This is where your path to financial freedom begins...

Imagine receiving a notification from Lifelock or your credit card company informing you that your social security number has been discovered on the dark web. In the digital era, it is becoming increasingly common for personal information to be compromised, and figuring out how your information was exposed is rare. This could have resulted from swiping your credit card, attending an educational institution, providing your information to your doctor, or even a breach that occurred through your employer. Unfortunately, this has happened to me, and I will provide you with tips to safeguard yourself if your information is discovered on the dark web. How to Protect Your Identity if Your Social Security Number is Leaked on the Dark Web Add a Freeze or Lock on Your Credit Add a Bank Security Freeze Add a Utilities Security Freeze Add an Employment Data Freeze Contact the IRS to receive an Identity Theft Pin Credit Freeze vs. Credit Lock Credit Freeze A credit freeze is similar to a credit lock, but a credit freeze provides you with more protection when opening new accounts in your name. When you place a credit freeze on your account and want to get credit in the future, you will need to lift the freeze from your account. If you call on the phone or visit an agency online the freeze can take about an hour to be removed from your account. You will also need to remember the pin numbers you were provided to lift the freeze, so keeping all your pin numbers in a safe place is important. Credit freezes are also free because they are mandated and governed by federal law, but they are slower to activate and deactivate than a credit lock. Credit Locks Credit locks also prevent access to opening an account in your name. However, they aren't as restrictive as a credit freeze. If someone has access to your social security number, date of birth, and other sensitive information, they can provide this to the creditor and open an account in your name. Also, since they don't require a PIN number to unlock or lock your credit, you may be susceptible to future identity theft problems. Unlike credit freezes, credit locks may or may not be free, but they are faster to put on your account than a freeze. However, they are not governed by federal law, so you aren't offered legal protection besides what the credit bureau provides. You should use a credit freeze for significant data breaches of your identity theft, such as the exposure of your social security number. You can use a credit lock in instances where your Amazon account, credit card account, or other smaller breaches have occurred. See my feature in The Penny Hoarder: 9 Habits of People With 800 Credit Scores Bank Security Freeze It is crucial to have a bank security freeze to protect your identity from being stolen and used by someone else to open a bank account in your name. This could lead to the misuse of your finances or even result in money laundering, causing significant harm to your financial reputation. By placing a security freeze on your ChexSystems report, you can limit access and make it difficult for anyone to open an account in your name. My Social Security Number was Found on the Dark Web Utilities Security Freeze Identity thieves can open phone, electricity, water, and other utility accounts, accruing charges in your name and damaging your credit. Like a credit freeze, a utility security freeze restricts access to your utility account information. This helps prevent identity thieves from opening new utility accounts in your name and racking up charges you may end up being responsible for. There's a central organization called the National Consumer Telecom & Utilities Exchange (NCTUE) that manages utility security freezes. See my feature in GoBankingRates: Black Americans Are More Likely To Be Denied Credit — Here's Why, According to Experts How Does the Utility Freeze Work Access to Your Information is Limited: With the freeze in place, utility companies that subscribe to the NCTUE service won't be able to access your full account history. It is important to note that not all utility companies participate in the NCTUE service. Temporary Lifting: If you're applying for a new utility service, you'll need to lift the freeze temporarily. This can usually be done online or by phone through the NCTUE. Remember to refreeze your report after your application is processed. Employment Data Freeze I reached out to E-Verify to request a freeze on my employment data. As someone who works in human resources, I understand the significance of safeguarding your employment information. Placing a freeze on your account is crucial in protecting yourself against identity theft, which can lead to false employment and unreported wages, potentially resulting in an IRS audit. This freeze is particularly important as it prevents unauthorized access to your work status information, which is often used for background screening and verification by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The Work Number is an organization that may have access to your prior employment history. Many lenders use The Work Number to verify your employment and compensation history when you apply for credit. Limiting access to this data is crucial to ensure that your employment history information is not used to obtain a personal or mortgage loan, among other types of credit. Requesting an Identity Protection PIN When filing your taxes, you may have noticed a checkbox asking if you or your spouse received an identity theft pin. It's easy to overlook and mark "n" without much thought. However, it is crucial to be aware that identity thieves who gain employment using your name could file a tax return on your behalf and prevent you from filing your taxes on time. They could also receive your expected tax refund or even lead you to pay taxes for income that you did not earn. Therefore, it is essential to take this step seriously and obtain an identity theft pin from the IRS to prevent this type of fraud. When I filed my taxes recently, I located my Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN), but it had expired, so the IRS rejected my return. I had to request a new PIN since it was only valid for one tax year. Luckily, I had already set up my IRS account online, so I was easily able to retrieve a new IP PIN and file my taxes successfully. What Next in Protecting Your Identity? Taking proactive steps to safeguard your personal information is essential in today's digital age. Adding a freeze or lock on credit, bank security freeze, utilities security freeze, and employment data freeze can significantly reduce the risk of identity theft. These tips are practical, easy to implement, and can make a significant difference in protecting your financial and personal information. So, don't wait for an unfortunate incident to occur. Take the necessary steps today to protect yourself from identity theft and stay safe online! If you need assistance with protecting your identity, get assistance today. See my feature in Forbes: Why is it Hard to Become Financially Independent

Navigating the financial disparity in retirement savings between spouses can be a delicate endeavor. To offer guidance, I’ve gathered insights from founders and a trends analyst, covering strategies from hosting a “Dreams & Goals” discussion to establishing a “Future-Focused” budgeting plan. Here are six creative budgeting strategies and emotional communication tactics couples can use to tackle this challenge and secure their future together. Budgeting Strategies for Couples to Plan for Retirement Host a “Dreams & Goals” Discussion Find a Balanced Saving Approach Adopt a “Two-Pot” Retirement Strategy Create a “Retirement Catch-Up Plan” Utilize Real Estate for Retirement Funding Establish a “Future-Focused” Budgeting Plan Host a “Dreams & Goals” Discussion One suggestion for couples facing this challenge is to have a “Dreams & Goals” conversation. Set aside time for an open and nonjudgmental discussion about each other’s dreams for retirement, any current financial fears, and the goals you both wish to achieve together. By framing this conversation around your shared dreams rather than the immediate financial stress, both partners can fully understand each other’s perspectives and priorities. This approach leads to a deeper emotional connection and a stronger commitment to face this financial challenge together. Bayu Prihandito, Founder, Psychology Consultant, Life Coach for Men, Life Architekture Related: See my feature in 5 Steps Women Should Take in Their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s to Be Set for Retirement Find a Balanced Saving Approach My spouse is more of a spender than a saver, whereas I am the extreme opposite. I am keen to achieve financial independence and retire early, whereas my spouse enjoys work and would be happy to keep working. When we first got together over 20 years ago, our different attitudes toward money caused quite a lot of friction. Over the years, I have realized that enjoying life now is as important as saving for a comfortable retirement and that balancing our different attitudes to life and finances is the best approach. We have agreed on a middle ground; we both save money to allow us to retire early, but we set aside a budget each month to enjoy going out for meals, holidays, etc. The simple answer is that we sat down and talked about it several times until we came up with a plan and approach we were both comfortable with. I realized/accepted that my spouse’s attitude toward money was just as valid as mine and that we needed to live for the present and plan for the future. Jonathan Wright, Founder, Aiming For FIRE Related: See my feature in Securing Your Future: A Step-by-Step Retirement Planning Guide Adopt a “Two-Pot” Retirement Strategy A creative and viable budgeting approach for couples facing a retirement savings imbalance is the “two-pot” strategy. The “two-pot” strategy involves establishing two separate retirement accounts: one for the spouse who has already been saving and a dedicated “catch-up” account for the spouse starting late. A portion of the household’s disposable income is then automatically allocated to fund the catch-up account monthly, treating it as a non-negotiable expense. Contribution levels can be periodically reviewed and adjusted based on progress toward joint retirement goals. The two distinct pots allow the couple to simultaneously maintain the existing nest egg while aggressively building up the other’s savings through focused, forced contributions. This tangible, partitioned approach provides clarity, prioritizes the pressing need, and can be scaled over time, making it a disciplined yet flexible way for couples to get on track together for a secure retirement. Brian Meiggs, Founder, My Millennial Guide Create a “Retirement Catch-Up Plan” One approach could be implementing a “Retirement Catch-Up Plan.” This plan involves the party that is lagging agreeing to cut back on non-essentials a little and redirecting those funds toward retirement. If spending less isn’t an option, the shortfall might be made up by agreeing to redirect a future windfall (like bonuses, tax refunds, or inheritances) directly into their retirement account. Along with practical strategies, you’ve got to consider the emotional side. There has to be space for both partners to voice fears and frustrations about your retirement saving strategy. Your goals have to be “shared goals” if they’re going to stick without causing resentment. As you level the playing field, celebrate your progress to keep motivation high and remind each other why you’re doing this. Clay Cary, Trends Analyst, Coupon Follow Related: See my feature in Retirement Savings: 5 Steps To Take Now If You Want a Comfortable Retirement Utilize Real Estate for Retirement Funding One exciting strategy involves leveraging real estate, specifically through a transaction between spouses that could offer tax advantages and contribute to retirement savings. The spouse with more financial resources could “sell” the family home to the other spouse. This arrangement could potentially unlock equity from the property, providing funds that can be directed into the less financially prepared spouse’s retirement accounts (e.g., an IRA, 401(k), or an index fund). Additionally, this works even better for investment properties due to tax benefits. When selling an investment property, the depreciation starts over, and the tax income from that rental property can be deducted, which can be leveraged for further savings. Abby Shemesh, Chief Acquisitions Officer, Amerinote Xchange Establish a “Future-Focused” Budgeting Plan Facing a retirement savings imbalance in marriage requires creative budgeting and effective communication. One strategy is implementing a “future-focused” budgeting plan, which involves allocating a portion of the household income into a joint retirement savings account. Having a “future-focused” budgeting plan not only addresses the financial disparity but also fosters a sense of shared responsibility toward future goals. Emotionally, it’s crucial to approach conversations with empathy, focusing on solutions rather than attributing blame. Regular “financial health” meetings can create a safe space for open dialogue, allowing both partners to express their fears and aspirations and set realistic financial goals collaboratively. This dual approach mitigates the financial strain and strengthens the marital bond by building a foundation of trust, mutual support, and shared objectives for a secure future together. Mike Schafer, Louisville Personal Injury Lawyer, The Schafer Law Office Related: See my feature in Why Is It Normal For You To Worry About Retirement Before You Retire? What’s Next? If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the financial challenges of retirement planning, you’re not alone. By using these creative budgeting and emotional communication tactics when planning your retirement, you can begin to bridge the retirement savings gap with your significant other, but implementing the strategies may require professional guidance. Contacting a financial professional can help you gain valuable insights, receive expert recommendations, and develop a clear roadmap for your retirement savings journey. Don’t let financial uncertainty prevent you from enjoying a secure and fulfilling retirement.

Are you searching for an entertaining and interesting way to introduce your children to the concept of money? Look no further than your preferred streaming service! There are a plethora of movies available that can initiate conversations about the significance of saving, spending, and working hard. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Movies That Teach Kids About Money For Younger Viewers (Ages 5-9) For Older Kids (Ages 10-12) For Tweens and Teens (Ages 12-17) Tips for Using Movies to Teach Kids About Money For Younger Viewers (Ages 5-9): Disney's Robin Hood: The central theme of Robin Hood revolves around wealth redistribution. Prince John's excessive taxation leaves the people of Nottingham struggling. In this thrilling adventure, Robin Hood disrupts this system by stealing from the rich (represented by Prince John) and giving back to the poor townspeople. This movie directly addresses issues of income inequality and the burden of taxes. The Muppet Christmas Carol: Scrooge McDuck's obsession with wealth offers a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the importance of generosity. Scrooge's obsession with wealth blinds him to the joy and fulfillment that come from simple things like spending time with loved ones. Scrooge finds through his adventures the importance of finding happiness beyond material possessions. Treasure Planet: Captain Flint: Captain Flint embodies the dangers of greed. His obsession with treasure ultimately leads to his downfall. The events that befall Captain Flint can be a cautionary tale for kids, highlighting the importance of setting realistic goals and avoiding the allure of quick riches. Jim Hawkins: Jim starts out poor and dreams of wealth. Throughout the film, he grapples with the temptation to keep some of the treasure for himself. This struggle presents an opportunity to discuss the difference between needs and wants and the value of honesty over instant gratification. A Little Princess: Sara Crewe starts as a wealthy heiress, showered with expensive clothes and luxuries. Her father's sudden death throws her into poverty, forcing her to adapt to a harsh new reality. Sara's adventure takes place in a boarding school, as she manages her limited resources and learns the importance of budgeting and resourcefulness. The Mitchells vs. the Machines: At its core, The Mitchells vs. the Machines is a story about family bonding. While the Mitchells aren't wealthy, their love and support for each other is ultimately their greatest treasure. Children can learn the importance of building strong relationships that go beyond material wealth. For Older Kids (Ages 10-12): The Secret Millionaire Club: Based on a true story, this heartwarming film follows a group of kids who start an investment club and learn valuable lessons about teamwork, research, and the importance of a long-term perspective. Overall, The Secret Millionaire Club uses humor, adventure, and relatable characters to make financial literacy fun and accessible for children. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Willy Wonka's fantastical factory isn't just about chocolate! Even when faced with temptation, Charlie Bucket's honesty and respect offer a valuable lesson about integrity being more important than material possessions. Poverty vs. Wealth The Bucket Family: Charlie's family represents poverty. They barely have enough money for basic necessities, and chocolate is a rare treat. In the movie, you can see this from their leaky house and the cabbage soup they eat, which highlights their struggle. Children will realize the struggle many families face to make ends meet. Willy Wonka: He embodies immense wealth. His extravagant factory and fantastical creations showcase the vast difference between their realities. The factory itself becomes a symbol of the vast gulf between Charlie's world and Wonka's. The factory is a mysterious and closed-off place, highlighting the distance between the wealthy and the poor. Charlie can only dream of the wonders inside until he finds the Golden Ticket. A Kid Called Danger: The movie centers around a young boy, Ethan, who dreams of becoming a detective like his father. He uses his initiative and resourcefulness to start a lemonade stand. Ethan uses the money earned from his lemonade stand to buy supplies for his detective work (e.g., a magnifying glass and a walkie-talkie). The film provides an opportunity to discuss basic money management concepts like spending versus saving and allocating resources for future goals. The Karate Kid: While not directly about money, The Karate Kid can teach valuable financial lessons when viewed through that lens. The main character, Daniel, learns valuable life lessons from Mr. Miyagi, his karate teacher, including the importance of delayed gratification and working hard to achieve your goals. In the movie, Daniel learns karate not through instant results but through consistent effort and discipline under Mr. Miyagi's guidance. The chores Mr. Miyagi gives Daniel, like sanding and waxing cars, can be seen as teaching valuable skills and delayed gratification. Daniel might not see the immediate benefit, but these chores build a work ethic and a sense of accomplishment, transferable to managing finances responsibly. For Tweens and Teens (Ages 12-17): The Blind Side: This inspiring true story delves into the challenges faced by Michael Oher, a homeless teenager, as he enters the world of college football. The film portrays Michael's journey of learning to manage his newfound wealth responsibly. He receives financial guidance from the Tuohys, his adoptive family, who help him understand the value of money and the importance of making sound financial decisions. The movie is a valuable lesson for teenagers who might soon be handling their own money (e.g., part-time jobs, scholarships, and student loans). The Social Network: This dramatization of Facebook's founding offers a glimpse into the world of startups and venture capitalism. The movie showcases the world of venture capital funding, where startups pitch their ideas to investors in exchange for money and guidance. The film doesn't shy away from showing the negative consequences Zuckerberg faces as Facebook explodes in popularity. This movie can be a conversation starter on entrepreneurship, the risks and rewards of investing, and the ethical considerations involved in building a business. The Perks of Being a Wallflower: Although The Perks of Being a Wallflower doesn't directly address personal finance or budgeting, it subtly explores the pressure teenagers face to keep up with trends. The characters navigate high school social circles where trends and appearances can be important. The movie emphasizes the value of inner worth and self-acceptance over external validation through material possessions. While the main characters appear privileged, the film hints at the underlying financial burdens some families might face. This movie can open discussions about the reality that not everyone has the same financial resources. Tips for Using Movies to Teach Kids About Money: Watch Together: Make it a family movie night! Discuss the characters' financial decisions throughout the film. Ask Questions: Encourage critical thinking. Ask questions like: What could they have done differently? How would you handle that situation? What did the characters learn about money? How can we apply these lessons in our own lives? What are some of your financial goals? Connect to Real Life: Relate the movie's lessons to your own family's finances. Discuss your budget, saving goals, and responsible spending habits. Movies can be a fantastic way to inspire your kids to learn about financial literacy. With a fun film and some popcorn, you can spark engaging conversations about money matters that will help your children grow into financially responsible adults.

Courses Welcome to a comprehensive resource hub that will help you excel in building your business or boosting your financial literacy. You'll find a plethora of useful resources, ranging from financial literacy materials to business formation guides and budget-tracking resources. Our goal is to provide you with a rewarding and engaging learning experience that adds value to your knowledge base. 1 Financial Literacy Course Our Financial Literacy Course is designed to help you understand the basics of money management and financial planning, so you can make informed decisions and be more financially secure. Through interactive tutorials, practical exercises, and hands-on activities, you will learn the fundamentals of personal finance, including budgeting, saving, investing, credit and debt, and more. With our comprehensive program, you'll gain the confidence and skills needed to create a secure financial future. 2 Business Formation Course Our Business Formation Course provides an in-depth introduction to the fundamentals of forming a business. It covers topics including understanding business structure, registering your business with the state, obtaining licenses and permits, and finding the right financing for your business. Additionally, the course offers guidance on the legal and administrative aspects of forming a business, including tips on creating an effective business plan. This course will give you the knowledge and skills you need to launch your own business confidently. You will have your business formed in less than a month and walk away with additional resources to help you continue to grow. 3 More Courses Coming Soon Keep an eye out for upcoming courses.

Advertiser Disclosure As an Advertiser, I earn from advertisements that are listed on this site. ​ This can include sharing links to products sold by various advertisers. The offers listed do not represent all accounts or services that are available. By clicking through to an advertiser using my link, I receive a commission on your entire purchase during that instance with no added cost to you. ​ I refer you to products that are similar to what's featured in the articles listed on this site or alternatives I've researched and wholeheartedly endorsed but may not have purchased for myself. I hope to simplify your search by directing you to the product you need during your financial literacy journey. ​ If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out or visit https://paidforadvertising.com/. Disclaimer Any information given on this site or through Harris Financial Coaching is general in nature and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Disclaimer

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information This notice and the options that follow apply only to residents of California. ​ California residents may request that we not disclose their personal information to third-parties in certain circumstances. Specifically, the California Privacy Rights Act (“CPRA”) allows you to opt out of (1) the use of your personal information to serve you interest-based, targeted advertisements (referred to as “sharing” for cross-context behavioral advertising in the CPRA), and (2) the “sale” of your personal information. In this context, “sale” has a broad definition and includes the conventional meaning of disclosing your personal information in exchange for money, as well disclosing it in exchange for any other thing of value. We do not “sell” your personal information in the conventional sense, but we may disclose data points such as your behavior on our website or app to services that allow us to show you interest-based advertisements, or to our business partners. To learn more about personal information and how we collect, use, and share it, please review our Privacy Policy . ​ To opt out of the “selling” and/or the use or “sharing” of your personal information for interest-based advertising, please submit the form below. Note that after you opt out we will continue to share your personal information with non-advertising based service providers as described in our Privacy Policy , and you will still see some non-targeted advertisements as you use our website. For your convenience, we have summarized additional steps you can take to opt out of having your online activity and device data collected by third parties in our Privacy Policy . If you have any questions or prefer to make your request over email, please contact us at info@harriswealthcoach.com . Opt out of "Selling," "Sharing," and "Targeted Advertising" By submitting this form, you affirm that the information you provide is accurate and agree that Swisher may contact you to verify or confirm information regarding this request. First Name Last Name Email Select an Address I certify that I am a resident of California. I would like to opt out of the "sale" of my personal information I would like to opt out of the use of "sharing" of my personal information for interest-based advertising Submit Thanks for submitting! More information about your privacy choices. ​ In addition to California residents’ ability to request that we not to “sell” your Personal Information, there are a number of tools and methods that any user — regardless of location —may use to opt out of having your online activity and device data collected by third parties, which we have summarized below. We hope you find this information to be a helpful reference. Please note that using these tools to opt out of tracking and targeting does not mean that you will not receive advertising while using our Services or on other websites, nor will it prevent the receipt of interest-based advertising from third parties that do not participate in these programs. It will exclude you, however, from interest-based advertising conducted through participating networks and platforms, as provided by their policies and choice mechanisms. ​ Blocking Cookies in Your Browser. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but also usually allow you to modify your settings to disable or reject cookies, including cookies for interest-based advertising. If you delete your cookies or if you set your web browser to decline cookies, however, some features of the Services may not work or may not work as designed. You can usually find these settings in the Options or Preferences menu of your browser; links to instructions provided by several of the most common browsers are below. You can also learn more at www.allaboutcookies.org . ​ Cookie settings in Google Chrome Cookie settings in Firefox Cookie settings in Internet Explorer Cookie settings in Safari web and iOS ​ Blocking advertising ID use in your mobile settings. Your mobile device settings may provide functionality to limit use of the advertising ID associated with your mobile device for interest-based advertising purposes. ​ Advertising Industry Opt Out Tools. Many of the third party advertisers that use tracking or targeting tools in connection with our Services either directly, or are members of programs that, offer you additional choices regarding the collection and use of your information. You can learn more about the options available to limit these participating third parties’ collection and use of your information by visiting their websites: ​ Opt Out of Interest Based Advertising (National Advertising Initiative) Your Ad Choices (Digital Advertising Alliance) Your Online Choices (European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance) ​ Platform Opt Out Tools. Google and Facebook offer opt-out features that let you opt-out of use of your information for interest-based advertising. ​ Facebook : About Facebook Ads and Facebook Privacy Policy Google : The Services may deliver advertising using the vendor DoubleClick, a Google company. You can read about how DoubleClick uses cookies , use Google’s controls for blocking certain ads, or use Google’s Ad Settings Page to control how DoubleClick personalizes your ad experience. The Services also may use Google Analytics to track your usage, including the stitching of authenticated and unauthenticated sessions. If you wish to opt-out of Google Analytics’ tracking, use this browser add-on provided by Google . ​ Mobile App Tracking Opt Out Tools. You can learn about your options to opt-out of mobile app tracking by certain advertising networks through your device settings. For more information about how to change these settings for Apple, Android or Windows devices, see: ​ Apple: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4228 Android: http://www.google.com/policies/technologies/ads/ Windows: http://choice.microsoft.com/en-US/opt-out ​ Social Media Services Settings. If you choose to connect to the Services via a third-party platform or social media network, you may have the ability to limit the information that we may obtain from the third-party at the time you login to the Services using the third-party’s authentication service or otherwise connect your account. Subsequently, you may be able to control your settings through the third-party’s platform or service. For example, you may access and change your settings through the Facebook settings page for Apps and Websites. If you withdraw our ability to access certain information from a third-party platform or social media network, that choice will not apply to information that we have already received from that third-party. ​ Using Privacy Plug-ins or Browsers. You can block our websites from setting cookies used for interest-based ads by using a browser with privacy features, like Brave , or installing browser plugins like Privacy Badger , Ghostery or uBlock Origin , and configuring them to block third party cookies/trackers.