Friday, April 17, 2009
To conclude our credit-focused episode, listeners offer some thoughts and anecdotes about their experiences with credit cards and the hard lessons they've learned in the process.
Credit card in wallet (David Paul Morris/Getty Images)
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From Loris, SC, 04/22/2009
I was a victim of identity theft in 2000. I have been dealing with the damage to my credit ever since. The thief was arrested but skipped out on bail before she was prosecuted. She is, as of 2008, still at it. I received a call from a finance company looking for her. So, my name is still linked with hers and probably always will be. I check my credit reports often but it comes up every time I apply for credit. The system is set up to facilitate these types of criminals, not to protect the interests or privacy of consumers.
From Loris, SC, 04/22/2009
I was a victim of identity theft in 2000. I have been dealing with the damage to my credit ever since. The thief was arrested but skipped out on bail before she was prosecuted. She is, as of 2008, still at it. I received a call from a finance company looking for her. So, my name is still linked with hers and probably always will be. I check my credit reports often but it comes up every time I apply for credit. The system is set up to facilitate these types of criminals, not to protect the interests or privacy of consumers.
From Camarillo, CA, 04/21/2009
Tracking our family expenses allowed us to finally see the gap between income and expense. When income exceeded our spending we could save and invest. Now 18 years later, as a result of that process, our nest egg allowed me to retire at age 62 so I could pursue other interests.
Often heard suggestions to live on a budget is sound advice evidenced in our own family finances.
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