Daily money management (DMM) programs provide personal financial assistance to older Americans who can no longer handle certain aspects of money management. Whether an older person needs comprehensive help or just a monthly reminder to pay bills, these programs can mean the difference between living independently and residing in a nursing home. DMMs also offer relief to family members who are providing care to their older parents or relatives. (For more tips on how to assist an elderly relative with their finances, see Nolo's article Helping Elders Manage Money & Finances.) Read More...

A Credit Freeze is a viable option to help protect yourself from identity theft.  A Credit Freeze sometimes called a Security Freeze does give you maximum control over your credit by preventing lender and other from accessing your credit report.

However, there are few things to consider before placing the Credit Freeze such as:

1) Are you planning on making any large purchases in the near future in which you would need to access you credit report? Not only does this freeze prevent others from accessing your credit, but it can make it cumbersome for you to access it as well. It can be done, however be ready to have to jump through some additional verification and financial hoops.

2) A credit freeze is permanent until you notify the three major credit reporting companies – TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. Even though, it is rather simple to put the Freeze into place. It can and should be done with each of the credit reporting companies for it to be effective as quickly as possible. It can be done by phone, or by mail or online by answering some vital financial questions.  However, to lift or remove the Credit Freeze you must notify all three credit reporting companies by telephone automated system or in writing and then allow typically 3 days for processing.

3) There are fees associated with placing, lift or removing a Credit Freeze. For most states it is $10.00 to place a Freeze, lift a Freeze or remove it completely. Florida fees are: No fees for identity theft victims and seniors 65 years and older. All others pay $10 to place the Freeze, lift it temporarily, or remove it altogether.

So, be sure to plan ahead. If you are concerned with identity theft and you know that in the near future you will need to make a large purchase in which you will need to access you credit, consider a credit monitoring service like LifeLock. There are many options to choose from and most of the options allow for month to month contracts. SO once you have made your large purchase, you can cancel the credit monitoring service and you can place a freeze on your credit.