Long Time No Blog!

Readers of EBREU, I mournfully apologize for the lack of blog posts since February. I have certainly been remiss. However, it is not without reason. I regret to say, my house was broken into and I lost all my computers, including my blogs and blog material. As I slowly work my way back up from my losses, I figure it is time to reconnect and perhaps give some wisdom based on my recent experience.

1. Alarms are important, if you do not have one, get one!
2. No matter what time of day it is, do not leave the alarm off. Even if you are only going out for a few: Turn. On. The. Alarm.
3. Rental insurance is cheap and can really help recoup losses. We found ours through Geico for only $16 per month.
4. Always check your doors and windows before you leave or go to bed.
5. Stay in touch with neighbors. Let them know when you are leaving for extended time period and make a "neighborhood safety watch" agreement to look out for each other.
6. Label/engrave all important items so they can be easily recognized if stolen.
7. Keep a safe in the house for high-value small items. Keep the safe locked and the key hidden in another room.
8. In the horrible event that a burglary does occur, take note that burglaries are not important enough for police response in Oakland, so plan on filing a report online. Take note of everything that was lost, when/how it happened and timeline.
9. Look for lost items on Ebay and at pawn shops. Immediately spread word to friends to keep their eyes out. Announce via email and social networks to get as many people aware as possible.
10. File an immediate Alert on Experien, TransUnion and Equifax.  This will trigger them to notify you if anyone is trying to open accounts in your name.   You may also order a Freeze if you have your police report, which will freeze all credit under your name.  Be aware this may cause complications if you are trying to use credit.
11. Have a back-up plan for filing with the 3 credit bureaus in the event your computer was stolen. Keep their phone numbers filed nearby and/or be able to go to a friend's or family member's house to file online.
12. Maintain tabs on all credit and identity theft situations over the next year or so.Thieves often hold off on using personal information until you have "cooled off" and are unsuspecting.
13. Finally, remember that stuff is just stuff and sometimes it is better to move on than to dwell in pain over losses.

Any other helpful information is greated appreciated, please share! And with that, I shall endeavor to produce some more positive blog posts in the future and will try my darndest to avoid any more personal tragedy. Please stay tuned!