If you haven’t heard, credit card companies are financially profiling you, and basing their analysis on where you shop.  What does this mean for you?  Well, if you shop at Wal-Mart, and use your credit card to purchase your items, the credit card company that you have your credit card with would surmise that you’re shopping at Wal-Mart because you (maybe) had a loss in income.  So, if you initially had a credit limit of $10,000, due to your purchases at Wal-Mart, the credit card company will lower your credit limit to, say, $3,800!  And, if you weren’t aware, when a credit card company lowers your credit limit, it negatively effects your credit score.  You don’t believe this is happening?  Read the reason that was given to an American Express credit card holder after the card holder made a purchase at a Wal-Mart in Atlanta and his credit limit was reduced:  “Other customers who have used their card at establishments where you recently shopped have a poor repayment history with American Express.” 

Now, I have to say the card holder only deduces that his purchase at Wal-Mart is the reason why his cedit limit was reduced because the credit card company will not tell him the exact establishments they were referencing.  According to the card holder, his credit is stellar.  Here is a list of the establishments he visited before the credit reduction: 

Possible Bad Establishments 

Air Jamaica
Amazon.com
Applebee’s (Gastonia, NC)
BP (Ashland, VA)
BP (Owner Aziz Dhanani)
Boston Market (Boston, MA)
Brinks Home Security
Cactus Car Wash
Chateau Elan Winery
Cheesecake Factory (Cambridge, MA)
Chick-Fil-A
Chicago’s Nancy Pizza
Citgo (Baltimore, MD)
Citgo (Greater American Food Atlanta)
Dave & Busters
D & K Clothing
Donor Town Square
Ed Voyles Honda
ESPN Zone
Exxon Mobile
Figo
Five Guys
Fogo De Brazil
Geisha House
Hershey Park (Hershey, PA)
Island Romance
K & G Men’s Store
Kyles Friendly (Greensboro, NC)
Leadership Atlanta
LeBlanc Plumbing
Mahogany Restaurant (Washington, D.C.)
McDonald’s
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Opera
Paschal’s Restaurant
Quick Trip
Quizno’s
Red Robin
Ruby Tuesday
Satellite Radio XM Sirius
ServPro
Sheetz (Boston, MA)
Sonsie Restaurant (Boston, MA)
Spirit Airlines
Starbucks
Swept Away Couples Resorts
United States Post Office
Walmart
Zales  
 * Establishments are based in the Atlanta, Georgia area unless otherwise indicated. National or international companies are not marked.

Looking at his list, it could be because he went to McDonalds!  This is just amazing to me.  So now, financial institutions can say just because you try to save a buck here and there, you’re a credit risk, therefore, the amount of credit given will be very minimal?  So far, American Express is the only known credit card company to be practicing financial profiling.  But, who’s to say the other credit card companies are NOT doing the same thing?  All I can say everyone is be careful of where you use your credit card, and not just because you’re afraid someone will steal your identity!

Yesterday, a man, appearing in a San Diego Court on charges of kidnapping and assault, got upset with the Judge because the Judge refused to remove the man’s public defender from his case.  No big deal, right?  That’s a typical scenario in Court, right?  However, yesterday was a little different.  You wanna know why?  The man got so upset at the Judge that he (the man) smeared feces onto his attorney’s face and hair before throwing the rest of the poop at the jury!  Say what?!!!  Believe it or not, none of the feces hit any of the jurors.  I bet you’re wondering where the man got the feces from.  Well, he smuggled it into Court.  Talk about lack of security!

Needless to say the Judge raised the man’s bail, from $250,000 to $1 million.

If you’ve been keeping up it is no secret that a new stimulus plan is about to be voted on and probably passed.  The new plan calls for $825 billion in spending and one things is unclear: does this new plan ditch the old $750 billion bailout plan?  If so, I guess that $350 billion dollars really is gone.  Anyway, here is how the money will be spent on the new package:

The case for it: By investing in renewable energy, health care, education and modern construction projects, the Obama administration expects to create between 3 million and 4 million jobs and address key sustainability issues.

The case against it: Opponents argue the spending will lead to a rapidly increasing and unsustainable deficit. They also say that a majority of infrastructure projects will take too long to implement.

Construction projects: $90 billion. Fund the rebuilding of crumbling roads and bridges, build clean water and flood-control mechanisms and provide funding for mass-transit systems.

Education: $142 billion. Rebuild thousands of schools by modernizing classrooms, labs and libraries.

Renewable energy: $54 billion. Double production of alternative energy in the next three years. Weatherize low-income homes, modernize 75% of federal buildings and update the nation’s electrical grid with a new, cost-efficient “smart” grid.

Health-care records: $20 billion. Modernize the health care system by computerizing all of the nations’ medical records in the next five years.

Science, research and technology: $16 billion. Invest in science facilities, research and instrumentation to create new industries, new jobs and medical breakthroughs. Expand broadband Internet access in rural and underserved areas.

The case for it: As states face budget shortfalls, Obama’s plan seeks to help states pay for Medicaid and unemployment benefits. State fiscal relief will be allocated to prevent increases in state and local taxes, or cuts in government services.

The case against it: Opponents say the bill should focus on job creation that will make an immediate impact the economy.

Medicaid: $87 billion. Increase Federal Medicaid Assistance Percentage so states do not have to cut eligibility for Medicaid due to budget shortfalls.

Law enforcement: $4 billion for states and municipalities for law enforcement.

The case for it: Obama proposed temporary programs to protect those most vulnerable to the effects of the recession.

The case against it: As with state budget relief, opponents say the bill is too big and should simply aim to create new jobs. Some lawmakers have said some of the “safety net” spending provisions are wasteful, and many have called the bill unfocused.

Unemployment benefits: $43 billion. Extend through December 2009 emergency unemployment insurance assistance to states. Increase weekly unemployment benefits by $25, and provide incentives for states to expand unemployment coverage.

Cobra: $39 billion. Tax credit for recently laid-off employees to help pay for discounted health care. Obama estimates the plan will help 8.5 million people who recently lost their jobs.

Feeding the hungry: $20 billion. Increase food stamp benefits by 13%, and provide support for food banks, school lunch programs and WIC.

The case for it: Throughout his campaign, the president pushed for tax cuts for low- and middle-income families. As a form of stimulus, it has the added advantage of being paid out faster than other provisions in the bill, and economists say those income groups are most likely to spend rather than save the money.

The case against it: Opponents say the size of tax cuts for both individuals and businesses do not go far enough and don’t make up a big enough portion of the entire package. Furthermore, they oppose giving tax breaks to people who get back more money from the government than they pay in income and payroll taxes.

Middle-class tax cut: $145 billion. Tax cut amounting to $500 a year for individuals and $1,000 for couples. The full credit would be limited to those making $75,000 or less ($150,000 or less for workers filing joint returns).

Low-income tax cut: $5 billion. Expand the Earned Income Tax Credit, which is a refundable credit for low-income workers. Furthermore, the Make Work Pay Credit would be refundable, meaning that even tax filers without any tax liability – typically very low-income workers – would receive one.

Child tax credit: Up to $18 billion. Temporary increase in the amount of the child tax-credit that would be refundable.

The case for it: Obama’s plan seeks to help ease the tax burden for small businesses, as well as allow companies suffering losses because of the downturn to get some tax relief by applying losses to more years in which they booked a profit.

The case against it: Opponents say too small of a percentage of the total package – 2.7% – goes to small businesses, and to businesses in general.

Small business write-offs: Obama would increase the amount of expenses small businesses can write off to $250,000 in 2009 and 2010 from the current $125,000 level.

Tax cuts for companies suffering losses: Up to $17 billion over 10 years. Obama would temporarily broaden the “net-operating loss carryback” to five years, up from two years currently. The provision would let companies apply their 2008 and 2009 losses to past and future tax bills so they can get money back on taxes they’ve already paid or would otherwise have to pay.

I have been observing our current economic situation and as a result, haven’t been updating the site as I normally would. Thank you to Kim for holding it down – she proves over and over again why she is a keeper!

Stimulus Check Part 2?

How do we go about stimulating the economy when the experts are saying things are going to get (much) worse before they get better? If President Obama makes way for us to get another stimulus check, will that really be enough? I don’t think so.

I’ve read a lot on the Internet about what people would do with a stimulus check and the majority seemed to say they would use it to pay bills (i.e.  credit card debt, etc.).  It’s unfortunate that paying off credit card debt would only help credit card companies and banks.  Didn’t the financial institutions already get $350 billion? I know I’m over simplifying things – done on purpose – but it seems like the end result would be putting the money in the hands of the same people who have already received bailout money.  Other people said they would go out and spend the money because that is what would really jump-start the economy and that is what the money was meant for. This seems to make more sense to me, but there could be a wrinkle to this. What if people purchased items made outside of the U.S. (i.e. Japan, China, India, etc.)?  What type of effect would that have on our economy?   Finally, some people said they would save the money. I really don’t see how this could help the economy since the money would just sit and probably not gain very much interest.   Just so you know, this topic is not my area of expertise, so I welcome any and all corrections.

I wonder if fear is a major role in our current economic situation?  I read that layoffs in Alabama caused others to essentially shut down purchasing because they were fearful of being laid off themselves. If individuals stop spending because they are afraid, the situation may actually get worse.

Finding the Perfect Balance

There is a fine line between spending less due to the economy and spending enough to help the economy rebound. This would apply to everything from candy bars to houses. If we spend on only the necessities, we may allow businesses to do more with less or less with less. Yes, we should be smarter about how we spend our money, but the bottom line is — we need to spend if we expect the economy to come back.

Our government could help by forcing some industries to reasonably price their products. For instance, how about if the oil companies made profits ($ billions), but not record profits? What if places like Washington, DC didn’t have townhouses starting in the “Low $1 millions?” Do you know any construction workers or mid-level employees who are making a lot more money as a result of the high prices we paid over the last five years or so?

Relief, or an end to price gauging, in some key areas would allow us to start spending in areas that need it more. I know we live in a society where there’s no limit as to how much a person can earn, but maybe striking a balance between reasonable prices and profit make more sense for the long haul. Maybe some of those people should play SimCity to realize the benefits of making less money over the long haul instead of draining the well dry right now.

On a side note, when one of the oil company CEOs retired a while ago, part of his retirement package – worth $400 million – was a security detail.  Hmm, now why would he need security?

A man and his nagging wife went on vacation to Jerusalem.  While there, the wife passed away.  An undertaker told the husband, “You can have her shipped home for $5,000 or you can bury her here, in the Holy Land, for $150.”  The man thought about it and told the undertaker he would just her shipped home.  The undertaker asked, “Why would you spend $5,000 to ship your wife home. when it would be wonderful to be buried here, and you would spend only $150?”

The man replied, “Long ago, a man died here, was buried here, and three days later he rose from the dead.  I just can’t take that chance.”

Happy Sunday everyone!

7DayBuzz readers, all I can ask you to do is read the reported incident for yourself and then tell me what you think:

“One of Nigeria’s biggest daily newspapers reported that police implicated a goat in an attempted automobile theft. In a front-page article on Friday, the Vanguard newspaper said that two men tried to steal a Mazda car two days earlier in Kwara State, with one suspect transforming himself into a goat as vigilantes cornered him.

The paper quoted police spokesman Tunde Mohammed as saying that while one suspect escaped, the other transformed into a goat as he was about to be apprehended.

The newspaper reported that police paraded the goat before journalists, and published a picture of the animal.

Police in the state couldn’t immediately be reached for comment.

Belief in black magic is widespread in Nigeria, particularly in far-flung rural areas.”

Let’s just say this happened.  If you would’ve witnessed it, what exactly would you have done?  Or said?  Do you think you would have fainted?  Or maybe rubbed your eyes to see if they were out of focus?

I have never been a fan of ER, in fact I’ve never watched a whole episode – Gray’s Anatomy is another story though.  I don’t know why I’ve never got into it, but I know there are millions of people who have been fans from day one and they may get a special treat soon.  Dr. Ross is in the building!  Maybe.

Word on the street has George Clooney coming back for a couple of episodes.  This being the final season, it would probably be great for ratings to have the show’s most famous alumni back to close things out.  Clooney hasn’t been on the show since a quick cameo in 2000 – his character apparently left his baby’s mamma on the show a little while longer.  Nighttime drama is still drama I guess.

I couldn’t begin to tell you all the details, but I’m sure Clooney isn’t doing this for free.  I would imagine with ER’s success Clooney could come in and ask for $1 million per episode and probably get it.  It will probably be enough to buy another house abroad for the Oscar-winning actor.

I’m just wondering if there is an Ocean’s 14 coming out.  Bernie Mac would obviously be missing from the cast, but those are some pretty entertaining movies.

Our 44th president is an inspiration.  Don’t believe me?  Take a minute to reflect on some of the following phrases that are associated with President Obama, his campaign and his presidency:  “At Last”; “Change Has Come To America”; “Yes, We Can”; “Yes, We Will”; “Hope Over Fear”; “Unity of Purpose Over Conflict And Discord.”  Whether or not you agree with the President and his philosophy, it is very apparent that he is optimistic and inspires optimism in others.

According to dictionary.com, optimism is defined as, “A tendency to expect the best possible outcome or dwell on the most hopeful aspects of a situation.”  I think President Obama does that, don’t you?  I, personally, love to hear optimism from others.  Especially a prominent leader such as our President.  Everyone loves hope and in dire times, such as the current ones we live in, I think President Obama’s optimism is a breath of fresh air.

Like so many others, I read the Huffington Post yesterday (Inauguration Day).  And, I saw this one particular article, written by 7th graders at the Harlem Village Acadamies.  These acadamies are located in, where else, Harlem, New York.   The Harlem Village Acadamies teach kids that they (the kids) can do and become anything they put their minds to.  This sentiment is a far cry from what some of the kids were hearing at other schools.  It seems that at those other schools some of the kids’ parents were informed, by some of the teachers, that their kids were not good learners, that their kids would not make it, or that they (the parents) had to be “realistic” about their expectations for their kids.  Now,  if the teachers were bold enough to tell the parents this, can you imagine how they were treating the kids in class?

Anyway, as I read the article by the 7th graders, one particular comment stood out to me.  7th grader, Dejanae Ware stated, “I’m thinking right now that if America can change, so can I. I can change my behavior, my attitude. I can make so many improvements. Like Barack, I am going to be somebody. I, too, will help America. I, too, will mold America into the shape of justice and peace. If Barack can win, then I can go to an Ivy League college.”  Now, if this isn’t an inspirational and optimistic confession, I don’t know what is!

I think it’s absolutely awesome that kids, who may have felt that there were limits to what they could do or achieve, now feel like anything and everything is possible for them because Barack Obama was elected president!  When someone can inspire optimism like that in so many people, from kids to adults, that, in my opinion says a lot about that person.  Oh well, enough about what I think.  I would love to hear your opinion(s) on President Obama and if you feel he inspires others.  In fact, I would really love to hear from you if you feel the total opposite.  Let’s talk……

Today Barack Obama will officially become the President of the United States – a historical day to say the least.  Being the first black man to be elected to what many consider the most powerful position in the world is a huge accomplishment for Obama and says a lot about the American people.  Racial bias didn’t win out over what millions thought was the best man to run the country.  Today, we will witness a historic event.

To quote Steve Harvey, the comedian and radio personality, “Well, now that that’s out of the way!”

It is time for some action and we really need some things to change.  The good feeling about being elected will not last for long, if it is still around at all, and President Obama will be judged by what he does while in office.  Do we think he is equipped with what it takes to make a difference to our country?  Remember, he has already mentioned a 10-year plan to get our economy right.  If I’m counting right, that means the change we need will not come during his time in office even if he is re-elected.  That could be considered an excuse from a politician.

I want President Obama to make a change that is nearly impossible.  I want him to change the way politicians do business and are held accountable in Washington DC.  It is high time these individuals, who are suppose to be normal people representing normal people, act and conduct business how they are suppose to.  That would be a miracle, but that is what I would like to see happen during Obama’s time in office.  What would you like to see happen?

Today is Martin Luther King’s Holiday and one day before President Obama’s Inauguration, so I thought I’d post something that’s fitting for both celebrations.

Say what you will about President Obama, the one thing you cannot deny is he is truly a devoted and loving father.  The Parade magazine recognizes this characteristic about our President and asked him to write a letter to his daughters, as well as every other child in America, to showcase this awesome trait in our President.  As usual, President Obama showcases how truly eloquent he is as it relates to verbal, and now written, speech.  Don’t believe me?  Read for yourself:

Dear Malia and Sasha,

I know that you’ve both had a lot of fun these last two years on the campaign trail, going to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn’t have let you have. But I also know that it hasn’t always been easy for you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that new puppy, it doesn’t make up for all the time we’ve been apart. I know how much I’ve missed these past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey.

When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me-about how I’d make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn’t seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn’t count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. In the end, girls, that’s why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation.

I want all our children to go to schools worthy of their potential-schools that challenge them, inspire them, and instill in them a sense of wonder about the world around them. I want them to have the chance to go to college-even if their parents aren’t rich. And I want them to get good jobs: jobs that pay well and give them benefits like health care, jobs that let them spend time with their own kids and retire with dignity.

I want us to push the boundaries of discovery so that you’ll live to see new technologies and inventions that improve our lives and make our planet cleaner and safer. And I want us to push our own human boundaries to reach beyond the divides of race and region, gender and religion that keep us from seeing the best in each other.

Sometimes we have to send our young men and women into war and other dangerous situations to protect our country-but when we do, I want to make sure that it is only for a very good reason, that we try our best to settle our differences with others peacefully, and that we do everything possible to keep our servicemen and women safe. And I want every child to understand that the blessings these brave Americans fight for are not free-that with the great privilege of being a citizen of this nation comes great responsibility.

That was the lesson your grandmother tried to teach me when I was your age, reading me the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence and telling me about the men and women who marched for equality because they believed those words put to paper two centuries ago should mean something.

She helped me understand that America is great not because it is perfect but because it can always be made better-and that the unfinished work of perfecting our union falls to each of us. It’s a charge we pass on to our children, coming closer with each new generation to what we know America should be.

I hope both of you will take up that work, righting the wrongs that you see and working to give others the chances you’ve had. Not just because you have an obligation to give something back to this country that has given our family so much-although you do have that obligation. But because you have an obligation to yourself. Because it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential.

These are the things I want for you-to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That’s why I’ve taken our family on this great adventure.

I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace, and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House.

Love, Dad