October 2000 Newsletter

Security on the Internet

The privacy of information has always been a big discussion. How much is too much now that some of that information is becoming available on the internet? People are able to do banking, travel itineraries, and take college courses all online. The information you can find is endless. Privacy and security are becoming a big issue for internet users. Most people don't want a lot of personal information available on the internet.

Much of the information has always been available, it was just not as easy to access. Now, it's a hop, skip, and jump to find out someone's address, birthday, e-mail address, and how much they paid for their house. Here are some tips to decrease the amount of your own personal information being made available. A few notes about passwords. Add numbers to your passwords, select different passwords for all information, and most of all never give out your password. Never use any banking information or ATM passwords on the internet! It's to your advantage to change your internet password from time to time.

While ordering information over the internet, verify that it is a secured server. There are a couple ways to check, a lock symbol should show on the screen (normally in the bottom right hand corner), or the "http" part of a site address should become "https" to show it is secured.

Remember to always delete "spam" (unsolicited junk mail). When mail is received with attachments, delete it if you don't know the sender or it wasn't something you were expecting. Never send personal data over an unsecured e-mail account.

When using the internet, try to keep these tips in mind. If in doubt, use common sense. Surfs up!

Kim McGhee
Legal Collector

It's Just Plain Ol' Common Sense!

Taped on the inside of one of my kitchen cabinets is a piece of paper, and on that paper are some very simple common sense items. I have no idea where it came from or who wrote it, but I would like to salute the author, whoever it is, by reprinting it here.

I suggest that this list should be part of all new employees' orientation and posted in every company lunchroom.

• If you open it, close it.
• If you turn it on, turn it off.
• If you break it, repair it.
• If you can't fix it, call someone who can.
• If you borrow it, return it.
• If you use it, take care of it.
• If you make a mess, clean it up.
• If you move it, put it back.
• If it doesn't concern you, don't talk about it.
• If you hurt someone, say you are sorry.

Workplace relationships are difficult to manage, but relationships are the most consequential elements in one's job satisfaction.

There is something that can be done about job satisfaction and it starts with you. Consider that an important part of your job starts with uncommon common sense and the way you treat your co-workers. You reap what you sow.

Bob Barden
President

Downfalls of Bankruptcy

What you should consider before you file You may have heard that filing bankruptcy is simply a great opportunity for you to get rid of some or all of your debts and to start fresh financially. Sound too good to be true? Read on.

Although it may be possible for you to discharge (clear) some or all of your debts by filing bankruptcy, there are many downfalls that you may not have heard about bankruptcy. The following are just a few of the many consequences that you may face and should consider heavily before you decide to file:

High Credit Costs If, by some chance, you are able to find a lender willing to give you credit after you file for bankruptcy, you can expect to pay very high interest rates. Before you consider filing, call some lenders and ask their policies regarding credit to bankrupt applicants. It will probably make you decide not to file.

Housing A home mortgage will be very difficult to obtain with a bankruptcy on your credit report. Renters will also have trouble finding a landlord willing to rent to them. What do you do if your water heater, furnace or roof needs to be replaced after you file and you need a loan? What do you do if you want to make home improvements after you file and you need a loan? Good luck finding a lender that will loan the money to you for these home necessities at a reasonable interest rate.

Employment Effects Potential employers may review your credit report. A prospective employer will need your permission to obtain your credit report, but will you feel comfortable telling someone you want to work for that they cannot look at your credit report because you have a bankruptcy on it? Employers cannot deny you a job based on your filing for bankruptcy, but they can take it into consideration.

Public Record Bankruptcy is a public proceeding. Under the Bankruptcy Code, you are required to disclose all information regarding your financial affairs, and you will be called to answer personal questions pertaining to that information in a public courtroom. Your bankruptcy will remain on your credit report for up to ten years and can stay in the public record indefinitely.

Permanence What can you do if you decide that declaring bankruptcy was the wrong thing to do? Absolutely nothing. Bankruptcy is permanent and irreversible. Once you go bankrupt, you cannot ever go back.

Future Financial Relief If you receive a discharge of your debts, you cannot obtain another discharge for six years. Any new debt incurred starting the day after you file for bankruptcy will have to be paid. If an emergency occurs, such as the loss of a job or a large medical expense, you will not be able to use bankruptcy as a safety net.

Bankruptcy Task Force Update February, 2000

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