Guest Writer: Calvin Russel Jr.
Many young adults apply for student and auto loans only to get denied because of a low credit score. Some of them have no idea how to build credit or how to start on the right path. That is usually when the parents come in. Some parents show their children how to build credit, some build it for them, and some tell their children to never build or worry about credit at all…..only to end up co-signing for them later because of it. I assume since you are reading this, you are far from the latter. Lets get started.
1. Add Them To Your Credit Card As Authorized Users
Adding your child to your credit card as an authorized user is the easiest way to help your child build credit. What makes this process so simple is that most credit card companies offer this as a free service for up to a certain amount of Authorized Users. First, an Authorized User is someone that is added to an account with limited access, and adding an additional card is optional. Keep in mind that when the bill comes every month, the payment history, balance, limit, and utilization will show on the primary and authorized users credit report. The beauty of this feature is that the authorized user score increases even without them having to do anything to the account. Be sure to check with your credit card company to find out more about the terms associated with your card.
2. Add Them To Your Auto Loan (Reverse Co-Signing)
Normally when a young adult is looking for a car, they go to a dealership with their parents in hopes that they will co-sign for them. Once the young adult is denied for the loan, the parent usually steps in and saves the day by becoming a Joint Applicant on the loan. This is called “Co-Signing.”
With “Reverse Co-Signing” a few different steps take place. This will only work if the parent is in the market for a vehicle and has at least a 640 credit score or higher. Here’s how it works:
1. The parent wants a car for themselves
2. The parent can get approved for the auto loan by themselves.
3. The parent adds the young adult to the loan even though the auto loan is for the parent.
4. The interest rate may increase as the joint applicant (the young adult) does not have any or light credit.
5. The parent makes all of the payments of course because the car is for the parent
6. That payment history shows on the young adults credit report.
7. Over time, those payments help create a healthy high credit score for the young adult.
8. When the young adult wants their own auto loan, the banks will more than likely say yes as they currently show a healthy payment history of another auto loan.
9.The young adult is happy with their new car and a co-signer was not needed during the process!
3. Add Them To Your Personal Loan
If a parent is looking to get a personal loan, they can add their young adult children as joint applicants as well. This process may require more paperwork, as a personal loan will go by income, W2’s, Bank Statements, and etc. In the long run, it will be well worth it and will add a healthy payment history to the young adults credit report.
4. Show Them How To Use A Credit Card Properly
Overall, the parent should know how to use a credit card properly but most importantly, to show their children and young adults how to do the same. This process can work for both retail credit cards and the normal bank issued credit cards as well. For the article I wrote on How Credit Cards Work, click here.
The Bottom Line
As a parent, you can see that there are multiple way to help your young adults build a high and strong credit score. I have seen all of these ways work in the best favor possible for the parent and young adult. There have been many cases in which I have seen scores as high as 760 and the young adult had no idea about their credit score being so high or how it got there in the first place.
Calvin Russell Jr is a Certified FICO Professional and the CEO & Founder of Simply Professional Credit Consultation. SP Credit Consultation has helped hundreds of people increase their credit scores, qualify for homes, cars, and lower interest rates with their personal, Step-By- Step Action Plans. Contact us today to learn more or email us at info@gosimplypro.com.
Month: August 2015
Guest Writer: Holly Loube
1. When you notice good fruit, mention it.
The love of God in our lives causes us to bear good fruit. You know like, patience, kindness, self-control and all those things we aren’t exactly born with. As we grow in Christ, the good fruit becomes more evident. So, when you see good fruit, compliment it.
Sometimes we think good thoughts, but never actually vocalize them. Since people can’t read minds however, these thoughts need to be brought to life. (I know one thing for sure– whenever I’m eating a particularly good-looking fruit, I don’t just take a picture for Instagram…I come up with the perfect caption to describe the fruit too. Just saying.)
2. Bring honor back!
Sometimes we get too comfortable with people and begin to take them for granted. Try to remain grateful that they are willing to listen and give you their attention. Talk to them how you talked to them when y’all first met. (Unless of course that was rude, in which case- abort mission!)
3. Retire “I told you so.”
If being right meant that much to you, you’d just be single. We shouldn’t take pride in being right. When someone apologizes for being wrong, react humbly. More than likely, there is something you could apologize for too. (Like that rude thing you said when y’all first met.)
4. Hope for the best, prepare for the…best.
If you go into the conversation looking for a problem, that’s just what you’ll find. Expect to have edifying conversations that mirror the gentleness and humility of Jesus. (Bonus: This tip also applies to shopping. If you walk into a store looking for the sale rack, you will find it. Warning! Avoid the display window at all costs, those are trends. You don’t need trends. YOU set trends. You are a trend.)
5. Sleep on it.
Think before you speak. The quickest reaction isn’t always the best reaction. In an “instant” world, we can neglect taking time to come up with an even slightly informed response. (Note: If it takes you longer to come up with an Instagram caption to perfectly describe an epic pineapple than it does to give a rational response to someone you’re committed to, well you, my friend, are in a relationship with a fruit.)
6. Above all, love.
Because love covers a multitude of sins. And, quite frankly, dating fruit is totally overrated.
Holly Loube is just an ordinary girl who enjoys taking long walks. She once wandered so far off her path that light turned into darkness and she completely lost her vision. Just when she thought she would never see again, she looked up and saw Jesus. He reached for her hand and she never let it go again. Her desire is for everyone she meets to feel a sense of belonging and purpose. She enjoys juicing and eating Maryland blue crabs. She refers to her writing as “worship disguised as words.” Holly is a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a friend and a bride-to-be! She blogs athttp://hollylooyablog.blogspot.com/.
Guest Writer: Nikki Walker
The Scriptures state that God designed and created marriage as a good thing. It is a beautiful, priceless gift. God uses marriage to help us multiply our effectiveness, establish families, raise children, enjoy life, and reap the blessings of relational intimacy. God also designed marriage for couples to pray together, establishing tender moments that are created in prayer, helping couples to grow in love and intimacy in their relationship.
When married couples pray big for their marriage together, their relationship deepens with God’s fingerprints on their lives. Wonderful things can happen in a marriage that is built on prayer! Here are 4 benefits that come from praying big prayers for your marriage:
Prayer Humbles Couples
Prayer changes couples that pray together. Holy moments spent before God in prayer helps to place couples and their marriage desires in proper perspective. Prayer has an awesome ability to reduce egos and adjust attitudes.
Prayer Guides Couples
When God is the center of marriages, He becomes a built in compass and guide. God gives direction and helps couples that pray together to stay together. God speaks, teaches, and imparts His wisdom through prayer. Prayer also illuminates God’s Word for couples. When couples pray together, they are better able to maneuver through marital issues and decisions with God’s wisdom.
Prayer Helps Couples See Each Other Differently
In 2 Corinthians 5, the apostle Paul shared how Christ has changed his perspective on people. Apostle Paul states “So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun (vv. 16-17 NLT).” Apostle Paul confessed that while he used to judge others based on human standards, he had stopped doing so because his love for Jesus had given him a different perspective on seeing people. As couples pray together, their view of each other will change. Husbands and wives will learn to see each other through Jesus’ eyes, giving couples the ability to love each other how He does.
Prayer Equips Couples
The Scriptures clearly define husband and wives’ roles in marriage. Husbands are called to love their wives just as Jesus loves them. Wives are called to live for their husbands as they would live for Christ. Neither of these roles comes naturally. This is why prayer is essential in marriage. When couples engage in prayer, God will give couples a vision for their marriage and equip them with grace to walk the vision out.
The connection that develops and grows when couples pray together deepens their love and bond with one another. Great marriages, used mightily of God, can be made great by praying big prayers, flowing in intimacy, and yielding to one another. Regular prayer together creates a marriage that is indeed a blessing to others and God!
I am a happily married wife and mother of two beautiful daughters. I have a heart for God’s people and sharing His love. My passion is writing and seeing God’s people live a life of fullness through the power of Jesus Christ.
Categories
The Goodness in Singleness
Guest Writer: Areli Villasenor
There are many obvious struggles in being single, and the church sometimes aggravates the situation by telling us to guard our hearts. But let’s just face it, some of us are over here like, “well that’s easy for you to say, married person!” I have taken my time to ask a few of my single girl friends what their biggest struggle is in being single, and one of them said, “I don’t mind being single, just show me the goodness in that season.” I totally get her. It’s hard enough to see your best friend receiving the promise before you, not that you are not happy for them, but your heart just desires to be with someone. You feel me?
One thing that has helped me through the single season is knowing that God can use me in the now. Sometimes we tend to think we are not mature enough to be used, to start a ministry, or to live our biggest dream. We long to live our dreams with our future husband. Wrong! God wants to use you now! God wants to use your struggles to help other women step into the freedom that you have found. So, I encourage you to go after your dreams. Don’t put your life or dreams on hold because you are waiting on someone to help you fulfill them. Life is short and a few years from now you will regret that you wasted your time sitting around not going after what you enjoy and desire.
Another thing that God has revealed to me in this season of singleness is that God has given me a sword. Let me explain a little bit more about what I mean by a sword. Lately I’ve been tired of the Disney movie theology that Christian singles have seem to adopted. We believe we are God’s princesses waiting for our prince, or shall I say our Boaz. And that’s fine, we are God’s princesses, but oh my goodness can we just talk about that? Girls, we are not called to sit here and wait for our prince. Neither are we called to sit around and wait to be pursued.
Say what? Okay, okay. We are called to be pursued, but not in the way we think. Yes, we will be pursued, God willing, but it is not our life’s calling to sit and wait for a man. Yes, we are to wait, but not just for our Boaz, we are called to sit in His presence and wait to hear His voice. Instead of just waiting around for our prince like some of those Disney princesses, we are called to rise up, pick up our sword and fight against our struggles and insecurities. We are called to fight for ourselves as daughters of the most High God. We are called to fight for our freedom and fullness in Jesus.
As we pick up our weapons of warfare we will be strong in Him, walking in God’s fullness and joy. We will be ready for the day that a Godly man steps into our lives, so that we can run the race with him and help him fight the good fight. Our Boaz does not need a princess, rather he needs a woman of God, a mighty warrior that will help him in the battle. So, I encourage you beautiful woman, mighty warrior of God, pick up your weapon of choice and fight for your dreams, fight for your healing, your passions, overcome your insecurities, and be filled with God, for there is nothing or no one better than Jesus.
I am 27 years old currently completing a Masters degree in Counseling at Dallas Baptist University. I graduated from Christ for the Nations in 2010 with a degree in theology and youth ministry. I am passionate and hungry for the things of Jesus. Because of my past struggles with relationships and insecurities, God has given me the desire to see women overcome their barriers and come together in unity. One of my biggest desires is to help women see that God has given them each a sword to rise up as warriors in order to advance the Kingdom of God. I also have a huge heart for the nations, so I enjoy learning and meeting people from other cultures. It is my deepest desires to impact the nations. I have been a dancer since I was 5 years old, and I enjoy teaching dance and prophetic dancing. I love fashion, food, pioneering, and hanging out with family and friends. I live in freedom!
Guest Writer: Marymagdaline Onyango
I have a few daily reminders that I set on my phone to keep me thankful and present. It is always helpful to have reminders that keep you cognizant of what is most important throughout your day. These four reminders pop up on my cell-phone screen throughout my day:
1. Trust God.
Throughout the day, especially as I am heading to work, I have to remind myself that when I face challenges, or I’m not sure what exactly I should be doing, all I need to do is trust God. If I am obedient to Him, if I always listen and talk to the Lord and the Holy Spirit, I know that I am always protected. He’s got my back and we are in this together. I can’t go back and do it right the second time, this is it. That is why relying on God and trusting in Him is so important; I have to allow him to guide me. This alarm goes off multiple times a day, the first being right when I start my work day.
2. Submit to God, NOT your feelings and Flesh (!!!)
This reminder gets three explanation points. I have to remember to die to my flesh daily, and refuse to let the devil win. One thing I’ve realized is that the more and more I become comfortable in the word and with Christ and submitting in my relationship; the more and more the devil tries to infiltrate my life. When he sees you coming closer to fulfilling that purpose, and the devil wants you to fail. Sometimes I have to yell at the devil and bring in my Armor (Ephesians 6 10:18). Literally, I’ll be at a stoplight, I’ll hear the devil trying to infiltrate my thoughts and l will say out loud in the car, “nope, not today and not ever devil.” Then in my mind, I have this whole armor around me which brings me peace.
3. Reminders for my fiancé.
It’s important to me that I speak to my fiancé in his love language, making sure to continually love and support him always. Speaking and expressing my care for him in his love language is very important to me, this is why I have little reminders in my phone to do just that. It shouldn’t be used as a daily job, or the only way you express love in your partner’s love language, but more as a fun surprise for both you and him. I’ve set this reminder up for many different times and various days. The same reminder is not set for every day, as it would become monotonous to me if it was. They are random, which keeps things fun. I didn’t want it to come off as calculated or an obligation, but rather a reminder of what our love has done in my life and how thankful and appreciative I am. These reminders on your phone can take various forms, and it is important to do so in a way that reminds you to be thankful, trust God and love the love God has blessed you with.
4. Read and Pray.
As we get closer to our wedding date, we both wanted to make sure that we were continuing to align ourselves with God. Reading the bible and praying are an integral part of keeping that alignment. I set this reminder for right when I’m winding down at night. For some people this may work best in the morning. This is time I use to finish a bible study plan, or commit to a 21 day reading fast, or simply spend time with God. It’s nice that no matter where I am, and that reminder pops up on my phone, I know I need to stop whatever I’m doing and spend that quality time with Him.
I encourage you today to decide what is important to you and your season and set reminders on your phone to make sure you are staying focused on those things! Our phone is something we always have on us, so let’s use that for to our advantage and for our growth.
Born and raised in Virginia, with deep Kenyan roots, Marymagdaline has always considered herself a lover of two homes, one in East Africa and the other in Virginia. A recent graduate from the University of Virginia with a Bachelors of Arts in African and African American Studies and Foreign Affairs with an African Concentration, she now lives in the Washington, DC area working in the non-profit sector. She has a passion for young women and girls and has traveled to Trinidad, Australia, Dominican Republic, Kenya, India, and Europe to volunteer and connect with women across the globe. Since graduation her heart was convicted by the Lord to start her blog www.prayactthink.com to help and minister to young women through her life experiences and the word of the Lord. She met her now Fiancé a few years ago, right when God knew she needed him the most, and will soon be married. They both love to guide and mentor others to help them fulfill their God-led purpose.
Guest Writer: Calvin Russel Jr
Right now is the PERFECT time to purchase a home. Mortgage rates are still at an all time low and the banks are becoming more lenient on the qualifications to get a mortgage loan. Many current tenants are thinking of making the move to become home owners, but they are not quite sure if it is the right time. Take a look at these signs as it may describe your current situation.
1. Your Rent Payments Are Equivalent To Mortgage Payments
This is the number one sign, as this is always the tipping point for most renters. I remember when I was working one day at the dealership and I asked my customer a series of questions related to their auto loan approval. One of the questions were, “What is your current rent/mortgage payment per month?” They answered “$850!” Yes, $850!!! At the time, my wife and I were paying a little more than that for a nice apartment in a nice area. It was at that moment I began to ask myself, “Where do all of my rent payments go each month?” It was also at that moment that I decided to become qualified for a mortgage loan.
Most rent payments are extremely close to that of a mortgage payment. Mortgage payments can be under $1000/month for a lot of reasons. The homeowner could have placed a nice down payment, they could have re-financed, they could be living in a low cost neighborhood, or they simply could have found a great deal on a property. Many tenants think most mortgages are between $1500-$2500 when that is not the case at all. Most residential homes for middle income Americans range from $125k-$175k, and could be lower depending on the state. That creates a mortgage anywhere from $800/month-$1400/month with today’s mortgage rates.
2. Your Neighbors Aren’t The Best
You gotta love the alarm clocks that never get shut off in the morning from your neighbor. Or what about the one who always decides to wash their clothes past the allowed time notice. Or the kids who sleep in a bedroom right above yours and it seems like there is always a wrestling match on their floor. Or what about the one who always has company over to hammer a few things on the wall…….every night……..if you know what I mean lol. Either way, your neighbors keep doing things that either upset you or irritate you. We didn’t even discuss the major ones such as: Arguing couples, constant smoke alarms, the smell of cannibus under the door, loud music and parties, constant furniture moving, and I could go on and on! Most of the minor things we all have dealt with only because the situation is not big enough to complain to the landlord about. One thing for sure is that its easier to change what YOU CAN control vs trying to change something YOU CAN’T control.
3. Your Landlord Is Really A Slumlord
3. Your Landlord Is Really A Slumlord
That moment when you call your landlord about a problem you are having in your apartment that needs to be fixed…………..and they said they would fix it months earlier. Or what about the so called “Free Heat” but the temperature feels like 60 degrees inside the apartment during the winter. Wait, what about the time your landlord asked you to pay rent a couple of days EARLY for no reason at all! Or maybe the time you came home and you noticed your apartment had been entered by someone else and could possibly be the landlord! Yeah, that my friend is a slumlord! Things never get fixed and complaints never get addressed. But you deal with it. Why? Because its easier to live under someone else’s rules and building than your own right? With a home, you will have to maintain it yes, but at least its your home. You may have your own gas bill, but at least you can control the heat to your liking. Ditch the slumlord and qualify for your own mortgage!
The Bottom Line
As a good or great tenant, I am sure you have thought about the idea of home ownership. Let these 3 signs push you in the right direction of getting that loan pre-approval. I myself know the feeling of dealing with some tenant issues of my own and also dreading the pre-approval process. Credit is a big deal and it is needed to finance a home. Be sure to visit my website and see if there is a package with your name on it.
If you are looking to purchase a home in next 1-2 years, I strongly recommend enrolling in our 12 Month Boot Camp to get you qualified and educated on the home buying process. Click Here for more information.
Calvin Russell Jr is a Certified FICO Professional and the CEO & Founder of Simply Professional Credit Consultation. SP Credit Consultation has helped hundreds of people increase their credit scores, qualify for homes, cars, and lower interest rates with their personal, Step-By- Step Action Plans. Contact us today to learn more or email us at info@gosimplypro.com.
Categories
4 Ways to Survive the Storm
Guest Contributor: Rutchelle Alexandre
No one ever EVER said the Christian walk would be easy, and we all ending up facing tough times. It’s almost inevitable, and for the most part unavoidable. We’ve all been through trials that test not only our character, but our will power. We face storms that have left us weary, and storms that have even made us reconsider our walk with Christ. Heck, half of the storms I’ve encountered I’m surprised that I even survived!
All the glory to God, because he will never leave his children, even when we think he has left us, he’s still there. If you surrender and allow God to take control during the stormy seasons, and fully trust in him, your outlook on life will never be the same.
Two important things you must know in general is that: (1) God is always in control and he will never leave you or forsake you. Just like Jesus calmed the storm when Peter and some of the disciples were in the Sea of Galilee. He is able to calm our storms. A lot of us allow the storms to drown us, throwing in the towel, as if God isn’t standing right there waiting for us to tag him in. (2)We can fight! God has equipped us to do so. His word says that he will never give us more than we can bear. Question is; how do you fight? How do you make it through those days when your heart can’t find the words to even pray? Remember that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
That being said, whether it’s spiritual warfare, trials and tribulations, or demonic oppression, it is vital to know the steps needed in order to be victorious. I have four steps I want to discuss:
1. Rebuking/Casting out-
The last thing you would want during a storm is to allow Satan to have his way. Example: if you are going through some kind of financial drought, and God says He will provide, rebuke doubt when it comes to attack! Rebuke and cast out all unhealthy emotions and discouragement. Rebuke and cast out all thoughts that are contrary to what the word of God says. Your mind must be protected. It’s already hard enough that you’re going through it, but having your helmet of salvation and properly rebuking is a definite must.
2. Be alert-
In the natural when there’s a storm coming your way, usually one makes the necessary preparations right? Same goes for the spiritual. Stay connected to the source. The source is God, therefore when you see signs of an approaching spiritual storm, get ready for battle. Pay attention to your prayer life, to your spiritual growth, to your relationship with God. Always be prepared and aware that the enemy does not sleep, neither should the children of God. You have to stay connected, and make sure you’re getting your daily fill.
3. Getting your daily fill-
As humans, we need to be in communication with those we love. Same goes for your relationship with God, especially in such crucial times. Worship him, have quiet time, rest in his presence, allow his spirit to pour down upon you. Read your word, the word is our daily bread (and sword). As humans we need food to survive, therefore as Christians we need the word of God to survive, and fight effectively.
4. Pray, pray, pray!-
Do not stop praying. There is so much power in prayer. Prayer is not just you communicating with your Father, it’s also Him communicating with you. It’s that place of surrender, that secret place with him, that place of revelation. Prayer can cause breakthroughs, and heal you, and so much more. Pray without ceasing! When you pray with faith, and allow the Holy Spirit to intercede, mountains will tremble, and you best believe God hears our prayers and will make a way in his timing.
Whoever this is for, you can get through the storm. Storms make us stronger, they create endurance in us. No matter the storm, just know that you are not alone, and that the war has already been won, we just have to fight the battle, God is with you, and he will fight for you, if you let him. Stay blessed.
Rutchelle Alexandre is a recent alumni from Regis College, where she got her Bachelors in English and writing. She resides in the New England area. Rutchelle plans on attending divinity school, as well as obtaining her Masters degree in education. She serves faithfully at her local church, and is currently working on a novel. Rutchelle enjoys nature, poetry, traveling, and the simple things in life.