Tara - You are right that credit is very important, we won't rent to people with poor credit scores, that is another way they are affected.

Thanks for the reminder to protect our credit. Its sad that our world is in this position. 

Pam: Yes, renting an apartment usually involves a credit check. I could do a whole blog on how credit scores affect our world. Let's see what else people may write.

Tara, I don't know what is more shocking: the fact that a Little League treasurer stole $62,000 for 3 YEARS without nobody noticing or that a little league origination has such a large budget!  = )   

I know my employer (the bank) ran my credit before I started working for them. There are always exceptions, but people who are not fiscally responsibly would be a liability if they were employed to help other people with their finances. A credit score is not completely reflective of a person's behaviors but it is interesting how just talking with someone for 5 minutes you can pretty much estimate where their score is at.

Tara, I have a client that works for the FBI and it is her job to monitor the employees credit and bank accounts.  They have to have good credit to work there.  With that being said, everyone has stuff that happens and affects their credit.  She said as long as they come to their department and get counciling they are okay, but if they hide it they can be terminated.  They don't want anyone to be manipulated for information.  Wow, taking advantage of little league kids, how pathetic is that?

Joe: It is very sad that people feel they must take from others to support their way of life. And I doubt any of these people were 'bad' in the sense of evil, but probably foolish.

Jeff: Yeah, 3 years! Where was the accountability? But I know in some small communities if you look the part, no one would think differently. And everyone went to high school together, right? I come from a town that was that small 25 years ago. One guy said he took his girlfriend on a vacation to Hawaii to keep up appearances. Hmmm...I stopped driving my Yukon so people would know I CAN'T afford the gas! I like to keep my money!!

Audrey: Yes, I know law enforcement [Homeland Security down to the beat cops] won't tolerate poor credit. However, I doubt they monitor once someone is employed in the 'lower' echelons. A friend retired, moved to Arizona and applied to work as an Air Traffic Controller. He was in the finally stages when he was shot down for having a judgment on his credit.

Tara, this is a fact in the Georgia Banking and Finance. I can understand it as you are dealing with sensitive information.

Tara, before I can hire a Loan Officer at McCue Mortgage I have to run his or her credit, it tells a lot about a person.

Tara This credit thing is a never ending monster that appears impossible to get free of.

Danny: I can appreciate banking is universal. Thanks for commenting Danny.

George: Your comment "...it tells a lot about a person." is what I want people to understand. Life events happen and a blip can be explained. But not systematic disregard for not paying on time or managing your debt. It is time to get back to basics.

Gayle: It is possible to be free of the limiting effects of poor credit, but it may be a difficult process. It first must start in our minds, then in developing good financial habits.

I check my credit card statements online regularly, and once noticed some charges that were made in some part of Canada that I'd never been. Thankfully, Wamu took those charges off, and issued me a new card, but that goes to show that anything can happen. Thanks for the post.

Eugene you are right to check your card regularly. There are companies out there counting on people not to dispute the $19.95 charge.

Tara - Staying on top of your credit report and all accounts is important.  For the situation you described with the little league treasurer, there should be a system of checks and balances in place to avoid these situations in the future.

Joseph: Jeff made a similar comment earlier of why did it take 3 years to discover this. I am sure they have one in place now.