6 Things You Should Do ASAP If Your Wallet Is Lost or Stolen

Don't panic just yet—you can avoid identity theft by taking the right steps.

FIRST: Call the police

If you suspect your wallet was stolen, call the cops. Even though the police might not be able to track down your wallet, putting in a report will cover you in other ways. If a thief does try committing identity fraud, you’ll have to prove that you aren’t responsible for the costs. “Someone is going to lose here, and it’s either the credit card company, bank, or you,” says Robert Siciliano, CSP, CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com. “If you say you’re a victim, you need to prove it.” That police report could be the proof you need to show you’re telling the truth about false charges. Don't miss these tips for keeping your purse safe in public.

Close your debit and credit cards

Any lost credit or debit accounts should be closed as soon as possible. Start with debit, which can be even more devastating than having a credit card stolen. “The money is coming right out of your bank account, whereas credit is a credit card company’s money,” Siciliano says. But act fast—you’ll be liable for up to only $50 of fraudulent charges if you report it within two business days, but any longer and you could lose $500 or more. Credit cards, on the other hand, have a 60-day gap for you to report. Siciliano recommends swapping out a debit card for an ATM card, which lets you take out or deposit cash and checks but can’t be swiped to pay at a store or restaurant. These are 26 secrets identity thieves won't tell you.

Put up a fraud alert

One option is to put up a fraud alert on your file by calling just one of the three credit reporting companies (Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union). If someone tries to open credit using your name and information, the business will take more steps to confirm their identty. “The problem here is that if they have a hold of your license, they could take your information and put their picture on a faked license,” says Adam Levin, chairman and founder of identity protection service IDT911 and author of Swiped: How to Protect Yourself in a World Full of Scammers, Phishers, and Identity Thieves.

Freeze your credit

An even better alternative to a fraud alert is freezing your credit. Whether your wallet was stolen or you just want extra security, a credit freeze will keep you—or thieves—from opening any new accounts. “All a credit card company does is refund your account if there’s fraud,” Siciliano says. “They’re just forgiving the debt, not guarding your credit.” You’ll have to call all three credit reporting companies to freeze your credit, but you can call just one if you want to thaw it. There’s a fee of about $10 every time you freeze and unfreeze (though it’s free if you’re an identity theft victim), but it provides extra protection that’s hard to crack.

Set up a monitoring program

A program that keeps an eye on your credit is especially important if you lost your Social Security card (though you should leave that or any of these items out of your wallet in the first place). “Once they have your social security number, they have that option on your life,” Levin says. “It’s not ‘if’ but ‘when.’” With a monitoring program, you’ll get an email, text, or phone notification whenever you or anyone else tries to apply for credit to confirm that it’s you.

Keep an eye on your accounts

Thieves can’t buy with a card once you’ve closed the account, but that doesn’t mean you should be lax about double-checking your spending—a routine you should make habit even if you don’t think you’ve been a victim of fraud. “Closely monitor before and after you lose your wallet,” Siciliano says. Depending on what your bank or credit card offers, you could get an email, text message, or app notification alerting you of account activity. If not—or in addition, just to be safe—go through your statements regularly to make sure everything is accurate, he says. Some thieves sell cards based on zip code, meaning the credit card company will think charges seem normal and won’t issue a warning, though you’ll recognize the extra costs, Levin says.

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5 Things Highly Organized People Do on Their Smartphone

Take advantage of these neat tips and let your phone keep your life together.

They master their to-do list

To-do lists are key to living an organized life, and having access to them wherever you go with a smartphone only makes them even more effective. Organizing expert Donna Smallin Kuper recommends using an app like Any.Do to create a master list of everything you know you need to accomplish. Then, pick a few tasks each day that you want to get done, and add them into the open slots on your calendar. “There’s a saying that what gets scheduled gets done, and I really think it’s true,” Kuper says. Once you take care of your to-do list, make sure to have a stress-free weekend.

They grocery shop as they go

Paper grocery lists can be a pain to write out, and even harder to keep track of. Instead, Kuper uses the Android app “Out of Milk” to record what groceries she’s running low on and what she needs to buy regularly. The app also sorts your items into categories—produce, dairy etc.—to make grocery shopping a breeze.

They pay without plastic

Dozens of credit cards and loyalty cards weighing your wallet down? Kuper recommends lightening your load by taking advantage of the various pay apps available for smartphones, such as Apple Pay and Android Pay. These apps let you load your credit or debit card information right onto your phone, and all you need to do at the store is tap your device on a sensor to pay. You can also link your loyalty and rewards cards with the app, allowing for quick and easy savings.

They make multitasking look easy

Juggling a bunch of projects at once can get messy, but professional organizer Alejandra Costello of Alejandra.tv suggests using a project management app like Basecamp to stay organized with separate to-do lists, due dates, and schedules for each of your endeavors. Basecamp syncs your information between your computer, phone, and tablet, allowing you to start a new project or finish up an old task any time, anywhere. Here's how to make the most of leftover free time.

They download key documents anytime, anywhere

Professional organizer Andrew Mellen recommends apps like Google Drive and Dropbox to store your documents and photos in the cloud. Not only does doing so let you retrieve your files anywhere, but it also backs them up in case of a tragic (but all too common) computer crash.

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This Is the Exact Genius Way to Pack Makeup For Travel to Prevent Messy Disasters

Don't start your trip with a broken eye-shadow palette. This is how to keep everything secure.

Make DIY travel-sized bottles

Head to your local 99-cent store to pick up a few reusable plastic bottles (make sure they're under three ounces in order to comply with TSA guidelines). For products you'll need even less of, such as foundation or primer, pack a few drops into an old contact lenses case.

Pack powders tightly

Avoid a broken palette fiasco by packing powders with care. To do so, place a cotton ball between the makeup and the mirror of the compact (you can also use a makeup sponge or tissue). The added cushion should provide enough shock absorption to keep things secure. If the powder does break, don't freak. Drop a bit of rubbing alcohol into the compact and press the pieces back in place. The makeup should dry as good as new. Try these tricks to make your beauty supplies last longer.

Squeeze the air out of bottles

It's not your imagination: lotions and serums really are more likely to break open during flights. (The same increase in air pressure that causes your ears to pop also causes lids to snap open.) Reduce the chance of spillage by puffing the air out of your bottles before you pack them. Here's are easy ways to keep your skin moisturized skin on an airplane.

Add an extra layer of protection

Keep shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and other gooey products secure by placing a square of saran wrap over their lids. Pack an extra sheet or two for the return trip to avoid an unwanted surprise when you unpack. Trust us, you don't want to make these suitcase packing mistakes.

Compartmentalize your makeup bag

Bundle similar items together in zip-top bags before you pack them into your makeup bag. Once they're ready to go, place the heaviest items (like foundation and setting spray) on the bottom of the bag and lighter items on top.

Pack your makeup into the center of your suitcase

Allow your clothing to help with shock absorption by packing your makeup bag into the center of your suitcase. For even better results, wrap the bag into a sweater or beach towel first. If you've got an extra-fragile product (say, a glass bottle of perfume) fold it into a pair of socks or pack it into the hood of a sweatshirt.

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Scary Driving Scenarios and Exactly How to Handle Them

Often when driving, we encounter situations that are out of our control. Make the right decisions when in a tight spot with these tips.

1)When there's an oncoming car in your lane

A car is coming straight toward you in your lane. Try getting its attention by honking and flashing your lights while planning a way to avoid them. Don’t stare at the oncoming vehicle, as your car will follow your line of sight. Instead, look where you want to go. Here are more tips for dealing with dangerous driving conditions.

2)To outsmart a carjacker...

When getting into your car at night, be wary of carjackers by getting in quickly and locking the doors right away, instead of taking the time to move things around while the door is still open or relying on automatic locks. If you've gotten in your car to discover a carjacker waiting, get out as fast as possible. If the car is in drive but not moving just get out, and if you are in motion stop as fast as possible to leave. When a carjacker has reached from the back seat to cover your mouth, take one finger and peel it backward as hard as you can. Hopefully this will break the perpetrator's finger and buy you some time to make a quick escape.

3)If you're dealing with blinding sun...

Try to limit your reaction as much as possible. Don't slam on the brakes or swerve, as this could pose a danger to both yourself and other drivers around you. Do your best to continue on your path and remain predictable to other drivers. Check out these summer car tips every driver should know.

4)When someone else is tailgating...

If a car behind you is tailgating and honking, pull over and let it by. It may be an emergency, and either way it is unsafe to travel with another vehicle at such a close proximity.

5)If you spot an impaired driver ahead

If the car ahead of you is swerving and the driver appears to be impaired, give him plenty of room and do not tailgate. Pay close attention, but don't fixate on the vehicle.

6)Not sure how to handle a yellow light at an intersection?

If the light turns yellow as you're approaching an intersection, use your judgment to determine the best course of action. Never go through a yellow light if you think you can stop before the light turns.

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8 simple ways to save money

Tips on saving and investing to pursue your financial goals

Sometimes the hardest thing about saving money is just getting started. It can be difficult to figure out simple ways to save money and how to use your savings to pursue your financial goals. This step-by-step guide can help you develop a realistic savings plan.

1. Record your expenses

The first step in saving money is to know how much you’re spending. For one month, keep a record of everything you spend. That means every coffee, every newspaper and every snack you purchase for the entire month. Once you have your data, organize these numbers by category—for example, gas, groceries, mortgage and so on—and get the total amount for each.

2. Make a budget

Now that you have a good idea of what you spend in a month, you can build a budget to plan your spending, limit over-spending and make sure that you put money away in an emergency savings fund. Remember to include expenses that happen regularly, but not every month, like car maintenance check-ups. Find more information on creating a budget.

3. Plan on saving money

Taking into consideration your monthly expenses and earnings, create a savings category within your budget and try to make it at least 10-15 percent of your net income. If your expenses won't let you save that much, it might be time to cut back. Look for non-essentials that you can spend less on—for example, entertainment and dining out—before thinking about saving money on essentials such as your vehicle or home. Learn more money-saving tips from Bank of America.

4. Set savings goals

Setting savings goals makes it much easier to get started. Begin by deciding how long it will take to reach each goal. Some short-term goals (which can usually take 1-3 years) include:

Starting an emergency fund to cover 6 months to a year of living expenses (in case of job loss or other emergencies)
Saving money for a vacation
Saving to buy a new car

Long-term savings goals are often several years or even decades away and can include:

Saving for retirement
Putting money away for your child's college education
Saving for a down payment on a house or to remodel your current home

5. Decide on your priorities

Different people have different priorities when it comes to saving money, so it makes sense to decide which savings goals are most important to you. Part of this process is deciding how long you can wait to save up for a goal and how much you want to put away each month to help you reach it. As you do this for all your goals, order them by priority and set money aside accordingly in your monthly budget. Remember that setting priorities means making choices. If you want to focus on saving for retirement, some other goals might have to take a back seat while you make sure you're hitting your top targets.

6. Different savings and investment strategies for different goals

If you're saving for short-term goals, consider using these FDIC-insured deposits accounts:

A regular savings account, which is easily accessible
A high-yield savings account, which often has a higher interest rate than a standard savings account
A bank money market savings account, which has a variable interest rate that could increase as your savings grow

For long-term goals consider:

FDIC-insured IRAs, which are built for purposes such as retirement savings. If you’re not sure how much money you should set aside for retirement, give the Merrill Edge retirement calculator a try.
Securities, like stocks and mutual funds. These investment products are available through investment accounts with a broker-dealer (e.g. Merrill Edge). Remember that securities, such as stocks and mutual funds, are not insured by the FDIC, are not deposits or other obligations of a bank and are not guaranteed by a bank, and are subject to investment risks including the possible loss of principal invested.

7. Make saving money easier with automatic transfers

Automatic transfers to your savings account can make saving money much easier. By moving money out of your checking account, you'll be less likely to spend money you wanted to use for savings. There are many options for setting up transfers. You choose how often you want to transfer money and which accounts you want to use for the transfers. You can even split your direct deposit between your checking and savings accounts to contribute to your savings with each paycheck. Thinking of saving as a regular expense is a great way to keep on target with your savings goals.

8. Watch your savings grow

Check your progress every month. Not only will this help you stick to your personal savings plan, but it also helps you identify and fix problems quickly. With these simple ways to save money, it may even inspire you to save more and hit your goals faster.

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Hassle-Proof Your Errands: 20 Little Tips That Will Make Life So Much Better

Save time and make your trips to the grocery store or post office a breeze.

Run errands during the week

More than 90 percent of people do errands on the weekends, meaning stores will be packed and traffic will be a nightmare. Running out on a weeknight will get you in and out in half the time. Once the kids are in bed, have one parent stay home while the other drives to the store. You’ll miss the crowds and keep your weekend free for fun and family. Here's how shopping in the morning can save money.

Turn on a podcast

Radio music—and its deejays and commercials—can get intense. Switch off the FM and plug in your phone so you can listen to a podcast or audio book. You’ll be more relaxed, and the time will fly as you get engrossed in the story.

Keep a cooler and basket in the trunk

A cooler will keep your cold and frozen groceries at the right temperature as you finish your shopping, while a basket makes it easy to carry lots of bags into the house in a single trip. Here are more neat tricks for organizing your car.

Make the most of your time

Never run out for just one task. Save time, gas, and stress by getting more than one thing done when you’re out of the house. After dropping your kid off at soccer practice, drop off your dry cleaning or pick up a gallon of milk from the grocery store.

Store water bottles in the freezer

When you need to run errands in the heat of summer, you’ll want cool water waiting for you. Keep a few bottles of water frozen at all times so you can grab a drink that will stay cold while you’re running from store to store. These are other genius ways to use your freezer.

Tune out

Instead of drowning out your thoughts with music, keep the radio off when you’re driving and allow your own thoughts to come to you. The stimuli of everyday life can be overwhelming, so this is your chance to recharge your energy in the silence.

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Get Rid of a Sunburn: Makeup and Skincare Tricks to Reduce the Redness

Neutralize sunburn with a bit of primer (and a lot of TLC).

Soothe skin with an oatmeal facemask

Oats have been used as a soothing skin treatment for centuries. Try this DIY mask: Combine 1/2 cup hot water and 1/3 cup oatmeal. Allow them to settle for two to three minutes. Mix in two tablespoons plain yogurt, two tablespoons honey, and one egg white. Apply a thin layer of the mask to your face, and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Gently wipe the mask away with a soft washcloth. The cloth will exfoliate your skin and remove any flakes that have already begun to peel off. Find more homemade facial mask recipes here.

Moisturize with alovera

Aovera  works wonders on sunburns. Apply a generous amount to your sunburn and layer a gentle moisturizer (with SPF!) on top of it. The combination will offer relief and moisturize your skin without leaving a greasy residue. Avoid petroleum-based moisturizers (such as Vaseline) and body butters. Both can intensify burns by sealing heat into your skin. Try these tricks to banish dry skin.

Take a cool bath or shower

A chilly bath or shower will constrict blood vessels, which are working overtime to tend to your burn. To give your bath even more soothing power, add ingredients such as oatmeal (stir in about 1 cup) or milk (try 1 cup powdered milk). These are other amazing beauty uses for milk.

Avoid harsh chemicals

Were you about to reach for your favorite daily face wash? Stop! Harsh chemicals, especially salicylic acid (the active ingredient in most acne cleansers), and harsh exfoliating products (which aren't gentle enough for your skin right now), could further irritate your skin. Stick to natural ingredients. If you're not sure about a product, skip it.

Prime your makeup for perfection

Neutralize redness by using a primer with green undertones (try this Smashbox option).  As far as foundation goes, less is more. A liquid formula might block pores and prevent skin from healing, while a powder foundation could accentuate flakes. Try a formula that's gentle on skin and reduces redness: Clinique's Redness Solutions foundation is a proven classic. For light coverage, try an all-natural mineral powder.

Avoid red lipstick and blush

Red lipstick, tinted eyeshadow, blush, and even clothing will accentuate your sunburn instead of neutralize it. Avoid using blush (you've probably got enough color going on naturally) and choose eyeshadows and lip colors in golden hues instead of red ones. This is how to make your face look slimmer with makeup.

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How to Control Anger: Few Tips to Calm Down Fast

Are you an angry bird? Try these simple tricks to chill and think before you act.

1)Understand your anger

Think like a detective and track down clues about the kinds of situations, people, and events that trigger your anger, says Dr. Nicholson. Once you’re aware of them, try to avoid them if possible. If you can’t avoid them, at least you’ll know to anticipate them, which will give you more time to prepare for them so they don’t affect you so negatively. Here are more productive things you can do instead of complaining when you're annoyed.

2)Vent, don't stew

If you are angry with a politician, policy, or other public injustice, do something about it. In one study, researchers from the University of Wisconsin tracked the brain-wave patterns in students who had just been told the university was considering big tuition increases. They all exhibited brain patterns signifying anger, but signing a petition to block the tuition increases seemed to provide satisfaction. Put simply, working to right a wrong is life-affirming and positive. Stewing in a bad situation without taking action is the opposite.

3)Don't beat up your pillow

Forget about punching a pillow, a wall, or the object of your anger. Contrary to popular belief, these common reactions don’t decrease your anger. In fact, studies find, they only increase your hostility. And getting angry over little things can dramatically spike your risk of a heart attack.

4)Take three deep breaths

When you’re angry, your body becomes tense, says Robert Nicholson, PhD, assistant professor of community and family medicine at Saint Louis University. Breathing deeply helps lower your internal anger meter. Try these stress management tips.


5)Don't lose it

Whoever loses it, loses. Losing your temper makes you look like the bad guy to everyone else, no matter who is really at fault, says Southern California psychotherapist Tina Tessina, PhD, author of It Ends With You: Grow Up and Out of Dysfunction. To get better at controlling your anger, visualize a scene in which you got angry and replay the tape several times, each time envisioning yourself responding a different way. You’re actually rehearsing different reactions and giving yourself new options. The next time you’re close to losing your temper, one of these options will pop into your mind, providing you with a better response.

6)Go for a walk

When you get really angry, walk away from the source. Then take a five-minute walking break to get some fresh air, or do something else that provides calm and relief. If your anger stems from the traffic jam you’re stuck in, turn up the radio and sing at the top of your lungs. The idea: Create a mental and/or physical escape from the situation. Here's how you could lose weight by walking.

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How to Survive a Plane Crash, According to Science

The odds of being killed on a single airline flight are one in 4.7 million. While crash fatalities are at an all-time low, safe travelers are prepared for the worst. Remember these life-saving habits every time you fly.

Your carry-on bag

…Is leave it on the plane. Flight crews ask you to keep your luggage clear of the aisles for a reason; in the event of an evacuation, you don’t want it blocking an escape route. With as few as 90 seconds to evacuate a burning place, the precious time spent reaching for luggage could be a life and death decision for someone. Here are 13 secrets airlines don't want to tell you (but every flier should know).


Your seat

…Is behind the wings. A Popular Mechanics study of 20 commercial jet crashes with both fatalities and survivors found that passengers seated in the rear cabin (behind the wings) had a 69 percent chance of survival, compared with just 49 percent for those in first class. But you don’t have to sacrifice leg room for safety’s sake: exit rows are perhaps the safest place to sit on the whole plane. In the event of an evacuation, the closer you are to an exit, the higher the chance you’ll escape unscathed.


How to sit

…Is to brace yourself (literally). In a 2015 crash simulation, Boeing found that passengers who both wore their seat belts and assumed a brace position (feet flat, head cradled against their knees or the seat in front of them if possible) were likeliest to survive a crash. Seat-belted fliers who did not brace suffered serious head injuries, and those with no seat belts or bracing died on impact.


During a crash

… Is put on the oxygen mask the minute it drops. During a loss of cabin pressure, the fall in oxygen can knock you unconscious in as little as 20 seconds. Listen to your flight attendants: Always secure your oxygen mask before helping others. You can’t help if you can’t breathe. Here's what flight attendants are secretly thinking about you.

What to wear

…Is un-flammably. The National Transportation Safety Board tells us that 68 perent of plane crash fatalities occur in post-crash fires, not in the initial impact.  Fortunately, here’s a scenario you can plan for days in advance while you pack your suitcase: On the day you’re flying, avoid wearing flammable synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon. Instead, opt for natural materials like cotton or wool (good news if you’re a sweatpants-at-the-airport kind of person). It’s also a good idea to favor long pants (like jeans) and a long-sleeved shirt for extra protection from flames and sharp objects.

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