“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.

Advertisement

“Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.”

— Aristotle

(WASHINGTON, D.C. – February 2, 2023) – The gig economy has been on the rise for some time, offering those who have been laid off from corporate jobs a FRESH START and new opportunities. While self-employment in the gig economy can prove to be highly rewarding, it is important to be aware of the potential pitfalls that come with taking this route. This article will discuss pros and cons of the gig economy, as well as examine strategies for success; and discuss how to best leverage transferrable skills from a corporate job into the gig economy.

SELF-EMPLOYMENT IN THE GIG ECONOMY

At its core, self-employment in the gig economy offers a unique degree of freedom and flexibility that is hard to match in more traditional work environments. With no upper management or bureaucracy to answer to, those who are self-employed get to set their own hours and determine their own working arrangements. This could include deciding when one works as well as which projects they want to pursue; thus giving individuals great control over their time and economic lives.

ONLINE PRESENCE

On top of this, good earnings may be possible depending on how successful freelancers are able to market themselves. One way to market is to build an online presence. By building an online presence through efficient networking practices with other professionals and creating good quality materials, freelancing can prove extremely viable in terms of financial sustainability.

DRAWBACKS TO THE GIG ECONOMY

However there are also several drawbacks worth noting before committing fully to making a go at it on one’s own terms. For starters, leaving the comfort and security of full-time employment means that each month is not guaranteed money. Freelance income tends to fluctuate widely meaning one needs an emergency fund just in case business dries up suddenly. Additionally many freelancers find themselves overwhelmed by all of the administrative tasks associated with establishing oneself as a self-employed entrepreneur such as accounting & juggling multiple projects.

Advertisement

SEEK PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE

In order for those transitioning from corporate life into freelance gigs to succeed, they should seek out mentors who are already established in the field they are looking towards entering with the aim of learning best practices from more experienced colleagues. This can make all of the difference when it comes to setting up your own business properly and navigating unique circumstances that come along with any type of venture (such as networking tips and finding clients). Additionally leveraging transferrable skills from your previous profession into your new ventures will help you hit the ground running much quicker than if you were starting anew. Search for situations where past knowledge may apply even if seemingly unrelated at first glance, such as customer service experience for digital marketing.

There are both pros & cons when it comes to transitioning into self-employment from the corporate work environment – those considering such an arrangement must weigh these factors carefully before proceeding otherwise discouragement due to lack of preparation may ensue. However by leveraging previously accrued skillsets & seeking mentorship, success is achievable!

“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.