finances of Others

 While managing one's personal finances is a significant responsibility, many Americans find themselves responsible for the financial decisions of others. Whether it's an aging parent who needs financial guidance or a friend who is sick or injured, it's no easy task. Thankfully, the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau has recently published a set of documents to help those who are helping others with their finances.

What Purpose Does Money Serve?

If money is a means to an end, whats your end?

 

Thanks to Forbes, I have been introduced to a fantastically practical and already popular blog Mr. Money Mustache. Funny name, yes, but don't let that fool you, this blog is serious about money - saving money. This blog is the ongoing story of one Colorado family (a couple and their child) who set out to retire at age 30 and how they saved enough money ($800,000) to do so. I want to talk a little about their particular situation and how they value money. It's fairly uncommon and frankly, a little extreme, but it has greatly affected me this week.

The Affordable Care Act and You

Open Enrollment Starts October 1

There's been a lot of talk about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and what it means for our lives. Just this morning there was talk on one of the networks that the law remained unclear to many, and understandably so, as we haven't yet seen its full effect. But you don't have to be confused! Here I want to briefly outline what the new law could mean for you and your family. The information here is from the State of Michigan and the US Government, so let's look deeper and get beyond the media hype. Understanding how insurance works is never easy, but you can be better prepared by doing a little reading before October 1.

Are Public Libraries Relevant?

I have been thinking a lot lately about the library of the 21st century. The job descriptions of public librarians look nothing like they did in 1990, and those in 1990 looked far different from those in 1980. Things continue to change rapidly as new technologies emerge and become ubiquitous in the lives of some Americans. Have technological innovations like the internet, e-books, and databases made physical libraries unnecessary?

What's a Business Center, anyway?

Robert T. Bolo, Jr. Business Center

When you hear "business center" what comes to mind? My mind immediately goes to the business centers you see in airport terminals or hotels. These places are used by "business people" to print, fax, scan, make use the wireless internet, or simply use an electrical outlet to charge their phone while they are traveling. Generally self-serve and unstaffed, these locations bear little resemblance to the GDL Business Center in Grand Blanc.

So You Want to Start a Business...

 You Have an Idea - Now What? 

Starting a business is a challenge. 

Where do I start? 

Is my idea viable?

What's a business plan?

Luckily, there is a wealth of information available to Michigan entrepreneurs looking for advice and guidance. You don't have to do it alone! See full post for more information.