You've heard the stories about dumpster divers looking for discarded credit card offers, bank statements, check stubs, utlitilty bills. . .

If you're targeted as someone who just tosses receipts and bills into the trash, it can be just a matter of time before someone is able to retrieve enough about you to steal your identity.

So don't throw away another receipt, bill or credit card offer. Shred them all instead. It's fast, efficient and easy.

Have you been meaning to get a shredder when you get "a round tuit?" Please do not wait any longer. Order one NOW while you're thinking about it.

I put it off for years, but you know what? My "savings" were not worth my peace of mind because, when I finally bought a shredder and started using it, I felt such relief.

And call me simple, but the darned thing also makes me feel more empowered over my finances. And all it takes is a proactive five seconds to shred a document that I know someone else could use to cause me trouble.

There are a lot of harmful things in this world that you can't control. But you can control this. So get a shredder.

Are you tracking your expenses with an accounting program? Once you get in the habit of entering transactions when they occur, it makes your life so easy - especially when tax time comes around. Yet is this another thing "on your list?"

If so, there is no time like the present to begin to get organized. Whether you buy software below, at a store or find freeware, do it. You won't regret it. Just be sure you check first to make sure the program you're getting is compatible with your computer (Windows vs. Mac) or if it requires a newer version of operating software.