Today I had a disagreement with a very close buddy of mine (knowing me you know I love a good disagreement). I mean nothing serious or something that would cause fisticuffs. But something I am very passionate about. I was so fueled by it I wanted to share it with you today.

Like many other Americans, my buddy and I were discussing the current recession. It’s been tagged as “The Great Recession”. The government has its stimulus packages, private sectors has its lay offs, both in efforts to stop the bleeding.

But I don’t think it will be enough. I am not a believer in someone else fixing my problems. If I don’t want the recession to effect me, then I just won’t participate in it. My friend thinks I am nuts. Here is some of our conversation

My Buddy: Erik you don’t have any control over the recession. You are not being realistic about this whole thing.

Me: You are correct. I don’t have any control over the recession but I do have control over how the recession can and will effect me.

My Buddy: There are folks out there that are losing their jobs and homes left and right

Me: I know my ideas won’t work for everybody but they do work for anybody. Seeing opportunity in America is a choice. You see what you focus on. If you focus on the ground there is no way you’ll see the clouds in the sky.

Do you agree with me? Have a different opinion?

Share it in the comments…

            

As a little kid growing up in New York City, I remember the excitement surrounded by St Patrick’s Day. Paint stains from the green water paint were almost a yearly thing in elementary. We wore uniforms back then (you know the ones with the blazers and white shirts and tie) that would always seem to get paint on them. 

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But for the life of me, I could never figure out why folks would get so excited over a leprechaun. I mean, what the heck is a leprechaun anyway.

Some would say, “Well, St Patrick’s Day it’s a religious holiday that is celebrated by the Irish”. But then I would see drunk folk wearing green garments and drinking green alcohol. Hmmm…it must be (more…)

            

Have you looked at your credit score lately? If so, good for you! If not, what are you waiting for? Having a high credit score with the three credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion) is the key to getting a mortgage for your dream home, a personal loan from your bank for a new car or even a credit card for emergency expenses.

Credit scores, also commonly called FICO scores, can range anywhere from 350-850. As you might have guessed, credit scores near 350 are considered awful. On the opposite side, scores nearer to the 850 range are viewed favorably by lenders. The closer you are to 850, the more likely you are to receive a loan (especially in today’s shaky economic climate.)

If your credit score needs some serious improvement in order for you to receive a bank loan, don’t fret! There are several surefire ways to improve your credit score that won’t (more…)