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Increasingly, more and more of us are moving a part of our social lives online. Take me for example: I'm a social media  junkie! I love reconnecting with old friends with whom I had lost touch, sharing pictures from recent trips or parties, hearing about my friends' opinions on current events, etc., etc., etc...

Is there a support group for folks like me?

Which leads me to a few important questions: Does your virtual reputation reflect your professional reputation (or the one you want to establish)? Are the photos and comments you're posting online things you would want your parents to know about? What about your boss or any future employer?

If the answer is no, you might want to take some steps to make sure that your reputation is protected (or at least consistent) online! Here's what I do:

1. I deactivated accounts that I no longer use. Like I said, I jumped on the social media bandwagon in a big way. At my worst, I had joined no fewer than eight different social media-type sites. Yikes! About a year ago, I went back and removed my information from all but the two or three sites that I actively use so that I don't have such a long trail of websites to keep tabs on.
2. I actively manage the privacy settings  provided on the sites I still do use. I make sure that I am only sharing personal information with my friends and I restrict access to photos even more stringently. If someone tags a picture of me that I would prefer didn't go up, I immediately remove that tag and occasionally even ask that person to take pictures down. People have gotten fired for photos that were put up on these web sites! Is that something I want to deal with? Um, no!

There are companies out there  that will help you protect your rep, but in the spirit of DIY, this is something that you should take a very personal interest in yourself! If you're not quite sure about general guidelines for internet privacy, there are plenty of resources to help you get educated, such as:

1. www.ConnectSafely.org 
2. www.NetSmartz.org 
3. www.OnguardOnline.gov 
4. www.TRUSTe.org 
5. www.WebWiseKids.org 
6. www.WiredSafety.org 

What steps have you taken to protect your virtual rep?

Kathy

Last time, I started going over the basics of the credit report with my Curious Mythical Reader (CMR). Let's listen in on the rest of the conversation:

CMR: So wait, what's in my credit report again?
KD: In addition to your personal identifying information (name, Social Security number, etc.), your credit report includes the following info for credit accounts you have opened or applied for:

• The type of credit you have (credit card, auto loan, student loan, etc.)
• Your credit limit or original loan amount
• Your account balance (or the total balance of your last statement)
• Your payment history (late payments stay on your credit report for seven years)
• Bankruptcies (these stay on your credit report for 10 years)

CMR: Are all parts of my credit history reported with all three of the credit bureaus?
KD: Not necessarily. Lenders may provide information to one , two  or all three  of the credit bureaus, so some of the information may show up on one of your reports but not another. You should therefore be sure to check your record at all three credit bureaus.

CMR: So shouldn't we really call it credit reports (plural)?
KD: Yeah, I guess you have a point.

CMR: Okay, I'll drop the semantics. So how often should I check my credit report?
KD: The common recommendation is that you check your credit report from each of the credit bureaus at least once a year. You should also check your credit report any time you are thinking about making a big purchase (buying a house or car) or investment (going to school) that would require you to take a loan. You want to make sure that there are no errors in your report. You also want to give yourself time to make any improvements to your credit that you can before applying for a loan.

CMR: Times are tough, and checking my credit sounds expensive. Can I check my credit report for free?
KD: Absolutely — in fact, you are legally entitled to check your credit report from each of the three credit bureaus one time per year FOR FREE. Yup, for free! Just make sure that you go to a legitimate free credit reporting website  or go straight to the websites for the individual credit bureaus themselves. Be careful of websites and companies out there that claim to offer this service for free but then sign you up for another service with a cost. As with all things in life, be sure that you know what you are agreeing to!

CMR: What do I do if I find an error in one (or all) of my credit reports?
KD: If there is information showing on a credit report that you believe is incorrect, you should immediately contact the appropriate credit bureau(s) to try to get it corrected. There should be contact information listed on each report, so be sure to begin the process of correcting false information as soon as you learn about the error.

CMR: Thanks Kathy! You're the best!
KD: Oh, go on... No, really, go on...

CMR: Uhhhh, no.
KD: Gotcha.

Any Curious Real Readers (CRR) out there with questions, comments, concerns?

Kathy

Last fall, when I wrote about my experience moving into a new apartment, I mentioned one of the important things to know about in order to properly manage your credit: your credit report.

As part of this special series on credit, let's take a step back and examine the credit report in a little more detail. To do so, I am going to have a pretend conversation with a Curious Mythical Reader (CMR). There's even an imaginary guest appearance from the Fair Trade Commission  (FTC)! Check it out:

CMR: So, like, what is a credit report anyway?
KD: Instead of trying to reinvent the wheel, I'm going straight to the government's source for consumer protection — the FTC — and their website's definition of credit report: 

FTC: "Your credit payment history is recorded in a file or report. These files or reports are maintained and sold by consumer reporting agencies (CRAs). One type of CRA is commonly known as a credit bureau."

KD: There are three main credit bureaus in the United States: 1. Equifax , 2. Experian  and 3. TransUnion. 

FTC: "You have a credit record on file at a credit bureau if you have ever applied for a credit or charge account, a personal loan, insurance or a job."

KD: In other words, there are lots of areas in your life that have the potential to end up on your credit report.

FTC: "Your credit record contains information about your income, debts and credit payment history. It also indicates whether you have been sued, arrested or have filed for bankruptcy."

KD: The good, the bad and the ugly, folks. It's all in there.

CMR: Okaaaaaaaay...but why do I need to know about it?
KD: There are lots of reasons to be aware of what is in your credit report. The information listed in each credit record says a lot about you, and it provides an indication of your ability to make payments on time. It is often used as a personal reference by employers and landlords, since how you have managed your money in the past may be an indication of future behavior. Utility companies may look at your credit report before they agree to turn on your electricity, cable television, phone, etc. Lenders, such as banks, car companies and more, will use the information in your credit report to determine whether they will lend you money and at what interest rate.

CMR: Hmmmm, I have also heard something about identity theft...?
KD: Yup. As if all reasons people use your report weren't enough, it is also very important to keep tabs on your credit report to make sure that you have not been the victim of identity theft. You should carefully check the information listed in the report to make sure that only the accounts you have opened are listed in the report. If someone else opened a credit account under your name, you need to know about it as soon as possible and immediately take steps to correct it!

CMR: Whew! That was a lot of information...
KD: And I'm just getting started. Next time we'll cover how often you should check your credit report and what to do if you find any errors.

In the meantime, anyone out there with questions?

Kathy

I’ll admit, I’ve got budgeting on the brain. Maybe it’s because it’s relatively early in the New Year, and I have the chance to start fresh with a clean slate. Maybe it’s because my student loans have recently gone into repayment. Maybe it’s because I have an extreme Type A personality  and I really can’t help myself.

Whatever the cause, the budget bug has bit me big time!

My group of friends is pretty much comprised of current and recent graduate students, and we are all-too-conscious of the need to save money where we can. So a few of us have recently adopted a challenging and budget-friendly New Year’s Resolution: find fun activities for the group to enjoy without spending more than $10 per person.

Let me tell you, living in the San Francisco Bay Area, that’s not an easy endeavor. We’ve pretty much eliminated every sit-down restaurant, museum  and high profile tourist activity  out there.

This is where some creative thinking comes in, and the fun begins! For example, did you know that many museums offer days where admission is free or the price greatly reduced? Or what about that hidden gold mine, the student ID? Many places of business offer great discounts for students, which may put previously out-of-reach ideas back into compliance with the resolution. The possibilities are endless!

I’m excited about the ideas we’ve come up with, but I’d love to get your input! How can you keep to a budget and still have a good time?

Kathy

What does the word "budget" mean to you?

For many people out there, the word has an extremely negative connotation, conjuring up images of self-deprivation, tedious bookkeeping, and guilt-ridden uncertainty about being able to successfully stick to it. (Not exactly the warm fuzzy feelings most of us are looking for, eh?)

Not for me.

With the recent launch of the Wells Fargo Online® free tool My Spending Report with Budget Watch, planning and tracking my budget has made me feel more empowered over my money than ever before!

We don't normally pitch Wells Fargo products or services here on the blog, but seriously, it's great! The new online tool tracks and categorizes my deposits and spending for me, and enables me to easily set up a personalized budget that fits my needs.

I may not — and don't — always like what I see. As a recent graduate whose student loan repayment has just kicked in, it's difficult to see the occasional gaps between what I'm bringing in and what I'm spending.

But here's the thing: At least I KNOW what the gaps are, so I can take the steps to bridge them — whether it's talking to a banker, my parents, or a student loan representative. I can be proactive about my finances, and I feel confident that I am taking actions to build the future that I envision for myself.

Empowered. Proactive. Confident.

Now those are feelings I like!

Give it a try, and let me know what you think!

Kathy

To go home for Thanksgiving or not to go home for Thanksgiving?

That is the question many of you may be faced with this time of year. It's not always an easy decision. For some strange reason, with the wrap-up of the elections earlier this month, I am going through debate withdrawal . So I'm opening up this topic for debate, and I'll start with a couple of my personal arguments on either side. Please feel free to chime in with your own opinions on the matter.

Point: Get thee to mom and dad's house
Come on. You KNOW you want to go home, because who doesn't love mom and/or dad's cooking? All that turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, etc., etc., etc. My mouth is watering just thinking about it! Often the siblings and other extended family members come over as well, making it an official family event — and you'd hate to miss out on the memories and photo ops! There's nothing like sitting around the table with the people who mean the most to you, and then crowding into the living room to fall asleep watching football. There's a reason that the days around Thanksgiving are usually the busiest travel days of the year  — it's a great holiday to be with family, and you don't want to miss it!

Counterpoint: Save the dough and wait for winter break
Come on. First, you've been living on your own for a while now, and what better way to show your personal independence than by staying at school and creating your own holiday traditions? Why not invite some of the international students over and show them what American Thanksgiving traditions  are all about? Second, if you live more than a few hours away from home, it doesn't really make sense to go through all the planning, packing, driving and/or flying that might be involved for just a couple days! Have you seen the airports over Thanksgiving?!? And finally, you'll probably have the chance to go home in about a month during the winter break, so why not just save your money over Thanksgiving and tell the 'rents you'll see them soon?

So that's what I came up with — what are your thoughts? (And, for full disclosure, I ALWAYS went home for Thanksgiving...)

Kathy

Moving can be equal-parts expensive, rewarding, and painful, and my husband and I have just completed the month-long process of getting settled into our new place.

As I reflect on the experience, I'm struck by how many similarities there are between apartment hunting and online dating. Let me explain.

Scouring the internet
As is the case with many things these days, the most efficient way to gather information on a number of prospects in the least amount of time is to look on the internet. And so you head to your computer. You're kind of nervous and kind of excited as you navigate to a website such as craigslist.org .

Finding the "right fit"
You enter in your search criteria — the neighborhood, price range, pet policy, etc. I prefer listings that have pictures. Call me crazy, but it is reassuring to me to have a glimpse of the apartment before reaching out to a potential landlord. You find a few good candidates and begin making contact via phone or email.

Agreeing to meet
Your phone calls and emails have gone well so far, so you're ready to make the big leap into meeting face to face. You set a date and time, and often you know you're being squeezed between appointments with other potential suitors. It's important to make a good first impression, so you put on a nice pair of slacks and a relatively wrinkle-free shirt. I even bring along a portfolio, because it makes me look professional and serious.

The first date
About five minutes into the meeting, things are going well. The apartment looks nice, and there seems to be good chemistry between you and the landlord! You know they have options, so you are sure to indicate your interest as often as possible. Stable job? Oh yes, you say. Sufficient income? You bet. Well-behaved pets? You can provide references. Credit history? *GULP*

Background check
So maybe this isn't as common in the online dating world, but it should be! Many landlords, including ours, require a credit check before they will agree to rent to you. Basically they are looking to find out if you have a history of meeting your financial obligations in the past, giving them an indication of your likelihood to pay your rent on time in the future.

My landlord checked my credit by accessing a credit report, which is a detailed list of my credit history. Part of what it includes is:

• The type of credit you have (credit card, auto loan, mortgage, etc.)

• Your credit limit or original loan amount

• Your account balance (or the total balance of your last statement)

• Your payment history (late payments stay on your credit report for seven years)

• Bankruptcies  (stay on your credit report for 10 years)

If you can pass all of these tests, it may be the beginning of a beautiful relationship — at least until you're ready to settle down and buy a house!

Have you experienced apartment hunting courtship rituals like these?

Kathy

To me, there's almost no bigger financial fear than the thought of bouncing a check or overdrawing an account. On top of potential embarrassment, there are also usually fees that go along with having insufficient funds. I normally try to keep plenty of money in my checking account to avoid any such concerns, but recently I've had more bills to pay than usual — I just finished grad school and began paying my student loans — so my checking account balance has gotten uncomfortably low. Adding to this stressful situation, my husband and I recently decided to move, which is an always unpleasant and expensive undertaking.

We spent a few weeks looking at apartments and finally found the one. It had the right mixture of price, amenities and location for our budget and lifestyle, so after speaking to the owner we were ready to submit an application.

As my fellow renters out there may be aware, most landlords require a security deposit to hold an apartment, and in our area that deposit was equal to an entire month's rent (that's a lot of money in Northern California!!) I had my checkbook with me and was halfway through writing out the check when the thought struck me: Do I have enough money in my checking account to clear this check?!

Just when I was about to panic, I remembered that I had signed up for Wells Fargo Mobile^SM Banking. so my balance and account activity are always at my fingertips. I pulled out my phone and texted "bal" (for balance) to "93557" (that's "WELLS" in mobile speak). Within 10 seconds — I kid you not — I had a text message response from Wells Fargo giving me my available balance.

Thankfully, I had plenty of money in my checking account to clear the check, so I let out a sigh of relief and finished filling it out.

I've played with the Wells Fargo Mobile Banking service a bunch since then, and I think it's actually pretty cool! There are a number of pieces of information you can get via text message, and there's a mobile browser option as well which lets you transfer money and find nearby Wells Fargo ATMs. I've used Mobile Banking everywhere I go — at the grocery store and even at the mall — to keep me on top of my money and under control.

BTW, I'm happy to report that we got the apartment thanks to the security deposit and my strong credit history...more on that topic later!

Mobile Banking works for me — does it fit into your lifestyle?

Kathy

Since Caroline and Barbara have recently been extolling the virtues of frugal living, I thought I'd chime in and offer up a tip of my own: In this high speed internet age, you just might be able to survive without an expensive cable TV plan.

As crazy as it sounds, that's exactly what my husband and I have been doing for the past several months, and so far it's working out great! We recently downgraded our cable package from one of those 200+ channel options that was costing us around $80/month to a basic package — just the networks and a few other channels — for about $25/month. That's big-time savings for a small budget!

When we took stock of the channels that we actually watched, we found that there were only a handful that we regularly tuned into — and even then we were really focused on just a select few programs. One of my new favorite shows, Greek , is available via the ABC Family website so we can watch full episodes right there online. Furthermore, my husband got clued into the website www.hulu.com  and found that almost all of the shows we watch regularly are available (legally!) on that site. We hooked up our PC to the TV and viola! Television content delivered over the World Wide Web!

One disclaimer is that we're not HD junkies and can handle the occasional computer freeze-up which can happen when streaming video content online. For me, it's a small sacrifice to make for big monthly savings!

What do you think? Would this option work for you?

Kathy

I spent the long weekend for the 4th of July  with my husband's family on the Oregon coast. The town puts on an amazing fireworks show  for the 30,000 or so spectators that flock to the beach for the holiday — it's a really professional show set to patriotic music. Good stuff.

However, there were a couple of things about holiday revelry that kind of turned me off. First, it was almost impossible to tell when the official show began due to all of the illegal fireworks being set off on the beach as sundown approached. I could not believe how many REALLY big fireworks, mortars, smoke bombs, rockets, roman candles, noisemakers, etc., people were lighting — even as the city's official show was going on! It was unbelievably distracting and very dangerous — I watched no fewer than a dozen fireworks explode on the ground. While I don't know if there were any injuries, I did hear the wail of ambulances going all night long!

Furthermore, I talked to some of the officials putting on the city's fireworks show, and they guessed that there were hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of illegal fireworks going up in smoke that night. I just can't believe that people will spend that much money just to hear something go boom. To me, it just seems like burning money.

Adding insult to injury was the mess that people left behind on the beach once they left. We spent the better part of four hours on Saturday cleaning up thousands of cardboard launch pads, bottle rocket sticks, Saturn rocket cartridges, etc. The beach was littered with trash, and the carelessness of all the people who left it really shocked me!

Now I admit that I have never been a big fan of personal fireworks, since I didn't light them as a kid (fireworks were expressly prohibited on Air Force bases  — you just didn't go there.) So maybe there's something about them that I'm missing…

What do you think of fireworks for personal use? Are they worth it?