What Credit Laws Protect You?

Briefly, here are the Federal laws that protect you when you choose to use credit. If you have a problem, you should contact the creditor. If it cannot be resolved, contact the Federal Trade Commission.

Q How much interest will

you pay on a loan?

A Truth in Lending

Act requires all credit granters to provide you with the

annual percentage rate (APR) of the loan prior you signing. This

is the true cost of your credit.

Q What if you believe you did not get credit due to age, race, etc?

A Equal Credit Opportunity

Act - Prohibits discrimination against you because of age,

sex, marital status, race, color, religion, national origin or

receipt of public assistance.

Q What if your credit card

is stolen and charges were made?

A
Fair Credit Billing Act
-
Allows for the prompt correction of errors on a credit account and

prevents damage to your credit report while you are settling

disputes.

Q What if you find an

error in your credit report?

A Fair Credit Reporting Act
- Protects consumers from incorrect creditor reporting to

credit bureaus. Allows for privacy. Permits the consumer to put

limited statements in their credit report. Provides for removal

of outdated information after 7 years (bankruptcy after 10

years).

Q What if a collection

agency is harassing you?

A Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
- Prohibits debt collectors (agencies) from abusive

collection practices. Allows consumers to dispute a debt and stop

any unreasonable collection activities.


Calling before 8AM or after 9 PM

Harassment (vs. strong collection tactics)

False statements

Threatening action that isn't permissible

Unfair practices

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Debt Free 4ever Classes

DebtFree4ever will be starting another series of classes soon. The associate pastor at church liked the education brought the last time I taught the class that he has asked me to schedule a time to lead another series. Stay tuned for the announcement in the near future of this live class that you may be able to take part in.
In addition, for those outside of the Austin, TX area, an online version is expected to be announced shortly as well.


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Frugal Tip #40 Use Oven to Full Compacity

Earlier this year, I started posting a more in depth look at each of the frugal tips. Over the next few weeks I will publish the frugal tips that I have collected. Please note that not every tip will work for everyone. Chose as many of the tips that will work with you and your family and start implementing them. Today we will proceed with Tip #40 When you use your oven, use it to its full capacity. For example: cooking 2 pies at once.

This is really pretty basic. The more you can cook at once the less energy you will need over all. For example, lets say you are going to back something like 2 pies it is better to cook 2 pies at once for 45 minutes rather then each 1 at a time for 40 minutes each. By doubling up you save yourself both time and money.




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Whether You Think You Can or Can't You're Right

Sometime back, The Wall Street Journal published an article about the significance of our beliefs and the mental models, or mindsets that shape our behavior. According to the psychologists interviewed for the piece, we act and perform in accordance with the beliefs these models tell us is true.

For example:
If you think something is not possible or out of your reach, you're probably not going to commit much energy and resources to accomplishing that goal. Getting out of debt, for example. Most Americans tell themselves that they will never save any money, and will always have a car payment. Thus making it their reality.

In order to change this, we need to change our mindsets.

1. First, begin by specifically identifying the results you want. (ex: "I WILL be debt Free.")
2. Set goals to accomplish those results.
3. Finally, examine your beliefs about those actions to determine if they are holding you back. If they are, you need to change your beliefs. This is where Norman Vincent Peale's "Power of Positive Thinking," comes into play.

The Power of Positive Thinking, is just another way of saying the same thing that Henry Ford said in the Quote above (in the title). Basically, if you want to accomplish your goals, you need to create a mindset made up of beliefs that support the truth you want in your future. That is the secret to becoming Debt Free, it is hard work and won't happen overnight, but if you think positively, and work hard, it will happen. The same is true, for other goals in your life to.

However, I think I like how Henry Ford put it best..."Whether you think you can or can't you're right ." Doesn't that just sum it so perfectly?

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Celebrity Apprentice Interrupted as We Learn the Wicked Witch of Afghanistan Is Dead

Wow! It finally has happened. The old Wizard of Oz song is bouncing in my head "The wicked witch...is dead." Yes there has been a death. If you haven't heard Osama bin Laden is dead. Awaiting President Obama to address the nation and give us more details. Apparently the United States are in possession of his body and it has been confirmed to be him. What we don't know is how he was killed or died. Perhaps the Presidents speech will shed some light on these questions.


I was watching Celebrity Apprentice about to hear which member of the girls team was to be fired, when the media broke in and started waiting on the President. I am sure we are all awaiting these details but for now I am signing off. God bless the USA.

As much as I am glad of this, I am also deeply troubled. I hate to see anyone die without knowing the one true God.

update at 10:45 PM (central time) According to the Presidents speech a few minutes ago bin Laden was killed earlier today (Sunday May 1, 2011) in a targeted attack on his location in Pakistan.
When DonaldJTrumpjr was asked via Twitter who was fired his response was:

It looks like OSAMA is the only one that got FIRED today. THANK YOU TROOPS we are eternally grateful for your service and sacrifice!!!

Update 6:25 AM (Central Time) May 2: Entertainment blogs report Hope Dworaczyk was fired because she was the weakest player on team ASAP.

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Ding Dong The Wicked Witch is Dead

The main stream press is reporting the Osama Bin Laden is dead.

Osama bin Laden has been killed, a United States official said Sunday night. President Obama is expected to make an announcement on Sunday night, almost 10 years after the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
- New York Times

Media reports continue to report that the United States was in possession of his body as well. This within just 4 months of the 10-year anniversary of the war in Afghanistan.

According to the Presidents speech a few minutes ago bin Laden was killed earlier today (Sunday May 1, 2011) in a targeted attack on his location in Pakistan.

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My name is Kevin, and that's what I think. What do you think? Agree? Disagree?

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New Logo Design

Good morning. How is everyone this fine Sunday morning. It is truly the day that the Lord has made. Last night as I was getting the first press reports of Muammar el-Qaddafi youngest son being killed, I was also receiving the final version of the redesign of the blogs logo. Take a look up at the top of this blog (also included as image within body of this post). What do you think?

The opinion by reviewers had been that the old logo was to-out-of-date. To 90's as one reviewer from England said. The idea behind the new logo was to convey both the financial and christian message that makes up the backbone of this blog. We here at the blog believe the Bible to be the infallible Word of God and as such rely on it to base our financial beliefs. Just take a look at our wisdom steps. Each and everyone of them has a Bible verse tied to them to help teach God's lesson on debt and finances.

In addition, I am trying something new. I have returned the comments to allow anyone to comment. However, this time they will be moderated. As much as I hate moderating every comment, I think it may be a better solution. Your thoughts on this move is welcomed as well.

Finally, when I first came back to God (in 1994 and entered the ministry) one of the preachers that I read a lot was Pastor David Wilkerson. You may be more familiar with him from the movie (and book) "The Cross and the Switchblade," in which he was played by Pat Boone and told the story of him going to New York and preaching to the gangs. Even leading one gang member, Niki Cruz (played by Eric Estrada) to Christ. Niki would go on to become an evangelist, who is still preaching today. Well this week Rev. Wilkerson went home to be with the Lord after he was killed in a car crash (at age 79) in Tyler, TX.



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