My Daily Smile

Life is short - begin every day with a smile!

How to get a copy of your credit report for free

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It’s always been a good idea to review your credit report for errors and omissions every now and then, but with identity theft happening so often these days it’s absolutely critical that you keep an even closer check on it than ever.

Credit reporting agencies used to charge a fee every time someone asked for a copy of their own credit report, but now the federal government requires them to provide every American with one free copy per year. 

Be aware that there are several private companies that offer “free” credit reports, but those companies all require something in exchange. Most experts recommend steering clear of those websites.

[Read more…]

Time-lapse video: 30 incredible minutes of the Northern Lights

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The aurora that light up and paint the sky over Earth’s polar regions are among the most beautiful sights in nature. While the colors can vary a bit, the beauty and wonder is always amazing.

While these breathtaking heavenly displays are commonplace for our friends who live either way up north or way down south, most of us will only rarely see them – if we are lucky enough to ever get to see them at all.

The time-lapse video below showcases a full half-hour of the aurora borealis, the beautiful Northern Lights that decorate the far northern sky. Watch, and enjoy…  [Read more…]

5 tips for preventing identity theft

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Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

As you probably know, identity theft is one of the most common “white collar” crimes being perpetrated these days.

Legions of crooks are using the Internet to steal the personal and financial information of unsuspecting individuals, then using that info to get credit cards and apply for loans in the victims’ names.

[Read more…]

The ever-accelerating passage of time

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“How did it get so late so soon?”
     -–Dr. Seuss

Do you remember how long it took your birthdays to come around each year when you were a child? If your childhood was like mine it probably seemed like the next birthday would never arrive.

But something likely changed as you got older. Instead of your birthdays taking their sweet time in making their arrival, they began coming in bunches. For me, it seems like I now have about three birthdays per year!  [Read more…]

The joys of childhood

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“Time is a game played beautifully by children.”
     -–Heraclitus

Like most folks you probably have wonderful memories of your childhood, a time when worries were few and pleasures were many.

Running around the playground and having fun with friends, hopping on your bike and riding with the wind until the porch lights came on…not having to worry about how you’re going to pay your bills or deal with any of the troubles related to adulthood.  [Read more…]