1. Be the first to say hello.

2. Take risks and don’t anticipate rejection.

3. Tell other about the important events in your life.

4. Show others you’re a good listener; restate their comments in different words.

5. Be able to tell others what you do in a few short sentences.

6. Use eye contact and smiles on your contacts with people.

7. Greet people you see regularly — even if you don’t know them.

8. Seek common goals, interests and experiences with the people you meet.

9. Let others play the expert.

10. Become enthusiastic about the interests of other people.

11. Balance the giving and receiving of information.

12. Be open to the feelings and opinions of others.

13. Express your feelings, opinions and emotions to others.

14. Don’t use the word “you” when you really mean “I.”

15. Ask people for their opinions.

16. Look for the positive in the people you meet.

17. Ask people about things they told you in previous conversations

18. Change the topic of c conversation when it has run its course.

19. Compliment others on what they’re wearing, doing or saying — if true.

20. When you tell a story, present the main point first, then add the details.

21. Be aware of open and closed body language.

22. Make an effort to help people if you can.

23. Accept a person’s right to be an individual.

24. Go out of your way to meet new people.

25. Be tolerant of others’ beliefs if you don’t agree with them.

Adapted from Jay Levenson
The Father of Guerrilla Marketing
Author, “Guerrilla Marketing” series of books

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Happy reading…….How to Wreck Your Credit Score

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All humor aside, it is a fact that business networking groups are the in thing these days. A popular one that I personally attend is Netweavers– SAKM Netweavers (South Arlington, Kennedale, Mansfield) . You are probably asking “what does this have to do with the title ‘What is credit repair anyway?’” Well, I am glad you asked. One of the key components of any networking group is to meet with other members one-on-one in order to get to know each other and their respective businesses better. Without fail, whenever I do a one-on-one with someone they either ask “what is credit repair anyway?” or, “so, how does credit repair work?”. That is the question I am waiting for them to ask. I love to answer it.

Credit repair in a nutshell:

The first step is to obtain your credit reports and get them to us. Once we’ve received your credit reports, we will analyze your credit history to identify items that are responsible for bringing your credit score down – including not having enough current positive credit.

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A disputed credit listing must be verified as accurate and within the correct time constraints for it to remain on the credit report. If the credit listings contain an error, the credit bureau may simply correct the item, but, very often, disputed credit items cannot be verified because either the creditor no longer possesses necessary information or does not to go to the effort of verifying it. Furthermore, the investigation must be completed within 30 days or the listing must be removed. For these reasons, properly disputed credit listings are removed from your credit report with remarkable frequency.

At the conclusion of the credit bureau’s investigation, a new copy of the credit report is sent to you along with any deletions or improvements. You then provide us with a copy of the new credit report and the cycle repeats itself at strategic intervals and according to a personalized plan for reaching your goals.

The above process can be done DIY (Do it yourself), as the laws used by Upgrade My Credit and all credit restoration companies were written for the consumer. However, for some reason, the government did not write the laws consumer-user friendly. And, just like we need a CPA or even have someone mow the lawn for us, often times, it is more efficient and quicker to let a professional help.

In addition to credit repair, Upgrade My Credit offers many more financial and credit services to help you build and manage your financial future well, such as personal budgeting help, debt reduction programs, classes and workshops, bankruptcy counseling, etc.

Well, that is it in a nutshell. Hope it has answered the question “what is credit repair?”.

Here’s to your financial future!

Blair Warner – Founder and Sr. Credit Consultant

Fleetwood Mac, in their 1976 song “Don’t Stop,” urged listeners not to stop “thinking about tomorrow” because  it would“soon be here.”

Fleetwood Mac’s top five albums alone have sold over 55 million copies. Needless to say, over the years, Mick Fleetwood made a ton of money. However, during all that time, he really didn’t “think about tomorrow.” As fast as the money came in, it went out. By 1984, he was bankrupt.

How does all this relate to you? If you’re like most people, you can probably spend money without thinking about it, but you can’t save money without thinking about it. For Mick Fleetwood, that certainly was the case. Saving isn’t a natural event. It must be planned.

Planning and budgeting require control. Financial planning involves looking into the future, facing financial reality and the sacrifices that it  brings, and taking action. Financial restraint isn’t as much fun as spending with reckless abandon, but it’s a lot more fun than winding up broke. The fact is that the rewards of taking financial control are worth the sacrifices. Just ask Mick Fleetwood- he has finally started “thinking about tomorrow.”

It is not directly related to credit repair, but managing your credit and debt well is a major part of planning for your future financial well being.

Hope it helped.

Blair Warner – Credit Expert

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Everyone has a story. In fact, it is your story that makes you unique. Stories offer the listener a new perspective, new experience, even a new adventure of sorts, while at the same time often sounding a ring of familiarity to each one of us as a common member of the human race. That’s why it is said “everyone LOVES a story” — and stories are not just for children. Look at how many movies and novels are pumped out every year. It is also said that “‘everyone has a story”. What is your story? Have you thought about what you would share with someone if you had 5-10 min to share a story of your life in a way that would leave the listeners …… kind of a “Personal Chicken Soup”? Of course, there are stories of the personal, private nature. I am not asking for stories reserved for those closest to us, but for those that if shared will inspire and encourage. Inspire us! Share it as a comment.

At Upgrade My Credit we get to hear, and be a part of many people’s stories as they come to us with credit, debt and budget problems affecting their financial lives and futures. It is our privilege to help.

Cheers,

Blair Warner

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2011 marks 4 years since the announcement of the end of sub-prime lending, and 3 years since the whole mortgage and real estate industry turned upside down. Many changes have taken place, and this year will see the last of them implemented, for the most part. What does that mean for us. First, it will mark the beginning of a semblance of stability, and people like stability. Most of us like predictability with a dash of adventure, not the other way around. I believe this feeling that things are becoming more stable and predictable again will trigger the move into trying new things again, which is what America needs at the moment.

Hopefully, one of the movements we will see as confidence increases is home buying–especially by first time home buyers. This is still a good time to buy!  Rates may go up a bit, but will still hover around 5%, which is a whole percent lower than I got in 2002 for my current house.

If you are thinking about buying a home this year, first get your credit and debt situation worked out. There is no use of looking at houses with your Realtor if you are not sure if you qualify for a home loan. Upgrade My Credit specializes in helping people improve their credit and lower their debt so that they can get a home loan. This can be your year! Give us a call.

Best to you,

Blair
www.upgrademycredit.com

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Happy reading, and if you want to explore partnering with Upgrade My Credit, see our Affiliate Area.

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Find a new home. Some couples may agree to sell their home and find separate properties. If you plan to purchase a new house, make sure that you do not make decisions in a hurry. Do extensive research and consider your repayment capabilities before applying for a loan. It is also wise to get a pre-approval so you can have a more realistic idea as to the price of home you can afford.

Be financially independent. If you have joint bank accounts or credit card extensions, it is best to have these separated. Thus, possible issues or problems on money matters can be avoided.

If you haven’t done so, open your own savings account right away. Be sure to save up for minor emergencies as well. Build your savings account fund which can last you for a least six months or longer just in case you need to take a leave from work or find a new job.

Create a new budget system. Budgeting your money will be different now that you and your spouse are separated. Study your monthly expenses and find practical ways to cut back on your costs. If you have unpaid debts with any creditor, debt repayment should be put on top of your priorities.

Get an insurance policy. Do you have a health insurance plan for you and your kids? Even if it means getting a second job, having an insurance coverage gives you financial protection during times of need.

Get help. Seek advice from an attorney regarding your rights and obligations, particularly with regards to giving financial support to your kids. A trusted credit counselor can also give you better strategies in managing debt and finances.

Upgrade My Credit can help!

Plan ahead.

Blair

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