Ladies, Keep a Close Eye on Your Money

             Riskiest Places to Use Your Credit Card

The following information was retrieved directly from:http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/112097/riskiest-places-to-use-your-credit-card?;

      This article was written by Constance Parten, senior  

 

             producer on Saturday, February 12, 2011

 

 You can actually find the complete article on 

, provided by CNBC.com

 

 

I have found the CNBC is a reliable source on which you can 

 

 depend.  And considering how much we need to protect our 

 

credit rating, private information, not to mention our money, 

 

this is information we need to remember, when we are out

 

and about.

 

The Article

"The most important thing is to check your billing statement, of course. And there are organizations like Creditcards.com that offer tips on how to keep your cards safe as well. Here, we take a look at 10 of the riskiest places you might use your card, according to Creditcards.com, and what you can do to avoid the dangers.

Non-Bank Owned ATMs

Encryption at these ATMs is often not as good as at bank ATMs, meaning some locations are just not as safe. These ATMs also are more likely to be hacked. And in some cases, people have put up devices that look like ATMs but don't give out cash. Instead, they are just card-skimming devices aimed at stealing your credit card or debit card information.

Flea Markets

Flea market merchants are often transient and can be difficult to locate if there is a problem with charges. It's especially true for vendors who don't have online credit card terminals and instead make carbon copies of your credit card.

That doesn't mean those vendors are necessarily fraudulent, but it makes the transaction less secure. The credit card company might have trouble doing a charge back. If you're going to the flea market, take cash. It's also easier to negotiate that way.

Small Shops/Cafes in Foreign Countries

These smaller merchants have a significantly higher percentage of credit card fraud as reported by large banks and credit card companies. Many of these transactions end up being written off by the banks because the merchants simply can't be located. There's just a higher chance of fraud when you get outside of the mainstream, so when in doubt, use cash.

Non-Secure Online Checkout

General common sense. Any safe, reputable e-commerce site is going to have a secure checkout page, like the one shown at left. If that doesn't appear, it should be a red flag. You can almost be sure it's not legitimate, and even if it is, you're opening yourself to that transaction being seen by others.

©David Oliver/Taxi/Getty Images

 

Wi-Fi Hotspots and Public Computers

If you're going to be making online transactions over an unsecured wireless connection like in cafes, parks and other hot spots, data can be compromised or seen while in transit, even if you're on a secure page while you're checking out. The same goes for public computers like in libraries. It's not advisable to ever transmit personal data when you're in a public connection environment, especially on non-secure wireless.

Recurring Bills/Subscriptions

Instead of using automatic billing, ask to be billed on a one-time bill by bill basis instead. When you use your credit card for purchases that involve weekly, monthly or annual billings, you can encounter the headache of over-billings, continued billing once a subscription has ended, etc. Some less-than honest merchants will use automatic billing in hopes you'll forget and won't check your credit card statement.

Purchases on Smart Phones

Purchases on smart phones can also be less than secure. If your smart phone connects to a public wi-fi signal, you're going to be much less secure. Someone else can potentially see the transaction, or malware can be placed on your device that can potentially transmit your personal information.

 

Unsolicited E-Mail Offers

Unless you've signed up for solicitations from particular companies, be wary. Check the URL in the e-mail. If it looks suspect, don't click on it. You can always contact the company through their official website to confirm the legitimacy of the offer.

Strange and Foreign Domain Extensions

If you're going to be shopping online, it's best to stay with sites that use a .com extension. And be sure they have a secure checkout. With extensions for countries outside the U.S. -- like .ru for Russia -- use caution and make sure the company you're purchasing from is actually located in the country depicted in the domain extension.

Suspect Swipe Terminals

If there's something that looks suspicious at an ATM or a gas pump credit card swipe terminal -- like a separate stand-alone device for you to swipe your card through -- or something looks like it's been added onto the terminal, think twice about using it. More often than not, those types of add-ons are put there by criminals so they can steal your credit card information."

 

This information was retrieved directly from:

http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/112097/riskiest-places-to-use-your-credit-card?;

 

 

 

 

 

Live Life to the FUllest

Hello, friends and family, how is life treating you?  Or should ask how are living your best life?  Did you pray this morning?  AM Prayer is a must to get your day started on the right foot?


I have one of the most wonderful, positive, full of life daughters.   Arnetta K, is my middle child and a super go getter.   She has completed her first published book. 

The title is "Full Length Mirror", by A.K. Parker.  Please visit www.lulu.com and type in the title of my daughters book. 

Arnetta sent this email to me this AM and she thoughts helped me to gather my thoughts for the day.  Remember friends God as a great and wonder plan for our lives.  check this out......

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, Plans to prosper you, plans to give you hope and a future."

God, are Father has everything we need and then some.  All we have to do is live by His rules to get it........

My Daughters' thoughts for today....

Hello Mother,


I want to write this note to you. I want to let you know that I love you and pray that you are living your best life. In order to do this, you must let go of the past and only speak encouraging, positive words. You taught me that words are powerful. They are, so speak life into what you want. Know one can change anyone so speaking negatively about them only stills your energy and blocks your blessings. God has a plan for you. You need to get prepared to complete God's plans.


I hope that the information you received about the organization will help you find a place to stay. I know that in time you will fill your home with the items you need. Move forward with the anticipation of greatness.


You deserve the best, but the best will only come when you work toward it. Complete school and set your goals for each month of 2011. By December 2011, you can celebrate all of your efforts and dedication.


Love Always


Arnetta

Get over YOUR PAST and MOve AHEAD

Today, I finally had time to check my GMAIL (Free Google Email Service) messages and found several from Jack Canfield.  Remember he is the co-creator of Chicken Soup of the Soul.  Earlier this week I found a link to his The Success Principles
Mentorship Program.

     To date I had received four Mentoring messages, so of a course I started with the last one which is shown below.   

When I glanced over the daily motivation note, it reminded me of one of my mediation verses I used to help me move one after a 20 year relationship ended sadly and badly.  This bible verse  helped me to remain sane and to move on to the next chapter of my life without wasting time dwelling on the past and becoming crazy with bitterness.

Isaiah 43:18 - 19

18“Forget the former things;

do not dwell on the past.

19See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the desert

and streams in the wasteland.

01-12-2011

Dear AuntieDonna,

By now, you've made great strides towards becoming more
successful.

In today's important segment of The Success Principles
Mentorship Program, we'll look at completing the past so we
can embrace an even more exciting future.

One of the activities we recommend for all success students
is to clean up your incompletes and your messes - so you can
actually make room for more opportunity and abundance to come into your life. You can read more about why this strategy works in Principle #28 of The Success Principles book (page 208).  Hola, wait a minute, this sounds good and I have actually thought about going back, but......do what?

We know of countless people who have experienced new romantic

relationships, increased business, and enjoyed better physical

health and other amazing benefits, simply because they took

time to 'clean out the old' from their file drawers, garage

shelves, clothes closets -- and heart and mind.

You can, too.

We'll see you tomorrow with another mentorship message.

JACK CANFIELD and JANET SWITZER

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

You are receiving this email because you registered for the

free Success Principles Mentorship Program offered at

www.thesuccessprinciples.com or www.jackcanfield.com

If you have missed any of the messages, please click on the following link for all mentoring messages www.thesuccessprinciples.com/mentoring.php

The Jack Canfield Companies

P.O. Box 30880

Santa Barbara, CA 93130

(805) 563-2935

www.JackCanfield.com

Our family club is studying Jack Canfield's "The Success Principles" (How to get from where You are to Where You Want to Be.)  We read and then talk about any insights we gained or should have gained during our family monthly meetings.  So, my dear friends I am going to take a few minutes and read Principle 28, CLEAN UP YOUR MESSES AND YOUR INCOMPLETES,
on page 208.
    If you want check out Jack's success principles, you can check it out from the library before you spend any money or you can get a used one from AMAZON.COM, that is where I brought my copy.

Peace and Grace 

Teen Suicide; what is going on?

It hurts my heart to hear about our young people feeling

so hopeless, miserable and helpless  to the point of taking their own lives.   Yes, life can be hard, confusing and too many times painful.  But it should never be hopeless, never. 

  Although, I must admit there was a time in my life when I felt so miserable about my situation that I did think about it, taking my life.  But believe me, that was a fleeting thought.  Do you know why?  Because I remembered who I was and to whom I belonged. 

I ALMOST FORGOT

(Psalms 139:14, 17-18) I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. {17} How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! {18} If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You.

  

The word of God can and will strengthen, encourage and motivate you, when you start to feel despair or start making life choices based on what a person has said to you.

THE WORD OF GOD NEVER FAILS!

Whose report are you going to believe?  I am going to believe the report of the Lord.

This is the lesson we have to teach our children. The message that they were created for a divine purpose and the devil will use people to stop you from reaching your appointed destination.

      Our children need to know that regardless of the circumstances of their birth, regardless of the way people are treating you, there is a special reason you are on earth and God needs you to fulfill your purpose.

 

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

   

      Words of the world (people) can help you to do better or they can cause harm to your spirit.  But the Words of God are the only words you can believe in and trust. 

         God’s Word will give you the wisdom you need to focus on your life purpose and not on what people are saying or doing to you.

          What is going on?  Why do our children feel so lost, so alone and completely out of choices that involve living?

      We as Christians have missed the boat when it comes to reaching and teaching our next generation about the love of God. 

It is written in John 3:16 that: “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus our savior was killed and He died so we can have the best life.

        We have to spread to word to our youth that regardless of what is going on in their lives, God, their creator and Father has a plan for their future. 

What I am trying to say is; everyone else is telling our children, what to wear, how to look, how to act and think; but what are we telling our children?  Where are our messages of love and acceptance?  

       Now, to answer the question, about homosexual teens; God is definitely against homosexuality.  All you have to do is read…….

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 - "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God."

Leviticus 18:22 - "Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable."

    

We know what God says and we also know how Jesus taught us to treat people, with love and kindness.  All we have to do (in kindness and love) is share the word of God and let God’s power complete the work.  Offer the information, offer the salvation prayer and pray for their deliverance.  Once you have done this, you have your part.

1 Corinthians 6:11 - "And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."

     The bottom line is: each and everyone on the planet earth was designed by God for a specific purpose and plan.   

So, a course satan will try to stop God’s plans.  

So, now you know you have a choice and that there is help available, what can you do now?   

Make a decision!

Decide if you want to stay where you are, (in misery) or you can chose to make a change and seek God’s purpose for your life. 

Jesus answered and said to him, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'" (John 3:3)

        Once you start on the path of life that leads you towards your God given purpose and assignment, nothing will be able to stop you from fulfilling your destiny.  

        Yes there will be obstacles, hindrances and distractions to deter you, slow you down and try to keep you from reaching your goals. 

     But, when problems happen (and they will) just remember who is on your side, who is sustaining you and whose mission you are fulfilling.  God, the creator of heaven and earth, your father; will help you and ease your way.  This means God will give you the wisdom and the tools you will need to succeed and to complete the mission He has given you.

Hopefully, you have decided to try God and if that is your decision, here are the steps>

1.      Ask God for help, talk to Him like you would talk to a close friend that loves and cares for you.

2.   Get a Bible or Google and read Romans 10: 8, 9, 10 and verse 13.

3.    Ask God to give you wisdom and to help you understand what these scriptures mean.

4.   Now, read Romans 10: 8, 9, 10 and verse 13, again.

GOD LOVES YOU, SIN SEPARATES PEOPLE FROM GOD, JESUS DIED FOR YOUR SINS, YOU CAN RECEIVE JESUS NOW, AND KNOW GOD'S LOVE

5.   Acknowledge in your heart that Jesus is Lord.

6.   Believe that Jesus died for your sins and was raised three days later.

7.   Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord.

8.   Repent of your sins and get baptized in the name of Jesus.

9.    Now say the Salvation Prayer.

(Please note, do not expect shivers, a special glow or a tingle, because you are beginning your faith walk and….partial quote:  As Christians, we walk by faith not by sight or feelings> 2 Corinthians 5:7: New International Version (©1984)  We live by faith, not by sight. New Living Translation (©2007) For we live by believing and not by seeing.  English Standard Version (©2001)  for we walk by faith, not by sight.

The Salvation Prayer is a way to communicate your faith in God and His promises. The Salvation Prayer is not a ritual that requires specific words or acts.  This prayer is a way of committing your life to Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior.  The following prayer is a guide for your first faith step.  

Salvation Prayer

"God, I recognize that I have not lived my life for You up until now.  I have been living for myself and that is wrong. I need You in my life; I want You in my life.  I acknowledge the completed work of Your Son Jesus Christ in giving His life for me on the cross at Calvary, and I long to receive the forgiveness you have made freely available to me through this sacrifice.  Come into my life now, Lord.  Take up residence in my heart and be my king, my Lord, and my Savior.  From this day forward, I will no longer be controlled by sin, or the desire to please myself, but I will follow You all the days of my life. Those days are in Your hands.  I ask this in Jesus

Christ' precious and holy name.  Amen."

If you decided to repent of your sins and receive Christ today, welcome to God's family. Now, as a way to grow closer to Him, the Bible tells us to follow up on our commitment.

• Get baptized as commanded by Christ.
• Tell someone else about your new faith in Christ.
• Spend time with God each day. It does not have to be a long period of time. Just develop the daily habit of praying to Him and reading His Word.
• Ask God to increase your faith and your understanding of the Bible.
• Seek fellowship with other followers of Jesus. Develop a group of believing friends to answer your questions and support you.
• Find a local (Word*) church where you can worship God.

*A Word church is a church where the complete, unadulterated scriptures are taught and followed.  You will recognize a Word church by the lessons the Minster teaches, the sermons will be filled with a minimum of eight to nine scriptures that explain and supports the lessons.    

You are now born again, Hallelujah

Additional Information that may be helpful

The following list is from a site that offers help and resources for teens and families.

www.kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/suicide.html#cat145

Signs that a teen may be considering suicide

• Talks about death and/or suicide (maybe even with a joking manner).
• Plans ways to kill him or herself.
• Expresses worries that nobody cares about him or her.
• Has attempted suicide in the past.
• Dramatic changes in personality and behavior.
• Withdraws from interacting with friends and family.
• Shows signs of depression.
• Shows signs of a substance abuse problem.
• Begins to act recklessly and engage in risk-taking behaviors.
• Begins to give away sentimental possessions.
• Spends time online interacting with people who glamorize suicide and maybe even form suicide pacts.

1)http://aacap.org/page.ww?name=Teen+Suicide&section=Facts+for+Families

2)http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/suicide.html#cat145

 


The word of God can and will strengthen, encourage and motivate you, when you start to feel despair or start making life choices based on what a person has said to you.
Whose report are you going to believe? I am going to believe the report of the Lord.

This is the lesson we have to teach our children. The message that they were created for a divine purpose and the devil will use people to stop you from reaching your appointed destination.
Our children need to know that regardless of the circumstances of their birth, regardless of the way people are treating you, there is a special reason you are on earth and God needs you to fulfill your purpose.
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

Words of the world (people) can help you to do better or they can cause harm to your spirit. But the Words of God are the only words you can believe in and trust.
God’s Word will give you the wisdom you need to focus on your life purpose and not on what people are saying or doing to you.
What is going on? Why do our children feel so lost, so alone and completely out of choices that involve living?
We as Christians have missed the boat when it comes to reaching and teaching our next generation about the love of God.
It is written in John 3:16 that: “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus our savior was killed and He died so we can have the best life.
We have to spread to word to our youth that regardless of what is going on in their lives, God, their creator and Father has a plan for their future.
What I am trying to say, is everyone else is tell our children, what to wear, how to look, how to act and think; what are we telling our children? Where are our messages of love and acceptance?
Now, to answer the question, about homosexual teens; God is definitely against homosexuality. All you have to do is read…….
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 - "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God."
Leviticus 18:22 - "Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable."
We know what God says and we also know how Jesus taught us to treat people, with love and kindness. All we have to do (in kindness and love) is share the word of God and let God’s power complete the work. Offer the information, offer the salvation prayer and pray for their deliverance. Once you have done this, you have your part.
1 Corinthians 6:11 - "And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."
The bottom line is: each and everyone on the planet earth was designed by God for a specific purpose and plan. So, a course satan will try to stop God’s plans.
So, now you know you have a choice and that there is help available, what can you do now? Make a decision!
Decide if you want to stay where you are, (in misery) or you can chose to make a change and seek God’s purpose for your life.
Jesus answered and said to him, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'" (John 3:3)
Once you start on the path of life that leads you towards your God given purpose and assignment, nothing will be able to stop you from fulfilling your destiny. Yes there will be obstacles, hindrances and distractions to deter you, slow you down and try to keep you from reaching your goals.
But, when problems happen (and they will) just remember who is on your side, who is sustaining you and whose mission you are fulfilling. God, the creator of heaven and earth, your father; will help you and ease your way. This means God will give you the wisdom and the tools you will need to succeed and to complete the mission He has given you.
Hopefully, you have decided to try God and if that is your decision, here are the steps>
1. Ask God for help, talk to Him like you would talk to a close friend that loves and cares for you.
2. Get a Bible or Google and read Romans 10: 8, 9, 10 and verse 13.
3. Ask God to give you wisdom and to help you understand what these scriptures mean.
4. Now, read Romans 10: 8, 9, 10 and verse 13, again.
GOD LOVES YOU, SIN SEPARATES PEOPLE FROM GOD, JESUS DIED FOR YOUR SINS, YOU CAN RECEIVE JESUS NOW, AND KNOW GOD'S LOVE
5. Acknowledge in your heart that Jesus is Lord.
6. Believe that Jesus died for your sins and was raised three days later.
7. Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord.
8. Repent of your sins and get baptized in the name of Jesus.
9. Now say the Salvation Prayer.
(Please note, do not expect shivers, a special glow or a tingle, because you are beginning your faith walk and….partial quote: As Christians, we walk by faith not by sight or feelings> 2 Corinthians 5:7: New International Version (©1984) We live by faith, not by sight. New Living Translation (©2007) For we live by believing and not by seeing. English Standard Version (©2001) for we walk by faith, not by sight.

The Salvation Prayer is a way to communicate your faith in God and His promises. The Salvation Prayer is not a ritual that requires specific words or acts. This prayer is a way of committing your life to Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. The following prayer is a guide for your first faith step.
Salvation Prayer
"God, I recognize that I have not lived my life for You up until now. I have been living for myself and that is wrong. I need You in my life; I want You in my life. I acknowledge the completed work of Your Son Jesus Christ in giving His life for me on the cross at Calvary, and I long to receive the forgiveness you have made freely available to me through this sacrifice. Come into my life now, Lord. Take up residence in my heart and be my king, my Lord, and my Savior. From this day forward, I will no longer be controlled by sin, or the desire to please myself, but I will follow You all the days of my life. Those days are in Your hands. I ask this in Jesus
Christ' precious and holy name. Amen."

If you decided to repent of your sins and receive Christ today, welcome to God's family. Now, as a way to grow closer to Him, the Bible tells us to follow up on our commitment.
• Get baptized as commanded by Christ.
• Tell someone else about your new faith in Christ.
• Spend time with God each day. It does not have to be a long period of time. Just develop the daily habit of praying to Him and reading His Word.
• Ask God to increase your faith and your understanding of the Bible.
• Seek fellowship with other followers of Jesus. Develop a group of believing friends to answer your questions and support you.
• Find a local (Word*) church where you can worship God.
*A Word church is a church where the complete, unadulterated scriptures are taught and followed. You will recognize a Word church by the lessons the Minster teaches, the sermons will be filled with a minimum of eight to nine scriptures that explain and supports the lessons.
You are now born again, Hallelujah
Additional Information that may be helpful
The following list is from a site that offers help and resources for teens and families.
www.kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/suicide.html#cat145
Signs that a teen may be considering suicide
• Talks about death and/or suicide (maybe even with a joking manner).
• Plans ways to kill him or herself.
• Expresses worries that nobody cares about him or her.
• Has attempted suicide in the past.
• Dramatic changes in personality and behavior.
• Withdraws from interacting with friends and family.
• Shows signs of depression.
• Shows signs of a substance abuse problem.
• Begins to act recklessly and engage in risk-taking behaviors.
• Begins to give away sentimental possessions.
• Spends time online interacting with people who glamorize suicide and maybe even form suicide pacts.

1)http://aacap.org/page.ww?name=Teen+Suicide&section=Facts+for+Families
2)http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/suicide.html#cat145