Now that the holidays are over and those credit cards were used to the hilt, there is always a concern that someone from a store clerk to an internet hacker can steal your identity. How can you protect it? There are a number of ways. I have listed the top 3 most popular options below.

1. Credit Freeze locks down your credit files at credit reporting agencies so identity thieves cannot open new accounts in your name. In many states, you would need to send a letter to all three credit reporting agencies telling them you want to put a “freeze” on your account. This is considered to be the most effective tool to prevent new account fraud.

2. Credit monitoring. Customers get an alert, typically by e-mail when something changes in their credit file. All three bureaus, Experian, Trans Union and Equifax offer this service. There is a cost associated with credit monitoring. This is a great tool if you want to keep an eye on your credit and are still applying for active credit in your name.

3. Fraud Alert. A special message on your credit report that requires lenders and merchants to verify an applicant’s identity to open a new account. Easy to do. If you contact one of the credit bureaus to do this, they will contact the other two, and it’s free! If you suspect you may be a victim of identity theft this is for you!

Start the New Year off right by protecting your identity and yourself!

As we end another year, I reflect on what we have experienced as investors in 2007 and think, boy the news sounds bad. Did you know that from 2001 to 2006, 6.6% of those employed throughout the United States were in a real estate related field?

2007 has experienced its real estate woes. If you can see past the sub prime crisis and poor housing starts, you will learn the median price of an existing home fell only 2.2% in 2007, according to economists.

What is the forecast for 2008? Or better yet, what should we as investors be doing in 2008? The answer is…it depends!

First, remember to think of all real estate in local terms. More than half the markets in the U.S. have not had a downturn in prices in 2007.

Homeowners who plan on staying put have nothing to worry about. Buyers who are looking for a deal may see this market as the opportunity of a lifetime, and sellers need to get realistic in their expectations.

Let’s face it. If you are in a hurry to sell, expect to take a minimum of a 20% hit on the sale of your property. If you can wait until the panic phase is over, do so.

Use internet sites like Domania (www.domania.com) and Zillow (www.zillow.com) to research current home prices in the area you wish to invest in. They keep fairly current on the market.

Take advantage of your local real estate investors association and get up to date information to help you make informed decisions in your marketplace. Visit www.nreia.org to find an association near you. You might also want to attend the upcoming real estate cruise in February to learn creative strategies to handle your real estate portfolio.

Look at creative financing alternatives to help you close your deals. Seller financing is alive and well. You might even consider getting educated in the private note business. One good source to go to is the NoteWorthy newsletter. www.noteworthyusa.com

Refresh yourself on creative buying techniques such as options, sandwich leases and more. Don’t forget to check with your state government and get the up-to-date regulations to make sure some of these great strategies are legal. I know Texas has laws with regards to lease options.

Don’t forget to use your IRA in the event you need cash to do those creative deals that you may otherwise not have thought of. Visit www.theentrustgroup.com to open a self-directed IRA.

How low can those prices go? I don’t have a crystal ball to predict this; however, my belief after going through three downturns in previous real estate markets and experiencing 18% interest mortgage rates is to have an investment philosophy and follow your gut. In my case, that means hold on!

Don’t forget you have until December 31st to make contributions to your Qualified Plan. Don’t wait, make that contribution today! Take advantage of every tax break you can! Visit www.theentrustgroup.com.

Many of us are in charge of paying the bills, planning the budgets, filing the taxes and more. Have you ever been in a situation where your husband or partner says, “Where are last year’s taxes?” or, “I can’t find my American express bill!” How can you develop a simplified system so you can avoid spending hours paying bills and have more time for yourself?

1. Keep a file of all expenses and keep it in the same place where you can get at it whenever you need it. If you and your significant other don’t share expenses, create two separate files.

2. Consider paying bills online, where you can be constantly reminded of what and when something is due and can avoid late fees.

3. Set up automatic payments for your regular bills like your mortgage to make your life easier.

4. Get rid of clutter. You only need to hold utility bills and credit card statements for a few months. Hold onto your pay stubs until your W-2 arrives and monthly financial statements until you receive your year end statement.

My holiday wish for you is to make life simple and give yourself the best gift anyone can give—the gift of time, joy and peace. Happy Holidays! Lisa

Looking for good financial advise to help you grow? Look to these sites as a tool. Always do your own due diligence.

www.finra.org
Check your broker, your mutual fund expenses at the latest scams at this new securities regulator.

www.ambest.com
This site rates insurance companies. If you plan on buying insurance, check this site out to get current ratings on how solvent the insurance you are working with is.

www.financialaidletter.com
Examples of financial aid related materials to help you get the most you can for your college bound child.

www.napfa.org
The association of fee only financial planners.

www.theentrustgroup.com
The nation’s largest network of self-directed plan administrators for a self-directed IRAs or 401(k)s.

Looking for a last minute romantic vacation? Or a New Year’s cheap trip? Check out these lesser known web sites. Happy Holidays!

Airfare watchdog www.airfarewatchdog.com is known for their fast posting time-sensitive, last minute bargain fares; www.farecast.com gives you up to the minute price changes on air fares; and www.farecompare.com provides free e-mail alerts when prices drop.

The deadline for Qualified Plan contributions is 12/31. It is not to late to pay yourself! Visit theentrustgroup.com and find a local office near you to help!

Protect the value of your home or investment property with these seasonal home maintenance tips. I recommend having these 5 items done at least twice a year, late fall and spring.

1. Clean gutters. Clogs can cause water to back up into the eaves, and the acid produced by leaves eats away at the metal.

2. Change filters in the furnace.

3. Caulk grout in the tubs to prevent water from seeping in behind the shower tiles.

4. Walk around the outside windows and look for gaps that need caulking and nails that need to be replaced.

5. Have the roof inspected. Look for loose shingles or tiles. Have new ones installed; ignore this and you maybe replacing the entire roof for 10 times the cost of having one or two tiles installed.

As consumers, we all want the best person to solve our specific problem. This is especially true in the services industries. Whether you are a Financial Planner, Realtor, Banker, Broker, or Business Owner we are all facing stiff competition and a more sophisticated consumer base.

I have put together a list of questions that sharp prospects will ask before they sign on any dotted line. If you can answer these, and better yet, have collateral material that answer these questions, you will enhance your credibility and increase your chances of getting the client.

Hope this helps you grow your business!

1. What is your experience? Years in the industry, experience with their problem, etc.

2 How much will you get paid?

3. Is there a less expensive way for you to help?

4. What are the tax consequences (if any)?

5. Do you have references?

6. Do you mind if I look you up with the regulators (the state, better business bureau, and association related to your license)?

Consumers assume that your interest may not necessarily match theirs. Answering these questions will go a long way to help them assess you as a trustworthy adviser and problem solver.

Did you know that you can add positive information to your credit report by paying bills on time and paying off your balances? Your credit report gets updated every time you pay on your card.

Did you know that you should not close a credit card out as it will lower your credit score? Seems hard to believe, but true.

Did you know that by keeping your oldest accounts open and active (using the credit card at least once every six months), you will look good to the credit scoring computer in the sky?

Use these tips and rewrite your credit history!