Credit Reports/Credit Scores

It was probably one of the more painful things I've done recently, but well worth it.

I spent an afternoon researching credit reports and credit scores to get the FACTS about them and then looked for info on how to best MANAGE mine. I knew bits and pieces, enough to be dangerous, but not the whole picture.

My story is classic: never gave a thought to credit since I was married in college in the early 70's subsisting on cash until then. (Imagine that!!) Everything credit-wise was in my husband's name. I didn't exist in the credit world and knew very little about managing finances since he was a banker and conveniently took care of it. Until 23 years later, mid-90's, we divorced, and I have no credit history or the financial wherewithal to deal with it.

It's taken 10 years, and a lot of hard work - my score is 802 and all is well. However, I learned - hell, was actually scared to death to learn! -that critical number can crash in a hurry without thorough attention and proper management. I've got a reminder in my calendar now to review my credit report every quarter to make sure it stays "well." The three credit bureaus that prepare your credit report and determine your credit score are run by people, after all, and people still make mistakes.

Word to the wise - this is one task NOT to put off.

Time

Everyone has said it, and/or heard it - at least some version: "Where does the time go?" or "Time is just flying!" or "I never have enough time!"

Is it possible that we don't have enough time, or the time flies, because we're doing too much?

I hear or see stories about people accomplishing amazing things, juggling multiple balls in the air (there is a juggling smilie that is becoming very popular!), and in the next breath, complaining that they don't have enough time. I wonder - will mis-use, or abuse, of time be the ban of our current society?

If time is flying for you, it's probably because you're not living in the moment, the now. Either you're stuck in the past, or always, always, always, focused on the future. What about now? Have you had a two hour meal lately? Did you have a great conversation with a friend where you lost track of time? When was the last time you just hung out and not do anything? These are not guilty pleasures!! They are how you can slow down time, so it won't fly by so fast. TAKE the time. Have you ever regretted "taking the time" for something? Probably not. But I'll bet dimes to donuts you've regretted NOT taking the time for something.

Think about it. Give yourself a gift.