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I received the following question from a Minter via the Mint.com Facebook page:
Question: “John, I just got all of my credit reports for free and there are some items that are old, accurate, and just downright bad. I’d love to get rid of them. The materials that came with the credit reports make it pretty clear that I can dispute information that’s incorrect and get it corrected.
But I have a different dilemma: I have information that I know is correct that I’d like to get removed. Is there any downside to disputing information on a credit report that you know to be accurate? Can I get in trouble?”
Answer: First things first, the Fair Credit Reporting Act gives each of us the right to challenge information on our credit reports with which we don’t agree. There’s nothing in that law that prohibits consumers from disputing information on their credit reports for any reason.
Further, “accurate or inaccurate” is not the only variable that can cause the credit reporting agencies to remove something from a credit report. Your credit report information must be able to be verified, right or wrong.
So, if you disputed something from your credit reports and the furnishing party failed to respond to the credit bureaus, the item would be deemed unverifiable and would be removed.
It may have been perfectly accurate, but because the lender couldn’t or wouldn’t confirm its accuracy –bye, bye negative information!
Is it wrong to dispute correct information?
I’m not the morality police, and you can do what you want to do, but you do have the right to challenge any information on your report — whether it’s correct or not.
It’s your right to have correct and verifiable information on your credit reports. I can’t speak for them, but I imagine they’d also want your credit report to be fully accurate and verifiable.
How to file disputes with the credit bureaus
1. Request credit report
In order to find any errors or unattractive figures to dispute, you’ll first need to obtain an updated copy of your credit report from each of the credit reporting bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
one free credit report each year which you can order from annualcreditreport.com or you can access your credit score right in the Mint app. Many banks and credit card companies will also allow you to pull your credit report on a monthly basis.
2. Identify errors
Once you’ve obtained a recent credit score, you should carefully review the information displayed. Is the credit history right? What about your credit balance? Are there any errors or items that may be inaccurate? If yes, print out the report and follow through with these next few steps to dispute all inaccurate or negative items on your credit report.
3. Fill out a credit bureau dispute form
Each of the credit bureaus has an area of their website dedicated to credit report disputes. Here, you’ll find instructions and dispute forms for each. To make it easy on our Minters, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you and collected all of the resources you’ll need to dispute something on your credit report.
Here’s where to find dispute forms for all three major credit bureaus:
Note: If the information you want to dispute appears on all three reports, you’ll need to file a separate dispute with each of the credit reporting bureaus.
4. Print out your credit report and notate the errors
In step two you printed out your original credit report. Now, you’ll want to notate the errors you noticed on your report by circling the items you wish to have changed. It’s important that the credit bureau knows exactly what your request is about, so be extra careful here and make sure the information you’re citing here matches the description on your credit report dispute form.
5. Send your dispute to the credit bureau(s)
In order to learn how to dispute a credit report and win, you’ll likely want to include as much information as possible to support your case. That said, you’ll need to include some items in addition to your dispute claim and your credit report.
Depending on what type of things you want to dispute on your credit report, your case may require different documents. For example, if you are trying to remove a closed credit card account from your score, you might include a record of the closed account with your documents. If you want to dispute a collection amount, you should provide proof of the settled debt or a receipt that shows you made the required payments.
Once you have all of your documents put together, there are a few ways you can approach the dispute process:
Online: For many, the easiest way to go through the dispute process is by simply uploading your dispute and relative documents online (you can use the links referenced above to do so).
By phone: You can also file a dispute by phone with Equifax and TransUnion—Experian does not offer this option.
Equifax: 1-866-349-5191
TransUnion: 1-800-916-8800
By mail: Lastly, you can send your dispute and documents by certified mail with a return receipt.
Experian
P.O. Box 9701
Allen, TX 75013
Equifax
P.O. Box 740256
Atlanta, GA 30374-0256
TransUnion
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19016
Some words of advice: how to dispute credit report and win
Wondering “does disputing credit work?” Unfortunately, it’s not always that simple…but there are certainly some things you can do to increase your odds. If you do file disputes with the credit bureaus, you should think about how to word your letter. I’m not sure I’d go so far as to tell them you want accurate information removed. I’d simply ask that they verify what’s already being reported.
After you file your dispute, the credit bureaus will contact the furnishing party, normally a lender or a collection agency. These parties are formally referred to as “data furnishers” or “furnishers” for short.
It’s their responsibility to investigate your claim and get back to the credit bureaus, normally within 30 days, but there are some scenarios when it can take 45 days.
If they confirm the accuracy of the credit reporting, then you’ll likely have to live with it until the credit bureaus have to remove the item, which normally takes 7 years for the bad stuff.
How to re-dispute an item
Sometimes deleted credit report items disappear only to come back to haunt you some weeks, months, or years later. You can certainly choose to re-dispute the item with the credit bureaus. They’ll likely send another dispute form (called an “ACDV”) to the furnisher asking them to investigate the item again.
However, unless you’ve contacted the furnisher and convinced them that it’s wrong, they’ll likely send the same response to the credit bureaus.
If you choose to dispute the item again, you should be aware that the credit bureaus do not have to honor your request unless you provide some new information.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act allows the bureaus to consider repetitive disputes to be frivolous and ignore them.
Takeaways: How to dispute credit reports and win
You’re entitled to accurate and verifiable information on your credit report
You can file a dispute with the credit bureaus by phone, mail, or online
When filing a credit dispute, include as much information as possible to support your claim
If your dispute is rejected, you can choose to re-dispute the claim with the credit reporting bureaus
Do you have a credit questions for John Ulzheimer? Head over to the Mint.com Facebook page and ask away!
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Where are the best spots to chill out in Atlanta? The answer could be your own home, if you find the right place.
There is so much to do in Atlanta that it’s not hard to find a spot that gives off soothing vibes. However, that public spot is one you have to share with the rest of the city. What’s better is finding it in your own community.
Apartments in Atlanta with spa-like amenities and special features that are perfect for relaxing can enhance your living experience overall. They’ll give you a little peace among the hustle that city living offers up.
Even if you think you know everything about Atlanta, here are some of the best apartments that give you an experience that’s better than the tranquility you’ll find at the spa.
Source: Rent. / Arts Center Tower
Looking for that perfect chill spot in Atlanta? The outdoor lounge at Arts Center Tower is a great choice. A nice stone fireplace sits outdoors surrounded by comfy patio furniture. There are TVs and a grilling and dining area, too. Two cornhole sets complete the area.
Even better, this Northeast Atlanta community has a landscaped zen garden and pool for additional places to relax.
Source: Rent. / Camden Buckhead
Can luxury exist in a bathroom? With a shower like the one at Camden Buckhead, you’d better believe it can. Have a spa experience at home every day with this massive, multi-sprayer shower. Clean white marble and plenty of space make the experience even better. While not all bathrooms at Camden Buckhead look the same, they all come with a little refinement.
Fancy bathrooms fit right in here in Buckhead. This upscale neighborhood is one of the most desirable areas for locals. Camden Buckhead sweetens the pot with additional amenities like a dog spa, 24-hour fitness club, pocket parks and saltwater swimming pool.
Source: Rent. / Gables Midtown
Commune with nature among the trees in the outdoor dining area at Gables Midtown. With grills right beside it, this is the perfect space to have a nice, relaxing meal. Surrounded by greenery with a nice pergola above, you’ll forget you’re in the city.
Close to Piedmont Park, in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Atlanta, this Piedmont Heights community has plenty of amenities. Take advantage of the complimentary bike rental to go explore the park, then use the cyber lounge, pet parlor, pool and fitness center when at home.
Source: Rent. / The Maverick Townhomes
Cozy up around the fire at The Maverick Townhomes for a quality moment of serenity. Large-backed chairs pull up to the brick outdoor fireplace, creating a nice peaceful pocket to relax in alone or with friends.
Located in Peoplestown, one of many neighborhoods along The BeltLine, The Maverick Townhomes is a unique find. Amenities include a covered pavilion and amphitheater with scheduled events and so much more.
Source: Rent. / Station R
Take a break where it’s easiest, a place with cool vibes and plenty of seating. That’s what you’ll find at Station R. The large outdoor lounge has a covered, couch-filled section, tables with umbrellas and a nice patch of grass to bring it all together.
Other amenities of this Reynoldstown community include a pet spa, yoga and spin studio and an entertainment kitchen. Situated in a quieter part of town, you’ll enjoy the diverse and friendly atmosphere of this walkable location.
Source: Rent. / Aven Chastain
If your ideal relaxation spot is one you can access whenever you want, find an apartment with a great balcony. The one at Aven Chastain checks plenty of boxes, being a nice size and overlooking plenty of greenery. The community also features a bark park, poolside kitchen, lounge area and more.
Within the friendly and established community of High Point, living here puts you close to Chastain Park on the south side of the city. You also slide up to The BeltLine for easy access.
Source: Rent. / The Reserve at La Vista Walk
Grab an Adirondack chair and settle in beside the stone-framed fountain at The Reserve at La Vista Walk. Located beside the outdoor dining area, you can chill here before or after eating al fresco. There are four courtyards to enjoy here, along with landscaped Zen gardens. It’s a nice variety of comforting outdoor spaces to choose from.
Other amenities within this Martin Manor community include a 24-hour fitness center with group exercise classes, a remote workspace and lap and lounge pools with cabanas.
Source: Rent. / Camden Phipps
It’s back to the bathrooms for a spa-like experience at Camden Phipps. It’s the height of luxury apartment living, to have a bathroom with two sinks, a tub and a separate shower. Soft lighting and cool hues on the wall enhance the spa vibes coming from this great space that you’re guaranteed to use every day you call this community home.
Mirroring the nice bathrooms, this Buckhead community has killer balconies. You’ll also find a 24-hour fitness center and outdoor entertainment area complete with grilling stations.
Source: Rent. / The Peach Atlanta
Soak in city views on your own private balcony at The Peach Atlanta. Unwind after a long day or gear up for a fun weekend in the ATL. These curved balconies give you a broader view of a combination of mature trees and city buildings. Other calming amenities in this Northeast Atlanta community include jacuzzi tubs and extra-large bathrooms.
If you ever decide to leave your apartment, you can take advantage of the rooftop deck and lounge, workspace and private, pet-friendly park.
Source: Rent. / Wesley Townsend
If all you need is a really good chair to lounge in when it’s time for a break, visit Wesley Townsend. This opulent community has a few different lounges, each with deep couches and chairs to settle into, and large windows to brighten the space.
Offering up complimentary Saturday breakfast, this Colonial neighborhood community is in the middle of everything. The area boasts some great restaurants, shops and art venues.
Find an Atlanta apartment that’s better than going to the spa
No matter what amenities speak to you while you’re on the hunt in Atlanta, make sure you don’t discount the need for some R&R. As you look at those amazing gyms, sparkling pools and great parking, take some time to scope out whether the community has a space perfect for chilling. Finding that will complete the package and make for an amazing place to call home.
Save more, spend smarter, and make your money go further
Over the past five months, I’ve had the unexpected pleasure of traveling the country with Mint to talk in 11 different cities about money in celebration of the book my company recently released, The Financial Diet. My partner Lauren and I, along with our spouses or other members of the TFD team, joined Mint up and down both coasts and in the middle of the country to speak honestly with our audience about what money means to them, and the unique challenges that their city brings, financially. (Oh, and we also drank awesome wine and had tons of great finger food — but that joy was somehow secondary to the genuine love we felt being with the community we have grown over the past few years.)
And talking about money, for us, isn’t just a hashtag, or a way to promote our book. It is the very reason we have done what we do these past few years, the thing that motivates us when we get up each day for work. Because if I hadn’t been lightly pushed by my exasperated then-boyfriend to download Mint four years ago, and forced myself into a conversation about my finances that has grown past anything I could have ever conceived, I would still almost certainly be in a position where money alternately terrified and bored me. I was terrible with money because I refused to talk or even think about it, and everything from ruining my credit score to going into credit card debt felt completely irreversible because of that fundamental fear. But I know now that in talking about money, in confronting it head-on and making it a value-neutral, ongoing conversation in your life, you can overcome any obstacle or fix any mistake, financially. Life is long, and today is always the best day to get started living it well.
It was interesting, though, seeing that even amongst the groups of women who came to our events, who came from incredibly diverse backgrounds and approached their individual finances in entirely different ways, that there were themes which kept reappearing over and over. Yes, there were unique challenges to each city (Austin is growing much too quickly for its residents to keep up, Atlanta is in desperate need of improved public transportation), but there were also common threads that we heard almost without exception at each stop. Here, the four things we heard most frequently while talking about money on the road.
“My partner and I don’t agree about how to deal with money. How do we overcome that?”
One of the biggest recurring themes at our tour events was the idea that couples fundamentally disagreed on how to handle, or even talk about, money. And that’s not surprising — everyone comes to a relationship with money baggage, whether it comes from being raised with a lot of it, very little of it, or something in-between. Some people were raised to avoid the topic entirely, others were taught to micromanage every detail. And as our money and relationships expert Olivia Mellan explains in our book, the most common dynamic in relationships is a spender who is married to a saver, in whatever form they may take. One person simply plays closer and more conservatively with money than the other, and from that fundamental disagreement can stem near-endless problems.
But two fundamental components of any healthy, long-term relationship from a financial view are 1) speaking openly and frequently about money, so that secrets cannot accrue or small cracks cannot expand, and 2) having a separate, independent bank account for each member of the couple which is totally their own. Even if it’s just a very small amount, a tiny discretionary fund, it is so important for each person to feel empowered and fulfilled by what they want to spend (or save) on without having to ask the other person for permission.
In your “fun fund,” you might want to devote half to saving for a girl’s trip and half to spending on skincare products. Or you might want to use it to take yourself to movies and dinner sometimes, or just save for something big you can’t even imagine yet. But having money that is entirely individual provides a release valve for all of the other compromises that will be made on the money you share.
Two people never have to fully agree on money, but they do have to learn to live with one another’s money baggage and differing approaches. Having the topic be an open, value-neutral one, and having that separate money for individual spending, allow that to happen.
“What do you do when you earn much more than your friends, or much less?”
One story I found myself telling over and over on the tour was the experience I had through high school and college, when I was a decidedly middle-class person in an undeniably rich-kid town. I socialized with many, many people whose parents earned (literally) ten times what mine did, and whose lives and access looked wildly different as a result. And aside from profoundly skewing my idea of what “normal” was — I didn’t know then that it wasn’t normal to have many friends who went to a $30,000-per-year high school — it also led me to spend money I didn’t have in an effort to keep up appearances.
I went into credit card debt, tanked my credit score, and drained eight years’ worth of summer job savings all in the span of about a year, wasting that money on a lifestyle that never belonged to me. And from that experience, I learned that the most important thing anyone can do for their mental health when it comes to the finances of your social life is to make sure that you have at least some friends who are close to your level, financially, because being the only one on one side or another of the spectrum will only lead to a distortion of perspective and deep self-consciousness.
Beyond that, it is up to the person who is more comfortable financially to lead the conversation, offer options, be candid with costs, and not expect the other person to follow suit. Having more money in a friendship is a great place of privilege, and one that requires both sensitivity and understanding that the conversation might not come easily to the person with less. But above all, no matter how much you earn, the phrase “it’s not in my budget” needs to be in everyone’s vocabulary. There is nothing chic about going into credit card debt to pay for someone else’s idea of a social life.
“Do I really have to have a retirement account?”
At the risk of sounding like your parents, yes. Absolutely yes.
And although the women at our events were almost universally savvy, motivated women, this question came up again and again. Having a retirement account can feel like that sort of vague, important-in-theory thing you can easily put off, but every day you are not putting that pre-tax money away (and particularly if you are missing out on an employer match) is a day you will be kicking yourself for later.
Although it may not feel that way, we will all want to retire one day, and not having the option to leave our jobs is something that no one should have to face. The younger you start saving, the more time you have to let that money grow and work for you, and although it may not be as immediately-satisfying as spending that money on something you want in the short term, once you start your retirement saving, there is a profound comfort to be found in watching it grow over time and knowing that that money is the nest you are building for yourself, because you care about yourself enough to take care of Future You.
“How do I balance paying off my loans with living life?”
Ultimately, the biggest question that most people face when it comes down to the day-to-day of personal finance is how to live the life you want while doing what is right for you. And for many people, that means balancing their loan payments (which for many people can feel overwhelming) with the other things you’d frankly much rather be doing with your money. But something we have learned over the years at TFD is that, first of all, you probably need much less than you imagine you do to be happy.
When we were first starting the company and could not take a salary for over a year, Lauren and I suddenly saw our household incomes drop by nearly half, and had to severely reduce our lifestyles as a result. And though it was self-imposed in starting a business, it taught us that so much of what we were spending on, so much of what we felt was necessary to our happiness or fulfillment, was really just mindless buying.
Lauren as an example lived at home until she was 25 in order to help pay down her loans, and though she certainly longed to live on her own earlier, she was able to find a readjusted idea of happiness while living with her parents. When I went to community college instead of the four-year schools I dreamed of to save money, I wished I could sign on the dotted line to go to those dream schools, but I learned to be happy in the life I was living.
The greater the gap you can create between “what you could technically afford to spend” and “what you need to spend in order to live well,” the wealthier you will feel, regardless of what you earn. And if repaying loans is part of your day-to-day money life, you must learn to treat that money as never yours in the first place — you can’t count what your life would be like with that loan money and then watch it go out the door, or you will be full of resentment and envy each month.
You have what you have, you owe what you owe, you are who you are.
Now with all that information, take stock of your life. Go through every purchase last month and highlight every one you don’t remember making. Realize how much of your spending is done without even thinking, and how many purchases really don’t bring you much happiness in the long run. And if you can start thinking about your money like that — reduced down to the essence of what matters, and what has real value — suddenly the balancing act won’t seem nearly as hard as you thought.
Tired of sitting in traffic day after day, or having to adhere to unreliable public transportation schedules? If you’ve ever envied those cyclists whizzing by your car, you might want to look into the option of riding your bike to work. Not only will your commute be more pleasant, but it’s a great way to stay in shape. However, being in the right location is key, as well as a few other factors. Here’s some things to consider in your quest to bike to work.
Location, Location, Location
You may want to grab your cycling gear and start peddling away, but ensuring your apartment is in a good location for making the ride is hugely important. How many miles are you willing to ride? If you live in the suburbs, you may have to bike to public transportation to make some of your journey: does your transport system allow bikes? Take a look at apartments near where you work and see if they might fit your taste and budget.
Is Your City Cycle-Friendly?
Many US cities are taking steps to ensure their city is perfect for those who want to ride their bike to work. For example, Chicago offers cycle paths and bike lanes in many of its communities, as does New York City and Boston. Cycling commuters in Atlanta not only have bike lanes, but they also have the added bonus of busses with bike racks on the front and spaces to put their bikes on public transportation service, MARTA. Bike-friendly Greenville, SC, a smaller city which encourages active living, continues to expand its massive Swamp Rabbit Trail, and bike repair stations have popped up all over the city.
Want to know if your city is bike friendly? Check out Thrillist’s compilation of the top cycling friendly cities in America for more details.
The Sweat Solution
One of the facts of cycling to work is that it’s possible to work up a sweat, particularly during the warm summer season. Check with your office to see if there’s a gym on the premises with a shower you can use. Additionally, if you’re looking to get fit, there might be a nearby gym that you can join and use its facilities. No showers? No problem. A pack of baby wipes, some deodorant and dry shampoo spray can work wonders in a pinch.
Hot Tip: Some offices have a ‘bike to work day.’ If yours does, ride to work on this day to check out the lifestyle.
Storing Your Ride
All the bike paths in the world won’t matter if there isn’t a place to park and secure your bike when you get home. Check with your apartment community to see if they offer bike storage, or other secure locations to park your bike. Or ask if you can install wall hooks to simply hang your bicycle on the wall when you get home — hey, instant art! It’s also important to check with your work to see what storage options they offer, and how secure they are.
Are you ready to make the switch to biking to work? Maybe you already do and have some pointers? Get social with us and tell uswaht you’ve learned!
As it happened, Thompson had just been passed over for the vacated manager’s job at a Whitehall Jewellers store at the Arbor Place shopping mall in Douglasville, Ga., even though he had served as assistant manager. “At the time, I was young and very driven,” Hayes said. “I had a problem that I had been … [Read more…]
Gov. Brian P. Kemp has announced that Creative Home Ideas, a YMF Company and design-house focused on home fashion, will create 70 new jobs and invest more than $15 million in a new distribution and light manufacturing facility in Liberty County.
“Last year, 85% of jobs created through economic development projects were located outside metro Atlanta, and we’re proud to welcome even more opportunity to rural areas like Liberty County,” Gov. Kemp said. “Through our reliable infrastructure, growing broadband connections, and world-class workforce development programs, the Peach State is attracting unprecedented levels of job creation. This is just the latest example of that success, and we’re thankful that Creative Home Ideas had Georgia on their minds when they made this choice.”
Started in 1981, Creative Home Ideas is a family-owned business with expertise in designing, manufacturing, and distributing fresh and innovative home decor. The company’s collections include bedding, bath, kitchen, window treatments, decorative pillows, throw blankets, and rugs.
“YMF Carpets is very excited to be expanding our operations into the South,” said Yaron Shemesh, CEO of YMF Carpets, Inc. “The facility we are planning will include light manufacturing which will allow us to grow our business and reach company goals while taking advantage of the proximity to the port of Savannah. We have enjoyed working with Liberty County and are looking forward to establishing a long relationship with the Georgia Ports Authority as well as the Midway community.”
Operations are expected to begin in 2024. The company will be hiring for light manufacturing, warehouse, shipping, customer service, and back office personnel. Interested individuals can learn more about working at Creative Home Ideas at Creative_ Home Ideas_Sunsbury_ [email protected].
“We are pleased and excited that Creative Home Ideas, a company with a reputation for innovation and growth, has selected Tradeport East Business Center as the best location to make a substantial investment for its future growth,” said Liberty County Development Authority Chairman Allen Brown. “Like the other corporations that have preceded them in selecting and investing in Tradeport East, we are confident that Creative Home Ideas will also find that Liberty County is a prime location to Come Grow Globally.”
Creative Home Ideas’ new facility will be located at 1962 Sunbury Road.
“We’re happy to welcome New Jersey-based Creative Home Ideas to Coastal Georgia,” said Executive Director of the Georgia Ports Authority Griff Lynch. “Its new distribution center will not only boost the local economy, it will set the company at the center of a logistics hub that puts global and domestic markets within easy reach.”
Senior Project Manager Adela Kelley represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) Global Commerce team on this competitive project in partnership with Liberty County Development Authority, the Georgia Ports Authority, and Georgia Power.
“Creative Home Ideas is a great addition to Georgia’s community of home-improvement companies, bringing with it many iconic brands,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “By working with Georgia Ports Authority, Liberty County has created a successful environment for companies to grow by connecting them to domestic and international markets. Port activity supports one in nine jobs across the state, and that impact continues to grow as Georgia solidifies its position as a global business and logistics hub. We’re thankful for the dedication of partners like Liberty County and the ports, and congratulations to Creative Home Ideas.
There are a number of preconceived notions about life in the south. Not everyone in Texas wears cowboy boots and hats and rides a horse. Not does everyone in the South have a gun and a truck. There are some surprises, however: parts of the south get snow and you’ll find skiers and hockey fans. Not what you thought? So what can you expect if you’re moving to the south?
It’s hotter in summer
The heat and humidity will be out in full force during the summer months. But southerners have a plan for that. Most homes and businesses have central AC. This will allow you some relief from what may feel – at first – like sweltering heat. Many apartment complexes will also have a pool as one of the amenities. Some will even offer covered parking. The flip side, of course, is that you’ll rarely suffer in winter, and you’ll have four mostly-mild seasons.
Related article: South tops the list of fastest-growing cities
Related article: Walking to work from your apartment
Are you ready for some football?
Whether you’re in Texas, Alabama, Georgia or another southern state, southerners love their college football. It really is a part of the culture. Life in the South during the autumn is full of football. Fierce but fun rivalries dominate conversations, clothing and even front yards and porches. When you hear your normally mild-mannered neighbor yelling at the TV, it’s probably football season.
Southern culture
Once you cross over the Mason-Dixon line, there is a cultural shift. People in the South are known for their hospitality. They’re known for their friendliness as well. This is not to say people from the North are unfriendly, or not nice. Northern culture is simply more reserved. Southerners will engage you in conversation at the grocery store, the mall, or any public place. Your neighbors will be interested in getting to know you. Common outdoor spaces will make this a natural occurrence.
The food
Cornbread, southern fried steak, barbecue and collard greens are all part of Southern cuisine. Expect dishes to be spicier than northern cuisine, too. Southern food is influenced by Spanish and African flavor profiles. So, when you’re checking out that hot new restaurant in town, you might want a glass of milk with your meal, to help you handle the heat.
Iced tea will likely be sweet (heavy on the sugar) unless you order an “unsweet.” A meat-and-three is a restaurant which serves comfort-style entrees like meatloaf or fried chicken, with your choice of southern veggies (which might include apple sauce and mac-n-cheese, y’all). You’ll meet plenty of bourbon drinkers, but the craft beer craze has very much spread across the South.
Related article: Community gardens influence neighborhood choice
Hey Y’all
Southern dialects are distinctly different from those of the North. Keep in mind that the accents do vary depending on the region. Northern Alabama accents are different from Southern Alabama accents. Louisiana accents are very different from Georgia or Texas accents. Coastal Carolina has a distinctly different sound than mountain Carolina dialects. You’ll have fun learning the difference.
Public transportation
If you’re used to metros with lots of trains or rail service, you may be in for a bit of a shock when you move. Southerners rely heavily on their cars. Atlanta, Charlotte and Dallas have rail service for commuters, but do some research on neighborhoods before you sign a lease, if you’re hoping for public transport options. You may be looking at the city bus.
If you’re tired of the snow and bitter cold, by all means, consider moving to the South. The culture is friendly and the food is good. Get yourself a glass of sweet tea and meet your neighbors down by the pool.
Active-duty military members face incredible stress. Whether they’re in combat zones or serving during times of peace, our service members experience challenges civilians may not consider, including being deployed and away from loved ones for months at a time.
So if you’re serving in the military, you may not be focused on opening new credit accounts or taking out loans. But putting an active-duty alert on your credit report makes it harder for thieves to open an account in your name, which can’t replace precious time with your family, but it can help alleviate concerns about identity theft while you’re deployed.
What Is an Active-Duty Alert?
An active-duty alert tells potential creditors and lenders you’re deployed and they should verify your identity before giving you credit. It appears on all three of your credit reports from the major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.
An active-duty alert functions in the same way as an initial fraud alert. Before granting credit, the lender should make a phone call to determine that you were the one who filled out the application.
Once you apply for an active-duty alert with one of the three major bureaus — Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian — that bureau must share the information with the other two credit bureaus. That means you only need to fill out the online application or mail the paperwork once. If you’re deployed, you can give a representative power of attorney (legal authority) to verify your identity or remove the active-duty alert for you.
As an added benefit, with an active-duty alert on your credit report, you won’t receive prescreened credit card or insurance offers for two years after placing the alert. You can also receive two free credit reports from each credit bureau the year you place an active-duty alert.
How Active-Duty Alerts Work
Once you fill out the application for an active-duty alert, it becomes harder for someone — including you — to take out a loan or apply for credit in your name. That can protect you from headaches and stress while you’re serving your country.
When a creditor sees an active-duty alert on your credit file, they’re supposed to call the phone number you provided to verify your identity before processing the application. You can easily remove the active-duty alert or change the phone number with the credit bureau where you initially filed the alert.
How Long Does an Active-Duty Alert Last?
An active-duty alert lasts for one year from the date it’s granted or until you remove it, whichever comes first. While you only have to apply for an active-duty alert with one bureau, you must remove them from all three of your credit reports individually.
However, your name stays off mailing lists for prescreened credit card and insurance offers for two years. You can also reapply for an active-duty alert after your first one expires.
If you’re a victim of identity theft, it’s better to apply for an extended fraud alert, which stays on your credit report for seven years.
How to Set Up an Active-Duty Alert
Setting up an active-duty alert is easy and free. You can do it online or by mail. The process differs slightly among all three credit bureaus, but the basic process is similar.
Choose where you’d like to file your active-duty fraud alert. Decide if you’d like to file your alert with TransUnion, Experian, or Equifax. The credit bureau you use will pass the information on to the other two.
Gather the appropriate information. You must provide your legal name, Social Security number, and address.
Submit the form. If you typically use a particular bureau to manage your credit score, use that one. Otherwise, you can use any of the three. You have the option to mail the form, use the website, or call the toll-free number.
Equifax P.O. Box 105069 Atlanta, GA 30348-5069
800-525-6285 Online
Experian P.O. Box 9554 Allen, TX 75013
888-EXPERIAN (397-3742) Online
TransUnion P.O. Box 2000 Chester, PA 19016
800-916-8800 Online
Final Word
It may not be as easy to keep tabs on your finances or review credit card statements while you’re serving. But placing an active-duty alert on your credit reports makes it harder for thieves to steal your identity or open credit cards in your name.
But you don’t have to stop there. TransUnion provides an additional service. TransUnion Active Duty Credit Monitoring offers unlimited access to your TransUnion credit report daily and emailed alerts if the service detects any significant changes to your credit report. Your subscription lasts for two years. After that, you may have to recertify your status as active-duty military.
Today’s tools make it easy for military members serving at home or overseas to keep tabs on their credit and manage their financial future. Leveraging active-duty fraud alerts, TransUnion’s credit monitoring, and financial products designed for active military members and veterans can help you save money and protect your credit as you serve your country.
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Dawn Allcot is a full-time freelance writer and content marketing expert, specializing in personal finance, technology, real estate, and insurance. Her work has been widely published across the web, including on Bankrate, The Balance, Solvable, and the award-winning Chase News & Stories portal. Dawn is, additionally, the founder of GeekTravelGuide.net, a travel, technology, and entertainment website for the geek in all of us.
You were running around doing errands all weekend. From the field at your kid’s soccer game to the mall, it seems as though you covered every square inch of your town. You get home and check your pocket; your wallet is missing.
Don’t panic. In addition to calling your bank and credit card companies to report your cards lost or stolen or using your banking app to turn off your cards, you can take other steps to protect yourself from identity theft and credit card fraud.
In fact, if you have any reason to be concerned about identity theft or fraud,there’s a free service all three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax) offer that can help you protect yourself: a fraud alert.
What Is a Credit Report Fraud Alert?
A credit report fraud alert tells creditors you may have recently been a victim of identity theft. Once you add a fraud alert to your credit report through one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) that credit bureau also alerts the other two organizations. When potential lenders and creditors see a fraud alert, they should take additional steps to verify your identity before granting credit.
Credit report fraud alerts are different from other types of alerts, such as credit freezes or identity theft reports. A credit freeze prevents anyone, including you, from accessing your credit report without your permission. An identity theft report, as the name suggests, shows creditors that you recently fell victim to identity theft.
If you file an identity theft report, you should also put a fraud alert on your credit report or even freeze your report to make it harder for criminals to open new lines of credit in your name. As an added benefit, when you place a fraud alert on your credit report, you’re eligible to get a free copy of your credit report from all three credit bureaus twice in that year instead of just once.
Types of Credit Report Fraud Alerts
Consumers can rely on three different types of credit report fraud alerts, depending on the situation. They vary in duration and who qualifies for each type of alert.
Initial Fraud Alert
If you worry you’ve been a victim of fraud or just want an added layer of protection for your credit and identity, you can easily apply for an initial fraud alert. This alert lasts for one year. It encourages companies to take an extra step, like calling a phone number you provide, to confirm you filled out a new credit or loan application.
An initial fraud alert doesn’t prevent you from applying for new credit. (That’s the job of a credit freeze.) It also doesn’t prevent criminals from using your existing credit cards if they’ve gained access to your account number.
Extended Fraud Alert
An extended fraud alert lasts for seven years. It takes a little more paperwork to apply, but it’s also free.
You can only apply if you’re a victim of identity theft and file a police report or a report at IdentityTheft.gov. Since gathering all the documentation takes time, you can file an initial fraud alert in the meantime.
In addition to receiving an additional free copy of your credit report from all three bureaus the year you place the alert, you will also be removed from marketing lists for unsolicited credit card and insurance offers for five years.
Active-Duty Alert
Members of the U.S. military can protect their credit for added peace of mind while they’re deployed. An active-duty alert functions just like an initial fraud alert, making it harder for someone to open a new account in your name. Like an initial fraud alert, an active-duty alert lasts for one year.
How Credit Report Fraud Alerts Work
When you file a credit report fraud alert, banks, credit card companies, and lenders should take an extra step to verify your information before approving your credit application.
Often, that means they must call a phone number you provide to verify that you really completed the application. A fraud alert also allows you to secure a second free credit report from each of the three bureaus in the year you initiate the report.
Keep in mind that a fraud alert does not stop criminals from using your existing credit cards to make fraudulent purchases.
Placing a Credit Report Fraud Alert
Fortunately, it’s easy and free to place a fraud alert on your credit report. Once you place the alert with one credit bureau, they share the information with the other bureaus. The steps you take depend on whether you want to place an initial fraud alert or an extended one.
How to Place an Initial Fraud Alert
You don’t need to be a victim of identity theft or credit card fraud to request an initial fraud alert. To place one, reach out to one of the three credit bureaus. Each has a slightly different process.
Equifax
Visit Equifax’s fraud and active-duty alert page to place a fraud alert with Equifax. You must log in to your account and provide your name, address, and Social Security number. You can also call 800-525-6285 to request a fraud alert by phone.
Experian
To place a fraud alert with Experian, you can visit the fraud alert center and select “Add a fraud alert.” Choose the type of alert, and then fill out the information requested on the form. You need a valid email address and your Social Security number. You can also call to place a fraud alert at 888-EXPERIAN (888-397-3742).
TransUnion
To place your fraud alert with TransUnion, visit TransUnion’s fraud alert page. Log in to your TransUnion account and provide a valid email address and your Social Security number. You can also call 800-916-8800 to place a fraud alert by phone.
How to Place an Extended Fraud Alert on Your Credit Reports
Placing an extended fraud alert requires a few extra steps and some additional information. For example, you must file and submit an identity theft report. You can download the form to mail at these websites:
Each credit bureau has slightly different requirements to prove your identity and address.
Before mailing the form, gather all the documents you must mail with it, including the:
Police report, law enforcement agency report, or Federal Trade Commission identity theft report
Photocopy of documentation to prove your identity, such as your Social Security card, pay stub with your Social Security number, W2, or 1099.
Photocopy of paperwork to prove your mailing address, such as a driver’s license or state ID card, rental lease agreement, house deed, pay stub showing your address, bank statement with your address, or utility bill with your address.
TransUnion also accepts a canceled check with your home address, a stamped P.O. Box receipt, or a signed letter from a homeless shelter as proof of residence.
Once you’ve gathered this information, send it to one of the bureaus along with the extended fraud alert form you downloaded from the website. Experian allows you to upload the form and supporting documents electronically.
Once you’ve gathered the necessary documentation, mail the form you downloaded and printed to the appropriate address below.
Equifax Information Services LLC P.O. Box 105069 Atlanta, GA 30348-5069
If you’re wondering if you should place a credit report fraud alert, then you should. A fraud alert can help protect you from identity theft and credit card fraud, which provides added peace of mind.
If you’ve been a victim of fraud or recently lost your wallet or misplaced important documents like your driver’s license, it’s worth taking the time to place a credit report fraud alert.
Although a credit report fraud alert can’t stop thieves from using your existing credit cards (you have to report those stolen), it makes it harder for someone to open new credit in your name.
If you place an extended fraud alert, you’ll also be free from unsolicited credit card or insurance applications for five years. That means less junk mail and less chance thieves can open credit cards or apply for insurance in your name.
Final Word
While the Federal Trade Commission’s data shows instances of credit card fraud dropped slightly from 2021 to 2022, the amount of money scammed from consumers rose by 30% in the past year, up to a staggering $8.8 billion. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect yourself.
For instance, use virtual account numbers for online shopping, read your bank and credit card statements carefully, and sign up to receive notifications via text if a card shows unusual activity. Finally, set up an initial credit report fraud alert as an added layer of identity protection.
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Dawn Allcot is a full-time freelance writer and content marketing expert, specializing in personal finance, technology, real estate, and insurance. Her work has been widely published across the web, including on Bankrate, The Balance, Solvable, and the award-winning Chase News & Stories portal. Dawn is, additionally, the founder of GeekTravelGuide.net, a travel, technology, and entertainment website for the geek in all of us.
From restaurants like Denny’s to Holiday Inns to county fairs, someone is frequently offering the chance to bring the little ones along without paying for them. So it’s only natural to ask: Are there kids-fly-free airlines?
For children too old to spend the whole flight in your lap, the short answer is no.
But which airline has the cheapest child fares? That would be Frontier Airlines. The airline boasts a Kids Fly Free program, but these deals are only available to people who pay for annual Discount Den memberships.
Are there other discounted kids’ fares? You won’t find a lot of those, either. After all, a plane seat has the same value to the airline no matter the age of the passenger sitting in it.
But if you have very little little ones, if you fly Frontier a lot or if you can find an applicable kids-fly-free promotion, you just might get your kids on the plane at a significant discount.
On which airlines do kids fly free?
Only Frontier Airlines offers an ongoing program where kids can fly free (more on that later).
However, if you fly Southwest Airlines with regularity and have earned a Companion Pass, your child can accompany you as your companion on a flight for only taxes and fees, which start at $5.60 one-way. Pass holders can change their companion up to three times per calendar year, and if your child is age 6 or younger, you can also take advantage of family boarding perks.
Lap infants
Most major airlines will let babies on board for free, provided they don’t take up a seat. American Airlines, for example, has a pretty standard policy: Kids under 2 years old can travel free on the lap of an accompanying passenger age 16 or older on domestic flights.
United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and many others have similar policies for domestic flights, with a cutoff age of 2 years old.
On international flights, there is no fare for lap infants, but fees may apply.
In most cases, you’ll need to add the infant to the adult’s ticket. You can typically find instructions for this on the airline’s website. For example, here are Delta’s instructions for adding a lap infant to your ticket.
Special promotions
Sometimes airlines run kids-fly-free promotions, though this usually doesn’t happen with the big domestic carriers that will take you anywhere you might want to go. Still, if one of the smaller airlines serves your destination, a kids-fly-free promotion could save you money.
For example, Air Tahiti Nui has a special offer that includes two fare-free seats for kids when two adults pay the full fare. Taxes and fees apply to all four travelers, though, so for each child, the cost can be up to $138. And this only works if both kids are age 11 or younger and the whole crew is flying to Tahiti from either Los Angeles or Seattle.
Scandinavian Airlines discounts fares on some flights for kids ages 2 to 11. But the deal usually doesn’t take more than 25% off their airfare. From time to time, deal-spotting travel bloggers announce kids-fly-free promotions from American Airlines, British Airways, Etihad and others, but these are rare and short-lived promotions.
Frontier’s Kids Fly Free program
If you fly Frontier Airlines regularly, their Kids Fly Free program just might work out for you.
The program is part of the airline’s Discount Den, which costs $60 per year plus a $40 enrollment fee the first year. Members then get access to discounted fares, plus the Kids Fly Free program and other perks.
So if you fly enough, Discount Den membership could eventually pay for itself.
But there’s one more hurdle to clear for your child to fly free: The flight you want to book must be Kids Fly Free eligible, and there’s no way to know which itineraries offer these fares until you search for flights.
For example, we searched Frontier’s website for a flight from Atlanta to Austin, Texas, for one adult and one 5-year-old child departing April 23, 2023. There were no Kids Fly Free fares on that date, but there was one two days later on April 25, meaning we could grab the deal if we flew on that date instead.
The child must be age 14 or younger and must travel with an adult flying on a Discount Den fare.
Up to nine passengers are allowed on a single Discount Den itinerary. One of the adults must be a Discount Den member. If one parent is a member and one isn’t, each parent can still bring along a child for free on eligible flights.
Mileage awards
If you collect airline or credit card miles or points, you can redeem them for flights for your little ones or yourself. It’s not a kids-fly-free deal per se, but these award flights are a way to get your kids in the air for just some nominal fees and taxes.
Do kids fly free? No, here’s what to do instead
Airlines don’t like to give away seats, so it’s rare to find one that will let children over age 2 fly for free.
Instead of looking for kids’ deals, focus on strategies that let everyone in your party fly frugally — award fares, flying off-peak and deal-hunting.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for: