When’s the last time you looked at your credit report? You know the report that lists all of your accounts: who you owe, what you owe and if you’ve paid them on time. Yeah, that’s the one.

I pulled my credit report a few days ago, in 4 minutes flat. Yep, I timed it just for you. It’s easy to do, and best of all, it’s FREE!

Why bother? Because your credit matters, it’s used for credit approvals, insurance rates, and even some jobs. Don’t wait until you’ve been turned down for a loan, mortgage, or credit card to find out what’s in your credit report.

You need to know what’s being reported about you. Still not convinced? Click here to watch my video “5 Reasons to Check Your Credit Report.”

So you want to check your credit report? Great! Pulling your credit report is as easy as 1-2-3 and it won’t cost you anything. It only takes a few minutes of your time:

1. Go to AnnualCreditReport.com – This is the official site of the three credit reporting companies— Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Each company is required to give you a free copy of your credit report every 12 months.
2. Select Your State – Start by selecting the state you live in and click “Request Report. “
3. Provide Your Personal Information – Next, you must enter your personal information (name, address, social security number) and press “Continue.” Please note the site is secure and uses encryption for highly sensitive information. Read the site’s “Privacy Policy” and “Security and Encryption Policy” for site security information.
4. Answer Personal Identifying Questions – Next you’ll answer several personal identifying questions to verify your identity.  For example, you may be asked for specific information regarding a previous address like a street name.
5. Specify Credit Reporting Company – Select the credit reporting company you’d like to provide your credit report.
6. Retrieve Your Credit Report – Finally you will be taken through the final steps to get your credit report.
7. Done! – Now you have a free copy of your credit report to print, save and review.

That’s all it takes—to get a free copy of your credit report in 5 minutes or less.

You can also request a free copy of your credit report by phone (call 1-877-322-8228) or mail. For more information on free annual credit reports or to request it by mail, visit ftc.gov.

Your Turn: Pull your credit report. Let me know how long it takes you.

Craigslist is known as a great site to sell stuff. And you can pick up some bargains too. But if you’re not careful you could find yourself—scammed, robbed and beat up.

Personally I’ve never bought or sold anything on Craigslist. A friend of mine told me about her first time buying something on Craigslist. She needed a double stroller for her vacation. And she found someone selling a “practically new” double stroller for only $65.

Since it was her first time buying anything on Craigslist, she went in person to see the stroller. The seller gave her their home address. When she arrived at the seller’s home, she thought it was a great buy and bought it. So she got a $150 stroller for just $65.

This story had a happy ending, but unfortunately not all Craigslist stories end this way.

Beware of Craigslist “Robbery by Appointment”

In fact, scenarios like this one where the buyer and seller meet robberies are up. They are called “robbery by appointment.”

Some sellers and buyers are being robbed for the item or cash at gunpoint. In other words, say you’re trying to sell your laptop. And the buyer agrees to purchase your laptop and suggests a place to complete the transaction. When you arrive with the laptop in hand, you’re beaten up for your laptop. So you don’t get any cash (only bumps and bruises – Ouch!) and you’re laptop’s stolen.

To avoid these types of issues, arrange to meet the buyer/seller in a busy public place. With these types of crimes on the rise, special police units are advising you to complete your transaction online and mail it. If you have to meet in person, then choose a safe place like your local police station.

Check out the video below for more tips to avoid “robbery by appointment.”

Craigslist Scams are Real

That’s why Craigslist warns you and gives you tips to avoid scams.

A good rule of thumb is—If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. One person was convicted of scamming people out of more than $80,000 on Craigslist for popular event tickets. Buyers were purchasing hard-to-get tickets at extremely low prices, but they never received anything from the seller.

There have also been a number of complaints about:

• Used car sales, where the car only runs for a short period of time. Victims try to resolve the issue with the seller, but often have to spend thousands to get the car running.
• Rental properties posted that are not really available for rent. Victims are lured in with nice properties offered up for below market rental prices. These scams leave victims without any rental property and out of their cash deposits.

Here are some other useful articles to help you avoid being scammed on Craigslist:

• Craigslist Scams: Tips To Avoid Losing Money
• Tenants beware: Rent scams proliferating

April’s almost over. That means tax season’s officially gone. Yes!

Financial Literacy Month is also coming to an end. I really enjoyed participating in Money Smart Week 2012. And I hope you had a chance to take advantage of free personal finance events in your area.

Money Smart Week 2012 was really exciting because I had an opportunity to speak with audiences of all backgrounds from military soldiers, Chicago Public Schools students to adults of all ages.

And the best part about everything was that the audiences were engaged. Whether it was a seminar, workshop, or one-on-one-coaching session people were actively involved.

There’s nothing better than hearing people share their own personal stories to help others avoid the same mistakes, asking questions and speaking up about a topic that we are often silent on.

I’d like to send a special THANK YOU to everyone who participated in my sessions at:

• Bethel New Life
• Gail Borden Library
• Elgin Community College
• Pulaski Reserve Center
• American Intercontinental University

Wishing you all a lifetime of happiness!

While Financial Literacy Month is ending, the best thing about being a financial coach is that I’m all about it 365/366 days a year. So stay tuned for more financial tips. And feel free to reach out if you need a dynamic personal finance speaker at your next event.

All the best,

Kembala

P.S. If you dreaded this year’s tax season, click here to check out some tips to make next year easier.

Money Smart Week (MSW) is here. I enjoyed being a speaker at MSW events this past weekend. The audience participation was incredible. Looking back, there’s one question someone asked that stands out to me the most. A college freshman asked, “Are credit cards bad?”

While this wasn’t the first time I have been asked this question, it stood out because she was in school. A young person trying to establish credit, but hesitant to apply for a credit card given all the bad things she’d heard about them.

I remember when I was in college applying for my first credit card. Back then I didn’t sit in any credit seminar or even take the time to research the different types of credit cards. The only thing I really cared about was that there was no annual fee. So it was great to see her taking the right steps from the start.

I told her that credit cards are not bad. A credit card is simply a tool that you can use to handle your financial transactions. They’re only bad if you don’t use them responsibly.

After all, credit is borrowed money. That’s why you’re charged interest when you don’t pay in full. As Benjamin Franklin once said, “Remember that credit is money.”

A credit card is a great way to build your credit history. But you have to use credit wisely. Or else you could find yourself in high interest credit card debt.

If you want to avoid getting yourself into costly credit card debt, you have to practice discipline and self-control. The best ways to do this is to buy what you can afford to payoff every month and control your spending. When you use credit responsibly, you can truly enjoy credit card benefits (cash back, extra warranty, insurance) without the financial headaches.

If you’re in the market for a credit card

You definitely want to shop around. Be sure to compare the costs (fees, interest rates) and benefits (cash back, travel perks) of each credit card. For more tips, take a look at the Consumer’s Guide to Credit Cards and 10 worst credit card mistakes.

Your Take: Do you think credit cards are bad? Why or why not?

Photo: Andres Rueda

Everybody wants to have more money and less stress. Perhaps Rod Tidwell said it best in the movie Jerry Maguire—“Show me the money!”

Well, I won’t be showing you any money. But April is Financial Literacy Month and what better way to spend it than to—get your financial house in order.

When you get your money right, you don’t have to worry about:

• Overpaying for products/services
• Making poor financial decisions like paying high interest rates/fees and debt traps
• Being unprepared for retirement (not enough saved up to retire comfortably)

I’m convinced the more you know, the more your money will grow. And before long you’ll be seeing the money. 

Struggling with Your Finances?

You’re not alone. According to a recent CareerBuilder survey:

• Forty-two percent of workers report that they usually or always live paycheck to paycheck to make ends meet
• Forty-six percent of female workers live paycheck to paycheck, compared to 38 percent of their male counterparts
• Fourteen percent of workers who earn six figures say they live paycheck to paycheck—

The 2012 Financial Literacy Survey for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) and the Network Branded Prepaid Card Association (NBPCA) revealed:

• More than half of U.S. adults, 56 percent, admit that they do not have a budget;
• One-third of U.S. adults, or more than 77 million Americans (1), do not pay all of their bills on time;
• Two in five adults indicated that they are now saving less than they were one year ago, and 39 percent do not have any non-retirement savings

Financial Literacy Month Giveaways and Free Classes

This month I’m giving away an autographed copy of my new book “Get Your Money Right: The 7 Keys to Unlocking a Better Financial Future.” My book helps you take control of your money, so you can live better. You’ll also have a chance to win a one-hour private financial coaching session. For a chance to win simply:

• Like GainMoneyControl on Facebook
• Join my mailing list on GainMoneyControl.com or KembalaEvans.com
• You must do one of the above by April 30th to be considered for the drawings

As a Money Smart Week partner, I’m happy to be speaking on a variety of personal finance topics (money management, debt, credit) this year. I encourage you to take advantage of FREE personal finance classes, workshops and seminars in your area.

Be sure to check with your local library, financial institutions, schools, churches and other organizations (e.g. YMCA) to find out what they may be offering during Financial Literacy Month.

Money Smart Week (MSW) offers hundreds of free personal finance classes/activities to help you manage your finances better. MSW is April 21^st – 28^th, click here for information about MSW events.

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”
― Benjamin Franklin

Yesterday many people caught Mega Millions fever with a world record-setting jackpot of $640 million. Despite the razor-thin chances of winning, Americans stood in lines, joined office pools and spent an estimated $1.5 billion dollars to take a shot at millions.

One man spent $200 on a cab ride from FL to GA and bought $100 worth of Mega Millions lottery tickets. This is a tremendous investment given the odds of winning were only 1 in 176 million.

As a financial coach, what I know for sure is that the lottery is no way to build wealth. In fact, it’s the easiest way to lose money because the odds are stacked up against you.

Playing the lottery is just like throwing your money away—for real!

Consider This…

Just think about how much you’re wasting when you buy scratch off tickets, Mega Millions or any other lottery game. It’s a hefty price to pay, when you’re most likely to lose.

Think about all of the lottery tickets you’ve purchased over the years. What if you put the money you spent on losing tickets in the trash? And you put all of the money you won in your hand. Which would you have more of— trash or cash?

More trash? You’re not alone. A study showed the average return on investment for lottery players who spent close to $500 a year was only $.67 or less than .2%.  Yes only 67 cents! How’s that for funding your dreams?

Who Loses the Most Playing the Lottery?Sure there may be occasional players who jump in when the jackpot gets high. But the truth is that the poor spend more money on lottery tickets. According to PBS, a 2008 study by “The Journal of Risk and Uncertainty” revealed “households earning under $13,000 per year spend about 9 percent of their income on lottery tickets.”

Sadly, the people who need money the most are wasting it in hopes of winning. It’s the dream of what could happen that makes it so appealing. 

That’s why the lottery is called the “poor person’s tax.”

In reality, you’re more likely to stay poor if you don’t stop playing the lottery and start making better financial decisions. After all, playing the lottery has proven to be a bad investment.

The Answer…

It doesn’t matter what your financial position is. Becoming financially literate will help you make more informed financial decisions and build wealth.

The time is now! April is financial literacy month. Many financial institutions, schools, churches and other organizations will offer free personal finance classes. I encourage you to explore what’s being offered in your area. Money Smart Week 2012 is April 21^st  – 28^th. Click here to find out about hundreds of free personal finance seminars and workshops.

If you’re looking for a way to escape living paycheck to paycheck or to do more with the money you already have, check out my new book “Get Your Money Right: The 7 Keys to Unlocking a Better Financial Future.” I wrote this book to help you improve your personal finances, so you can live better.

It breaks down proven financial principles in an easy to understand and inspiring way. You’ll be motivated by the positive message and real-life stories. Click here for more information on “Get Your Money Right”.

What are your thoughts on playing the lottery or Financial Literacy Month?

Who would have thought the Mega Millions lottery would reach a record-setting $640 million dollars? That’s over half a billion dollars!

With that kind of loot, its no wonder that lottery ticket sales were coming in at $500,000 an hour. Although the odds of winning are slimmer than razor-thin at 1 in 176 million. That’s why personal finance experts say playing the lottery is just throwing your money away.

As investor Warren Buffett says, “Rule No.1: Never lose money. Rule No.2: Never forget rule No.1.”

Still playing despite these odds? I know many of you lottery players are already thinking about all the things you’d buy, payoff and do with $640 mega millions.

Here’s 5 Things You Need to Know:

1. Office pools don’t always have a fairy tale ending. The happy stories of people winning the lottery in an office pool are nice to hear. But sometimes people have to fight for their fair share of the winning ticket and payouts are ordered in the courtroom. Click here to read about someone the court ordered to share his winnings with coworkers. If you’ve already participated in an office pool, get a copy of all the tickets purchased.
2. Safeguard your ticket. Keep your ticket in a safe place and remember where you put it.  Be sure to write your name on your ticket. I read a disturbing story awhile back, where someone took a winning ticket into a convenience store and was told he did not win. In the end, the clerk took his million-dollar winning ticket and claimed the money for himself.
3. Don’t tell everyone you won! I learned this lesson years back when I happened to get tickets to the Oprah Winfrey Show. Yes, I know it’s not winning the lottery, but it was the golden ticket. When you tell people you won the lottery, it builds extreme excitement and they want what you have. Whether it’s a ticket to a show or money, they’ll expect you to share it with them. Perhaps that’s why some lottery winners never reveal their identities. It can be done, click here to find out how.
4. Find professionals you trust to help you manage your fortune. It’s always a good idea to seek professional advice in wealth management. A reputable attorney and financial advisor (preferably a Certified Financial Planner, CFP) can help you protect your money and make your money grow.
5. Build strong money management skills. Poor money management is one of the biggest reasons many lottery winners end up broke and bankrupt. Don’t let that be you! Check out my book “Get Your Money Right” to learn how the rich, stay rich. For helpful money tips, read 3 Things to Learn from Athletes Gone Broke.

Photo: 401kcalculator.org

The other morning when I was running late to catch the train, I quickly stuck two dollars in the parking fare machine. After waiting a few seconds for my change, I decided to take a closer look at the machine. Then I found the words “No Change Given.”

I couldn’t believe I paid $2.00 for $1.25 parking. The machine owner gained an additional 60% in profit from me. As the consumer, I felt ripped off simply because I didn’t see “No Change Given.”

I thought you might be interested in the parking department’s explanation, so I decided to give them a call. When I asked why they didn’t give change, the finance department said, “You don’t get your money back because the machine says “no change given.” We keep it! The positive way to look at it is that at least you didn’t have to spend $30 on a parking ticket.”

No surprises here. It was exactly what I expected to hear. Nevermind the fact that you have to take your time reading the machine to find out “no change is given.”

Then just last week when I was on vacation I noticed a large 8 ½” x 11” sign posted on a locker rental machine. What do you think it was for? It read in big bold print  “This machine does NOT give change.” Now it was good to see this message plastered on the machine big enough for anyone to see before using it.

I’m sure they must have received some complaints to create such a special sign. The machine took $20 bills and you could rent a locker for as little as $6.  If you weren’t paying attention and put in $20 for a $6 locker, you’d lose $14. That means you would have paid over 230% more for nothing!While I didn’t use the locker I asked the staff about the sign. The woman warned me to use the correct amount of cash or a credit card to avoid losing any money. So it’s safe to say if you see “No Change Given” it really means “No Change Given.”

Who would have thought that better technology would result in this? I guess it’s more profitable for businesses to keep the change. But for anyone who isn’t paying attention to the words “No Change Given”—it’s your loss.

So the next time you decide to put money into any machine be sure to read it first. Or better yet, just make sure you use exact change. Don’t get ripped off!

Photo: RambergMediaImages

Tomorrow is the first day of spring. But who would have thought we’d be paying $3.842 per gallon (AAA motorist reports) in winter? After all, winter is the time of year we usually pay less for gas. With gas prices so high now, what can we expect to pay this summer?

Some people are predicting $6 a gallon gas this summer. That means it could cost you $111 to fill up an 18.5 gallons gas tank. You could be spending close to $500 a month if you had to fill up every week. Ouch! I’m hoping they are as wrong about that prediction as they were about this being a brutal winter in the Midwest.

My question for you: Is the price of gas changing your personal spending?

According to a recent gallup poll – “Americans on average say gas prices of $5.30 to $5.35 per gallon are the tipping point that would make them cut back on spending in other areas or make significant changes in the way they live their lives.”

I can tell you gas does not have to reach over $5 for me to change my habits. When it hit more than $3.50 a gallon, I’d already started looking for ways to spend less on gas. Like bundling up trips, using public transit and keeping my car well maintained.

In Illinois, we have not hit over $5 a gallon just yet. This morning I took a picture of a local gas station’s sign. I know it’s not the best picture, but at least you can see the price. It’s $4.49 per gallon for regular gas. Don’t let the big $4.19 price fool you. That’s only the price when you get a car wash. So you have to be careful with the gas sign trickery in these parts.

I’d love to hear from you on this topic! What’s the magic number for gas that will force you to make some major changes in your spending?

A few weeks ago I met financial guru Dave Ramsey. I’m glad I got a chance to meet him in person—he’s super nice! For those of you who don’t know him, Dave Ramsey is a personal finance expert known for his “common sense” approach to money management.

Dave Ramsey delivers practical and biblical based financial advice. In fact, he’s helped millions of people dig out of millions of dollars in debt. If you’ve ever listened to his radio show, you’ve probably heard his financially liberated listeners call in and scream – “I’m Debt-free!”

Click here to find out how one of his listeners eliminated $89,000 of debt in six months.

So what’s the real secret behind their success? Did everyone just win the lottery and pay off all their debt? No, think again. One thing’s for sure Dave motivated them. It can also be summed up in three words: Determination. Discipline. Sacrifice.

Just like Dave, I show people how to use proven financial principles to live better. So you know I had to share my new book, Get Your Money Right: The 7 Keys to Unlocking a Better Financial Future with him.

Dave was delighted to see it and hear that his financial words of wisdom were included in my book. We even took a few pictures together. But next time I’ll have to remember to ditch the coat and scarf (LOL).

One of Dave Ramsey’s nuggets of wisdom is “If you will live like no one else, later you can live like no one else.” I absolutely love this quote, because it‘s so true.

I’ve read a lot of good reviews on Dave Ramsey’s new book EntreLeadership. And I got my autographed copy, so I need to find the time to kick back and enjoy it. Thanks Dave!