It is here -the half way mark of this year. As you look back, you need to ask yourself how you have progressed towards your goals and objectives this year. For many of you, you will see that you are not where you expected to be at this point. Now is the time to get it going.

What you have found is that half of a year can fly by. Six months ago, when you were setting your goals, the snow, ice, and cold was everywhere. Now, longer summer days have given way to distractions and your goals are still waiting to be completed and, in some cases, started!

Today, pull out the goal sheet again. Truthfully assess where you are and reposition your milestones. Now, get after it!

Don’t let distractions keep you from accomplishing your goals. You can do it. You have a half a year to achieve.

A friend of mine has a ministry non-profit.  A few weeks ago, he asked me to manage the financial accounts for the ministry and to bring an extra level of accountability.  I thought it was a great idea and decided to help out.  The next week we went to the bank to add me to the checking account.  While in the banker’s office I hear her say, “oh no…”.  She wnet on to say that there was something wrong with my credit!!

After calming down and listening, we determined that the reason she was having trouble was because my credit was frozen.  It was that day that I learned freezing your credit really works and prevents others from assuming your credit identity.  You can do the same thing.

It is simple – you sign up to have your credit frozen and no one can penetrate your credit.  The exception is any company that you currently have credit with.  Others, if you are buying new furniture, a new car, or just trying to shoot yourself by getting a new credit card – can not get to your credit history.

There is a cost to freeze your credit and an additional cost to “thaw” your credit.  In my state it is $3 for each credit bureau.  That is $3 for each person and in my case that was me and my spouse – $18.

When I learned the bank needed to see my credit report, I went back to my office and unlocked (thawed) my credit using the special code the credut bureaus sent me when I signed up.  The charge, another $3, was insignificant to the harm an indentoy tehif could cause you.

The credit freeze can also protect you in another way.  Suppose you are on your way from church to home and you just want to stop and “look” at the new cars.  Having your credit frozen may protect your from signing up for something that you really do not need and gives your the opportunity to to think about what you are agreeing to pay over time (more debt).

Is your credit frozen yet?

When was the last time you looked at your credit report?  Many of you are afraid of what you may find in those lingering debts from the past.  I can certainly understand that position, but your credit report can show you more.

Yes, your report does show you who you have and still owe.  Being reminded of past balances is painful, while more current debts can make you feel even worse knowing you still need to complete the payoff.  Your credit report, in addition, can also show you if others have been using your credit for some of their purchases.

Your credit report will allow you to see if others have been trying to use your credit to make purchases – identity theft!   Several years ago, my wife and I were in the last few days before our house closing.  We would close on this house we were selling and were closing on a new house in a new city in a few days.  Just days before the first closing we received a call that there was an issue with our credit.  My wife was shown to have used the services of a hospital in her hometown (and the town we were moving to) and still had an outstanding balance.

Intentional or not, this past due debt was going to hold up our ability to purchase a new house.  Fortunately, were were able to make the case that it was not her bill.  While she used to live there, she had never been to that hospital and never since we had been married and her new last name.

How do you know if some form of identity theft  is occurring to you if you are not checking your report?

Today is my first day back at work from vacation.  We were able to spend a week at the beach and enjoy the wonderful weather.  While it has been so hot here this summer, on the beach the weather definitely qualified as ” chamber of commerce” weather.  Once again this year, we came home debt free.

The secret to a debt-free vacation?  A plan!  Many have no plan and an unlimited credit card(s) that allows for all they decide to do without any check on what they should be spending.  Having a plan and executing it with cash help you stay right on track!!

With the internet today you have a great tool that will help you plan and budget your next trip.  With a little research you can find the attractions you want to see, the costs associated and build a budget that will work for you and your family.  Remember to include accommodations and fuel!

Your vacation can be done debt free an on a plan.