One giant step for....growing up

After a few weeks of researching stocks and mutual funds, I finally opened my own personal investment account tonight! I didn't set it up to be specifically for retirement, just general investing, but I think it was a very smart decision. Everyone has been advising me to get in now, not only because I am young, but also because the stock market is down. With graduation money coming in a few months, I wanted to get a head start on growing up, heh.

This weekend I went home to Lake Charles for my sister's 23rd birthday. There's something about visiting family and spending time at "home" that makes me a complete mess! I don't know what it is, but one part of me feels relieved to be home, off the road and in a familiar, loving environment. I thoroughly enjoy when my mom cooks for me and does my laundry while I play couch commando and raid the pantry. But not long after I've settled in and unpacked my bags, my "other side" reminds me that I have important domestic responsibilities and homework waiting for me 2 hours away. I am a terrible driver at night, so this only adds to the anxiety of getting home. I still managed to have a great time, although it was short-lived...I came home Saturday afternoon around 4.

I was however, very shocked to hear that my mother has recently been a victim of identity theft! Someone obtained her credit card information online and made two purchases before she discovered the fraudulent charges. Luckily Chase has been working with her to get her account reimbursed, and they are thoroughly investigating the situation to make sure her credit isn't jeopardized. She is the 4th person close to me that has had someone use their credit card information illegally, and I've decided that identity theft is inevitable. No matter how careful you are to shred sensitive documents and minimize online purchases, someone will find their way in. Actually, two of the people I speak of were victimized by using their credit/debit card in a restaurant! That's right-you give your waiter your debit card with the check, then they walk off with it to run your card, and this is when they also run it through what's called a "skimmer" that they keep in their pocket. It memorizes all the information on your card so that they can retrieve your information later. Identify theft is the number one crime in America, and I predict it will only get worse with the failing economy.

Good luck out there! and good night.

::loren::