After the hard work you’ve put in creating SMART financial goals, assessing your current financial situation, and developing a budget plan to get you where you want to go, it is imperative that you ensure your money and financial profile are secure. Beware of alternative financial service providers who promise you easy money or goods up front, but really prey on low-income families with high fees and confusing contracts. Learn how to employ the 3 D’s (deter, detect, and defend) to keep you safe from identity theft. Take time to organize and store records safely so that you and your loved ones can easily access them, but identity thieves cannot.