Hope Leitner, Realtor®, CRS

  Information is brought to you by Hope Leitner Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties Warning Signs Your Identity Has Been Stolen Identity theft affects millions of Americans every year, with thieves draining people’s bank accounts, destroying credit scores and even ruining reputations. Unfortunately, many victims aren’t aware of an issue until significant damage is done, but by learning the telltale signs of identity theft, you have a much better chance of detecting any problems before it’s too late. LifeLock, a part of credit reporting agency TransUnion, suggests watching out for the following red flags: Personal Banking You receive a call, email or letter from your bank notifying you of possible fraud on your account. You see withdrawals you can’t explain on your bank statement, or charges you didn’t make on your credit card statement. Your interest rates go up due to unknown credit activity. Your credit report shows accounts you didn’t open or credit checks by c...

  Information is brought to you by Hope Leitner Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties The Benefits of a Hardship Plan If you’re buried in credit card debt, there’s a reasonable solution that your credit card company may allow you to use, but only if you ask about it. A hardship plan, also known as a credit card payment plan, can help dig you out of debt and ultimately improve your credit score. A hardship plan can also save you money in interest payments and reduce your monthly credit card bill. Don’t be scared if you think a hardship plan is the same thing as the debt management plans you see on TV commercials. Those require you to pay a fee to a credit counseling agency to negotiate debt repayment terms with each of your lenders. All of the debts are paid through a single monthly payment that the counseling agency collects from you. The credit counselor is the liaison between you and your debt collectors. A hardship plan, however, doesn’t have an intermediary or m...