Viewpoints Industry Reports on Personal Medical Info Selling

(protect personal medical information)

There has been much in the news lately about big data companies selling personal information about consumers who may have signed up for membership programs, fundraising events and other like situations online. Viewpoints Industry reports on how this can mean the selling of personal medical information.

There are hundred of medical databases for sale to marketers. Personal data brokers and data miners are the top two types of businesses which would buy the names of people on these databases for mere pennies. And unaware consumers who browse online may find their name, address and interests posted in a database for a malady which they do not have. People spend more time online now and are more apt to share health data on a simple registration form. This is where data miners can scoop up personal medical data and sell it to the marketers. Viewpoints Industry TV notes that this is a huge plus for companies that want to pitch products.

While there are federal laws under HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) to protect personal health information, it only pertains to information shared with a health provider – not third parties. The best way to protect personal health and medical information is to not share it on any website asking for it. If asked to join a product trial for a health or medical item, ask for all disclosure papers, read carefully and do not sign up if there is something that raises questions about it. It’s your personal medical information. Protect it.


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Viewpoints Industry Offers Tips for First Time Homebuyers

Buying a home for the first time is one of the biggest financial decisions anyone can make. There are many aspects to it that can boggle the most reasonable mind. Viewpoints Industry shares some tips for first time home buyers to help ease minds.

Young people, typically around age 30, are eager to find and buy their first home. Eagerly, they go online and find homes which seem affordable and are just what the buyer wants. But let’s take a look at what one needs to do first before hitting the Internet for that first dream home.

More than three-quarters of prospective home buyers are pre-qualified for a home loan. Yet many of those are not clear on the terms of the loan. Before getting pre-qualified, spend time hammering out a monthly home budget to see what is affordable without  having to scrape by. Find ways to cut back on spending such as eating more meals at home, taking lunch to work and skipping expensive coffee purchases.

How much of a down payment can be put on the home?  Typically, if less is put down, the private mortgage insurance is higher, interest rates are higher and closing costs are higher. Save as much as possible toward the down payment to reduce these fees.

Can one afford the monthly mortgage payment? How much will that be? Mortgage payments are not the same as rent. If the payment is late, fees incur. If one is more than 30 days late, the credit rating of that person takes a huge hit.

Viewpoints Industry also suggests regularly checking credit reports and scores during the lending process. Go online and find the best free resources for this, and to find the best calculators for determining mortgages and loans.


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Viewpoints Industry and the Value of Prepaid Debit Cards

There are different reasons as to why people use a prepaid debit card. Perhaps they wish to avoid using a standard bank or want to deposit a child’s allowance on a card. For some, this is a good option. Viewpoints Industry reviews the value of prepaid debit cards.

 Prepaid debit cards are safer to carry than cash, easier to use and allow a person to use it online when they have no other option. There are no overdraft fees with a prepaid card and everyone is approved. However, some of the cards come with a lot of fees and some of the rather hefty. Take time to research everything about the card before purchasing one and depositing money on it.

The money loaded on prepaid cards tripled between 2008 and 2012 as reported by Mercator Advisory Group, and the total is expected to more than double by the end of next year. Only 32% of the people who bought and used a prepaid card last year actually spent time reviewing the fees for it, according to a 2014 Pew study.

Fortunately, CardHub.com offers a guide for the top prepaid cards and their fees so possible users can find the best option. Having used a prepaid card for several years, this writer can vouch for their usefulness. Viewpoints Industry encourages readers to do the homework on prepaid cards to determine their value for your use. Not all cards are equal. Some are better than others. Follow the CardHub link above to find the prepaid card with the best terms.

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Viewpoints Industry Shares How to Get Rid of Telemarketers

Remember the national Do Not Call list? The list most people entered their land line and cell phone numbers on to not be bothered by telemarketers?  We know it is hard to believe but telemarketers keep calling anyway. Viewpoints Industry shares tips on how to get rid of them.

A recent consumer report from ABC News led us to the website of a company called Privacy Star which lists all the phone numberstelemarketers are using now. The once well-known 800 and 866 numbers are gone and standard area codes are in. We also learned there are ways to get rid of telemarketing calls as well as making some money off of those who ignore the list. The key to the list which is linked above is to know that the numbers on the top of the list are used more frequently than those closer to the bottom. The list is updated hourly.

Viewpoints Industry finds one of the easiest ways to block telemarketing calls is to manually block the number on a smart phone or on a cell provider’s web site. This might prevent the call from coming through. If the phone number is new, register it on the do not call list. If calls still come in, it is possible to sue the telemarketer for $500 per call. One can also join a class action lawsuit or file one alone. Since telemarketers call more than once, the possibility of winning more than $500 is likely. Good luck.

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Viewpoints Industry and Borrowing from a 401(k) Plan

There are times when it is absolutely necessary to borrow from a 401(k) retirement plan. Viewpoints Industry shares the types of loans to take that won’t hurt you in the long run.

Keep in mind that some plans and some employers have set rules on taking a loan from a retirement plan. If you need to borrow money from the plan, it is best to know that you won’t lose your job soon and can pay it back within the timeline given. Payments are taken from your paycheck. That is something else to remember before taking money from a retirement plan. Always be sure to read all of the terms and conditions before signing on the line to borrow money from the plan.

If you find yourself out of work with a lot of credit card debt, consider borrowing from the plan to pay off the debt. But be sure there are enough funds in the plan to do this. If wanting the loan to buy a new car or home, traditional loans are better and the percentage rates are usually better.

The 401(k) loan is good for a short-term loan rather than a long-term loan. Viewpoints Industry suggests holding off from borrowing from a retirement plan if possible. The funds growing in the account will be needed when it is time to retire. With the economy still struggling to get on track and the job market looking iffy at best, save those funds for the future. Instead, go to a financial website like bankrate.com and see if there are any banks willing to compete to give you a better loan deal for your needs.

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Viewpoints Industry Offers Tips about Buying Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a good bet if you are traveling overseas or on a cruise. But who can determine if one needs it or not? You can. Viewpoints Industry offers some tips about buying travel insurance.

There are four basic types of travel insurance:  trip-cancellation, baggage loss or damage, emergency medical care and accidental death. Do you need all of them?

Review all of the credit card policies you have to see which ones already offer travel insurance and what they cover. This is the best place to start since many cards have some type of coverage. Once you know what you need, it’s time to do some homework.

Baggage loss or damage and trip-cancellation are the most common reasons people buy travel insurance. Cruises can be cancelled days before departure. Bags can be misrouted easily enough. Be sure before you leave your house that you have some backup reimbursement to cover both.

Check homeowner’s and renter’s insurance to see if those types of insurance will cover any valuables (jewelry or electronics) on the trip.

Viewpoints Industry also recommends checking any health policies to see if and what they cover when traveling – especially overseas.

Go online and read as many reviews for the travel insurance company as possible then pick the one you think is best.

Once this information is known and you know what you might need while away, buy a policy that covers what you need and has an easy to access phone number to call when needed. Enjoy your trip knowing that you’re covered for a just in case possibility.

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Viewpoints Industry on ID Theft Vigilance

According to the Identity Resource Center, there have been 368 identity theft breaches so far this year. That number is up almost 19% from the same time last year. Viewpoints Industry reminds readers how they can be more vigilant to protecting their identity.

More than 10 million personal records have been exposed in 2014. The Bureau of Justice Statistics found that 16.6 million American adults experiences ID theft in 2012. The same agency reports that there were 6.8 million total non-fatal violent crimes during the same time.  These are astounding statistics to ponder. How can the average consumer better protect themselves from identity theft?

Change user name and passwords to financial and credit card companies every month or two. Use a strong password combo which is longer than 8 characters, contains numbers, small and capital letters and a variety of symbols for each account.

Create an email address from one of the free sites like Hotmail to collect junk email and sale notices.

Never give your Social Security Number to anyone who has no need for it such as on an employment application before being hired, in a doctor’s office or in a store.

Review financial and credit accounts every week to be sure every cent is one you spent and one someone else did not. If you find a discrepancy, contact the institution immediately.

Viewpoints Industry TV learns that is takes about 9 hours to clear up ID theft issues, and some people who’ve been affected spent more than a day doing so.  In order to prevent the aggravating hassle of ID theft, remain vigilant when checking accounts online and in person.

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Viewpoints Industry Reviews How to Choose the Best Luggage

Summer is here and we are amped up to hit the road or the skies. Viewpoints Industry shares tips on how to choose the best luggage for your needs.

The little signs that it’s time to replace a suitcase are now flashing like road hazards signs: the handle is coming loose, wheels are falling off, or the fabric is ripping. Why do we dread shopping for new luggage? Perhaps because there is so much to choose from in a variety of price ranges. But it’s not really that hard to find the right piece of luggage. Just keep these points in mind:

What do you need it for? Business or pleasure or both? How much do you usually pack for a four day trip or a two week trip?

Will an overhead bag fit into the airline’s overhead bin? Does it meet the airlines’ size and weight restrictions? Can you life it over your head to place in the overhead bin?

Does a two-wheeled bag move more easily than one with four wheels?

How much interior room does it have?

Is the exterior fabric waterproof and rip proof?

Where do you want to buy your new luggage – in a local store or online?

Viewpoints Industry TV likes to buy new luggage locally because it allows us to test it in the store for both ease in movement, and to see if it’s easy to lift. When buying online, read about 10 reviews for a few items you like before purchasing. Remember to look for a lifetime warranty on luggage pieces if you travel a lot. Choosing the best luggage for your needs does not have to be a chore. Have fun with it.

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Viewpoints Industry on Simple Steps to Protecting Your Privacy

(sign out on social media and other online accounts every time)

It seems like nothing is safe from possible hack attacks these days. Everything from smart phones to brand-name store customer databases are being broken into with personal info stolen. Below are some simple steps to take to protecting your privacy.

Password protect everything you can from smart phones to online accounts. Create strong passwords using a varied number of small and capital letters, numbers and symbols. Viewpoints Industry TV cautions readers to not use the same user name and password on all accounts.

Protect your good name. Add a Google Alert for your name and keep tabs on it. Do a search first to find out what variation of your name is most common on Google. It takes very little time to set up an alert and may prevent someone finding something not too flattering about you before you find it.

Sign out of every account you sign on to on the Internet. This is one of the most easily forgotten things to do. Sign out of social media sites, online financial accounts, email accounts and online retailer accounts. By doing this, you are reducing the opportunity someone else has of gaining personal information about you. And it is imperative to sign out when on a shared computer or a public computer.

Viewpoints Industry also suggests not giving personal information to anyone who asks such as department stores and medical offices. Keep your phone number, SSN, birth date and email private. Because you just don’t know what the person who took it, or overheard you give it, is going to do with it.

Protecting your privacy is essential in today’s digital and electronic world where the most cunning can get and use data that can harm you later. It’s simple and takes very little time to closing and locking the door on data theft.

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Viewpoints Industry and Why Hackers Want Your Numbers

(Your IP address can be hidden with browsers and software to hide it)

There are eight numbers we all have that hackers can’t wait to get their hands on. This is why it is imperative to be sure these numbers are safe and secure. Viewpoints Industry reviews which numbers they are and how to protect them.

Your phone number. A recent check online for my name yielded my cell phone number. This is why it is essential to unlist a cell or landline number from any directory, resume service or anyplace else that asks for it. Also, be careful when adding a phone number to social media sites which request it for verification. Is it really necessary when an email address works as well?

Dates and zip codes. Do you really want your birth date, children’s birth dates, Social Security Number, zip code, street address listed on the Internet?  These are also numbers that fraudsters want to get their hands on, and can, through the open cracks and seams online. Always go with the theory “less is more”. The less personal information provided the more protected your identity is.

PIN codes. It’s better to use a credit card inside stores and gas stations or at the gas tank since skimmers can easily grab your PIN code. The same suggestion applies to using the card inside where a camera could be hidden and record as you enter your code. This recently happened to a friend when the notified her that there was a breach.

IP address. While it can be somewhat easy for hackers to find it, there are ways to protect it. Unplug your wireless router, wait ten minutes and plug it back in. Your IP address changes every time you do that. There are also browsers which can hide the IP address. Find, download, install and use one.

Viewpoints Industry TV pinpoints these other numbers which can wreck personal financial data and your life: drivers license number, passport ID number, and health insurance policy numbers. Always monitor all financial, credit and health statements to be sure it is accurate. Report any discrepancies. Ask credit card companies and banks if they offer any ID theft products and take advantage of them. It pays to be vigilant when it comes to your personal and financial life.

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