Dear Fellow Floridian:

Last week, when darkness fell on the community of Newtown, Conn., we were reminded how fragile and short life can be. We were reminded that the time we have on this earth is but a moment. How we live our lives and treat others during this moment can mean all the difference in the course our world takes.

Edgar Guest writes in his poem Compensation, "I’d like to think when life is done that I had filled a needed post. . . That I had taken gifts divine. . .and tried to use them now and then in service for my fellow men."

During this time of year, we can get caught up in all the hustle and bustle and forget that being kind to others and giving to those in need is really what this season is all about. Over the next few weeks I encourage you to give back to your community. Volunteer at a local charity or community center or carry out a random act of kindness as you never know what burdens others may bear.

Kindness is contagious and we should never underestimate the impact of a single act. By reaching out and touching someone’s heart, you may change the course of someone’s day, week, year or even life.

It is my sincere hope that my time in public service and here on earth will make a difference, however small that difference may be. "I’d like to think that here and there, when I am gone, there shall remain a happier spot that might have not existed had I toiled for gain."

News of Interest

Tampa Bay Times: Florida CFO wants Citizens Property Insurance oversight now

Miami Herald: EDC is expanding Boca incubator, adding 2 others

Tampa Bay Times: Tampa Bay's economic recovery picking up steam

Tampa Bay Business Journal: Tropicana gives $1.5M for UF citrus research

Miami Herald: Survey shows better lending climate

WINK News: Florida uses oil spill money for conservation land

Jacksonville Business Journal: ALM Technologies receives governor’s award

Florida's Bottom Line

Lately it has been impossible to turn on the news without hearing about the fiscal cliff.

Today, as the debate rages on as to how to solve our nation's serious fiscal challenges, Americans are still facing very real fiscal challenges of their own.

That is why we have put together this special edition of Florida's Bottom Line. You will find articles written by authors with expertise on the economy and finance that will help you separate fact from fiction when it comes to the fiscal cliff. This edition also details useful strategies to help your family and your business in the coming weeks. You will find this publication to be a practical resource moving forward.

December is Identity Theft Prevention and Awareness Month

It is easy to get caught up in the busyness of the season and forget that it is also a time when identity theft and fraud flourish.

CFO Atwater is committed to providing financial education resources to help Floridians make wise financial decisions this season and throughout the year. Here are some of the valuable tools the Department of Financial Services offers to help you protect yourself and your family:

• Florida leads the nation in identity theft complaints. Visit Your Money Matter$ website for an Identity Theft Toolkit that will empower you to fight back and watch an identity theft video presentation to learn how identity theft occurs.
• Access the OnDemand Library to view presentations on a variety of financial and insurance topics. The credit score presentation will inform you of how to protect and improve your credit score, and the warranties presentation will help you learn the pros and cons of purchasing product warranties.
• View Consumer Alerts & Scams on the On Guard for Seniors website as well as Frauds & Scams on the Consumer Services page. A basic understanding of how scam artists work can help you avoid fraud and protect your hard-earned money.

If you have questions or suspect fraud, call our Consumer Helpline at 1-877-My-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236). Do not allow yourself to become a victim!