“When I was young, people lived from paycheck to paycheck. Today, it seems like they live from credit card payment to credit card payment.”

Robert Kiyosaki

(WASHINGTON, D.C. – February 5, 2023) – Secured credit cards are becoming increasingly popular as a way to build or rebuild credit. But what exactly is a secured card and what are the pros and cons of using one?

One of the biggest pros of a secured card is that it can help you build or rebuild your credit score. Secured cards require a security deposit, which acts as collateral for the card issuer in case you default on payments. This makes them less risky for issuers than unsecured cards, so they are more likely to approve people with bad or no credit. And if you use your secured card responsibly by making payments on time and keeping your balance low, this will help improve your credit score over time.

Another pro of secured cards is that they often come with lower interest rates than unsecured cards. This makes them an attractive option for people who want to avoid high interest rates but still need access to credit.

On the other hand, there are some drawbacks to using a secured card. One of these is that most secured cards have annual fees, which can add up over time and make it harder to pay off your balance each month. Additionally, many secured cards do not offer rewards programs like cash back or points, so you will not be able to take advantage of those benefits either.

Finally, another con is that some secured cards have low spending limits compared to unsecured cards. This means you may not be able to make large purchases with your card or may have trouble paying off larger balances each month without incurring additional fees or interest charges.

While there are both pros and cons associated with using a secured credit card, it can be an effective way for people with bad or no credit history to build their score over time if used responsibly.

“Control, only what you can control…”

-Anonymous

(WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 30, 2023) – Traffic stops can be routine for most in this country, yet sometimes for young black men, they can often present a terrifying situation. Knowing how to protect yourself during a traffic stop is essential in order to avoid, as much as possible, any potential harm or mistreatment by law enforcement officials. With the right tactics, young black men can remain calm and assert their rights in order to ensure, as best as possible, that the interaction goes smoothly and safely.

The first step in protecting one’s self during a traffic stop is knowing your constitutional rights. This includes the right to remain silent, the right to refuse bodily searches and the right to refuse consent for searches of your vehicle or belongings. It is important to remember these rights and use them if necessary and asserting them calmly, will let officers know that you are knowledgeable about your rights and less likely to be subjected to mistreatment.

It is also important to remain as calm as possible throughout the process. Even if you feel that officers are treating you unfairly, it is best not to show aggression or raise your voice. Keeping your voice level, and respectful, will go a long way towards creating an atmosphere where both parties are able to have an amicable conversation without any unfortunate incident.

It is also important that young black men document every interaction with law enforcement if at all possible. Recording via audio or video, of the encounter, can help protect against false accusations of criminal activity or misconduct by either party during the interaction. Additionally, if mistreatment does ensue, it is important that these accounts be reported immediately so that proper authorities can take action against wrongdoers in a timely manner.

In conclusion, knowing how to protect yourself during a traffic stop is essential for young black men who may be particularly vulnerable to negative encounters with law enforcement officers due to systemic racism within our justice system. By understanding one’s constitutional rights, remaining calm and documenting interactions with police, whenever possible, young black men have the tools they need in order to reduce their risk of harm when interacting with law enforcement officials on traffic stops or otherwise.

“Whenever we talk about the future, we look at it in terms of generations rather than quarters.”

-Michael van der Post

(WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 27, 2023) – Doing business with family members can be a tricky endeavor and should not be taken lightly. On the one hand, working with people who share your values and goals can create a strong bond of trust, understanding and collaboration. On the other hand, when money is involved, relationships can become strained as people feel like their personal interests may suddenly take precedence over familial ties.

POSTIVES

The positives of doing business with family are numerous. For starters, you can trust the other party to have similar values to yours since you come from a common background and heritage. This understanding is invaluable when it comes to running a successful venture because it allows both parties to function in such a way that they are effectively anticipating each other’s needs and expectations before they arise. Additionally, family members often have different skillsets, so there is potential for synergy if these areas of expertise are harnessed correctly. By delegating certain tasks to those who are best suited for them, everyone can move forward together towards a shared goal while utilizing resources more efficiently.

DRAWBACKS

However there are also several potential drawbacks when it comes to conducting business with family members. While having an understanding of one another’s values may create trust between those involved in the venture, it potentially leads to a lack of professionalism which could result in trouble down the line if not addressed properly at the outset. Additionally, conflicts may arise if either party feels that their interests or contributions are not being recognized or valued sufficiently – this is especially true if different generations within the same family are involved in the venture as generational perspectives on how business should be conducted may differ significantly from one another.

Doing business with family members can be both rewarding and challenging depending on how well all parties approach their relationship going into it. Set clear boundaries early on, about how decision making will work within the enterprise. This will ensure that everyone has an equitable share of responsibility for outcomes.