Trusting the weakest link: What data breaches mean to you

(BPT) - You've seen it in the headlines. Hundreds of data breaches, often at large corporations, happen every year - and consumers suffer the consequences.

Data breaches have become a constant reality of a connected world. Although many people choose to ignore the problem, you can take steps to defend yourself.

What is a data breach?

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, a data breach "includes the loss of control, compromise, unauthorized disclosure, unauthorized acquisition, access for an unauthorized purpose or other unauthorized access, to data, whether physical or electronic."

In other words, a breach occurs when a corporation, organization or institution is intentionally hacked or robbed, or inadvertently exposes information through a clerical or technical error. Data breaches aren't always due to malicious attacks. Sometimes they're the result of a mistake, but the consequences are still grave.

When a data breach occurs, confidential information, such as your Social Security number, bank account details, credit card numbers, personal health information or even wireless phone and utilities accounts are released.

In 2011, there were 855 data breach incidents, according to "2012 Data Breach Investigations Report" from Verizon Enterprise. In the past, corporations like Sony and Citibank have had the misfortune of experiencing such a crime. The real misfortune, however, is the victimization of the consumer.

Why should you care?

The odds are you'll be part of a breach sooner or later. The Verizon 2012 Data Breach Investigations Report cites 174 million compromised records in 2011.

Unfortunately, it's completely out of your hands. Let's say you do everything right on your end: shred documents, use secure websites, etc. You're still only as safe as your weakest link.

That weak link could be anywhere your personal information resides - at your doctor's office, employer, bank, favorite restaurant or even the place you got your hair cut last week. You may be doing a lot right, but what about everyone else?

The worst part is that victims of data breaches often become victims of identity fraud. According to a study done by Javelin Strategy and Research, "Data shows that consumers who received breach notifications in 2012 had a substantially higher risk of identity fraud - over 4 times higher - than those who didn't receive these notifications."

In addition, the Verizon 2012 Data Breach Investigations Report also shows that only eight percent of victims discover their own breaches. So 92 percent learn about it from a third party, but that can take weeks or months. The longer your information is out there undetected, the higher your risk for fraud.

If you do receive a letter, your information is out there for good. Even if you don't experience fraud immediately, you could later - several months or even years later. That's why it's important to take privacy seriously.

What can you do?

While companies continue to boost security in order to respond to this threat, here are a couple of ways you can strengthen your defense against data breaches.

* Do not provide your Social Security number unless it is absolutely necessary - simply ask if it's required.

* Never use your name, a child's or pet's name in your passwords.

* Create passwords with upper and lower case letters, non-sequential numbers and symbols. Change them at least quarterly.

* Do not use the same password for multiple accounts; this will minimize the damage in case your information is compromised.

* Review your bank statements monthly and your credit reports annually. Even if you haven't received a notification letter, you could already be a breach victim.

Above all, it's important to stay cautious. Data breaches might be an inevitable consequence of a connected, wireless culture, but that doesn't mean you should become complacent.

For more comprehensive protection from fraud, hire an identity theft protection service like LifeLock to monitor your personal information for misuse or exposure. For more information, visit LifeLock.com or call 1-800-LifeLock.

For richer or poorer: Don't let newlywed bliss turn into financial nightmare

(BPT) - For better or worse, richer or poorer - that's the promise most couples make when they face one-another at the altar. When it comes to finances and young love, it can be easy to fall into some common pitfalls that can haunt couples long after the wedding day.

"Communication is a key part of a strong marriage, and it's also the basis for a strong financial partnership," says Barrett Burns, president and CEO of VantageScore Solutions. "Being proactive before and planning ahead of the wedding while sticking to a financial plan will help guard against common financial mistakes that can occur early in a couple's life together."

To start your new life together with a strong financial foundation, check off a few important money to-dos before you say "I do!"

1. Have the debt talk

All couples must have the debt talk. It may not be romantic, but it is necessary in order to plan a bright future together. Be open and honest about debt, savings and spending habits, even if they are less than perfect.

Financial turmoil is one of the top reasons cited for divorce, so understanding each other's finances today and what goals you have for the future will help reduce stress on your partnership. With the average college student graduating with $26,600 in student loan debt, according to The Project on Student Debt, young couples need to create a plan for managing debt and saving for the future.

2. Control wedding spending

The "big day" is a defining moment in life, but it's important for couples to remember it's just one day of many that they will spend together. Weddings and related events cost a whopping $28,427 on average, according to theknot.com, and that doesn't even include the honeymoon.

"When it comes to young couples planning a dream wedding, the plastic tends to be relied upon," says Burns. "It's important to be realistic about how much you can spend. Becoming over extended on credit cards is a common mistake, and this type of high-interest debt is not the wisest way to begin your lives together."

The best course of action when it comes to wedding planning is to create a budget and stick to it. It's not necessarily bad to use credit, especially if you can take advantage of a credit card rewards program, but Burns advises only charging or borrowing what you know you can pay back in a reasonable amount of time as keeping high balances and missing payments can have significantly negative impacts on your credit score, which in turn leads to stress.

3. Work together to build a positive credit profile

Married couples do not have joint credit files or credit scores. Each individual has their credit files with the credit reporting companies and their own credit scores, but in some cases like when joint accounts and co-signed loans are created, the actions of one can impact the other.

"It's common for younger people who are just beginning their financial independence to not have much, if any, credit history. It's important to be proactive and take steps to build a positive credit profile and score so you can demonstrate to lenders that you are a good manager of credit," says Burns.

Get a copy of your credit report and resolve any issue you may have with the information presented in it. If you have a limited credit history, carefully consider the benefits of joint accounts, but keep in mind that the positive financial actions like paying bills on-time and keeping balances low, as well as actions that can have negative impacts like missing payments will influence the couples' individual credit scores.

"The importance of paying bills on time cannot be understated," says Burns. "A single missed payment can drop each person's credit score 80 to 100 points. This can affect a couple's ability to get the best interest rates and terms for a loan."

Another important step in building credit after a marriage is to make sure that all financial lenders are aware of name changes. "If you choose to change your name after you are married, make sure all your accounts have your current information, otherwise positive actions may not get reported correctly or in a timely manner," Burns says.

4. Shop around for rates

"Whether you're taking out a personal loan or selecting a credit card, you absolutely must shop around for rates," advises Burns. "Don't just take the easiest or first option. You want to get the best deal available with low interest rates and reasonable terms."

When shopping for rates, Burns notes to do so within a two week period of time. Credit inquiries from auto and mortgage lenders and credit cards issued from banks and credit unions are only counted once if done in a two week period causing just a slight decrease to credit scores.

Finally, couples soon to be married or those that recently were married can also test their knowledge about credit scores at www.CreditScoreQuiz.org, a website created by VantageScore Solutions and its partner, Consumer Federation of America, one of the largest consumer advocates in the country.
Source: Brand Content

Concierge Auctions to Sell Michael Jordan's 56,000-square-foot Highland Park Estate to the Highest Bidder During a Live Auction on November 22nd

 (via PR Newswire)

The 7.39-acre contemporary estate just north of Chicago and longtime personal residence of Jordan will sell in cooperation with Baird & Warner Real Estate Download image Michael Jordan's Home Auction, Chicago // November 22nd By Concierge Auctions ConciergeAuctions…

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Boeing Adjusts 747-8 Production Rate

Boeing Adjusts 747-8 Production Rate

Six ways studying abroad can change your life

(BPT) - Many students study abroad each year for only a few months, or even weeks. But the experiences and lessons learned go on to impact them well past that brief time, and the benefits of their travels don't stop once they return home. Studying abroad isn't just a chance to explore foreign cities, but a time to grow, learn and expand your connections globally.

Here are a few ways a study abroad experience can change your life:

* It can increase your employability.

Employers are in tune with the benefits of studying abroad, research by Global HR News found. About 75 percent cited study abroad as important when evaluating the resume of a job candidate for an entry-level position.

When Victoria Koutris returned from her semester studying abroad in Sydney, where she interned with the Sydney-Rabbitohs Rugby Club, she scored an internship with the Boston Bruins followed by another with IMG. Now graduated from University of Massachusetts Amherst, she is an assistant account executive at the sports marketing and media agency, Optimum Sports, in New York City.

*It can open up opportunities to work abroad.

Thinking about working abroad after college? The same survey found that 80 percent of human resources executives think study abroad is important when considering a candidate for an overseas job placement. -

"I enjoyed my time abroad so much that I decided to travel some more and I am now a certified English-as-a-foreign-language teacher in Chiang Mai, Thailand," says Eli Molin, who spent a semester in Florence, Italy. Auburn University graduate, Carlos Olivieri, completed an internship with the Great Wall Club while he studied abroad in Beijing. The same company has since hired him as a full-time-international marketing manager.

* It just might change your worldview.

One of the most valuable lessons one can learn from studying abroad is that there's a whole world to explore beyond the United States. Once you've seen it and lived in it, the rest of the world becomes a lot more tangible. The vast contrasts between home and your study abroad city will strike you as you take in the streets filled with diversity, the air with hundreds of different languages and the walls with art and posters advertising events like Diwali and celebrations of Australia Day.

"The study abroad experience opened up an entirely new world to me, literally, and showed me that there is so much more to life beyond my small town," says Gareth Leonard, a study abroad alum from SUNY Fredonia in Fredonia, Calif., who spent a semester in London. "Since then, I have lived in Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Guatemala, building relationships, learning Spanish, and adapting to my surroundings."

* It allows you to explore your individuality and personal development.

Away from the constraints and expectations of home, you're free not only to explore the world around you but also yourself.

Missouri School of Journalism student Allison Goldberg studied in London. She now knows she can travel even with a serious disease. "Other than having less space in my carry-on bag, my diabetes has not in any way, shape, or form hindered my experience abroad," Goldberg says.

* Studying abroad can also improve your storytelling abilities.

You'll have more than enough raw material to work with and being able to illustrate your point with a real life story makes for interesting conversation, and also better answers during an interview. Some students go on to write blogs about their experiences abroad, which is a great way to reflect and also to share your writing skills with the world.

* It expands your global network.

Even if you don't return to live or work there, the city where you studied abroad will always feel like a home away from home. Once your experience is over, keeping in touch with friends you make on the other side of the world couldn't be easier thanks to social media. You'll bump into plenty of others looking to expand their own global networks and that includes locals, people who work abroad, intern abroad, or are simply travelling through. These new connections can also increase your opportunities to travel to new areas you otherwise might not have considered venturing to. It's also a lot of fun to invite your international friends to stay with you in your hometown so they can see where you live.

If you're thinking about studying abroad, there's no better time than now. Learn more at www.capa.org/faqs.

Why You're Not Getting Hired

(NewsUSA) - Here's a secret -- job placement isn't a matter of inclusion, but one of elimination. In today's economy, recruiters are deluged with resumes and have to funnel them through pre-set filters designed to separate the competition. On average, a recruiter spends only 30 seconds reviewing each application, meaning if you aren't marketing your skills correctly, not only are you not getting hired, most times your application won't even be seen. Joe Weinlick is Vice President of Marketing for Beyond.com, a career network that allows people to search thousands of jobs and manage their careers. His company connects job seekers to available positions, but stresses that the process doesn't stop there. "Picture the hundreds of people applying for a job seated in the same auditorium," said Weinlick. "Now picture that you're one of the few standing up. Who do you think will get noticed first?" Here are five recommendations from Beyond.com to improve your job search: 1. Play the Part. A recruiter works with the same job description that is posted online, and if you're not using the same language, a communications gap can develop. Treat the job description like your compass, and use it to guide each answer by tailoring your wording to match theirs. 2. Get Noticed. This is the hardest part, as it's difficult to stand out when others have similar qualifications. Think about your unique qualities, and lead with them. Don't wait until the end; the recruiter might never get there. 3. Get Feedback. Every time you apply for a job, strive for the perfect application. Clean up grammatical errors, cut unnecessary words, and focus on details. Send your materials to colleagues for advice, and take advantage of other resources, like a free resume critique from Beyond.com that can catch any errors. 4. Follow Protocol. Submit only what the job posting requests. This will show that you can follow directions. Don't lie about experience; rather relate the experiences you have, and show how they apply. The candidates who follow the rules and look the best throughout the process have an advantage. 5. Nail the Interview. At this point, the hardest part is over, but you're still the underdog. Be scrappy. Focus on remaining present during the interview. Research the company and your profession. Browse news outlets, like News and Advice on Beyond.com, to stay current on your profession. To receive a free resume critique from Beyond.com, visit www.beyond.com/resources/resume-writing.

Think mobile: marketing tips for local businesses

(BPT) - No doubt about it, mobile technology is transforming the way consumers live and businesses operate. Today nearly 5 billion people use mobile phones around the world, with 1 billion of those phones being smartphones. According to research conducted by venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield Byers, Americans check their smartphones more than 150 times a day.

Thanks to mobile technology, businesses of all sizes and industries - from your local brick and mortar shop to your favorite online retail site - have the opportunity to easily reach people on the go.

Take Accents Style for example. This clothing boutique in Arlington, Texas, creatively reaches mobile customers by hanging incentives in the dressing rooms, including a 10 percent discount on a purchase when customers "check-in," and a free pair of gold or silver hoop earrings when they "like" Accents Style's Facebook page. Lucy Huang, owner of the business, says that her mobile efforts are paying off.

"Our posts get great responses. The check-ins via mobile are big incentives for our customers to come into our boutique," she says.

Mobile is a vital channel for you to reach your customers and will only continue to grow. While mobile is a great vehicle for businesses to market to their customers, many business owners don't know where to start or think it's too complicated to do well. Below are answers to some of the most-asked questions from local businesses on how to more effectively reach the right audiences on the go.

1. As a business owner, how do I market on mobile without using a ton of resources? I'm just one person and don't have the time.

A business' social presence is a free and easy way to connect with potential customers on mobile. That's because what you do on your page instantly translates to mobile - and your customers are already there, waiting to hear from you. Of the 1.15 billion people on Facebook, more than 70 percent access the site from their mobile phone.

Furthermore, people on the go are actively looking for businesses in their area: according to a recent Google study, 95 percent of smartphone users search for local information and 59 percent of smartphone users visited in-person after searching for local information. To effectively reach the right customer at the right time, you can tap in to the mobile ad targeting features available across many social platforms. For example, you can target people broadly or narrow down to specifics such as gender and interests. BarkBox, a company that delivers a monthly box of dog goodies (treats, products, toys, etc.) to dog owners, targeted friends of their fans on Facebook who were females and had an interest in dogs. After seeing success, BarkBox deepened their targeting by adding in geographic areas and age ranges and saw even greater results.

2. What are the best ways to create mobile ads?

Given people on their phones usually have limited time and attention spans, it's important to create compelling and concise content including photos and short videos. For example, North Carolina-based barbecue company Bone Suckin' Sauce promoted its Facebook photo post on mobile with the hook: "Which is better on the grill? Fish, chicken, vegetables, or steaks?" - to encourage conversation among fans. The company saw an 83 percent increase in online store sales as a result of promoting posts like these.

3. How can I manage my mobile marketing when I'm on the go, too?

Tools like Facebook's Pages Manager app or Hoot Suite's Social Media Manager app allow you to manage your pages on the go, whether you post photos, respond to customers via comments, or create ad campaigns.

You need to think mobile to grow your business

Just looking at the growing number of times per day people access the Web on their phones, it's no secret that mobile marketing needs to become an integral part of your consumer marketing strategy. So don't wait any longer: Think mobile and you'll be able to reach new customers and keep current customers returning.

Source: Brand Content

Billionaire Investors Warren Buffett, John Paulson, And George Soros Quietly Dump U.S. Stocks. Why?

George Soro

Warren Buffet(Left) with Manpreet

Author: Mike Durand

Despite recent reports that the housing crisis is leveling off, unemployment is stabilizing, and the market has rallied a historic 6.5in the past few months, a few savvy billionaires are quietly moving their money out of U.S. stocks . . . and fast!
Billionaire investors know what they\'re doing and can often predict outcomes well before anyone else. And when they do the opposite of everyone else, it\'s wise to take notice. So why are these investors so quick to move their money out of U.S. companies?
Could these professional investors be aware of very specific research indicating a massive market correction… as much as 90
Warren Buffett, an outspoken advocate of American stocks, is dropping his shares at an alarming rate. The reason stated was 'disappointing performance' in U.S. companies like Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, and Kraft Foods.
Buffett\'s company, Berkshire Hathaway has been drastically reducing exposure of certain stocks dependent on consumer purchasing habits. Berkshire sold approximately 19 million shares of Johnson & Johnson, thus reducing its overall stake in 'consumer product stocks' by 21 In addition, Berkshire Hathaway sold its entire stake in Intel, the California-based computer parts supplier company.
70of the U.S. economy is dependent on consumer spending. However, Buffett\'s obvious view of these companies is troubling to say the least.
As it turns out, Warren isn't alone.
Billionaire investor, John Paulson, who made his fortune during the mortgage meltdown, also reduced his U.S. stock market exposure by selling 14 million shares of JPMorgan Chase. His hedge fund company also got rid of its entire holdings in Family Dollar and Sara Lee.
Even George Soros sold almost all of his bank stocks, including Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, and Goldman Sachs. Of these three banks, Soros sold over a million shares.
So why are these billionaires so quick to drop their shares of U.S. companies?
The market is at a historical high. Real estate prices have leveled, and are even rising in many places. What\'s more, the unemployment rate even seems to have stabilized.
Could These Investors Be Aware Of A Massive Stock Market Correction, As Much As 90
New York Times bestselling author, Robert Wiedemer, and world renowned economist, Harry Dent have been publishing this research for years. And if you think a 90drop in the stock market is unrealistic, consider their successful prediction track records:
In 2006, Wiedemer predicted the collapse of U.S. housing markets, equity markets, and consumer spending that nearly bankrupted the United States.
Dent successfully predicted the recession of 1990 to 1992, the BIGGEST bull market boom in U.S. history, even the credit crisis, and stock market crash of 2008.
It starts when the Federal Reserve floods the economy with a massive amount of debt based money it prints out of thin air. Although these funds haven't yet made their way into the U.S. economy, it is mathematically certain that when they do, hyper-inflation will occur.
At just 10inflation, a 10-year treasury bond will lose approximately 50of its value. And at 20inflation, the value shrinks to almost nothing. At this point, interest rates rise, and this causes real estate values to plummet. As a result, according to Harry Dent, these problems will contribute to the stock market to falling all the way to Dow 3300.
Wiedemer explains why Soros, Buffett, and Paulson are quick to dump U.S. stocks:
'Companies start spending more on borrowing than business expansion. This lowers profits, lowers dividends, and reduces hiring. Additionally, it means more corporate layoffs.'
No investors, especially billionaire investors, want to own falling stocks with shrinking profit margins and dividends. If this is the reason why Buffett, Paulson, and Soros are reducing their exposure, they are cashing out early while leaving Main Street investors to take the loss.
Individual Investors Don\'t Have To Lose Their Retirement Savings.
There are many financial institutions and commission based brokers offering real estate, stock options, and other investment opportunities that fluctuate in value depending on market and economic conditions. So investors need to be very diligent when researching their options.
Buffett\'s company, Berkshire Hathaway, utilizes a little known wealth preservation strategy for economic survival that deserves global attention. This lesser known alternative asset class is called Life Settlements.
Major brokers and financial institutions generally don't offer the public information on this alternative asset class, and for a variety of reasons their popularity is catching on as individual investors take notice. Less than 15of financial professionals are familiar with this asset class.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/wealth-building-articles/billionaire-investors-warren-buffett-john-paulson-and-george-soros-quietly-dump-us-stocks-why-6795135.html
About the Author
Mike Durand is a professional wealth manager located in Burnsville, Minnesota. You can register for a no cost or obligation portfolio review from Durand Financial and learn more about how to safeguard your portfolio from the looming stock market crash. You\'ll also receive a free report titled, Making the Case for Life Settlements. Life Settlements are an alternative asset class only available to accredited investors.

The do's and don'ts to selling your products online

(BPT) - Many small business owners are hopeful that offering their products online will increase their bottom line. But the digital marketplace is increasingly crowded and it can be hard to stand out from the pack. The good news is that being a small business can actually give you an edge over bigger brands - if you know how to use your size to your advantage. Here are the do's and don'ts you need to take your business to the next level:

Don't build your own online shopping platform. While you may believe that having your own website will attract new shoppers, website development and maintenance is expensive and time consuming. Unless your brand already has the visibility needed to attract consumers without advertising or marketing, traffic to the site will be hard to generate.

Don't expect your products to sell on a large online marketplace. While big online marketplaces, like Amazon or eBay, attract a high volume of online shoppers, unless customers are searching specifically for your brand or chance across your products via search, they will likely never see your products.

Do partner with a retail platform that can help you engage with your customers. OpenSky.com is a new and free social shopping marketplace dedicated to building the businesses of small merchants. OpenSky.com will provide you with your own customized online store, a new business toolkit including tips and support, and a built-in community of more than 2.5 million engaged social shoppers, enabling you to foster one-on-one connections and market your goods directly to them. Because they're already pre-disposed to shop, a follower of your brand on OpenSky is 27 times more likely to buy than a Facebook fan. These engaged followers lead to more sales with less cost to you. Best of all? It's incredibly easy. To begin, visit www.OpenSky.com/marketplace to learn more and join this fast-growing network of brands and customers.


Do market your products in a one-of-a-kind way. Create eye-catching content, making sure all your photos are high quality and shot in their best light.

Do establish yourself as an authority. Consider creating tips, recipes or behind-the-scene snippets. If your products are naturally-sourced, why not share photos from the beautiful hike that provided your inspiration for it? Sharing relevant and relatable content will keep your customers coming back.

Do use your size to your advantage. While big retailers are busy playing the price-cutting game, you can work smartly to connect with a community of loyal followers who really appreciate what you do. Harness the personal relationships you've made with customers through social platforms where you can strengthen connections by sharing product news, relevant content and personal reminders about new items you think they'll enjoy. Remember that what makes your small business special is your customers' opportunity to feel a personal connection with you, the entrepreneur and your passion - your product.

Do start now. While selling online may seem overwhelming, following these easy steps will help you make others fall in love with your brand.

Source: Brand Content

Sayings about Money

Courtesy: cooldesign/freedigitalphoto.net

"For I don't care too much for money, for money can't buy me love."      
The Beatles

"Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons."
 Woody Allen

 “Money is a great servant but a bad master."                                   
 Francis Bacon 

 "If you would be wealthy, think of saving as well as getting."
 Ben Franklin

 "The safest way to double your money is to fold it over and put it in your pocket."
 Kin Hubbard

Courtesy: Greenleaf Designs/freedigitalphoto.net

 "The more money that goes into my asset column, the more my asset column grows. The more my assets grow, the more my cash flow grows."                                          
  Robert Kiyosaki

"It is pretty hard to tell what does bring happiness; poverty and wealth have both failed." 
 Kin Hubbard

 "The art is not in making money, but in keeping it."
 Proverb

 Money isn't everything...but it ranks right up there with oxygen.
 Rita Davenport

 "Money is the best deodorant."
 Elizabeth Taylor


 "Every day I get up and look through the Forbes list of the richest people in America. If I'm not there, I go to work."
 Robert Orben

Courtesy: Vichaya Katying Angulee/Freedigitalphoto.net

 "Money will buy you a fine dog, but only love can make it wag its tail" 
 Richard Friedman

 If you know how to spend less than you get, you have the philosopher's stone".
Benjamin Franklin

 "Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune." -
Jim Rohn