I am glad that I bought the book.  It is a life saver.  Who would have known that buying your book isn’t the only thing I get.  It was a pleasure speaking with you and thanks for all your advice.

Grace Kennedy

By Melissa P.

You were referred to me by a gentleman name Josh Bentley.  I am interested in information about credit repair.  Please feel free to call me or email me.  This information will be useful for me and my realestate clients.

Reply:  Here is my phone number (706a) 364-0555.  I look forward to hearing from you.  Meanwhile, have a great day

]]> http://mastercreditrepair.net/MCRblog/?feed=rss2&p=308 http://mastercreditrepair.net/MCRblog/?p=301 http://mastercreditrepair.net/MCRblog/?p=301#comments Tue, 18 Nov 2008 05:52:43 +0000 http://mastercreditrepair.net/MCRblog/?p=301 Why do some people trust third parties to make payments for them?

11/16/08

(Copyrighted)

I don’t know how many more times, I have to write or talk about “the importance of not handing your money to third parties so that they would make payments for you.” Folks, I care for you and have your best interest in mind and heart. I continuously write articles about scam, mortgage companies, banks and so forth. Please read them. I also keep asking you to read my books, not because I am interested in your measly dollars (no disrespect is intended), but because, I want you to become more educated in order to handle your affairs correctly.

I am sick in my stomach to know that locally (right under my nose, where I talk publicly), how one person, scammed so many people out of their home mortgage payments, bought properties, and was living large while those homeowners faced foreclosures and evictions.

Look, it is simple. If you are working on loan consolidation, reorganization, debt consolidation, refinancing or whatever that requires you to make payments to a third party, insist on several things PLEASE. They are:

1. Make payments directly to the lender. If a company representative says, “We are the lender”, then ask for proof. Real estates or vehicles (car, truck, plane, boat, motorcycle …) should be registered with a county/parish Tax Commissioner, Tax Collector or whatever your state recognizes the property TAX office to be. IF the transfer of security to the lender is new, then the courthouse and the tax office may NOT immediately show transfer of ownership (secured party). But, if it is more than two months old, the county/parish record should show. You MUST make payment to the registered LIEN HOLDER based upon what the official/county records shows. You MUST contact your county/parish office and check that. Read the rest to make your payment son time.
2. These days it is VERY VERY easy for a scammer to make up documents. I am to the point that I don’t even trust some attorneys. No disrespect is intended to some good ones but, I have two of them in lawsuits and am planning to do more in the VERY near future. Attorneys can also fudge documents that are not true. So, the best way to know who holds the security interest to your property is to check the county records and the courthouse.
3. It is OKAY not to know the answer but seek it. It is not Okay to be foolish or plane stupid and not to know or learn. That’s why I keep saying, “Stay stupid and pay the price.” However, ask questions from people who have no financial interest in your affairs.

Now, I am going to summarize.

1. Ask the previous lender, “Where should my payment be sent?” If the lender refers you to a new company, still call the county courthouse and tax office to confirm. Recognize where your money is going.
2. Do not be fooled by a document, check and recheck.
3. If you have to make a payment to a third party, still contact the lender that the money is collected for and ask if it received payments.
4. Ask, ask and ask, get educated.
5. Do NOT ASSuME. (Sorry J)
6. SEND ME AN EMAIL and ask your question. I will be glad to help BEFORE YOU PLACE your hard earned money to the hands of the unknown.
7. Please pick up a copy of one of my books and learn how to deal with your finances.

Write me and share your experiences.

With love and best wishes.

Mike Samadi

Write me and share your experiences.
With love and best wishes,
Mike Samadi

Most of us get robbed for our lack of knowledge in daily affairs and needs.  12/05/08

Mechanic shops are VERY good examples.

I always say,

“I am thankful to God who has given me the same intelligent (if not more) as the next person he/she created. Therefore, there is nothing someone else can do that I can’t.  However, I choose the things that I want to do; because, TIME is precious.”

I learned a little about how to work on vehicles engines, transmissions and bodies so that I would not get robbed.  However, when I speak with mechanic shops, I act as if I am the most ignorant person on earth, just to hear how far a shop is going to push me.  Then, I write about that shop or business.

Also, allow me to state the fact that I am a fast driver, but a safe and all around careful one. As I approach to enter a vehicle, I glance at the tires for air pressure, and look on the ground under the vehicle for any signs of leaks. YOU MUST DO that if you care for your vehicle and your money. It takes less than a minute to bend and look beneath the vehicle and go around it and check all four tires. Also, while driving, I constantly check my oil pressure gauge as well as, the temperature gauge. These simple checks, WILL save you thousands of dollars. I promise.

I am certain you have heard about “second opinions“.  It is true that sometimes when you may be stranded and have to tow your vehicle to a shop, you may FEEL you may not have an opportunity for a “second opinion.”  WRONG.  If you can’t move your vehicle from one shop to another using your towing membership (which should be free) then accept to get robbed.  Spending $50 to $100 per year, joining an auto club membership is worth every penny spent when you are stranded on the side of the road. There are AT LEAST three (3) reasons for getting a membership.

1. By the time a shop tows your vehicle to its location, it is already charging you a lot more than an auto club one-year membership fees.

2. If the shop doesn’t charge you for towing, ONLY BECAUSE you approved the shop to do the repairs, it already has its hands in your pocket and will charge you more for parts and labor to compensate for the towing charge. That’s ONLY IF the shop doesn’t charge you for the towing separately.

3. Roadside assistance membership will at minimum give you three (3) free towing, while shop towing is more expensive and one time only.

4. With this economy everyone is hurting, so are the shops. They will find a sucker and here we go. So, it is best to join auto club and get a “second opinion.”

Now, let’s not forget the fact that some shops don’t really replace parts as they claim. I’ll talk about this also. But let’s see how much your vehicle parts actually cost.

I buy my vehicles parts from a certified ON-LINE dealer at a massive discount and so can you.  I took one of my many vehicles to two shops to get labor pricing.  I was told, “ We can’t accept your part because of warrantee issues.”  I insisted, forget about parts warrantee just tells me about your labor cost. I faced refusal.  I said, “okay” and I asked, “How much would you charge for the parts?”  I was given PART price of OVER 5.5 times higher than what I paid on-line.  By the way, this is a separate fact from what you will read in the “Dealership” section below. Then, I drove to the next shop until I found one that was honest and at least gave me a reasonable price for the parts or would accept my parts.

What can you do to learn if a shop is honest?

1.  When a shop says, “You need a part” and gives you a price for PART, instead of immediately approving the repair say, “Okay, I will let you know in a few hours or tomorrow.”  Then, call a few parts stores around you or get on-line and check the price for the part (thanks to the power of fingers and the internet).  If you find lower priced parts (which I am certain you will), then call a couple of mechanical shops in your area and ask how much they charge for the same parts and labor.   Some will tell you, “We have to see the vehicle before we can give an estimate.”  You insist, by saying, “My vehicle was checked by a mechanic; however, he is out on emergency.” (The mechanic is temporarily out of his mind for giving you such a high price) “and I need my vehicle. He told me what is wrong and I can give you the vehicle information so that you can look up the parts and labor in your catalog.”  If the repair shop still does not want to give you some idea, without seeing the vehicle then, say thanks and hang up, and call the next shop.

2. When you finally get answers from a couple of shops then, call the shop your vehicle is located and share your findings and negotiate. If the shop does not want to compromise, that is fine. Do NOT tell the shop you want the vehicle removed; just call your auto club, show up to this shop and have it removed. I came to the realization that if you give a shop an advance notice, something UNEXPECTED may go wrong with your vehicle. Believe me I am VERY seasoned and do NOT trust most of the mechanics; because, I have seen what they can do (especially to ladies). I have a long list of these situations.

One important thing you should ALSO know.

REPLACING PARTS

SOME shops have the tendency of telling customers that they replaced a part when in actuality they did NOT.  It happened even recently on my Porsche Cayenne.  So, do not be shy to ask the shop to give your old part and show you the new part on the vehicle.

A trick I use.

Since I generally know what part needs to be replaced, I put a small special marking on the part, before it is taken to the shop (knowing more than one language helps).  The special marking I use is generally a letter in a different language.  I do not place the marking on the most visible area of the part, but somewhere that I still can see without it being noticeable to others.  You will be surprised how many dishonest shops you will find this way.

Even after replacement of sparkplugs, or other small items, I may take one out (generally random or the one which is the hardest to take out) and check to see if the part was actually replaced.

By the way, some of these mechanic shops are nationally owned (although regional). If you need to know which shops to avoid, please feel free to email me and ask about the shop that you are planning to do business with. I will provide the information I have about the shop (when applicable). Again, I am in Georgia so, some of the shops I have experiences with - may not be in your area. However, if they are, I will provide the information, and if someone is worried about defaming, don’t worry. I love to be sued.

Dealerships and Warrantee issues:

Dealerships are ALWAYS the most expensive places when it comes to repairs (parts and labor). Although it should be the other way around; because, the mechanics in dealerships are training to work on specific vehicles (the manufacturer’s). Therefore, it should be a lot easier for a mechanic of a manufacturer that is being represented through its dealership to repair your vehicle. However, the mechanic shops of dealerships charge a lot more for parts and labors. It seems that there is no law passed and there is no ethics to stop the dealerships from such abuse of consumers. Yet, let’s not forget the dishonesty among dealership mechanic shops. In my opinion they are the most dishonest in diagnosis and charging for parts and labor.

Allow me to give you a few examples.

1. Knowing that my heater blower stopped working on my Mercedes, I took the vehicle to a backyard mechanic that said the blower motor is bad. As a result, I took my vehicle to the manufacturer assigned dealership in my town (Mercedes-Benz of Augusta, GA –only dealer in town). I asked he service advisor to check the problem and see if the blower motor was bad. After paying for the diagnostic labor, I was told verbally that “Yes your blower motor is bad.” I was given a price of $726.00 for a blower motor PART that cost me $58.36 for the genuine Bosh blower motor I purchased on-line (this is a separate fact from what you read on the first page about charging over 5.5 times…). However, the shop would NOT put that estimate on their formal “Quote” sheet. The labor for the part was $200.00, which I was okay with. I asked the service advisor how long the repair would take. He stated that since he did not have the part in the parts department, he must order it. He continued by saying, “It will take two days to get the part and two hours to replace it.” I told him that I could have the parts here from the Atlanta dealership for him in a matter of a couple of hours. He refused to accept my part and stated that we must order the part ourselves otherwise we cannot warrantee the work. Again, I asked him the same thing I ask all shops (don’t worry about the parts warrantee, just give me labor pricing and do the job). As expected, I faced refusal. Since he would not put his prices on a “formal dealership quote”, I called him for the next two days to get a formal quote and each time he claimed he faxed or is going to fax. Finally, on the third day (November 21, 2008), I had to call the service manager who faxed me a quote sheet stating, ”Parts: 906.43 price valid only through November 30, 2008 and Labor: $235.00” I took the vehicle elsewhere, replaced the blower motor for $100.00 and realized that the issue is some other electrical problem NOT the Blower Motor. What is the summary?

A. I paid for the dealership shop’s MIS diagnosis of problem with my money and hours of my time.

B. From one day to the next, not only the parts’ prices were raised by over $100.00 but also the labor cost.

C. The price of parts alone was over 12.5 times higher than what I paid for on-line.

What a shame.

2. A few years ago, as a result of rough performance of my 12 cylinders Jaguar, I took it to the closest dealership around me (Columbia, SC). Without going into the details of diagnosis, I was told by the dealership service manager that it will cost me $2,737.00 to replace some parts; however, “We do not promise this will solve the problem.” So I stated, “What you are telling me is that your pro-claimed master mechanic is trying to fix the problem by trial and error at my expense.” He stated, “Unfortunately that’s how it seems to work now.” After paying over $200.00 for its misdiagnosis (I still have the estimate), I had the vehicle towed back home to Augusta, GA area and called a few dealerships around the country until, I found a “TRUE and HONEST” mechanic in the Jaguar dealership of Charleston, SC. This TRUE Master Mechanic (Joe ???) told me that my problem cost $90.00 in parts and 15 minutes in labor, since the right side ignition coil is bad. As a result, I ordered the part from his parts department and spent 15 minutes time to replace the coil upon its arrival. Oh, I forgot to tell you that neither the dealership nor the Jaguar America would repair the vehicle under the warrantee when it was under the manufacturer warrantee.

What is the moral of this story?

A. Again the dealership’s MIS diagnosis cost me nearly $250.00 and several hours of my time.

B. The dealership was ready to ROB me for its trial and error repairs which it would have not been clear how much more time and how many more Thousands of Dollars I would have spent for a Ninety Dollar part and 15 minutes worth of work.

C. How deceitful this shop was.

3. During the same time that I was dealing with my Jaguar issue, the Buck Head Land Rover of Atlanta, GA was telling me that it is not uncommon for a Land Rover with 34,000 miles to have bad cylinder heads (one on each side, which is a major engine defect). The dealership even went further to tell me that the work could not be performed under the manufacturer warrantee. I contacted the Greenville, SC Land Rover dealership that also affirmed the Land Rover problem and warrantee issues. Mind you that not only I am a good driver, but also, I keep looking at my vehicle performance (gauges and gadgets) and listen to the sounds a vehicle while I am driving it. Meaning, I do preventive checks and that’s why, I never get stranded on the side of the road (thank God) other than having more than one blown tire or an accident caused by someone else. Let’s not forget how many air suspension bags I had to replace on this vehicle between the 37,000 miles and thereafter.

Do I need to discuss the moral of this story?

4. A year later, the same Land Rover was involved in an accident where a drunk and his little Ford was in my lane and heading in my direction. I went off the road not to kill the stupid-idiot. As a result of the repair shop (body shop) error, a vacuum hose on this vehicle was damaged/cut; therefore, the engine was running rough. The Atlanta dealership again suggested an unreasonable price for repairs and stated that the vehicle was not under warrantee. This time, I agreed with the repairs not being under warrantee since the damage was as a result of an accident. After days of wasted time, I decided to take the matter into my own hands and asked a few local shops to place the vehicle on their engine diagnostic machine to check my vacuum line. Of course, since the mechanic shops would not believe me (a non mechanic who did not have his finger nails all greasy and black), so I had to tell them all that my mechanic who is now out-of town visiting his mom, told me to do this. I took the vehicle to three shops and paid $49.00 to $69 for their one-hour diagnostic test. Each shop concluded the same way as the Downtown Atlanta Dealership did in (that I had engine problem). One mechanic shops even screwed up my firing order (order of connections between a distributor cap and sparkplugs-sparkplug wires) so badly that in order for me to drive the vehicle out of that shop, right at the shop’s parking lot, I had to correct the firing sequence in front of the shop manager who would not believe how screwed up his mechanics were. I also received estimates of $3,700.00 to $5,700.00 from these non-dealer shops). The dealer suggested $7,800.00 for engine replacement. I finally got tired and on my way home from the last shop, I stopped by one of the Advanced Auto Parts, pick up a $1.50 can of spray and headed home. At home, I used the spray can and less than 5 minutes later found the problem.

Moral of the fact:

A. I used less than half a can of the $1.50 spray can to find the problem and less than $0.30 (30 cents) to change the cut vacuum line, when and where it would have cost me at minimum $3,700.00 for repairs on MIS diagnosis of MANY shops to include the dealership.

B. Cost me untold number of hours (several days) and so much headache to get MIS diagnosed with so many shops.

C. Spend so much money for the towing to Atlanta and back, and paying several shops for their misdiagnoses and time.

General facts about vehicles.

1. Throughout the short years of my life, I have learned that vehicle reliability is number one to me. As a result, as much as I may love the looks of Jaguar and Land Rovers, I found these two specific vehicles to me the most costly in repairs and the MOST UNRELIABLE. Jaguars after all these years have not been able to figure out their vehicle manufacturing electrical defects which causes engine overheating all the way to exhaust problems.

2. Land Rover: The oldest sports utility vehicle on this planet would not warrantee its product more than 36,000 miles or 3 years until 2003 or 2004; while Toyota and Lexus the new rivals were warranting their vehicles 60,000 to 100,000 miles from the first day they placed their vehicles on the road. Even so, Land Rover still has a limited warrantee of 4 years, while practically any other sports utility vehicles on the road has a bumper-to-bumper warrantee for at least 5 years and sixty thousand miles.

3. I learned in general that the British built vehicle are the most unreliable and costly. Whether it is Bentley, Royce Rolls, Lotus, Jaguar or any other of its vehicle imported to the United States fall under some manufacturing defect. I had two Land Rovers, two Jaguars and a Royce.

4. Amongst all the vehicles, I found Toyota, followed by Nissan then Honda, Volvo, SAAB, Mercedes and BMW and Porsche to be the safest and most reliable in the exact order listed. You may say, that I am comparing different classes of vehicles. Not really. Toyota makes Lexus. Nissan makes Infiniti and Honda makes Acura, which are in the same class of vehicle as other luxury vehicles. Although, I love and drive BMW and Mercedes, I become very careful when it is repair time. I have noticed that Toyota and Nissan dealerships are most honest in their repair estimates and more precise on their actual pricing or diagnosis.

5. As you may have noticed, I do not even include any American vehicles, as I tend to disown them. However, I will give a recent fact about my 2008 Avalanche. I drove off this vehicle with 30 miles out of the local dealership on Washington Road, Augusta, GA, I returned it to the dealership with 3,000 miles a month and half later complained that the paint was chipping off the edges of the front bumper where it has contact with the fenders. The dealership shop tells me that it is not under warrantee and claims that it is my neglect. I ask to show me my neglect and the shop manager points out that the bumper cover is loss. So, I analyzed the issue that as a result of bumper cover coming loss because the manufacturer did not tighten it properly, the vibration (due to driving) caused the paint to chip off. He finally agreed and accepted to repair. However, instead of painting or at minimum performing a touchup, he had the bumper cover tightened and the chipped corners stuffed under so that it would not be visible. I guess he thought he was dealing with an idiot called Mike Samadi. A few thousand miles later (4 months after the purchase), the Suspension light came on. On the way to the dealership, the vehicle had a flat tire and therefore, the GM roadside assistance was called. When the vehicle was taken to the dealership for the issue of suspension and again to raise the chipped paint issue, the dealership again states that the vehicle is NOT under warrantee for both of the issues. I contacted the almost bankrupt GM corporate office, and instead of proper investigation, the GM corporate representative contacted the dealership and sided with the dealer. Do you think, I am finished with the dealership and of the GM corporation? I had to finally meet with the Service Manager, Service and Parts General Manager and analyze the so called damaged suspension air pump, its location and the impossibility of it being damaged by driving (even under the worst of condition or abuse, for them to accept the fact that I am not going away or can be pushed around.

6. I do not want to discuss the Ford Corporation, its manufacturing defects and the numerous fraudulent lawsuits filed by Ford Motor Credit against consumers. I had to turn three of these false lawsuits around in favor of my friends and myself. Forget about the deceitful practices of its dealership in Georgia and South Carolina area. I also owned a new Navigator, which was supposed to be fully loaded, however, what I received was short of being that. Both the dealership and the manufacturer disclaimed any liability for cheating me…

7. Among American car manufacturers (GM, FORD Chrysler), I have noticed that Chrysler (with all its financial and corporate problems) builds the best and most reliable American brand vehicles. It is the one with best exterior design as well as reliability and repair costs. However, I intend to stay away from any of these three car manufactures, because, I do not feel, I should waste my money on bad and deceitful companies and their dealerships. There are a lot better brand and make vehicles (Toyota/Lexus, Nissan/Infiniti, BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, Honda/Acura and even Hyundai) that I do not need to waste time and money fighting these companies (like I did with Jaguar and Land Rover) to prove their lack of customer service, manufacturing defect or mis-diagnosis of repairs and expensive estimates.

With love and care for YOU,

Mike Samadi

I said before, you need Robin Hood.

It is amazing how we (the consumers) are taken advantage of in every direction possible. It seems that there is no one who cares for us.

Throughout the entirety of 2008, the Federal Reserve Bank (a bank of banks) has repeatedly reduced its lending rate to the consumer banks (banks you and I deal with) so that it would be a rescue to the banks’ massive financial losses, practically giving these banks hand outs -to stay afloat or be able to make MORE money while rubbing the consumers. The rate reductions went from almost 5% (4.75%) all the way to 1% now.

Then, the government (Treasury Department) decided to bail out these banks and lenders by handing them your money so that again the lenders/banks can further be saved. I know I do not need to get into the details of all these, because you have heard enough and I am certain you are SICK of it. Let’s not forget that the government was using your money to help out the companies that are already rubbing you. However, the “MESS” continues.

Let’s see what I am griping about now:

1. Even though the decision was made to bail out the companies, the idiots at the government level now can not make up their minds in what or how to hand out your (consumers) hard earned money to the cheating banks/lenders.
2. Even if you and I disagree with the bail-out plan, some of us are very fed-up with the nonsense we hear everyday. As a result, we are willing to let the government hand out our hard earned moneys to the ones who need to be behind STEEL BARS (the CEO and Presidents of Banks and Mortgage companies). Yet, the screwed up government can’t figure out what to do.

Here is the kicker.

1. As the government and the Central Bank are giving so much incentive to the lenders, how much of those incentives have been tossed down to US (CONSUMERS)? NONE, ZERO…

Let’s analyze the third one a bit.

Have you tried getting a home loan or refinance now (November 2008). Try it! It will below your mind. The lenders borrowing rate from the Central Bank is 1%. Our borrowing rate (even if our credit may be A or A+) is going to be 5.75% to 6.25%. However, the lenders deceive us in order to get us through their doors. This means with all the rate reductions, there has been no change in the “consumer lending rate” ever since May or June 2008. Back in February 2008, when I was trying to get a mortgage loan, the rate I was offered was 5.5%. Now, even if we do not consider the government hand out and massive incentive to these lenders, or if we do not consider the number of times the Central Bank dropped the rate (for these so called lenders), my borrowing rate is going to be 5.75%. How about yours? I am certain yours wouldn’t be much different.

Where am I going with this? If you missed the point I stated above. It is:

The lenders screwed up consumers for the past several years by lying, deceiving and offering some ridiculous rates for Arms, Option Arms, Interest Only and a series of other deceitful schemes. Some of these lenders even offered 120% of loan for real estate properties (when they knew good and well neither the borrowers qualified nor the properties). They used these schemes knowing that they would pass the bad loan to another company that at the end would be tossed to the government (meaning at the end it will become our/consumer problem-as it is now).

Yet, now that the Central Bank and the government are doing all they can to rescue these scammers/lenders, lenders are still continuing with their scams and deceptions of consumers. Therefore, as days go by, I am more interested to see the Department of Justice (the government) put the companies’ CEO and presidents in jail, than seeing them benefit from consumers’ lack of knowledge, immediate needs and financial stress.

Again with love and best wishes for all those who are suffering as a result of both the companies and the government’s wrong doing.

Please write to me and let me know what is in your mind or share you stories with me. I want to be there for you

Mike Samadi

Does any one know this Idiot?
Folks, I am trying very hard to teach you watch out for scammers.  However, some out there are still not getting the picture.  Let me give you an example and then we’ll go forward:
I received the email below:

—– Original Message —–
From: “Kelvin Avery” <kelvinavery_132@live.com>
Sent: Thursday, November 09, 2000 9:36 AM
Subject: hotel resav………………

> DEAR.
>
>          I am Mr.Kelvin Avery
>
>
>     I wish to reserve 3 single room during the time of 24 /11 /2008 to 4  /12/2008 I intend to pay before my arrival for more insurance by (  Visa, Master & Amex).
> I would like that you help us to balance our problem of tickets with our  travel agency FRANK FLIGHT based in Nigeria because the person in charge  has a problem with his terminal of credit card and asked us to pay by  cash.
>
> Our cash was transferred in travel check for our travel. So I subject  possibility for you to help us,  i will like you to calculate the gobal amount to me (rooms + fresh of   tickets + fresh of transfer  western union + commission)and get back to me.
> As soon as I am   informed of this I will  immediately send my credit cards to you for payment, because the   person in charge await only this sum to ensure us the travel.
>
>
> Thank you
> Best Regards
> Mr. Kelvin Avery

Allow me to digest this email for you.

1.  I received the email on 11/10/08 @ 2:57PM.   That would make it a day and half after it was “supposedly sent”
2.    Nigeria is about 8:00 hours a head of where I am in the U.S.  It means -there is no way; this email took two days to get to me when electronic transmission (email) is instantaneous maximum 10 minutes delay.
3.    Ready for this.  I don’t have roach motel and any hotel.  The only thing I advertised for was rental property (houses).
4.    Accepting credit card from someone outside the U.S.  ???  I have problem-accepting credit card from some people inside the U.S.  Even if I had a hotel, using credit card, after the stay, the credit card can be disputed.  I already had experienced this for one of my Indian clients who owned a hotel.
5.    Let’s not forget that Nigerian are NOT the most honorable people on the planet.  Again, there are personal experiences involved.

Ignoring the discussions 1 through 5 above, my main concern is:  Let see how many problems the following sentence has.

6.  Collecting amount on a credit card     (a) from a NIGERINA         (b)  for much more than my services                      (c)  and then send my money to some strangers          (d) before I can TRULY collect mine?!?            (e)   ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?

Folks I am trying very hard.  You heard the expression, “you can take a horse to water but you can not force him to drink.”  That’s how I feel sometimes.  Locally to me, I heard a couple of people who fell in these traps.  Please do not let it be you.  You MUST spread the news.  Tell your friends, family and colleagues to read my articles.  Sent them links to my articles.  Please stop the nonsense of losing money to scammers.

With best wishes
Mike Samadi

Please don’t be fooled by the Wall Street analysts (who are after nothing but money and do not care what happens to you and I) and bad management of the Government.

Although what happens in the Main Street directly affects Wall Street, but the other way around is not as influential.  Let’s see why.

Wall Street:  It is a place where a group of rich people (buy and sell stocks, hedge, or … lots of technical terms) are making or losing money off the actual transactions or trades of stocks, bonds, commodity (oil, sugar, orange, wheat, corn…)

Main Street:  Our economy, our house, grocery stores, other retail stores, restaurants, etc.  This is where you and I buy or sell goods and services and make or lose money.

Let’s simplify this.  The people who are involved in the stock market, bonds, commodities… , as well as, the government which is supporting and backing the rich (Stock Market-Wall Street), want you to believe that the Wall Street is the back bone of the economy and without it, you and I should just dig a whole in the ground, lay down and wait for our death.  So, what were people doing for the past thousands of years until the 1930s when there was no stock market?

Hey, folks, that’s is not how it works.  The problem and financial stress starts at the “Main Street” (where you and I are located) before it impacts the “Wall Street”.  Allow me to give you a couple of examples to bring the logic of how it works to your attention.

Please forgive me of remind you about the 9/11.  The day of the horror, the “Wall Street” and other related markets crashed.   They were shut down/closed for several days, so that they would not go into the “FREE-FALL”  Then, to help the situation, Greenspan (Ex-Chair of Federal Reserve Bank-a for profit <non-government> institution) immediately dropped the lending rate by 1%, thinking that it will stop the market free fall.  It did help a bit in a manner that the next day the “Wall Street” opened, instead of free fall, it came down a bit for the next few days and Greenspan continued on his rate cut until Wall Street stopped falling and started heading upward.  It was not that long ago.  What happened to the Main street?  Did you pay more for gas prices immediately after 9/11?  Did you pay more for food and any other needs in your life?  Did you lose your job because of 9/11?  No. No. No.

Wall Street collapsed because of the bad news.  Your life continued without any problems or interruption.  No price hike, no job losses due to 9/11 impact or economical changes.  The economical changes came when Mr. Bush decided to do other things to make the economy worse and then impacted our personal income which then impacted our buying power and then caused the companies not make as much money and finally laid off workers because there was no money to spend (go around).

Besides the above paragraph,  the stocks, commodity and bonds mostly drop or gain due to news.  A political/governmental news will make all these changes.  However, as far as Wall Street – for the stock prices to take TRUE changes, first Main Street is impacted before the stock prices.  Let’s see why?

A company reports higher than normal sells and profit (earning); because you and I bought more of its product or services.  As a result of our money (Main Street), the price of the stock for that company goes up (possibly even through the roof) –that’s Wall Street.  Next quarter (3 months later), we all stop using this company’s products and services (Main Street losses) and the company reports terrible earning; therefore, stock price falls to the ground (Wall Street).

Now would you please tell me this:  Why is the government concentrating on saving Wall Street (the stock prices) when the main street is in chaos?  That’s pure stupidity.  Yet, the government officials (Treasury, Labor, Bush) and the bank (Federal Reserve) can not make up their mind what they want to do YET.

As I have been writing articles about “You need Robin Hood”, “Tax-payers-You are screwed no matter what!” the government is spending your tax dollars for the CEO of the companies to have larger paycheck, while you lose your home, can NOT afford paying bills or provide for your families.

With love and best wishes.
Mike Samadi

During the period (starting from year and half until 2 months ago) while the economist and all others at the Wall street have been claiming that the economy is good or getting better- recession, what recession?!), I was screaming,  What, where, why, and HOW could they be so blind?

I have been repeatedly saying that the screwed up bad management of the Bush administration has not been fully felt yet.  Guess what?  I will keep repeating it until you realize how right I am and continue to be.

In my most recent articles I have even stated,  “you have not seen worst yet.” That’s in the  “What happened at the presidential election?” article and repeated similarly in the article ‘What do you think first quarter or 2009 will bring…?”

In fact in the article about the first Quarter of 2009, I clearly stated that Bush administration are holding a lot of true economical data from the media, investors and consumers.  Therefore, when the true number comes up in the first quarter of 2009, whoever the new president would be, will feel the extreme tension.  In fact, I even joked about it by saying, “the new president is going to pull his hair -Oh, I am sorry, they both look bald- I am getting there…J lol).”

Here we go, two (2) days after the general election, the Labor Department (one of the Bush’s administration) has revised the “employment report” for August and September upward by doubling the number of job losses. Bringing the yearly unemployment thus far in 2008 to 1.2 Million workers.,  What a shame.   This is just the beginning.  Then, GM and Ford come up with doubled up losses of Billions (B$4.2 for GM and B$3.25 for Ford) in the third quarter.  So, this falling rock cannot be stopped other than by the hard ground.

Again, you have not seen the worst yet.  Although, I do not think Obama’s team will have the full ability to take control of Bush’s mess, but did you notice that before the election he was also full of hip by saying, “I will do this and that and make everything work”.  But, immediately at his victory speech, he said, “we may not be able to do it in the first 4 years.!!”  I am not blaming the guy for already “changing” his words but, I agree that the mess cannot be resolved within the first two or three years.  And I am not a fortuneteller.  “It is the economy stupid.”   I am sure you heard this before.

So, hold on tight good boys and girls, the roller-coaster ride is just beginning.

With Love and best wishes.
Mike Samadi

Your payments to your creditors may be falling behind/late (if you are not in foreclosure or repossession stages yet).  You want to take advantage of the fallen rate.  Meaning when the Fed reduces the rate hopefully sometimes in March you should be READY to go ahead and refinance your home, other real estate, auto(s) and put the money to work.

However, it would NOT help you if your credit is shockingly BAD.  Because, one of the main reasons the giant bank are suffering is - their bad lending habits to the people who had bad credits.  As a result, the government is forcing the banks to behave correctly and reduce their lending to the individuals who have bad credits (unlike what they done in the past).

So if your credit is bad, NOW is the time to get to work and fix your credit (Your Credit = Your Life ).  Credit repair is NOT an over-night process.  It will take at minimum 90 days (if you are doing it yourself).  Therefore, you need to start now so that in about 90 days when the Fed. Resv. finally brings the lending rate down to a reasonable rate (December 08 and March 2009 rate cuts), you will be ready.  You must start your credit repair now.  It will take you at minimum the same amount of time to complete the credit repair as it would take the Fed to reduce rate a couple of times.  The Fed may not stop with a couple of rate cuts BUT no one has a crystal ball, because it is all market and economy dependent.  If the market turns around after a couple of rate cuts, then the Fed will stop or increase the rate.

You MUST understand the importance of having good credit and taking advantage of the low rates (when it comes) to help change your financial life. Do NOT be a Procrastinator, because in such situation YOU will be the loser.

Again, be patient about the rates will come down for the next few months but, it doesn’t mean forever nor that it means it will remain there.  As the Government is try to get a handle over these sub-prime losses that are causing the banks to suffer so badly, it has to cut rate.  It doesn’t matter what the analysts and economist say, the bottom line is the economy has to be under control else, both the stock market and financial market will suffer further losses, which will have spill over to other areas of the market and economy.

You can ask 10 economists the same question and will possibly receive 10 different analysis/answers.  It doesn’t mean that all are correct nor does it mean they are all incorrect.

However, nothing is more evident than your credit report that your credit needs work and the sooner you do something about it the better you are off and the more money you can save.

Thanks

Mike Samadi

What will we face when the name “CHANGE” takes effect at the oval office.
I am not a politician and at this time don’t care to be.  It seems that both parties are dealing with some confusing issues and I am certain that the game of blasting each other off will continue.  However, I care about your money and finances.

A few months ago, when Mr. Ben Bernanke (the Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank) reduced the short term loans rate for banks and creditors, opening the doors for future disaster in an attempt to help the banks screw the poor consumers and tax-payers, I wrote an article called, “How will the new Federal Reserve Bank interest rate cut affect MOST consumers in about a year or two.”   I would really wish for you to find the article and read it in its entirety.  You can search my name “Mike Samadi” through Google or Yahoo and find the many articles.

Article Body:
During the past year, it has become quite clear that throughout all issues of “Sub-prime,” the Government simply doesn’t care about consumers and the federal Reserve bank (a private Sector-which acts as a Government’s wing to the financial world) is too messed up to help consumers.  If the Government has any decency, it would have either opened the Alaskan oil field for drilling or start off shore drilling so that it would help the economy.  However, we know that it is not all the Saudi or other oil countries fault.  It is how the politics work.  As you know, when it comes to election time and whichever party is in the office will reduce the prices of certain consumer product in order to influence the vote count.  Therefore, as you can see, the price of the oil and gas is dropping and when it comes to late October and November, you should expect the gas price to come back to $2.70 - $2.99 range.  Unfortunately, it is all politics.  Meaning our life style is controlled by political influences and self-interest of others.

Yet, at the same time, the Fed Chairman, feeling sorry for the banks and lenders drops the bank/creditors-borrowing rate (the rate banks and creditors borrow money from the Federal Reserve Bank) not worrying about the consumers in trouble. Oh, I am sorry, Fed may claim it did so to benefit consumers because the bottom-line the consumers are the borrowers.  However, among all these several times that the Fed. dropped the creditors lending rate, how many times your/consumer loan rates has dropped?  How much has your/consumer rates has dropped.  You will be lucky if your loan rate drops by a .25% when the Fed. so generously drops the banks’ lending rate  .50% or .75%.  And even if banks feel sorry for you and I - and truly drop their lending rate for borrowers/ consumers, it would a short-lived process (a day, two or three days).  While, they benefit the luxury of longer-term (several months to several years) lowered rate from the Fed.

So, as you can see, the Fed. doesn’t care if you have a home or not.  As long as, the banks are protected, who cares what happens to you.  Otherwise, the actual mortgage rate would have been dropped and kept there until the housing crises disappear.

Let’s not forget the different branches of the executive office that are also holding crucial data from consumers and news media.  Meaning, the monthly or quarterly reports provided by the different offices of the Executive branch is also cooked.  The Labor Department puts out report that unemployment has not increased or is reduced; therefore, making everybody feel that the labor force is employed and is even getting better (you must be the only unemployed one out there-lazy butt!!J).  However, the employers downsize, merge and lay off the workforce in thousands, or simply offer early retirement to reduce their cost.  Then, the Department of Commerce throws some bogus numbers out there for the import, export, consumer product index, and others.  The Department of Treasury throws out some more fake numbers.  Together, all these numbers should make us/consumers feel warm and fussy that the economy is doing great.  So, how come you have less money to spend, you spend more at the pump, in the grocery stores –only to buy less than what you did a year ago?

To cut short this long story of economical mishaps, confusion, misleading information, collapse, and mental agony for consumers, since the government agencies is not presented the true reports, guess what is going to happen when the next president takes over the office?  I am certain that you have not seen the worst of the economy yet.  If you think you have, wait until March and April 2009, when the government agencies revise their numbers for the worst.  Thanks! When the new president (whoever he is, take over, he going to be pulling his hair -Oh, I am sorry, they both look bald- I am getting there…J lol).

To add insult to injury, you have the Department of Justice who is investigating mortgage fraud, and concentrates on the consumers that provided misleading and inaccurate financial statements to the lenders.  However, I have not heard of even one scenario when the DOJ would be investigating the lenders and mortgage brokers who told the consumers provide the misleading numbers (if you want the loan).  You may wonder, what I mean by this.  Although some borrowers may be desperate wanting to get a loan beyond their means; however, the act of providing that type of loan on a lot of times was instigated by the lenders who were desperate to provide the loan, so that they could make larger revenues. As a result, loan processors (officers) advised borrowers that in order to get a loan, we need your document show a particular income. Or that would suggest to the borrowers, if you give us this type of financial document, we will not review or question it and will look the other way.  As a result, an honest person who may had no clue (providing such documentation was wrong-since most consumers were/are unaware of the details of the law) would be prosecuted, but the guilty bank/loan representatives would be free.  This is called double standard of the system of justice.  You don’t need to take my words for it.  Look around you.  I am certain you know individuals who may have been told by loan officers to provide certain documents in order to be approved. Or that some lenders such as Countrywide Home loan and SunTrust bank, who provide you one set of documents for the purpose of closing and at the moment before closing throw some other documents showing more fees or higher interest rate in their benefit.  If you don’t catch it at closing then, the lenders gets away robbing you.  If you catch their intentional mistake, they come up with the excuse of “since there is no time to correct the error, sign the document and we’ll reimburse you.”  However, that day will never come. Whatever your case may be, please don’t get deceived by the lenders criminal mind and act.  The current government has very little intention to prosecute companies for their deceptive practices.  Plus, it requires more time, effort and resources (all together money) to investigate companies and their employees.  And by he time finger pointing is ended, there may be no substantial proof as to who within a company can be prosecuted.  However, you are a much easier target.  An individual who is already suffering financially, possibly can’t make your mortgage payment, and for sure don’t have a deep pocket to get high priced attorney. Therefore, you will are guilty as charged; because, you are fighting a system that has no mercy upon individual tax-payer/consumer and especially a poor one.  Shame on you and I for being poor.

Anyway.  Since I can’t encourage you or attempt to brighten your days and nights about where this economy is going, the only thing I can do is to inform you as much as I can in everyway that I can.  I hope my articles and my books will provide you the information you need to succeed in your financial endeavor.  My book “Bad Things Happen to Good People- YOUR CREDIT = YOUR LIFE, FIX IT NOW!” provides information you need -not only to fix your credit, maintain good credit, handle creditors and collection agencies but also, provides information on some tax-liability issues, controlling the impact of personal relationship on your finances, getting the best rate and loan costs, demand letter writing techniques, avoiding foreclosures, lawsuit and judgment and much more.

I hope I am helping.
With love and best wishes.
Mike Samadi

As the stock - the housing - or the financial market are causing emotional rage among people and no one actually knows what should be done, let’s see if you can take handle of your credit, financing and money a little better.

The stock, bond and financial market are going crazy.  The DOW closes down about 600 points in a week and NASDAQ follows.  The giant banks such as Citi Bank (Citi-Group) goes from $48.00 per share to less than $18.00 per share in a matter of 60 days (a change whether up or down- never seen before in the company’s history), losing over $120 Billion dollars in value.  Similarly falls take place for Bank of America, Washington Mutual and one of the largest home lender’s (Countrywide-now owned by Bank of America) stocks.  Countrywide stock goes from $45.00 per share to a little over $5.00 per share in a matter of a few months (an action never seen before), these are all clear indication that there is something wrong with the market and economy.

Such banks and lenders don’t fall in such way so quickly unless something big is wrong.  Of course, it was all because of the Government giving the banks all the rope they needed to hang themselves by allowing them to lend money to everyone with any type of credit rating (score).  Meaning, the government did not regulate nor set policies for the banks to limit their lending to people who have bad credit.  As a result, all those who had bad credit, are defaulting on their loans and causing even some of those with good credit to suffer as well.  However, this was NOT the only reason in banks’ failures.  The banks also made the loans attractive for a lot of people for the first few years, by offering low ARMS rate (read all about it in Your Credit = Your Life book.  EBOOK also available).   The Government wasn’t accepting the fact and had put its blind eyes.  Finally, the Federal Reserve is realizing the problem and is continuing to reduce interest rate hoping that the economy and all the sad financial companies’ news would go away and things get back to normal.  Not the way Fed is doing it.  (read the article about “How will the new Federal Reserve Bank interest rate cut affect MOST consumers in about a year or two.!??”

What do all of these mean to you?

As the price of Gas and Oil goes up, the retail stores that have to transport their goods to the stores (making the them available to you), have to raise prices, cut corners and lay off workers in order to cut cost and control expenditure in order to stay profitable.  The same goes for almost every other consumer product provider.

As a result of all these changes in the economy and corporate losses, you and I are effected.  Therefore, you must understand your financial environment and make certain that you do NOT get affected directly and quickly.  This means you need to get a grip over your money and finances.

Your Credit and Financing
You have two options.

If your credit is good:
If your credit is “B” or better (credit score of 740 or better), do NOT get excited – do NOT start spending money now.  Because, until the dust in the stock market settles and/or the price of OIL/GAS come down, you need to keep the good credit so that you can use it for investment in areas such as “REAL ESTATE”, and other properties that have been taken away from their previous owners and will be sold CHEAP (cars, boats, planes…).  Or use your money and buy some of the CHEAP stocks (Citi- “C”,  Freddie Mac- “FRE”, etc.).  However, I do NOT suggest borrowing money to buy stocks.  I am NOT giving stock analysis or advice.  Do your research.  The market will continue going down until March or April 2009.  Please look for my next article called:  “What do I think the first quarter of 2009 will bring. What type of economy will we face.”

If your credit is NOT good:
Now it is the time to fix your credit and take control of your financing.  I can not emphasize enough the importance of good credit.  You are suffering because of your bad credit. Your interest rate on almost everything (if not everything) is high because of your credit.  Why are you paying more than you should to your creditors?

Mike Samadi

In the book, “Bad Things Happen to Good People.  YOUR CREDIT = YOUR LIFE, FIX IT NOW!” I dedicated a large chapter to issues relating to financial phase of relationships (Single, Married, Separated, Divorced).  In that chapter, I discussed several issues relating to the impact of divorce.  One of the issues was the fact- what a divorce decree mean to your financial life.  No, I did not provide the meaning of the words “Divorce Decree;” because, everybody that has been in a relationship knows what these two words {together} mean.  I discussed the fact that, just because a court ordered your spouse to be responsible for certain bills (bills created during the marriage), it doesn’t mean, your responsibilities are washed away.  After the court order, there are still several issues that remain unresolved from the moment the Decree was entered.  They are as follows:

1.    Make certain that your payments (to include the creditors’ bill that the judge passed the responsibility to your spouse) are current-if you did not discuss it in the court you should have.

2.    You must immediately contact the creditor whose name were listed on the judgment and let them know about the Decree.  Some creditors will not accept the Decree.  You just push the issue with them.  If they still do not want to remove your name, then have your attorney (possibly your divorce attorney –who you already have paid to take care of your divorce affairs- contact the creditors).  Please understand that the attorneys will promise you or state that they will call, but it may never materialize.  Therefore, you must be persistent with the attorney and the creditors.

3.    If a creditor refuses to remove your name, then place a statement on your credit file in regards to the Decree and your request for removal

4.    Talk with your attorney (an attorney in your state-state the Decree was issued) and see if you have legal recourses against the creditor (forcing it to remove).  However, make certain that you have a copy of the contact (between you and the creditor available).  If you don’t have the agreement, then ask the creditor to mail you one.  If you don’t receive it within 2 weeks, then send the creditor a certified letter- requesting return receipt, demanding that a copy of the agreement be sent to you at once.  The bottom line is that you may be able to ask a court (possibly even the divorce Court) to force the creditor.  Divorce courts doing so may be limited- to-none existence, but never hurts asking.  The bottom line is that the attorney may be able to share options with you.

5.    Doesn’t matter what you do, do NOT let the issue stay on the back burner, because “Your Credit IS Your Life” and if you don’t do something about it, it will create a serious negative impact on your credit file.

You must initiate the items above before your spouse stops making payment to the creditors that the Judge issued an order in your favor.  Creditors are more favorable to listen to you or help when the account is being paid on time (regularly).

These issues and a lot more are discussed in detailed in my book “Bad Things Happen to Good People.  Your Credit = Your Life, Fix It Now!”  I can’t emphasis enough about the importance of your credit.

Consumers asked me, why should I buy your book when my credit is good?
Answer:  This book does not just cover issues in how to fix your credit, but how to keep it good for a long time.  It also provides information other than just fixing or maintaining credit.  It provides information about how to avoid lawsuit, judgment, foreclosure, negotiate your interest rates and loan cost, increase credit limit and other issues relating to credit (such as debt management, understanding credit report, credit score, fraudulent and deceptive collection attempts and much more).   The CD that accompanies the book has information about tax liability and tax-preparer fraud and deception, forms, demand letter writing techniques, credit card issues- interest rates and more.

Consumers braggingly also stated; “my score is 700 or 720, etc).
Answer:  I consider score of 720 as a C+ on a grading scale.   Score of 800 or above is considered A.  740/760 (depending on creditors) to 799 is considered B.  Now, as your score gets lower, your interest rate and loan cost increases.

My question to you:
WHY do you want to hand out your hard earned money to the creditors on EXTRA loan cost and interest rate, when you can take care of your credit and keep the saving for yourself and family????

Mike Samadi

Since the Government is claiming- it is protecting taxpayers. And the Central Bank (Fed. Reserve-in short, “FED”) (Mr. Ben Bernanke) is claiming that the team is doing whatever necessary to keep the economy at a float; they are missing one major point.  That is the “Consumers’ future.”

By the way Federal Reserve Bank is NOT a government organization but a bank-established by the richest of the richest that you do not hear their names.

Let see why and how.  Before we get into the discussion of why FED does not really care about consumers but the banks, allow me to BRIEFLY explain some issues regarding mortgage loans.

Have you noticed that during the past several months the FED dropped the Short Term rate and the rate it lends money to the bank?  If you have not, go back and read to the news from September 2007 through the recent rate drop of 3/18/08.  First the FED (the central bank-Federal Reserve Bank) dropped its lending rate to the bank.  This was done so that the “Banks” will pay less in finance charges to the FED (so that their losses could be reduced).  It wasn’t designed for the consumers (you and I) to benefit.  The banks do NOT and mostly they won’t drop rate just because their own borrower rate is reduced.  Although, they drop their lending rates to us when they get a break, but the realistic part of FED dropping that rate a couple of times was to benefit the banks.  As you know the banks are losing money in billions due to their own “Bad Business Practice methods”(in short-hereinafter “BBP”), which is now called “Sub prime rate issues.”

Let see what did the banks do to bring themselves to this point (losing billions and having high foreclosure rates).
Banks- BBP arose from the following methods among all others
1.    They provided Stated Income a.k.a. No Doc. or No Income Verifying loans to every Tom, Dick and Harry who under normal circumstances would have not qualified for a mortgage loan.  These are the people who did/do not have the income to pay the monthly mortgage payments under normal circumstances. Meaning that they could not normally pay the principal, interest, monthly portion of the property taxes and insurance (called “Escrow”) formulated as (P+I+T+Ins.) for a loan term (30 yrs, 20 yrs, 15 yrs, 5 or 3 Arm).  Now, add the recipe for disaster (the job loss, the higher cost of living, the higher cost of gas, fuel, food) to the BBP formula and it will result in foreclosures.
2.    BBP also gets into effect when the unethical lenders offer rates that are above the normal rate even to those who have good credit.  For example, instead of lenders being fair and offer current mortgage rate, they offer rates that are higher.  I.e. if the current rate is 5.5% for a 30 years- Fix mortgage loan, they offered applicant a rate of 6.00% or higher (even if the consumers credit score is above 750).  Now, if a consumer’s score is lower, the rate goes up.  For every bit of increased rate the cost of obtaining that loan also goes up leaving applicants with no or little remedy.  As the rate offered goes higher, then the consumer who is paying the monthly payment must take money away from other bills.
3.    The BBP continues when the lender/banks tricks borrowers into getting an ARM loan, Interest Only Loan, option arm (worst kind) or reserve equity loan among other bad loans.  This is when a mortgage loan applicant is tricked to accept the rate higher than the normal rate with the understanding that he/she can refinance in a year, two years, 3 or 5 years, based upon the type of loan rate and term the consumer is coursed into.  The bank representatives do NOT tell you the actual downfall of such loan.  Soon you will find yourself in a situation that your monthly payment is increasing and your equity in the HOME (your primary investment is NOT).
4.    Another BBP is the fact that some very aggressive lenders/banks lend more than what the property value.  I.e. when a property is worth $100,000.00, the bank lends you $110,000.00 or more.  This is also known as under secured loan or negative equity.  Of course these types of loan only will be a loss for the bank from its inception, but then the Federal agencies claim that the consumer committed “Bank Fraud” under special stipulations.  “The Irony”.
5.    One last BBP is the fact that the banks tell the consumers “we want to see these types of figure on your financial documents.”  You are told to create (make up) documents that would match what they are demanding so that the bank can issue you the loan.  Now, this is definitely “Bank Fraud.”  However, when a person whom so called committed the crime is investigated by the FBI and IRS, the bank disclaims any wrong doing; because, there is no traceable record to put the bank and its representatives under the spot light of investigation.  That’s why in my book “Bad things Happen to Good People.  Your credit = Your Life, Fix It Now!” I discussed remedies to place people on their track (record keeping…)

However, the consumer suffering, losses and irony continues as the FED doesn’t care about you and I (but the banks).  Let’s see what I am talking about.

During the past few months, the FED dropped the rate several times, and you and I should have had the sigh of “Relief” thinking that “Oh the Government is really wanting to help us…” Really!!??

The rates that were dropped were the short term borrowing rates, credit card rates, car loan rates, Line of Equity rate and few other similar types.  None of these have anything to do with your mortgage rate in which you and I are suffering from.  Although the banks dropped their long term mortgage rates by about .5% to .75% but believe me, it is all because they are offered so much “sweet deals” from the FED, in which the banks are forced to pass some of their savings to you, so that you would re-fi and give them more immediate cash through “closing cost and buy down points.”

The fees that you are charged immediately (closing cost and buy down the interest rate) is the cash that generates immediate revenue for the banks getting them out of the MESS they are in now.

Let’s see how much the fed and the government really love you.

As you are in foreclosure, and the short-term rate and LINE of Equity interest rates are dropped, in order for you to get out of foreclosure, you will probably go to the bank and borrow more money to get out-of-debt.  What an Irony.  The debt that got you into foreclosure and bad credit is going to get you into a deeper debt!?.  I love it when the bank representatives sell this idea as a great deal and the government is making you believe, how much it cares for you.

Okay.  Now that you have no choice but to lose your home and all the equity that you gained through the years of making monthly mortgage payments, you are given an option to borrow against your equity (line of equity) so that you would pay the primary mortgage bank’s arrearage (the back monthly payments, interests, the late fees (several months of nonpayment) and the foreclosure attorney fees.

Of course, it sounds very good for right now, because, now you are out-of-foreclosure until next year or two (2).  But you don’t realize the fact that you’ve been having problem not making payments now because of the economy or increasing interest rate.  What do you think is going to change next year when and if the economy does not change drastically?  Do you think the next president (whoever it may be) can waive a magic wand s and the economy turn around immediately!?  If you are a dreamer, keep dreaming.

All the FED has done so far is spread the massive foreclosures that the banks and consumer are facing this year (into the next couple of years).  For example, if we are going to have 1.7 million home foreclosures in 2008, now that the door to borrowing against your equity is opened and you took that route, you temporarily come out of foreclosure.  BUT, as you will face paying two monthly payments every month and finally can’t continue doing so, your foreclosure is dragged for a few more months into 2009 or 2010.  So the FED bought a few months of credit and time for the lenders so that they can spread their losses over a longer time frame.   I really want to know how would it really benefit you at the end.  In my opinion, all it did was to extend your losses and suffering giving you a false hope.

Now let’s also see what does the extra Governmental tax-rebate is going to do.
You and I are behind several months in making our monthly payments at minimum $500.00 or much higher.  Since we fell behind for several months due to the great economy the government is talking about, the $300.00 or $600.00 is not going to help remedy the number of months of past payments. All it does, it pays for more food, gas or lottery tickets. Increasing your spending habits. Meaning, having the consumers put the money (tax-rebate) back to the local economy instead of, rescuing consumers by lending them a hand…

What really needs to happen is for the government and FED to reduce the long-term rate (mortgage rate) on the existing loans, and freeze it for a few years to help consumers catch up.  That’s is the best relief consumers can have.

I wish to see you succeed.
Best of luck.
Mike Samadi

Scammers are born every second.  Your knowledge is NOT ENOUGH to know what is out there.

My dear readers, there is no such thing as “Foreclosure Rescuer”.  Those are scam.  Let’s analyze.

We live in a world that every lender wants to make some money from us (that’s how businesses exist and there is nothing wrong with it).  If our credit is D- through B  (meaning 500 to 780+ credit score), we are given some jacked up finance rate and high fees/cost (even by those wonderful lenders that I believe or recommend).  Now, do you think there are third party hole in the walls who want to help you by putting up their own money??!!.

I do not trust even most reputable and large lenders; do you think I trust, smaller ones (such as Litton, AMC, GMAC, Ameriquest) and a long list of others (especially the whole in the wall)?  I do not talk without having facts.  I would love for the above list of names to sue me.

When your credit is bad you will pay extra for fees and higher rate, that’s a fact. If someone tells you otherwise, you must stay away from that person, because, he/she must have other intentions/plans.  There is no question about it.  Don’t be offended by lenders treating you as a disgruntled stepchild, because you put yourself into that credit position.  Please don’t blame everybody else because you did not want to accept responsibility when you were younger.

I am not trying to be a coldhearted, stupid or a senseless person who does not consider the fact that sometimes, creditors or collection agencies may/will be at fault.  But, I have seen enough credit reports and talked with hundreds of people who were telling me how innocent they were, only to learn the facts after reviewing their documents.  Again.  Please understand that mistake can take place by all parties in an agreement.

The difference between good credit and bad credit is, that with one, you:
a.    will be welcomed to borrow and the other would worry creditors;
b.    get good-market finance rate, the other your rate will be much higher;
c.    get reduced fees, and no chance with the other;
d.    will get respect and with the other get brushed off in most cases.

That is why I repeatedly insist - keeping your credit in good shape.

Now, if the truly accredited lenders that have offices all over the country or at minimum in a few states can’t help you, why do you think a hole in a wall can?

Here are some ways to avoid these scammers.

When someone calls you with an offer,
a.    call your state attorney general’s office and get some information about the company.  See if there were any investigations, reports, etc.  You can get all the necessary information about those Attorney General’s offices (see the link in the Author’s Bio)

b.    Through the site above or through the state A.G.’s sites, you can also ask for the Secretary of State office to see if the company is registered and what type of business they do.

c.    You can also go to another page of the site (see link in Bio section) and contact other offices to see if they have any complaints or concerns about the company.

d.    If someone wants unreasonable amount of money from you in order to help you, you need to think again.

e.    Call a few bank managers in your area and share the offer made and ask if it sounds reasonable.

f.    Call your State District Attorney’s office and see if any complaint was filed.

g.    If someone wants to take a large portion of your home equity, then there is something wrong.

h.    When a contract is given to you, BEFORE YOU SIGN, at the very least, have someone with more education than you (if you can NOT afford an attorney) read the fine prints, and see if it is truly good for you.  Show it to your law enforcement department.

Let me give you some other ideas.  You figure it out.  I may be mistaking!!  You think?!

Recently, I learned through friends that even repeatable lenders have been taking advantage of people who are suffering financially now.  If those do then, what should I expect from Litton, AMC and others.  AMC Mortgage charged a person -two sets of Foreclosure fees and added fees on the top of fees only to tell ME that, “because we have secured interest, we can charge any fees we want.”  REALLY??!!  When a certified letter was sent to the company president, it was tossed to the same person who made the comments.  When the second certified letter was sent to the company president, AMC tossed/sold the loan to Citi-Residential Mortgage.  Unfortunately, the company operates out of California (headquartered) and its parent company Ameriquest (California also) is not even responding.  When calls were made to the CA- Attorney General’s office, that office did not want to look into the matter.  First of all, what a shame that a public office (which its job is to protect its citizens) is not interested to even listen.

Allow me give you the list of fees they charged so that you can analyze it for yourself, see what’s justified and what’s not. They are as follows:

On Sept. 14, 2007 Citi Residential Lending sent a letter to a borrower stating the following figures:

Principal Balance                      $83,779.59
Expenses paid by Servicer        $16,443.33    ????
Unpaid Late Charges                $         0.00  after AMC charging so much
Other unpaid charges               $         0.00
Suspense Balance                     $  1,257.67 borrowers money put aside by lender when the monthly mortgage of $735.00 was not paid.
Escrow                                     $     620.00  money to pay for taxes and insurance (OK)
Total amount of Debt:             $98,344.55 plus interest on the principal amount accrued  in arrears at the rate of 7.5% when the “market  mortgage rate” was around 5.75-6.25%)

On February 7, 2007, AMC Mortgage send and forced this family to sign a inflated “Mortgage Modification Agreement” which consists of Exhibit A showing the following items:  PLEASE PAY ATTENTION (THERE IS NO TYPO/MISTAKES HERE )

REINSTATEMENT AMOUNT GOOD THROUGH FEBRUARY 1, 2007:

2 payments @ $888.89                =$     1.777.78
(September 2005 through October 2005)

4 payments @ $888.87                =$    3,555.48
(November 2005 through February 2006)

2 payments @ $925.16                =$    1,850.32
(March 2006 through April 2006)

6 payments @ $948.54                = $    5,691.24
(May through October 2006)

3 payments @  $987.64                =$    2,962.92
(November 2006 through January 2007)

1 payment @ $987.64                    =$    987.64

Late fees:                                       =$    435.92
Appraisal:                                       =$    325.00
Foreclosure Fees:                           =$    540.00
Foreclosure Cost:                           =$    607.76
BPO Fees:     (broker price opinion) =$    105.00
Non-sufficient Funds Fees:            =$      43.14
Escrow Shortage:                            =$    173.63
Property Inspection:                       =$    107.00

And the totals:…

Now let’s understand something.  The monthly payments based upon letters sent by AMC was around $735.00 and somehow it became inflated due to A NEW interest rate of 11.5%.  Moreover, when I spoke with Ms. Olivera (executive representative) on August 30, 2007, she stated:

“Foreclosure Fees” is        $1,080.00
“Foreclosure Cost” is        $   617.76
“Appraisal” was                $   650.00 (very high for GA, SC, AL)
“BPO” was                        $   105.00  It is very difficult for me to understand that a company gets two appraisal “A.K.A. Certified Opinion” in less than a year and still gets “Broker Opinion”

All because, the individual got hurt at his job and could not work (back injury) with no medical settlement.  Imagine that.

Another example is: Litton Loan Servicing charges some borrowers one set of fees for Escrow, yet pays amount a lot less to the Tax Commission’s offices or the insurance companies - and gets away with it (or at least it think it is going to).  Not to forget the method it applies payments or excessive lat fess it charges.

The moral of the story is:
This is a lot better than other “stuff” I have seen or called upon.  If you are getting over charged, you MUST at minimum let someone with more knowledge than YOU (in the area of financing) to look at the document before you sign and commit yourself to homeless shelters or mental hospitals.  If you can NOT afford a lawyer, a real-estate closing attorney (which will cost somewhere between $100.00 to $250.00) can review and give you advice.

As far as Foreclosure process.
Some states have “Judicial foreclosure” process and some don’t.
If you are not sure, do NOT ASSume.  You can call your state “Consumer Protection” or “Citizen Services” division of the State Attorney General’s office (see link in Bio section) and ask if the state is a “Judicial Foreclosure State”.  If the person does not know the term, then ask a simple question:  “Does the Foreclosure process have to go through a Court? Or it is that the lender can simply sell my house by first sending me a certified letter?”

The reason for knowing the process, is that one allows at least an educated person-a Judge (hopefully a fair and unbiased) here the case, and the other is that you are at the mercy of any bull the lender and its foreclosure attorney feeds you.

If you live in a none-judicial foreclosure state, the next question to the A.G.’s office should be: what process should a lender take.  How many certified letters, how many month before the proceedings begin, and some other questions that fits your category of what caused you to fall behind.  Ask questions, write the answers, get educated.

So whatever you do, please don’t hand your property to someone you don’t know.  A lot of people will become your friend to see what you have and what they can get (especially if you are retried, close to it or from old school).

The New Schools of Scams teaches a lot better techniques than what you may heard.  This is the age of electronics and Internet.  Scammers are born every second with the help of Internet and electronic gadgets.  Your knowledge is NOT ENOUGH to know what’s out there.

As I said in my previous articles, Stay stupid and pay the price.

They say: it takes a minute to find a CRAZY person,
An hour to appreciate them,
A day to love them,
But then an entire life to forget them.

http://www.mastercreditrepair.net/ag/consumer-protection-list/
http://www.mastercreditrepair.net/non-profit-organizations/

Thank you again.
With love and best wishes.
Mike Samadi

Most people don’t realize there are so many ways you can reduce your monthly mortgage payment effectively and quickly.  However, most of the methods require good credit and credit score.
Most mortgage loans contain escrow (which is taxes and insurance) and Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) or MIP (Mortgage Insurance Premium).

Drop your PMI or MIP and some excess mortgage fees
The rules are tougher to get people who are in the bind - get out.
What to do with PMI?

Over 75% of the mortgage loans that are 4 years or newer have less than 10% equity, because you borrowed and borrowed against your single most important investment (your HOME).
However, if you are not over borrowed on your “PRIMARY resident”, then please look at the information below:

PMI-banks.  Show an appraisal that your owe or borrowing less than 80% of the value of the home/property, PMI/MIP would be waived.  The rule is now changed.  Need a certified appraisal from lenders list of appraisal.  20 % reduction from the original loan amount.  Now, some may also have contracts that may say “the principal must be less than 20% of the loan amount.”  I believe this is ridiculous.
MIP is a fee of almost a little over  3.50% (if FHA).  MIP is to protect the bank’s interest also.  It cannot be waived BUT, if you sell within the first 5 years - ask to be reimburse (at least a portion).   There is no way of getting it waived even if a person claims disability.  It is for the life of the loan.  Because of the foreclosures, the FHA also added 2% additional to MIP insurance –which is good for 7 years or 1% for the life of the loan.  So you will actually see a decrease after 7 years. If the property is sold within the first 7 years, the MIP is prorated and seller can ask for the reimbursement of a portion.  2% within the first 5-7 years and the rest for the life of the loan.

PMI or MIP is 10% for conventional loan of your monthly mortgage payments.  It varies between the loan type, the down payment, how does the credit report/score looked when the loan was initiated, processed and closed, and debt to income at the time loan was processed.  So, as you can see, there are a lot of factors involved.  If you are borrowing more than 80% of the property value securing the loan (involved in the loan), then you have PMI added to your mortgage payments.  This portion of your monthly payment has no effect on your mortgage loan, insurance and does not benefit you at all.  This is a CLEAR CASH money to the lender at your expense.

Va funding fee is 2.25% of loan bal. financed over 30 years and can’t get reimbursed.  If 40% or more disabled, then it is reduced and possibly waived. Retired gets discount but active duty does not get discount.

“Your Credit = Your Life, Fix It Now!”  talks about all these and gave you ideas.  I suggest you read that.
If your loan amount (principal amount you owe) to value (what your home worth now) is less than 80% or 75% (again depending on lenders), insist that your lender drop the PMI from your monthly mortgage payments IMMEDIATELY.  Do NOT rely on the lender to do this in good faith or even make the suggestion to you.  You need to insist and push the lender.  The cheapest, quickest and simplest way to learn if your property worth over 20 or 25% of the principal amount, call the county or parish Tax Assessors office and ask them about some of the recent real estate sales in your area (called competitive sales-“Comp.”).  In fact Real Estate agents and brokers can do this as well (at no cost to you); as long as they think you may be interested in listing your house for sale with them.  The real estate sales within your 2 miles area and in the past one year should give you a clear indication of how much your property may value.  However, you must understand there are several rules.

1.  Real estate Rule one, two and three.  “Location, Location, Location.”  This means no-one should compare a property of a better subdivision with a property of a lower subdivision.    If your property is in a subdivision with lower standards, it requires a recent appraisal (lender decides who performs the appraisal). This also applies to buying and selling properties.

4.  Most lenders require you to pay for the appraisal cost.  It worth it.  In a few months, you will make up for that fee when you are released from paying PMI.

Good Luck and Best wishes
Mike Samadi

First of all, whatever you do, before you let the account get to a collection agency, make some sort of payment arrangement with the actual creditor or service provider.  Depending on who is billing you, you can always make some sort of agreement and stay with it.  The majority of the credit reports I’ve reviewed consist of medical bills, utility bills more than anything else.   In other words, on the average, medical related collections take the number one ranking on credit reports and make about 35-38% of the credit problems.  Although to lenders, medical collection MAY not be as important as credit cards, car loans, utility bills and other collection or charge-offs, but they still count and reduce your credit score. The second problem is the utility bills (power, phone, cell phone, cable) which makes about 30-32%, followed by credit card and unsecured loans, then car loans, home mortgage payments or real-estate rental derogatory items.

Of course the late car payments later becomes repossessions.  The late house payments may end up as foreclosures. The late rental payments most of the time becomes a judgment (as a result of eviction/dispossessory) or even destruction of property.

One thing I do not understand about rental is why people destroy the property where they live.  Okay, let’s presume the tenant doesn’t want to pay the rent or doesn’t have the money to pay the rent.  Why destroy the property during the eviction period…?

Anyway, let’s get back to the collection agencies.

Collection agencies are the type of companies that most people don’t want to deal with.  If you were unhappy dealing with the actual creditor and its customer service representatives, do you think dealing with a collection agency is going to be any easier?  Think again.

Collection agency representatives make their revenues by being the most aggressive and sometimes unethical people.  In order to get their point across, they rudely interrupt, raise their voice and even sometimes scream, make demands, and most importantly lie a lot.  It’s a lot easier to deal with creditors than dealing with collection agencies.

To give you an idea, if you have medical bills, then contact the service provider (doctor, hospital, clinic, etc.), make some sort of small payments per month, but be honest and make the monthly payments.  The medical facilities even accept payments of $10.00, 15.00 per month as long as they know you can’t afford making large payments and that you’ll do your best to pay the monthly amount agreed (based upon the total amount owed).  Meanwhile, be reasonable.  If you have $10,000.00 worth of bills with ONE facility, offering $5.00 per month will not work.  At minimum offer $50.00 to $100.00 per month.  Creditors know that if they do not collect as much as they can, they may never be able to collect and if they have a collection agency involved at minimum, they must pay 25% of the amount collected to the agency.  There is a lot more to this.

In the book, “Your Credit = Your Life, Fix It Now!”  These issues are detailed and complete solutions are provided.

With love, care and best wishes.
Mike Samadi

]]> http://mastercreditrepair.net/MCRblog/?feed=rss2&p=261 http://mastercreditrepair.net/MCRblog/?p=259 http://mastercreditrepair.net/MCRblog/?p=259#comments Sun, 16 Nov 2008 17:01:21 +0000 http://mastercreditrepair.net/MCRblog/?p=259 (Copyrighted Material)

Let’s talk about “SCAMS” Fraud Watch.
There are so many different ways to get scammed, defrauded and lose money or have your identity stolen.

Allow me discuss a few tips with you.

1.    Never trust people, who tell you that they can make you a lot of money over a very short period of time even if those people are driving very expensive cars, live in home worth millions of dollars so on and so forth.  The person who is willing to make you rich overnight is one that you should avoid (believe me when I say this).  In my previous article, I noted that I was taken by three con-artists who were associated with each other and they tossed me back and forth.  Not until I was hit hard in a short time did I realize how good they were.  No, I am not talking about Nigerians or any other nationals, but Americans right here in my hometown.  Even as smart as I thought I was and with the resources I had to find information about these guys, I still was not aware of their deceptions until I was hit hard and lost a lot.  No, I am not talking about thousands of dollars; try high five (5) to six zeros.  The sad part is that two of these guys did not have any criminal records and they were all living in nice homes, with a list of clients that signed up well before me and even believed in these guys long after me.  Unfortunately, one of those guys is still loose and hiding somewhere.  The other two got just a little time, because our system of justice only severely prosecutes a person who robs a bank (financial institution).  If a person robs a bank for 10,000.00 dollars or so, he will get over a decade of jail time but, if a person robs millions from innocent people (let’s say at minimum 100 people), that person gets a slap on the wrist or maximum 5 years.  That’s justice for you and I.

The only way you can become rich is either with hard work or to hit the lottery (which I call “poor man’s money.”)  Since the “ODDS” of you or I winning the lottery is very very remote, so let’s be normal and try to make money the right way.  That is by using your GOD GIFTTED “BRIAN.”   By the way, I know two people who won millions in the lottery and just a few short years later they ended up back in the same lifestyle they were before the winning…(so sad).

2.    Never give your Social Security number (SSN) over the Internet or phone to anyone (especially if that person is not a part of any institutions that you have done business with previously).  I tell people it is better you lose a thousand dollars than losing your SSN to some stranger.  When a deceptive person gets a hold of your SSN, you will spend months trying to persuade creditors, collection agencies and bureaus that you were not the one who opened the accounts and made so many charges.  I received this book called “Your Credit = Your Life, Fix It Now!” which offers a lot of information about fraud, collection agencies, protection and so much more.  Please read this book.   Even those creditors, who insist on having your entire SSN, MUST understand the fact when you tell them, “I can’t give you my SSN over the Internet.”  If you already have an account with this creditor, then they MUST ask you other questions such as list of transactions, payment, history, etc.  Believe me they know how, what and when to ask the questions to know if you are the account holder.  Dissolving fraud usually requires a lengthy fight and much aggravation.  Sometimes it may require hiring attorneys and paying exurbanite retainer fees in an attempt to get their lives back on track.  IS IT WORTH the headache, frustration, lack of sleep, loss of so much money, or even worse?  I know a couple of people who did not listen to me and did the exact opposite of what I had been telling them…

3.    Do NOT volunteer checking, savings, investment account, or credit card information to collection agencies.  Let’s assume (you do not know how much I hate this word “assume”) the best-case scenario.  Let’s say that the collection agencies truly want to work something out with you for passed due accounts.  When you agree to make A (one time) payment using a credit card, guess what happens the following months and without your authorization.  Now go ahead try to fight the additional draft. The collection agencies will tell you that we never agreed “on a one time payment”, we agreed on a monthly payment.  The credit card company WILL TELL you, “sorry you made an agreement and that the collection agency provided records.”   If you want to make a payment to a collection agency, send the company “Certified Check”, “Cashier’s Check”, or “Money Order”.  Do NOT send your regular check.   Some of these companies may even share/sell your personal and financial information to other companies.  When you provide the information to one and another company also initiates its aggressive collection (addressed in the book mentioned above), would you be able to tell where this company received such accurate information?  Can you prove it?  I bet your answers are both “No.  I don’t know how to do that…”  So, STOP giving out your information to people whose intentions are not to help you but to help their own paychecks.  Please read  “Your Credit = Your Life, Fix It Now!” to learn more.

4.    Nobody hands you free money.   So, when I call you and tell you, ”you won, all I need is a checking or saving account number to transfer all this money into your account,”  please don’t immediately jump up and down and get excited and give me all the information I need.  You can act excited, give me some bogus numbers if you want.  Keep me on my toes so that you can get my information and pass it on to the FBI.  But I bet most these calls come from private, unknown or some other dead end numbers or do not allow reply call (the number is not in service for incoming calls).  If you want free money, look around your house and start seeing the money you wasted on useless items that have not been used or stuff that was used only once … You need to learn the concept of “Saving Your Money.” (another book out there).  Please take advantage of the knowledge base I provided for you.

5.    Watch out for the “Debt Consolidation”,  “Debt Settlement”, “Debt Management” or other similar companies.   There is a lot to say about these.  It is discussed in the credit repair book (mentioned above).  Here you leave all your accounts at a serious risk or if nothing else, you may be defrauded out of money.  It is very detailed in that book.  However, allow me to give you an example.

A couple of weeks ago, a “Debt Settlement” company out of Florida somehow found my number to offer me help to settle my debts for a lot less.  Don’t ask me how they got my number, I am a unique individual who wears several hats and most telemarketers don’t know it.  So, I became interested (since I try to protect others in a hope to reduce scam).  I was so ready to jump on board and get “ALL MY DEBT CONSOLIDATED AND UNSECURED DEBT PAID FOR A LOT LESS” that I could not jump high enough for joy.  I agreed to everything she said, and answered all the questions the way she wanted to hear.  She sent me a package from some network company in Boca… and an 800-DEBT number.

After reading the information included in the package, I learned the trick of how people may get deceived.  If I knew just a little less than what I know (with a Equifax score of over 820+), I would have DIVED on board head first without even having my hands or arms over my head.  The document I received was suggestive to deception, included misrepresentations of facts, which can be misleading, directing to commit fraud under false pretense by giving suggestive ideas.  The funny part about all this was the numbers thrown in there for fees.  Of course the deal looks good (if I wanted to do this).  Settling $35,000.00 worth of debt for about $19,250.00 of which $8,750.00 of it was fees to “a Law Center”.  The contract stated, no down payment and monthly payments of $497.33 for 42 months were needed.  Now, multiplying the number of month (42) times the monthly payment of ($497.33) equals to $20,887.86 which is a bit higher than the “Total Amount with Fees (55%): $19,250.00” (as indicted on the agreement).  Of course the deal is still good; because it would have saved me a little over $14,000.00 dollars.  That’s if the company’s intentions were true and they are not in the business of robbing people (I do not know).  However, is it ethical????  What are your thoughts?  Please contact me and tell me.  I do not know what the FL Attorney General (A.G.) and the US Department of Justice would say.  But, as stated in the Credit Repair book (introduced above) don’t look for the government agencies to do their job correctly.

There is so much more.
6.    Do NOT co-sign a loan for someone else (does not matter how close you are to that person) unless you have the means and intent to make the monthly payment yourself irregardless of the person you co-signed for pays or not.  I heard it all.  I would like to hear someone’s story about a co-signed loan that remained good for the length of the loan.  The best relationships break over this (exception: child-parents).  You must either accept the fact that you will make the payment for the other person whether he/she pays you or not, or do not sign the loan document.  There is no other way about it.  If you have good credit and want to help someone (let’s say your children or immediate family member with the benefits and power of your excellent credit), then take the chance of signing the loan with the understanding that you will pay the loan no matter what.  You do not have to announce your thoughts or decision, but just remember that if the person makes late payments or defaults, your excellent score is no more.  And based upon how bad it damaged your credit, the effect of such negative may not be removed off your credit report-score for at minimum 2 –5 years (depending on how good your credit was/is on other accounts).

7.    I advertised for something over the Internet (specially Criglist) and received so many emails from people who claimed to be from England or Australia.  They all had the same thing in common.  Bad or poor English yet claim to be educated and some even doctors or professors.  So, I decided to play their game.  As I would receive their first email, ALL were screaming “SCAM”.  I prepared a Frequently asked questions list (Q & A)- answered all questions anyone could have had about my item.  I would cut and paste my FAQ to all inquires (whether scam or not).  In my FAQ, I clearly presented that “I do not accept money order, personal or company check.  The only way, I accept funds is if it is Certified or Cashier Check from a reputable bank.  I do NOT accept any funds over the amount to secure the item you wish to have.”  It seems that the deceivers do not even take the time to read and after a couple of emails, they were ready to send me more than what was needed to secure the item.  And, they ALL asked me to Western Union the remaining/overage amount to them or their associate in another state or country so that they would be able to make travel arrangement to meet me.  Yeah.  Right!!  In fact, two of them went to the extend of sending me some homemade check or a copy of a printed check (with copy signature).  The moral of the story.  First of all, do NOT accept any funds coming from other countries, IF you do not know the source.  Do not send money elsewhere when the source is not verifiable through a federally know agencies.  If and when you receive a check, do NOT rush to the law enforcement, because they cannot help you and will brush you off with some excuses.  The only agency that MAY be interested to know is FBI in the U.S. or the national enforcement agency in your country.  However, if you receive cash/BILLS, contact the U.S. Secret Service or the Department of Treasury or the security department of the Federal Bank in your country to verify of the currency is good.  Even if the checks look very very legitimate, you MUST contact the bank and see if the account is open, good standing, has funds, the payee’s name is the actual account holder and much more.  Tell the bank security department what you have.  I would be careful with the check even if the bank says (everything checks out and funds are there).  Let’s say that all is good and you want to deposit the check; do not send any money to anyone until at minimum 10 days after the check clears your account.  I would still be careful because. If I give you a check and you cash it, I may be able to dispute the check with my bank a month later.

8.    Similar to No. 7 (above), do not accept employment of collecting funds for a large company in another country.  How about having a part-time employment and collecting funds for me in your country.  I will ask my associates or the companies in which my company is doing business in your country send you the payment, you take your fee of 25% or $500.00 (whatever we agree to) and send us the rest through Western Union, DHL or some expedited method.  Please make certain you ship cash to me.  It is a great deal.  All you do is just wait for our payments (from our clients to reach you), rush to your bank, deposit and take the portion over you fees out and send it to me quickly.  Don’t you love it?

These are only some of the simpler methods.  I am certain that there are much complicated methods of scams out there.  So it does not matter how much money you may have that losing a few hundred of thousand dollars may not matter to you, or that how broke and desperate you may be and any opportunity and hope for making money may motivate you, there are some things you do not want to do.  It is like knowing a food is filled with poison and you intentionally eat it.

With love, care and best wishes.
Mike Samadi

Site offers information, product, services and techniques in overcoming credit problems, credit repair, credit score, credit score, bankruptcy, money, divorce, loan, credit card, ID theft, credit repair letter, debt management, foreclosures, sub-prime rate, sub-prime rate, best loans and credit cards

Consumers get tricked by all sorts of misconceptions, misleading information and deceptive practices of lenders, credit repair companies and those so-called “experts.”  They are not told of their options and opportunities.  The Bible/God says, “My people are destroyed for their lack of knowledge,” as well as, other saying: “Knowledge is wealth” my own: “MORE IS LOST BY INDECISION THAN BY BAD DECISION” should be your reminders.  Please remember, “Your Credit equals (IS) Your Life.” should help you to set your keys for a successful future and financial life. Besides health and family unity, there is nothing more important than self-understanding of credit report, credit score, credit repair and managing finances / money.  Instead of handing your finances -credit life to others, you must learn how to manage and be in control.

Article:
After twelve years of credit repair, credit score repair and writing credit repair letters to all sorts of creditors, collection agencies and credit bureaus, I realized that it was necessary to provide my services at a serious discount to consumers in need.  I realized that not all consumers could afford my credit repair services.  As a result, I created a hotline to answer credit repair and credit score questions.  However, I noticed that it was becoming an overwhelming task for my staff and at much expense in order to provide the free credit repair services.

A little over two (2) years ago, a couple of my clients suggested I should write a booklet  about credit score, how credit score is calculated, what to look for when calculating credit score, what is the best way to repair credit, and some of the main topics of credit repair. They suggested I should provide this ebook for a price of $9.95.  (I NOW HAVE- AT A PRICE OF $19.95).  I thought about doing so for some time as I was thinking that 20 pages of a credit repair ebook would not be enough to even touch the surface on so many subjects that needed to be covered.  You see the entire idea of credit repair (credit score repair) or credit repair letter writing is not a simple task that even 50 pages would suffice.  However, it was also bothering me to charge $9.95 for some limited number of pages.

Then I realized, I could sit and think and continue contemplating about writing a credit repair - fix credit summary pages until I turn blue, or if I truly want to help consumers with their credit repair and credit score issues, I must take a step and start now.  That was two (2) years ago.

As I was writing, in August 2006, I realized, there would be major problems with the mortgage loans being granted so easily, due to the unethical practices of mortgage lenders, brokers and direct lenders.  You must understand this point.  For the past eleven (11) years, I was directly involved in assisting my clients in getting  loans after their credit repair was reasonably completed and their credit score was around 740 or higher.  Initially, I was just fixing credit and letting them enjoy the luxury of good credit score.  However, after communicating with my clients a couple of months later, I noticed that they were getting rubbed by “mortgage brokers” and the so called “Direct Lenders” or even the loan servicing companies.  It was unjust then and it has continued to be unjust now. Because this is a separate issue of its own, I want to share with you what to watch out for, I have created a separate article about creditors, lenders, mortgage brokers and “direct lenders.”

Let’s stick with issue regarding credit repair.
Most consumers fall in the trap of over extended credit when banks and credit cards companies offer one card or loan after another.  The consumers think the best way to get-out-of debt is borrowing more.  In other words, “Steal from Pete to pay Paul.”  This is one of the major misconceptions consumers have that puts them in a deeper debt and causes even more problems for them to the point that they have credit collapse (beyond credit crunch).  They start receiving many calls from collection agencies, have late payments, collections and charge off entries on their credit files (credit reports) and their credit score goes down to 400 or 500 level.

As I was typing my so-called ebook, as suggested and pushed by my clients), I noticed that the summary book was expanding to over one hundred pages and I was not even touching half the issues.  Then I decided to continue and make the book a “credit repair” book called “Your Credit = Your Life, Fix It Now!”  Since my August 2006 realization that we will have mortgage problems, my only option was to inform as many people as I could by emailing or calling,and I was not able to reach all consumers.  However, “Your Credit = Your Life…” book addressed all of the issues.

Another misconception consumers have is the fact that some of them think, a credit repair is a quick fix.  They think they can just wave a magic wand and their credit score will go up from 495 to 720.  That is not how it works.  A true credit repair or improvement in credit score takes time, several months to a couple of years.
Don’t be fooled by what you hear as quick “credit repair fix.”

In order for you to do self credit repair, which is the best method, your must follow several steps.  Those steps are lengthy and require patience.  It requires dedication, willpower and application of your own gradual experiences.  For the past several years, I have a sign on my office door so that everyone can clearly see.  I also have the quote on my business cards, letterhead, books I have written,and talk about it repeatedly.  It says, “More is lost by indecision than by bad decision.”

Think about it for a couple of seconds and then relate these words to what has transpired in your life thus far.  Just as I was contemplating to write 20 pages for an ebook and sell it for $9.95, I was thinking of two things:
a.       It is not possible to write just 20 pages,
b.      I wouldn’t have the heart to sell a summary book for $9.95.

I lost the track of my own quote.  “More was being lost be my indecision…”  I wanted to help teach others how to fix credit;. I hired a staff teaching them the credit repair concepts, but wasn’t grabbing my keyboard to type what was in my heart and mind.  As my clients were pushing me, I was lost in my indecision.

Most consumers do exactly the same as I did for a couple of months.  Think with yourself.  How many times were you planning to do something and you kept contemplating if you should do what was in your mind (and heart?) or suggested to you?  I bet you did that a few times.  I bet part of your problem was the same as mine.  Where do I start?  How do I approach it?  What would be my next step and a host of other questions?  You know something.  Unless you take the first step, you wouldn’t know what the next step is.  Unless you set your goal, mind and heart to take an action, it will never happen.  You will contemplate and continue in your indecision, yet time passes you by and all you do is get deeper and deeper in debt, pay more for simple loans, get drowned in debt to a point that you will take your credit or financial anger out on your loved ones.  THIS IS ALL BECAUSE YOU DID NOT MAKE YOUR DECISION IN DOING SOMETHING TO TURN YOUR LIFE AROUND.

My dear friend, stop feeling sorry.  Here, I am pushing you to do something. Make a decision and do something about it NOW.   It is never a bad idea to have a better credit so that you can have a better life and save more money.  It took me several months to prepare the book that offers all you need to know about your credit.  Believe me, I have seen so many credit reports that yours would not be half as bad as what I’ve seen.  There is hope for everyone, especially you.  You only become hopeless when you don’t get up, shake off feeling sorry and do something to turn your credit life around.

Please let it be now.  Here are a few steps in what you can do.  For complete details of this itemized list you must pick up a copy of the book “Your Credit = Your Life, Fix It now!”.  I promise you it will be worth every penny and moment you spend.

Please let it be now.  Here are a few steps in what you can do.

1.    Get copies of your credit reports.  You must obtain recent copies from all three (3) credit bureaus.  One credit report won’t do.  Why?  Different creditors and collection agencies report to different credit bureaus.  See the book.

2.    Compare each entry shown on your credit reports with the account statements you have.  Whether it is an open account, closed account, a collection, a charge off or late payment account.  You don’t know how many times, I seen credit reports where the consumer did not have any such account and it was creditor or credit bureaus mistakes.  Read the book.

3.    When you notice inconsistencies (whether it is an account you don’t recognize or misinformation about an account), call creditors and credit bureaus.  Discuss, dispute and be persistent.

4.    Ask for a conclusion, removal or correction letter.

5.    Do NOT settle with collection agencies.  If you do or have no other choice, you must do two things, settle for less or don’t pay unless they correct the entry by removing it.

6.    Do not trust a collection agent.  They do NOT mean well.

There are so many things to talk about and so many techniques to offer.  It is impossible to discuss all in this article.  So, I ask you to do something useful and quickly to improve your credit score, which is as a result of your steps in your credit repair.  You don’t know how good it will do for you.

Please post questions and comments.

Thanks
With love and Best Wishes
Mike Samadi

Let’s move away from Credit Repair, credit and money management, tax liability and other related issues.

This time, I decided to give you a little break by showing you some unique windows keys (few tricks), so that you could maneuver between your windows applications and documents a little easier, faster and WITHOUT reaching for your MOUSE each time.  Some of us feel a lot better if we did not have to lift our hands from the keyboard.  We got so used to using the keyboard that reaching for a mouse became troublesome for us.  And “man created the SHORT-CUT keys.”  Of course, God created the man who created the computer who created the keyboard and the mouse, etc.

First, allow me to give you a few hints in using these keys

I am certain you all know that keyboards have the repeat feature built-in.  Meaning that if you press and hold down a letter, a number, or a Function key (F1 thru F12), the characteristic of that key will be repeated (except most Function keys).

In combination keys listed below, you MUST hold down the first key and then press the second key to get the characteristic you want.  Hold the first key down and keep on pressing the second key to repeat the process.  If the key combination consists of three keys, hold Key 1 and Key 2 then, press (ONCE) and release the third key.  IF you want to repeat the process you have just taken then keep pressing the last key OR hold the last key down until you get the result you want.

Whenever I am talking about CTRL or SHIFT, if you hold this key down and repeatedly press on the combination key (the other key that performs a function within these two keys), you will be repeating the same function over and over.

Some of the Windows and combination keys will repeat also

For example:

Windows – E will repeat as long as you repeatedly pressed or held the E key while the Windows key is held down.  This key combination will open a session of MY Computer showing you your storage devices (drives and main folders under the My Computer ikon.

CTRL (arrow to right) will move the cursor to the right (to the beginning of the next word).  Now you hold the keys down and it will automatically repeat the process and your cursor will be moving fast toward the end of the line, sentence, paragraph or end of page.

SHFIT CTRL (left arrow) will highlight to the beginning of the previous word and hold the keys down it will automatically repeat the process as long as the three keys are held down

WINDOWS SHORT CUT KEYS
Windows key (located on the lower part of keyboard) pops up Start list of applications

Windows key- E opens My Computer/ Windows Explorer defaulting to My Computer

Window key- F opens Window’s Search from even while within any application

Window key-D minimizes or reopens all existing open Application (showing desktop)

Window key-M minimizes all open Application (showing desktop) can not use with the
“D” key interchangeably

Windows key-L allows login into another user’s name on the same computer (if the
computer has multi-user login)

F1 starts Help in any application you are working in.
F3 starts Find/Search (in Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox)

Ctrl -S save the file current working (same location-Default location)

Ctrl-Insert copies the highlighted content to a buffer for copying/pasting elsewhere

Shift-Insert pastes content of buffer - pastes the content of CTRL-Insert or Shift-Del
Ctrl C Copies content after highlight

CTRL 1 gives you the checkmark symbol ?

In any application:
Shift and Arrow key will highlight in the direction of the arrow

keep Shift key down & keep pressing Arrow to repeat the highlighting process.

Shift-Ctrl-Arrow will highlight one word at a time in the direction of arrow

CTRL A  in ANY application highlights the entire page

In most textual applications, you can use

CTRL Arrow to move between words WITHOUT highlighting words.
CTRL Page UP or CTRL Page Down moves cursor to the beginning or end of a paragraph

In any application that allows font change, the following keys are effective

CTRL B  Bolds the area highlighted (see highlighting above) (only text)

CTRL I  makes your highlighted area Italic  (see highlighting above) (Only Text)

CTRL U makes highlighted words Underlined  (see highlighting above) (only Text)

CTRL –N will start a NEW application of the same application you are currently working with.  Hold the keys down and you will be opening a lot of the same application. (be careful)

CTRL Page Down  moves cursor to the next screen size in MOST applications
CTRL Page UP  move cursor to the previous screen size up
CTRL Home cursor goes to the top of the document in that application
CTRL End    cursor goes to the end of the document in that application
Or that you can hold the mouse down forever in order to scroll up or down
to get the same result

ALT & a number gives you a character
ALT and the underlined letter of a Menu item or command letter performs that Task e.g. Alt-F will pull down your File menu

ALT-Tab moves between open tasks

CTRL-ALT-DEL  (the three-fingered salute-Mother of windows functions)

Knowing some of all these keys will practically keep your hands on the keyboard most to all times and does not require you to move your hand back and forth between the keyboard and the mouse.

There are so much more.  Try learning some of your own.  Save ALL your work first before testing new things.

I hope you enjoy these key strokes.

Thanks
Mike Samadi

ARTICLE:

Wherever you live in this crazy world of genocide, suicide, murder, rape, or other crimes of human against human, or adults against children,… when every religion claims and repeats to enforce the same ideology that “we are all brothers and sisters”, credit is the “ideology”/concept of living a better life.  It does not mean that credit or money will bring happiness but it provides us a better lifestyle.  With credit, you can buy a better car rather than an embarrassing clunker.  It allows us to have a roof over our families’ heads, gives us an opportunity to own better furnishings, and so much more.  The concept of credit is practically saturated in our lifestyles to the extent that we cannot draw a distinguishing line.

Have you ever heard your parents or grandparents tell you, “we used to go to the grocery store down that street, picked up whatever we needed and if we did not have money to pay right then, we would ask the store owner or manager to add the items to our bill and next time we came in, we’d pay the bill…” It was a trustworthy relationship (as described in the credit definition-above) people had a few decades ago.  However, that type of trust seems to be a thing of the past.  Now, we live in a bigger, more crowded, and distrusting world.  Many mom and pop stores have been closed, become major corporations or the employees’ and managements’ “ideologies” have changed.  It is also because some of us have abused the “Trustworthiness afforded to us by others.”  Although some utility companies may still apply some concept of the old school credit and trust on us, they still request a cash deposit or ask to see our credit report in advance to connect our services, which takes us to the next paragraph.

What is a Credit Report?
As a result of the changes in our lifestyles, distrust and other issues discussed in the paragraph above, for profit companies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) have been established to obtain, process and hold our history of trustworthiness (“credit history”).  These companies, which are called credit reporting agencies or “credit bureaus”, have been receiving our credit history, accumulating, holding and processing them into an organized, readable format (called a credit report) for others who are willing to lend us money (Creditor).  Therefore a credit report is a collection of your payment history for loans and credit cards over the past several years.  As a result, whenever you want to purchase something using Other People’s Money (OPM), the one who wants to lend money or extend credit in some fashion, would want to pull/obtain/retrieve your credit report.

Note:  Since we mentioned “several years”, lets make this phrase clear.

a.       If you opened an account and the account is still open, then it will be reported on your credit report (also called “credit file”) from the date the account was opened… now read b.

b.      When an account closes, it still remains and reported on your credit report for yet another seven years.

c.       Now if the account was in good standing and closed that way, there will be a note/comment on your credit report (on the last line of the history for this account) that will say, “account closed at consumer’s request.”  However, if the account was in default (you missed payments and the creditor was forced to close the account) then, it will state, “Account closed by credit grantor.”

d.      If the account has a balance and was not paid at the time it was closed, then depending on the type of account, it will report serious negative on your credit report such as “Collection,” “Charge-off,” “Repossession,” “Foreclosures,” or some other adverse wordings (depending on the type of account you were holding.  (For more in depth information, please read the my book called, “Your Credit = Your Life, Fix It Now!”

e.       Whichever type of accounts you may have (whether good or bad), it will NOT be reported for more than sever years on your credit report, UNLESS, you file bankruptcy and include some accounts in your bankruptcy petition; therefore those accounts will be reported longer (based upon the type of bankruptcy filed).

Since all these discussions are extensive and takes pages, please read about them in the “Your Credit = Your Life, Fix It Now!” book.  http://www.Mastercreditrepair.net

Why credit repair is important?
First let’s make something clear.  Although a lot of credit repair companies want to mislead you by having you believe that creditors and credit bureaus are horrible devils from “hell”, the truth is that all parties can make mistakes.  The same way that we may make a mistake and forget to pay a bill on time (once or twice), the creditors may report inaccurate information by mistake.  There is no law broken.  However, the law is breached when a creditor or a credit bureau does NOT want to fix the mistake, argue with you or abuse their discretion.  As stated in the last paragraph of “What are Credit Bureau’s Responsibilities?” A bureau is responsible to report accurate information and any evidence of inaccuracy must be resolved in favor of consumers.  This includes when a creditor or a collection agency does not reply to the bureau’s request for correct information.  See the “Your Credit = Your Life …” book.

The way the credit system works is similar to the court system.  You are presumed innocent until proven guilty.  However, in the court system a person that is charged with a crime, is arrested, taken to jail, finger printed, booked, a bond is set (in most cases), then released on bond until a later date, when through a series of court hearings the person is proven innocent or guilty.  Although most credit repair companies want to make you believe that the credit system works in the reverse order, this is not true and do NOT be deceived.  As I stated above, mistakes can take place by both (your creditor and or the credit bureaus).  It is your job to look at your reports, find the inconsistencies and contact the bureaus or the creditors to resolve the issues.  Please read the book, “Your Credit = Your Life, Fix It Now!”, so that you can become informed about all aspects of credit repair.

Since the inconsistencies can take place accidentally or inadvertently, no one can be blamed UNLESS you notify the party who made the mistake and no corrections are made.  Some credit repair companies use scare tactics concerning credit bureaus to get your business.  Do NOT be INTIMIDATED….

I repeatedly use the expression that “lack of knowledge costs a person a lot of money” or  “knowledge is wealth.”  I interpret this expression by saying, “scammers see your lack of knowledge as PRICELESS.”   The book I mentioned above costs about $25.00 but WILL save you thousands and give you so much knowledge so that when you get fraudulent calls from collection agencies or even those so called “debt consolidation”, “debt reduction”, and “debt management” companies or others, you will be able to immediately recognize the scams and fraud.  In the “Fraud Watch” article, I will give you examples.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives you the right to accurate credit reporting. Exercise that right by having your questionable credit items either verified as accurate or removed from your credit files according to the law.

What are Credit Bureaus’ responsibilities?
As we discussed under the main paragraph of “What is a Credit Report?), the bureaus’ responsibility is NOT to act on creditors or lenders behalf, but only to report accurate information concerning your credit history.  However, while accumulating data from creditors, lenders, collection agencies or others, bureaus may receive inaccurate data and process the data into inaccurate information, which is then displayed on your credit reports/files.  Although Experian’s representatives are known to argue with consumers about the inaccurate information reported on a person’s credit report; however, by law they are NOT justified in doing so.  A credit bureau’s job is ONLY to accumulate, process, and report information given to them (whether electronically or through paper) by the creditor/lenders and collection agencies.  If you feel intimidated by a bureau’s representative, DO NOT HANG UP the phone; get the person’s name, ID, department or any other information, then ask for the supervisor, and finally report the company to the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) by phone or visit the website www.ftc.gov.

There are a couple of books out there called “Your Credit = Your Life, Fix It Now!”, and “Consumer Advocacy” (http://www.mastercreditrepair.net), they teach you how to effectively catch people in their act of deception, fraud, and consumer abuse.

The credit bureau is responsible to investigate and properly affect corrections on your credit report when any inaccuracies are reported to them.  See the next paragraph for details.

Although, the law gives you the right to dispute any listing on your credit reports that may be inaccurate, untimely, misleading or unverifiable (questionable items), the law can’t protect you at all times until you push the issues and be consistent with your pursuit for justice and credit issues.  If a credit bureau can’t verify the accuracy of a disputed listing, then it must be removed the item from your credit report.   However, there is a lot more to credit repair than just disputing a line item entered on your credit report.  When you know the law and have knowledge of the proper way in handling your affairs, then you have the upper hand.

I can repeatedly suggest that you read, read and make time to read until I turn blue and yet you may still come up with some sort of excuse.  It is true that I can NOT twist your arm or force you to act responsibly and to understand that your financial destiny is in no one else’s hand but your own. You must understand, I spend hours writing these articles, hired Internet experts-spend unexpected amounts of money posting them to give you ideas, provide you important information and encourage you to take control of your life at no cost to you when and where there is no benefit to me.  Even if you think you are not a good reader, fast reader, do not have time for it or whatever your excuse may be, I am certain you care about making and saving your money; therefore, do something that would benefit you.

Not until you admit that you have a problem, can you face and fix it.  Just like an alcoholic or drug user who claims he/she doesn’t have a problem, people who don’t want to admit they have financial or credit problems cannot fix their problems.  Before I give you an example, let me clarify that I am not trying to brag but am thankful to GOD for the intelligence he has given me.  Now, I am trying very hard to share those experiences with you.

Most of my friends work for the government or companies and make more money than I do.  However, most of them had or have bad credit, spend a lot more money in an attempt to catch up with their bills and none of them live in a house as nice as I do.  Again, I am NOT trying to brag.  My credibility was in the millions up until I met three con-men who took me to the cleaners.  However, I had one thing going for me, my credit. Every time, my friends wanted to buy something, they had to cough up a lot of cash, get higher than normal interest rates, pay so much more for the loan cost, spend about two months trying to get a loan or many other situations which was uncomfortable to them.  On the other hand, I was and am able to get loans larger than they can and ONLY in a matter of a few days, without any problem and at a much lower cost and rate.  I have bargaining and negotiating power due to my good credit.

Every one of my friends has asked me how I do it.  But none of them wanted to set forth any effort to do what I have been doing.  Some of them did not ask for help with their IRS, State tax liens, Property Tax liens, medical bills (co-pay portions), collections, and so on and so forth until years later.  Although, I helped them for free, it took them years and a lot of wasted money (on higher interest rates, late fees, and other overcharging fees) plus aggravations to finally give up and do something.  Please do not be like some of my friends.  Do something NOW.

When I tell people that I can close on mortgage loans within SEVEN (7) days, they do not believe it until I show them proof.  No, I am not talking about from the time the underwriters FINALLY approve my loan until the time that we agreed on a closing date.  I not only do this for myself, but also have proof of what I have done for a couple of my clients.  It took me 7 days from the actual time of application until the signing of the security deed, exchange of money and documents.  Again, I make less money than most of my friends!!  And, I do NOT pay a dime over what my actual bills are.  No. I am not talking about paying more than what I have to, because when you are forced to pay late fees and over limit fees then you HAVE TO pay.  “HAVE TO pay” is very different and higher from “the actual bill.”  I save my money very properly.  How are you Saving Your Money?  Read this book.

Why act now?
As lending and credit options for consumers with poor credit continue to decrease, having a good credit report and credit score has never been more important (especially now with all the foreclosures or repossessions and loan defaults). A lot of people become statistics and consider the alternative method (which is waiting seven years for credit problems to go away).  However, the seven years will never come; because, every day we need something that requires credit. We continue borrowing money or live on credit.  As we do so, our rates, cost of obtaining a loan/credit/service goes up, our late fees and over limit fees don’t stop (because we can’t catch up with the payments that were set high to begin with), etc, etc.  Therefore, we never see the end of the month let alone the end of seven years.

Most importantly, if you have good credit now, you will be able to buy, the dream home or the real-estate investment property for less than half its value now, or buy a nice car, boat, you name it, at massive discount.  In case you were asleep for the past year and a half, it is time to wake up and see how many options are available to you.

It is true that some bad things (derogatory) may fall at the end of the seven years (if we ever get there) but, some remains (see my book “Your Credit = Your Life…”) Moreover, as some old stuff is removed, some new BAD stuff may take their place.  IT IS A NEVER ENDING CYCLE.  So don’t fool yourself that in sever years everything will be OKAY and then you can turn your life around.  I promise you that attitude will NEVER WORK.  There’s no better time to act than the present.

You have an incredible array of rights and a long list of options to improve your credit. However, you MUST take action NOW.

I have a sign on my office door and I make sure everyone reads it before they enter my personal office.  It says, “More is lost by indecision than by bad decision.”  It is also on my business card.  I stole the statement from the analysis of the book “Your Credit = Your Life, Fix It Now!”  Please understand the issues surrounding your life, willpower and future.

Thanks
Mike Samadi

Here is a new one to some of you, but an old one to me.

I have been warning a lot of people about certain types of scams for a long time.  Recently, I learned about a few people that were scammed and sent their money elsewhere based upon fake checks they received.  They were both young and old in age.”

Several months ago, as I finally got one of my properties back because of the injustice of the U.S. Department of Justice.  A friend suggested that I should advertise the property on craigslist.com.  Not knowing the site, I listed an Ad.  Of course this site is just like any other advertising site visited by good people but also visited by scammers.

As a result of my Ad, I received many emails from interested parties, who all wanted me to hold the property, and they have already sent me payment. They sent me payment so that I would pay the travel agency for their travel arrangement from England, Australia or even some northern parts of the U.S.

Here is the order of the emails I receivedJ
1.    Every one of them had very poor English writing skills, however, claimed to be doctors, professionals, engineers, and minimally educated people with high paying jobs.
2.    They all claimed to be English speaking citizens.  Of course, any one can be a citizen, even if they cannot speak a word of the national language of the country.
3.    All of them had the same style of writing with broken sentences.  All of them excited; asking me not enter into an agreement with anyone else (showing much interest).  They also claimed that payment is on the way -even if they didn’t have my information.  Then, they asked me for my name, address, and phone so that they could send the payment.  They all claimed that the payment has come or is coming from a company in the U.S.  They all also claimed that they are sending me more that my required amount so that I would pay for their travel arrangement to my house/city and all their furniture shipment.
4.    All of them were ready to grab the property, without seen the property.
5.    All of them had a third party in the U.S. that was going to overnight the check to me

Mind you, I have been writing and talking about scams for years and am very familiar with banking laws (at least presentation of checks and have access to find any bank and their company officers in a matter of minutes, if not seconds.

When I saw the first email, I prepared a general Q & A (FAQ) email, describing the property, showing pictures, described in detail that I ONLY ACCEPT U.S. BANK CASHIER/CERTIFIED CHECKS or the U.S. POSTAL SERVICES MONEY ORDER.  I announced clearly that I would not accept any other payments.

I also noted very clearly that, I WILL NOT HOLD THE PROPERTY for ANYONE UNLESS I RECEIVE THE EXACT AMOUNT OF PAYMENT FOR THE FIRST MONTH, and 2 PAYMENTS FOR SECURITY.  Moreover, I noted, “PLEASE DO NOT SEND ME A DIME more that what the payment is.”  I WILL NOT SEND PAYMENTS ELSEWHERE, PAY FOR ANY OF YOUR OTHER NEEDS, MAKE TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS, OR MAKE OR PAY FOR YOUR FURNITURE and SHIPPING”.

I bundled the entire email including pictures and had it ready for anyone that responded to me.  It seems that it did not matter how many times I would tell these scammers the same thing, they would still send the same type of email or modify it a bit and again, send me the email.

And finally:
I received 3 overnight packages. One was a check printed on an old INK-JET color printer with a COPY signature. Another one- was a regular check from a bank account, which had been inactive for years with a negative balance, and one that I cannot even describe because it was screaming FAKE from miles away.

I immediately contacted the “SECURITY” departments of banks that was stated on the face of the check and shared the information.  One of the banks already knew and the other was glad to hear from me.  The third, I did not even bother, because it was too fake to waste time on.

Now, one of the idiots who sent me the checks, also sent me a “fake” official-looking document that accepting these check and not complying with the terms of the agreement would cause criminal prosecution upon me.  Oooh, very scary!!!  As soon as I read it, I could not stop laughing.  Of course, for those of you out there, this is a way for the scammers to present themselves as legitimate business people wanting to make you scared that if you “DEPOSIT” the check, you MUST immediately take money out for the overage and send it to the destination they provide, or they will press criminal charges.  What a bull.   J

Let’s not forget, these checks were NOT the type I asked.  They were personal or company checks when I asked for Bank Cashier Check.  Every one of these checks was for thousands of dollars over the amount of my required payments.  The interested parties (scammers) wanted me to deposit the checks and take money out-of my account (for the difference between what I asked and what was writing on the check) and Western Union the difference to some location OUT-SIDE the U.S.

I am certain you got the picture.

Now allow me to shed a little light over check processing.

I send you a check.  Whether it is legitimate or fake, whether in-state or out, it must be deposited, except if you take it to the issuing bank (the bank that is on the face of the check).  If you take it to the issuing bank, the bank can cash the good check, if the funds are available. Otherwise, you have to take the check to your bank, make the deposit, and hope and pray it will remain good until it clears the issuing bank.

Let’s not forget the following issues:
1.    You deposit this check, take some money out and then I stop payment a couple of days later (immediately before it hits my bank).  You lose.
2.    I will even let the check clear my account. Then, I contact my bank and dispute that the payment was issued to a wrong party.  Most banks do NOT allow these types of disputes, but believe me, it can BE DONE.  You lose again.

I hope I am making some sense here.  Just like you tell your young ones, “Do not take candy from strangers,” follow the same rule and don’t accept what looks to be like candy from strangers.

Recently, I went to another great and helpful site for consumers and advertised my Chinese Crested puppies.  Again, I was stormed by similar emails and a check delivery, even though I repeatedly forwarded my FAQ, my funds acceptance policies and pictures of the puppies.

So, good boys and girls, do NOT accept fake checks, rush to the bank, drain your account, and forward money to some stranger somewhere-cluelessly.   Some of these “fake” checks look so good that even your bank managers (experienced bankers) may get fooled.  Therefore, this is my suggestion.

When you receive a check from an unknown entity, take your time, find the issuing bank, call them or drive there (if in your neighborhood), and share all the information about the check. Show the check and let the bank certify that it is a legitimate check.  Otherwise, send the check back and ask for cashier/certified U.S. bank check).

With love and best wishes,

Mike Samadi

Before I being telling you a very small portion of my recent incidents, allow me to share my belief.  I am not a religious person, although I attend churches, temple and used to go to mosques (years ago).  However, I believe in God.  Everyday, my trust in Him increases.  In simple words, there is not a day that I loudly do not announce, “God I Love you and my life is yours.”  “God you gave me life and my existence.  Every breath that I take, every move that I make, everything that I eat or drink and so much more, is either because you allow me to do so, you provide for me or you make it happen.”  It is all because I have seen Hell and life both in the past fifteen (15) years (BEYOND YOUR BELIEF).   I believe in a few old sayings:  “Love one another”, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” “Think right, do right and talk right.”  I also believe in the sayings: “Knowledge is wealth,” “More is lost by indecision than by bad decision”, “Ask and you shall receive,” and “Tomorrow is not promised to anyone.”  I use this last one sensibly and carefully as some people misunderstand its true meaning.

However, before you read the rest, I want you to understand that I am NOT bragging.  I am just sharing the true fact of established credit and how a good and long term established credit could make you credit invincible.

As much as I do not believe in fortune telling, palm reading, card or coffee reading concepts, once a while to just throw my money away, I would listen to the advice of friends and drive with them to a few of these places, listening to what the ”so called, spiritual readers” had to say.  It should read like this, “To my dismay, I had done this three times since 1994, when I was seeking for a way to see how I could turn my horrible life around, as described in my book “When I-RAN,” available to the public in four months.  Every time to my disappointment, I would lose a little money just listen to some nonsense that would never come true. Of course, you must understand that from 1994 through 2000, I was working on some large scaled business application/data storage software packages (for the laymen out there- large computer programs for multi-million dollar businesses).  I needed a sense of direction and was lost.  God was not answering me (or that I thought –He was not).  I guess I was expecting Him to come and squeeze & twist my ears and force me to listen.  I guess it is called knowledge and patience (that I was lacking and still am).

Anyway, for the past two years, due to my massive legal battles and … (read in the “When I-RAN” book), my former wife asked me to contact Sylvia Brown (the “so-called world renounced psychic”).  I asked my wife, how she learned about Sylvia.  She stated, “Through the Montel Show.”  Since I heard about Montel before (although I never listened to his programs), I decided to listen to his program when he had Sylvia on his show.  After a couple of times, I became doubtful as I could not understand how a person can tell a group of audience members what the after life or “other side” looks like.  Then, I understood.  No one actually knows what the after life is about, yet people are easily deceived.  Who knows?  I can have you hear anything you want and you would not know the difference anyway.  My wife persuaded me by stating that Sylvia helped law enforcement agencies to solve murder crimes.  Then I said, ”So the police departments do not need to invest millions of dollars and hire full time investigators –spend weeks, months or even years to solve a crime.  All they need to do is hire Sylvia and her son (Chris) to go around the country and let these two finger point the criminals and the cases would be solved so much easier and more efficiently.  This way millions of taxpayers’ dollars would be saved, the district Attorneys and the governors would look like angels, and would be happy to hold on to their jobs for life.”

For years, I believed that if the psychics had the ability to predict, then they all would be able to win the lottery all across this country (if not the globe) and did not need to read someone’s palm, card, a coffee cup or have a crystal ball.  See, it is easy to predict the unknowns and unpredictable, if you discipline yourself.  You may wonder how?  Then, read the book “When I-RAN.”   However, predicting someone else’s life or future, is a bit out of our hands, for those who believe in God, and is unusually suspicious when it comes to those who do not believe in God.

Anyway, as a result of my wife’s persistence, I agreed to blow away several hundred dollars by calling Sylvia Brown’s organizations. Of course, after a long recording and leaving several messages, I became frustrated and left an educated yet, frustrating message.  As a result, I received a phone call and was told that Sylvia’s schedule is booked six (6) to nine (9) months in advance and Chris’ is booked ahead about 3-4 months.

However, to have Sylvia read my life it requires the fee of $750.00 advanced payment of several months and for Chris, it requires payment of $450.00 several months ahead.

The organization would not take any sort of payment but a credit card.  To my amusement, would you like to know why?  It is so that you would NOT be able to dispute the charge and that by the time the reading comes into the schedule, you would have no way to dispute as your time to dispute would have legally passed.

As a result of persistence, I authorized the charge of $450.00 since I needed to get a sense of direction for a couple of my legal issues.

This was the result of Mr. Chris Brown’s reading:
He insisted that I must stop my litigations, as I would lose them all and I would be spending a lot of time and money for no reasons.  He even stated that I would be throwing good money after bad.  (MBNA/BOA wants to settle).

He said we do not have any health issues…. And even commented about my family’s…

He said that my finances would be on the up and up and I would not suffer and insisted that I had to continue with my real estate and that only work on my book writing as a hobby and not as a source of income.  Again, he emphasized that I must stop litigations.

He also told my wife, who had been recently demoted at her work, not to worry and in June she would be promoted and it would all workout best for her.  He persisted that there should be no need for litigation in that matter either.

He also suggested that our relationship, the severely damaged relationship, would workout as he even commented by saying, “You kids need to work it out and everything will be alright.”

He noted a few other things.

I guess God had His own agenda and did not like for me to place my life, future, or trust in the hands or mouths of a ”so called spiritual reader (a fortune teller).”

Let me describe what transpired immediately after the reading of February 29, 2008.  A week or so later, my investment account of many years with Ameritrade/Accutrade was liquidated as a result of repeated errors of Accutrade and its representatives’ belligerence, ignorance and stubbornness.  I was placed into foreclosure by SunTrust bank shortly thereafter and came to a point in life that I, who never stutters in speaking, practically lost my sense of speech to the point that a friend came to my house baby sitting me, making certain that nothing would happen to me.

Not long thereafter, my aunt who raised me since the age of four, died and three weeks later my mom, who I lacked seeing so much and missed spending time with, died in a horrible car crash.

Yet this is October 19, 2008 as I am writing this, my wife is still at the same demoted position, and we live in separate houses because “we kids could not work it out.”

Then, I realized that I was right all along.  No one knows anything about my life other than the God who created me.  The knowledge and ability He gave me is what makes or breaks me and it is not what a ”so called fortune teller” tells me.  God gave me several paths to choose, and I must choose one that would be most desirable and fulfilling to me.  Although from time to time, just like any other human being, I may scream and say, “GOD, WHY DO YOU DO THIS TO ME?”  Then, I realize, he put water, fire, hills and cliffs in front of me, told me the differences and showed me what will happen if I choose each.  I did not want to listen and decided to hug the fire and jump off the cliff.

I further realized that I could become credit invincible under His guidance.  Allow me to explain this part.

Immediately after having a foreclosure by SunTrust Mortgage Department along with a series of +150 days late payment, a late payment by another creditor and also being involved in a litigation with MBNA/Bank of America due to a “Charge Off” all on my credit reports, I was able to buy several expensive, new, or almost new vehicles ALL in a matter of less than seven months.  Guess how good my credit was that all these negative impacts (describe above) had little to no impact on my buying power?  You may say, “Okay, so what, you are suffering from high interest rates.”  Yes, you are right.  My interest rates on these vehicles are—are you ready to read…?

1.    A truck of $25,000.00 that has a rate of 4.9%,
2.    A fully loaded Avalanche of $48,000.00 that has a rate of 5.5%,
3.    A Porsche Cayenne that has an interest rate of 0.99%  (using a credit card),
4.    A fully loaded Silverado 2500 that has an interest rate of 5.75%, and
5.    An Infiniti M series at a rate of 1.99% at a price over 50 is my most recent purchase.
I have all these vehicles and am making payments on all.

Now, let’s see if you understand what I am trying to say.  In a matter of a few months in 2008, I have all of these on my credit report along with massive credit card limits;

1.    I received a recent foreclosure and several 150+ day late payments for one mortgage loan; (soon to file action against)
2.    I received a recent late payment on another loan;
3.    I also had a credit card “Charge Off” of an amount -almost $14,000.00;
4.    I Bought my first vehicle and still had enough credit and buying power to buy the second vehicle;
5.    Negotiate, paid, bought and repaired a house for soon to be Ex,
6.    Still had buying power and credit left to buy the third vehicle;
7.    Have a judgment on my credit file; because, I was mourning the death of two mothers back to back, fighting a wife, negotiating, transacting and fixing a house for a wife; therefore, I forgot I had another life.
8.    Bought another house (not Ex) using a credit card along with small line of credit;
9.    Still had buying power to buy the fourth one;
10.    Still had credit to buy yet another.
11.    And am still fighting.

If you still did not get the message, it means every time you get a loan, that loan and purchase reduces your chances of making the next purchase.  Each new purchase/loan must be settled and remain on your credit report for at minimum six (6) months for it to create any positive impact.  This means, any new loan will drop your credit score for the first six months, as it is NOT an established account.  Now, if your overall credit history is not a long terms history of 5 years or more, a new loan will take even up to a year to become a positive impact.

Do I need to continue or did you get the picture?

Do you want to answer me about my questions of which do I believe- the power of credit or power of spiritual readers/fortune tellers?

Any questions?  Go to the “Comment” page and post your story or comment.  Your information will remain confidential.  Join my membership club (coming soon).

With love and best wishes for all

Mike Samadi

Although I would not suggest you doing so, but I just want to share with you the power of possibilities/CREDIT.  It is amazing that in this world where and when most people are suffering from bad credit or high credit card debt just because they could not stop yanking credit cards out of valets when they go shopping, there are some people among us that are not making million of dollars yet are able to use credit cards to buy expensive cars or houses.  Let’s look at this in more detail.

Although it is uncommon to use a credit card to purchase a car, but what I am trying to show you is the power of credit.  Let’s see:
1.    To buy a car using credit card, requires high credit limit.  Especially when it comes to expensive cars
2.    To have such a high credit requires continuous discipline.  It means:
a.    acting responsible- paying bill on time every time;
b.    requires a length of time;
c.    brings the lenders’ long-term respect.
d.    And power of understanding on how to deal with lenders.
3.    Now if you have such a high credit, it will teach you how to even have low interest card.

Let me give you an example.  Some one offered me a Porsche Cayenne at a reasonable price.  I did not have cash at hand, and if I was going to get a loan from a bank for this car, I would have received a loan at a rate of 5.55% to 6.00%.  But I did not need to use any bank loan, because I had a chase card that was offering me an interest rate of 0.99% for a year or two.  That was enough time frame for me to get the car using my credit limit on the card and pay +$30,000.00.  NO I am not going to tell you the actual price (but over $30K).

However, before made this purchase, I used a similar technique and purchased a house (an investment property at a rate of 4.9%)

How many of you out there can do this without coughing up a lot of money?

You see, although I am not trying to brag about my deals (as I have been suffering other down turns in life – thanks to a great wife and two so-called best friends of the past), but having good credit opens up a lot of doors unexpectedly.

The families that were ready to sell their home or car to me knew that I am a capable person (even with an empty pocket-no money).  Although most to all of my money was spent without my control and while I was away (read about it in my book called When I-RAN-out to public in 4 months), but I had one ability after I returned.  How to return my credit score that used to be at 798 and went to 440 back to 830 in a matter of short time.  It is called knowledge.  As I repeatedly say in my articles, “Knowledge is wealth” here we go.  I am a living proof.  Knowing what to do, allowed me to turn my credit life around that has been helping me to bring back new money to the table after going from rich house to a poor house in my absence and (thanks to my closest confidants).

If someone needs to see proof, please feel free to ask me.  I will even give you my Social Security Number and want to see how much damage can you do to me.  I bet none.

What is the moral of the story?

Please write to me and tell me what is in your mind.
Thanks
Mike Samadi

Dear friends and strangers:

In my previous blogs and bulletins, I discussed ID theft/fraud and scams.
Listen to the reports/news about a neighbor (a couple) in an apartment stolen other neighbors ID and lived richly OFF those people’s IDs.

There are so many other ways for Identity theft Fraud.  Such as
1.  People looking over your shoulder in the stores.
2.  Stealing your mail from your mail boxes (home or post office).
3.  You losing your valet and not immediately reporting the loss to the police, your creditors and banks.
4.  You provided your credit card to a company for a purchased and the company keeps charging your account when the authorized charge was only SUPPOSED TO BE for one transaction.  “fraud spree”
5.  ID assumption. Like the couple on the CNN news have done with their neighbors.  (go to the link above)
6.  Electronic transactions.  A lot of us think that the internet or Cell phones are safe.  In fact they are the unsafest and the easiest method for Stolen ID or account information.
7.  Lost your keys?  I have seen key chains and key valets in which the owners address is engraved on the valet of key chain.  What a silly idea!?!  If you lose your key and a stranger finds it, now you are letting the stranger where you live.  Why don’t you also note the hours you won’t be home and the combination to your safety deposit box and your security key code so that if he/she decided to visit your home (while you’re away), he/she would feel at home.  If I lose my keys, I will make it less troublesome for me and let the police know (IMMEDIATELY MAKE A REPORT).  If I have to take a drastic measure, I will change my house door locks and possibly do the same with my cars.

Making a report WILL PROTECT YOU IN DISPUTING CHARGES, ACCOUNTS and rescues you from a whole long list of other troubles.

“If the keys are surely lost, let it stay lost.”  Don’t invite strangers to your domain.

There are some websites that claim to be secured websites, but in reality they are not.

I still like to do my “on-line” transactions over my land line phones.  If I truly have to perform an “on -line” transactions, I will LIMIT such transactions to particular TRUSTED companies and through ONE particular bank account in which I review every day *(as a lot of my transactions go through that account and it requires me to monitor the account closely).  You may say, “who has time to monitor an account daily?”.  Believe me when it is your money, credit and life “on the line”, you will protect it (IF YOU CARE).

Anyway, I don’t agree with some people who hand their credit cards to someone they recently met, their car keys to a newly found friends

Thanks
Mike Samadi

Seems that car thieves have found yet another way to steal your car or truck without any effort at all. The car thieves peer through the windshield of your car or truck, write down the VIN from the label on the dash, go to the local car dealership and request a duplicate key based on the VIN .

The Car Dealer’s Parts Department will make a duplicate key from the VIN , and collect payment from the thief who will return to your car. He doesn’t have to break in, do any damage to the vehicle, or draw attention to himself. All he has to do is walk up to your car, insert the key and off he goes to a local Chop Shop with your vehicle. However, some car dealer started asking for ID.  But that doesn’t mean much when your car is stolen.  Are you or the police are going to call all dealers in your town/city or state to see if any of them recently made keys for that VIN ?
To avoid this from happening to you, simply put some tape (electrical tape, duct tape or medical tape) across the VIN Metal Label located on the dash board (on some cars it is on the driver side edge of the windshield). By law, you can’t remove the VIN, but you can cover it so it can’t be viewed through the windshield by a car thief.  (Duct tape creates a little more mess as the glow dries out. I would suggest mailing label, which creates less mess when dries out.)

Mike Samadi

1.    I teach my clients what they need, how to prepare their taxes and how to become organized.  Possibly you should start by asking your tax preparers detailed questions about every line item of your return.  Also during tax season, go to the post office near you and pick up the forms and some publication or go to the www.IRS.gov and pick up some forms and its instructions and start reading in order to gain knowledge about taxes.  Most people need the instructions associated with forms 1040, Schedule A, Sch. B, Sch. C (if you have a self-employment business), Sch. D (if you bought/sold stocks, bonds, real estate properties, or carrying over previous years stock losses,…), Sch. E (if you had rental real estate property), Form 4562 (relates to Sch. C and E- if you have self employment or rental real estate depreciations to include vehicles/trucks), Form 8829 (if you used your home for your self employment or rental property management), Form 2106 (if you are a w-2 employee which some of employee related expenses were not reimbursed by your employer OR you were doing job search and had job search, interviews and other expenses to include vehicle, meal, travel…)

2.    In my previous articles, I mentioned a website and a couple of books.  One of the books was “Your Credit = Your Life, Fix It Now!”  There is a CD included that describes some of the tax liabilities.  You MUST read.

3.    Take some classes and get yourself paid by doing your taxes instead of paying a tax preparer.

4.    Buy a tax preparation book, read and learn.

5.    While you are doing any of the above to increase your knowledge (about how to prepare your taxes), you can also call the IRS at 800-829-1040 and choose the option relating to tax questions (NOT the option about refunds or owing taxes).  I know, a lot of people are afraid of calling the IRS because they think the IRS agent is going to reach through the phone or the satellite and get to the person claiming money. For that reason, since you don’t know if the IRS is going to hang you and shake you upside down to get all your money, then make an anonymous call.  All you want to do is to get some correct information on how to prepare your tax return and a better understanding of how things work.  So, call from a blocked number and don’t give your name.  Since you want general information about how to prepare (not relating specifically to your tax returns), then the IRS representatives are not going to ask for your names or SSN.

6.    MOST importantly, buy a tax software such as Intuit (Turbo Tax) or H & R block (TaxCut) software to do your taxes.  Both of these software packages which are less than $30.00 each have all sorts of information and instructions and take you through “INTERVIEW” steps even in more detail than your CPA or Tax preparer would.  Now, if you are not sure about a questions, you can read the pop up help instructions or call the IRS 800-829-1040 number and select the option about having questions on how to prepare.

7.    You also have the choice of having you local IRS office help you prepare the tax-return.  However, be careful.  The preparing representative, may tell you that some of your expenses are not allowed.  I had to argue with the IRS auditors, show them publications, etc. for them to see it my way.  Therefore, I do NOT suggest you taking your tax return to the IRS rep. (if you have many sources of income and deductions) to prepare.  You can have the IRS prepare your return if it is very simple, if you have low income and a lot of mouths to feed (dependents).  I assure you, the same way that some of the tax preparers and CPAs are clueless, some of the IRS representatives who provide information and prepare taxes may also lack full knowledge.  This is based upon my extensive experiences researching information for others.

SO.  Whatever you do, learn about how your taxes are done so that you will know what to save, spend or store during the year.  Buy one of the software packages I talked about under paragraph 6 (above).  They take you through a step by step interview and teach you as they ask you detailed questions.  If you still have some unanswered questions, then call the IRS help line.

Now, when you call the IRS, you must know the best time to call.  If you are calling during the tax season, expect to stay on the phone for a minimum of 20 minutes before you get started.  If you call in the evening when everybody else is calling; again, expect to remain on the phone for a long time.  The best time to call IRS for questions (whatever your question may be –refunds, amount owed, or preparing) is either in the morning and Saturdays and Sundays.

When you call the IRS to get some questions answered and do not want your number revealed, then block your number.  The bottom line is when asking tax preparation questions, the IRS agent will not ask you for your name, but every agent will provide his/her name and ID number.  For consistency of receiving correct information, write the person’s name and ID down and if you are not satisfied or think the answer may not be correct, then call back, you’ll get someone else then ask the same questions and compare.  I’m certain you’ve heard about the “Second Opinion” concept.

Now let’s say you are not sure if you correctly prepared your return. In that case, print it, take the return and all your supporting documents that allowed you to do the return to your tax prepaper, tell him/her to review the information in detail and even offer to pay, or pay for time to review.  This way, you will know how good or bad you have done.  IF you made mistakes, then you can correct those mistakes and learn new things for the following years.

There is so much more to say about tax preparation, your preparer, your refund or taxes owed.  It would be impossible to address all here.  The book, I mentioned, “Your Credit = Your Life, Fix It Now!” talks about refunds, some scams and tax liabilities.  The money you spend buying this book is minimal in comparison to the knowledge you gain.

I hope this information has been helpful.

Mike Samadi

(Copyrighted Material)
Most of us are scared of IRS because the fear the agency created or the horrible stories we’ve heard.  Scares come from the facts that most people lack knowledge.  Besides the fact that the IRS is a fruit of several rich individuals to create shelter for the government so on and so forth; you must understand that the IRS agents (who you as a taxpayer deal with) are not only easier to work with than most customer service representatives of credit card companies and banks, but also are more helpful and understanding.  I am not trying to take sides, but have dealt with a lot of them.

I have seen a lot of people that pay the IRS a large sums of taxes because they don’t realize the mistakes their taxpreparer makes/made.  I don’t care if a person claims to be a tax-preparer or even a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).  I have seen several CPAs’ work that cost their customers-clients unnecessary tax expenses, because of their mistakes.  In fact, I had to rescue several people from paying over $20,000.00 to $50,000.00 taxes to the IRS because their accountants did not include a lot of their legitimate expenses (such as education loans/expenses, business expenses when business income was included or so much more).

Now allow me to explain this a bit differently.  Of course your accountant does not have a crystal ball to know what your expenses were the year past before he/she prepares your return.  I have an expression for Crystal ball.  When someone asks me a question that requires guessing or predicting, I tell that person, “sorry, my crystal ball broke several years ago.”

Your CPA’s crystal ball must be like mine.  Therefore, you must help him/her to do the best job possible for you.  There are some clueless preparers (no disrespect is intended); however, one thing I noticed that most (90%) CPAs or even tax-preparers don’t have is AN EFFECTIVE INVENTORY OF ALL YOUR EXPENSES AND INCOME.

Let see, what do I mean by that.  Tax season is right around the corner and most people “assume” (you don’t know how much I hate this word) that we’ll do the same way as did last year.  Just because you or your CPA makes the mistake of preparing your return incompletely, don’t blame the IRS for your lack of effort in your tax preparation.  The IRS says, do what you can do to maximize your benefit as long as you are truthful and don’t fudge numbers.  OKAY.  The IRS says take advantage of your refund and reduce your liabilities in the best method available to you as long as you are not deceitful.  Some tax-preparers are deceitful and some are honest.  Some CPAs are clueless and some are knowledgeable.  However, the bottom line of responsibility FALLS ON YOUR SHOULDERS.  If there is something wrong with your tax return, even if the tax-preparere or CPA signed the tax return (below your signature), the IRS contacts you (ALWAYS through mail the first time) for any inaccuracies.  I hope I am clear on this.

Let’s go back to the “Crystal Ball” issue.  You have been going to the same tax-man/woman for years.  You take some papers to him/her to do your tax return.  He/she tells you are going to receive so much refund or going to owe so much.  You blindly say, “OK.  Yes, Sir/Mam,” sign the documents as he/she instructs and send it out/file it…  Neither you (an uninformed person about the tax laws) nor he/she bothers to ask you if your lifestyle, spending habits or any situation has changed over the years.  So, he “ASSUMS” you have no changes from the years past.  You are at fault for your own losses by not sharing any changes.  For that reason, I had created a six-seven (6-7) page inventory sheet (called expense report) which I provide to a few of my clients before I talk with them.  Although I don’t prepare tax returns, but (as said before,) I have rescued a lot of CPA and tax-preparers’ customers from massive tax liabilities to the IRS (at no direct fault of taxpayers, but their preparers’).

I told a couple of my clients whom I’ve helped with credit issues, I don’t want to do their taxes (especially if they do not have any problems with the IRS or state).  Therefore, I give them my “Expense Report” and explain the line items of the report.  I even mention to them that some of the line items are for informational purposes only or that a CPA or tax-preparer may not be able to use the information if they are not self employed and/or don’t fall within certain categories.  Of course, I knew these people’s entire financial as I have reorganized their entire financial life (except stocks, bond, life insurance and a few other long term investments).  Sadly to say, when they filled out the sheets and took them along with their w-2’s, 1099s, 1098s, and other supporting documents for the purpose of tax return, their CPAs said; “there was no need for that…” and handed them a two page expense report which did not cover most of the important issues.  The clients came back to me with those reports and I had to contact the CPAs in order to make certain that the expenses are accordingly covered.

Dear wonderful taxpayer.  There is nothing wrong with you claiming all your legitimate and legal deductions and maximizing your refund or reducing your liabilities.  The IRS doesn’t deny you, but says, “be honest.”  Until the day you become an expert and are capable of fighting the IRS (by not paying any taxes), you are a small fish in a big pond and must pay your taxes accordingly, but maximize it to your benefit (as allowed by law).

Allow me to share a couple of arguments I had with the IRS managers and even the U.S. attorneys representing the IRS interest.

1.  About filing status:
The IRS says, use the best method of filing your tax return that benefits you.  It even includes the first thing on your tax return “Filing Status.”  I had a client whoes CPA worked on the families’ tax returns and marked the return as “Married Filing Jointly”, when the best result for the family was married filing separate (as they were for the last 7 months of the year).  Of course, itemized deductions were involved.  The CPA caused this family that had two young children (in day care) to pay a little over $1,000.00 in additional taxes on their tax return when they had already paid nearly $8,000.00 of tax withholdings to the IRS through their W-2 on their nearly $85,000.00 W-2 and retirement distributions income.  The client came to me on some unrelated issue (mortgage loan consulting).  I asked to see his returns for the past two years (for informational purpose– w-2 employs don’t need tax-returns for mortgage loans…) and noticed many more mistakes the CPA’s had made (even on past returns).

I then discussed and decided to amend their most recent return and faced the obstacle of an IRS law stating, that you can change everything else but your filing status.  As a result, I communicated with the Tax Payer Service Manager (TSM) and discussed the issue of the law.  She addressed a publication that contained filing status tax law.  Then, I diverted her attention to another publication that was thicker and had more details.  I explained to her that she needs to reconsider her words as a) the mistake was not at the fault of the taxpayer but a CPA who is authorized by the IRS to do such “crappy” work and b) that the law does allow changing the filing status under particular situations.  She then argued, “but they signed the return…”  I had to corner her by asking her a question that would put her in the taxpayer’s shoes when and where she needed to rely on the expertise of a third party…  She had nothing further to say and my client received a refund check of a few thousand dollars a couple months later.

2.  My tax Audit.
In 1993, I purchased a property in Austin, TX (several years after I left TX).  The property was purchased sight-unseen (as I was in GA).  Relying on the words of a “Real Estate agent” who I thought I could trust, was a horrible thing to do.  Not until after the purchase and my visit to the property did I realize how bad of a shape it was in (as opposite to what the agent led me to believe).  After spending a massive amount of money to repair the property myself, I sold it for a bit of profit.  However, the IRS hit me with a little over $51,000.00 of tax liabilities for 1993 and 1994.  Through the years of audit (1997 through 1999) and providing a lot of receipts and my appeal, it reduced the claim to over $25,000.00.  Then, finally came the Tax Court.  During my communications with the U.S. attorney who was defending the IRS, I learned a few things.  But before I get there, allow me to explain a couple of things about myself.  They are:
1.    Not until this issue, did I ever know how or what to do about tax returns.
2.    My 1993 and 1994 tax returns were done by a CPA and amended by a tax-preparer before my audit nightmare began.

Now let’s see what I learned from the U.S. Attorney representing the IRS.
1.    This wonderful lady was telling me that she represented the IRS for over 12 years and she knows the tax laws very well.
2.    She was disallowing some of my receipt because some receipts were faded.  Please note that the audit and Tax Court issues are taking place in 1997 through 2000.
3.    She was telling me that just because I have cancelled checks showing that I paid for some of the expenses, those are not considered receipts.

When she made the remarks about the canceled checks are not sufficient, I had to stop her and tell her the exact words as:
“Ms. ???, I now realize that you need to go back to law school, because you must have missed a few things before you graduated and took your bar exam.  You are doing injustice to the IRS.”

She was stunned, surprised and silenced for a minute.  She didn’t have anything to say.  Then I continued by asking her:
“You live in Charlotte, Is that Correct?”
She responded, “Yes.”
I asked, “let’s say that Duke Power disconnects your power, you get home and learn that you are the only one in your neighborhood who does not have power. You call Duke Energy being angry of its mistakes.  The company representative responds by telling you it was disconnected for non-payment. You argue otherwise.  The rep. tells you to prove that you paid.  What do you show for proof?”

Take a wild guess what her answer was.  That’s right.  She said, “Canceled check.”

So I acted as though I had a hearing problem and asked, “What did you say?”
She repeated her response and then she became very quite.  So I had to break the silence by telling her to stop with her double standards.  She then agreed to accept my cancelled checks.

However, it did not end there.  As I was recovering some more of the 1993 receipts, I marked some of the very faded ones by placing circle around the date and dollar amount and wrote the information outside the circles.  During the first hearing before the Tax-Court, the Judge asked, “do parties have any comments or objections before we start”.  The same attorney along with her partner immediately jumped to object my receipts by calling it “tampering with evidence”.  The Judge was shocked and asked for the evidence.  He looked at them and asked me, “Mr. Samadi, what do you have to say about this?”  Since I did not know what the attorneys were talking about, I asked the Judge if I could view the evidence they were addressing.  I was handed two receipts.  Immediately after looking at the receipts, I started laughing.  The Judge was surprised and asked about my behavior. So I explained:
“Your honor, I was trying to avoid giving the government representatives eye-ache and headache by rewriting the figures outside the circle so that they would not need to squint to figure out what was on the sheets.”

The judge looked at them and said. ”Is this all you got?  Go and work out your deals.  I do not want to see you about this case.”

So here we (the U.S. Attorney for the region, the two (2) assistant U.S. attorney, the Appeals Manager, the then retired Tax-Auditor and I) went at it again in a conference room.  When we finished, they agreed to write me a check based on my w-2 withholdings.

The moral of the above two TRUE stories.
A.    Stay stupid and pay for your ignorance.  Learn about your life and finances and prosper.
B.    Do not give up when you have a fight ahead of you.
C.    Just like if you were going to have brain surgery, you would need to get a second opinion.  Do that with all your financial issues (especially taxes, life insurance, stocks and other investment, mortgage loans and big ticket item purchases).

Again, stay ignorant and pay the price.

I hope you are enjoying these.  I will expand on this and the Tax Preparer Scam issues in the next article.
Mike Samadi

GOOGLE it or follow this link.  It will blow your mind.
http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1911

The U. S. Geological Service issued a report in April (’08) that only scientists and oil men knew was coming, but man was it big.  It was a revised report (hadn’t been updated since ‘95) on how much oil was in this area of the western 2/3 of North Dakota; western South Dakota; and extreme eastern Montana …. check THIS out:

The Bakken is the largest domestic oil discovery since Alaska ’s Prudhoe Bay, and has the potential to eliminate all American dependence on foreign oil. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates it at 503 billion barrels. Even if just 10% of the oil is recoverable… at $107 a barrel, we’re looking at a resource base worth more than $5.3 trillion.

‘When I first briefed legislators on this, you could practically see their jaws hit the floor. They had no idea.’ says Terry Johnson, the Montana Legislature’s financial analyst.

‘This sizable find is now the highest-producing onshore oil field found in the past 56 years.’ reports, The Pittsburgh Post Gazette.  It’s a formation known as the Williston Basin, but is more commonly referred to as the Bakken.’  And it stretches from Northern Montana, through North Dakota and into Canada.  For years, U. S. oil exploration has been considered a dead end.  Even the ‘Big Oil’ companies gave up searching for major oil wells decades ago.  However, a recent technological breakthrough has opened up the Bakken’s massive reserves… and we now have access of up to 500 billion barrels.  And because this is light, sweet oil, those billions of barrels will cost Americans just $16 PER BARREL!

That’s enough crude to fully fuel the American economy for 41 years straight.

2. And if THAT didn’t throw you on the floor, then this next one should because it’s from TWO YEARS AGO!

U. S. Oil Discovery- Largest Reserve in the World! Stansberry Report Online - 4/20/2006
Hidden 1,000 feet beneath the surface of the Rocky Mountains lies the largest untapped oil reserve in the world is more than 2 TRILLION barrels.  On August 8, 2005 President Bush mandated its extraction.

They reported this stunning news:  We have more oil inside our borders, than all the other proven reserves on earth.
Here are the official estimates:

- 8-times as much oil as Saudi Arabia
- 18-times as much oil as Iraq
- 21-times as much oil as Kuwait
- 22-times as much oil as Iran
- 500-times as much oil as Yemen
-    and it’s all right here in the Western United States .

HOW can this BE? HOW can we NOT BE extracting this?  Because the environmentalists and others have blocked all efforts to help America become independent of foreign oil!

James Bartis, lead researcher with the study says we’ve got more oil in this very compact area than the entire Middle East -more than 2 TRILLION barrels untapped.  That’s more than all the proven oil reserves of crude oil in the world today, reports The Denver Post.

—-
Don’t think ‘OPEC’ will drop its price - even with this find?  Think again!  It’s all about the competitive marketplace, - it has to.
—-
Got your attention/ire up yet?  Hope so!  Now, while you’re thinking about it … and hopefully P.O’d, do this:

3. Pass this along..   If you don’t take a little time to do this, then you should stifle yourself the next time you want to complain about gas prices .. because by doing NOTHING, you’ve forfeited your right to complain.
——–

Now I just wonder what would happen in this country if every one of you sent this to every one in your address book.
Thanks
Mike Samadi

What do you think about the Gov. bail-out?

Wrong, wrong, wrong.  Why is it, that whenever the banks or corporations screw up, taxpayers pay for it?  Let’s go back to the 1990’s and the Savings and Loan and the RTC (Resolution Trust Corporation).   Of course some of you are younger than I am and may not remember the 1990’s and the S& L or  RTC messes.  That was also another creation of the Government and the mess it put taxpayers through.  However, it was not to the extent of the mess you are facing.

Why don’t we let the today’s mess work itself?  Here are a few suggestions:
1.    Stop paying the chairmen, board of directors, presidents such high salaries, pension and benefits.  Instead of “Bail-out” place then somewhere that they can not be “Bailed-out.”
2.    The companies need to stop buying back their stocks and stop paying dividend. They should use the money for the liquidity and to change their balance sheets.
3.    Stop bailing out companies because of their mismanagement.  How is that if a person cheats a bank, that person ends up in jail, but it is OKAY for the banks and CEO’s cheat people and instead of being punished, they are bailed out and sent to enjoy million dollar vacations?.? i.e. AIG officers and a few others.
4.    Why doesn’t the Government force the credit agencies (we are not talking about the consumer credit bureaus) to reevaluate the market and do that without having any affiliation and side benefits?

There is a long list.

Here is one thing I do not understand.  Why do the consumers have to suffer from mismanagement of the government agencies; as well as, corporations? Consumers are the ones that get cheated every single time.  You need to fire your state and federal representatives who have their own agenda and hire people that care for YOU.  Let me give you an example.

I remember years ago (2000), I met Charlie Norwood (GA Congressman) who has been honored for whatever…  I met him, with NINE (9) agenda on my plate.  Of course let’s not talk about his office’s organization skills and how many times I faxed the same list to his office before I met him.  When I finally met him, he still had no clue why I was there.  I handed him the list AGAIN, which was talking about Senior Citizens, their finances, health and medical issues and benefits.   What this “dead jerk” told me after looking at my list (for 2 seconds) is something that I will never forget.  He said, “When you, your families, friends and those who listen to me vote for us and our agenda, then come and talk with me.”  I had nothing further to waste my time with him. The best thing I could tell him before I left the office was, “I am sorry that I wasted my time.  You are not worth me having any discussion with you.”

I have very little respect for company presidents and CEO’s.  And believe me, I have a long list of these unmerciful people in my electronic directory.    However, there is one that I admire.  He is the CEO, founder and president of Cisco Systems, Inc. (John T. Chambers).  Over 3 years ago, when the hi-tech companies were suffering, he cut his own salary, also as part of the company’s cost cutting technique.

Anyway, this is my problem. The government, through the help of the IRS and other federal agencies forces tax payers to pay income tax.  The state and local governments force you to pay additional income tax, property tax and, soon tax for breathing air.  Now if you do not pay any of these taxes, you will lose your home or whatever you own.  Meanwhile, it hands you lottery money ($300.00/person) yet, it hands the money that it forcefully collected from YOU into the hands of the no-good companies that have already and repeatedly cheated YOU.  What a dilemma??!!   No wonder that these companies have such a large budget to support your elected officials and the “special interest groups” around Washington D.C. that are spending millions to vine, dine and pay for your elected officials trips and luxuries”.  You lose, taxpayer, no matter what you do.

If this government was really planning to help YOU (the taxpayer and consumer), it should buy the troubled consumers’ loans (which all together is MUCH less in dollar value than the bail out plan) and refinance the loans at a lower fixed rate.  In fact, most mortgage loans are FHA and VA backed.  This means, after a homeowner is foreclosed, thrown out of his/her home, the two (2) government agencies takes those properties back from the so-called loan servicing companies and banks. Yet, theses two agencies pay the full price for the foreclosed homes YOU LOST (again your tax dollar at work).  It is much cheaper for the government to get the properties back from these horrible banks and manage the properties, instead of, putting your hard earned money (forcefully collected from YOU as TAX) into the hands of those CEOs and presidents so that they can enjoy yet higher salaries and vacations, while you and I are thrown out of our homes, losing our transportation (which is the source of our living) and much more.

As I said, “You lose, taxpayer, no matter what you do.”  If this government really cared for you, it would have provided:
1.      loan forgiveness program,
2.      loan buy back program (just like the companies have their stock buy back programs),
3.      reduce long term interest rates which is the ONLY thing that helps fallen behind consumers,  instead of reducing short term interest rates which helps the banks and companies that are borrowing,
4.      freeze the reduced long and short term rates for several years so the taxpayers would be able to get a relief,
5.      start pumping oil from the vast internal resources within the boundaries of this country that are created by YOU, your parents and children (the taxpayers and consumers),
6.      place a cap/limit on corporate profit and scandalous transactions,
7.  Place some of the CEOs in the state vacation homes (not federal); instead of sending them on million dollar vacations.

“No.”  That’s not what this government is about.  It is a government of the rich and for the rich.
YOU LOSE CONSUMERS.

With all my LOVE for those who are suffering, losing their homes by the forceful and deceptive practices of loan servicing companies, and banks that have been repeatedly supported by the government that is rubbing YOU by itself and then supports those who are also rubbing you.  We need a Robin Hood.

Mike Samadi

Here is a list of names before I describe some of them.

The list of these sites are:

****ARTICLEBIZ.com

****WILSHIREHOLDING.com

credifixguide.com

borrowmoney247.com

creditrepairlouisiana.com

credicardshuffle.com

freehomebusinesstips.com

credit-card.e3z.biz

I described the “****” at the end of this paragraph as a footnote.

My dear authors and readers.  Not all the sites out there (in the WILD World of Web!!??) are what they seem or claim to be.  Previously, I wrote about how an author is telling you to commit crime in order to have the bankruptcy removed.  This article can be found on many sites. (If you want a link to that article, please feel free to contact me through the link at the end of this article or search my name on Google and Yahoo.).  I do not want to mention the name of those great sites (such as the site you are viewing this article) in this article, in a case that a reader may accidentally misunderstand and blend the names and think those are also deceptive sites.   “NO.”  My friends there are a lot of good and honest sites out there.  Therefore, you do not need to use the dishonest and unethical sites mentioned above.

I have seen quit a few of those author and sites.  Above, I listed some of the websites that act deceitfully, list or publish other author’s articles using your name or content and WHEN you bring their violations (which is copy right infringement) to their attention, what they do in order to correct the issue is to abuse you more by making it even more illegal.  Some of them such as ARTICLEBIZ.com even goes above and beyond- removes your article but leaves the links that is RSS fed from other site to ARTICLEBIZ alone.  Most of these links are from ARTICLEBIZ associates or affiliate sites.  Meaning that the traffic that follows your name and content still
will be directed to ARTICLEBIZ site, however, their will definitely be no mention of you name or contents.

Allow me to share my experience about the so-called reputable site ATRICLEBIZ.  While back a couple of my customers, contacted me and informed me that ATRICLEBIZ was having links from Yahoo and Google to their site using my name.  This mean, when someone would search my name (using Google, Yahoo, MSN, etc.), the search result would throw links out for the visitors to click and go to the sites.  I went to the site and searched my name and could not find any articles relating to my name on ATRICLEBIZ site.  As a result, through ATRICLEBIZ contact us link on the website, I immediately notified the ATRICLEBIZ (2) times.  When I did not receive a response, I found the ATRICLEBIZ admin and tech support through “whois” and contacted the company.  This was back in March 2008.  Six months later, after forgetting that ATRICLEBIZ is an abuser, I went to ATRICLEBIZ website and posted several articles. As I was posting and getting approval for my articles; again, I received an email from a reader who said, “hey, I went to Articlebiz, chasing your link and was reading a couple of other peoples’ article which had no association to you.  I then used its search box and saw
only one link to you on a different page which has no association with the any search engine links that took me to the site. Is this how it is supposed to work?-she asked.  I replied ‘No.’  this is how some sites ILLEGALLY bring visitors to their sites.”  As a result, I again sent 3 emails to the support through ATRICLEBIZ internal link (”Contact US”) waited 3 days and followed it up through other sites contacting the admin and initiated communications.

Again when I bring their violation to their attention, instead of fully correcting the problem, they blocked me from their site (which I do NOT CARE AT ALL), deleted my contents yet (DO NOT CARE AGAIN), NOTIFYED me that ARTICLEBIZ deleted my contents, informed me that they have the right to do so, BUT left some of those links and pages to the site (which is as a result of my name search- still alone).  This happened from September 22, 2008 through Sept. 26, 2008.  I was notified September 25, at 6:35 PM that they deleted my articles without any reasons. On Sept. 26, @6:34 AM, I received an email stating that I should read
http://www.articlebiz.com/terms_of_service/, which it means ATRICLEBIZ has the right to accept or deny any … (even after me humbly asked how I can correct my articles so that they can again be approved).

Allow me to give you a very quick background about me.   I am a software/hardware design engineer.  Please do not be mistaken,  I am not a technician. I know a lot more that their website writers/designers (who probably did not even see inside a college campus) when and where I was teaching in colleges and universities for years.  If you wonder what I was teaching, I was teaching computer programming and design.

Of course it is their right to delete my articles. (Honestly I DON”T CARE). There are so many good, honest, more popular and reputable sites  to display my over 30 (and increasing) articles.  I do NOT need to deal with thieves.  Since childhood I was taught; “sleep with dogs and you will catch flees.”  How true is this expression.  My goal has been to be honest, straight and helpful to others as my job became “consumer advocate”.  Now please pay attention, I am a computer engineer, a college professor who have left both of those high income -lucrative positions, to become a consumer advocate.  I chose a job with much less income to make certain that I help people and stop the thieve, CONS and deceivers.

Here is the main problem with ATRICLEBIZ or other sites like it.  It is NOT their rights to still use the links that brings visitors or those who are searching for me/you or following us to their site.  Although ATRICLEBIZ deleted some of the linked pages, but they did not delete ALL. For those of you who don’t know, this is even more illegal than just copy infringement.

So,  my dear readers, you are not reading this article written by someone who has no knowledge of how the WWW works but someone that knows well and knows how to stand against violators and sues them or invite them to sue. Hey, I am an open book.  I am practically the ONLY “Samadi” link on the www. My name, address and phone number is scattered all over the internet and would love to see one of these companies listed below to sue me, while, I will be working on a method to shut them down or at least expose them.

Meanwhile, please contact me and tell me who/which company/website do you have difficulty, stealing your contents or abusing your name.  Let’s make a team and STOP these USERS, ABUSERS, and THEIVES.

These site use the method to steal the traffic associated with you and me, without bothering to give us any credit.  They have their own list of loyal authors who doesn’t matter if they write legitimate or illegitimate articles.  They will still receive credit from these sites.  How bad can it get that a site changed my words around, made the content of the link ILLEGAL and prosecutable under the federal laws and the link it to its sites to get traffic.  In doing so, the link at the Google and Yahoo states: “change your SSN or EIN and get new credit. by Mike Samadi.”  However, I would never say that and that in my book “Bad Thing Happen to Good People. Your Credit = Your Life, Fix It Now!”. In fact, in that book on page 167, I have a section that in bold, capital letters and underline, Says “BAD IDEA: Changing SSN or Employer Identification Number.:  then it discusses in detail why.

You see, the websites out there will use any technique to steel credit from you and divert visitors/consumers to their site.  You must avoid these site, fight them, stop them and report them.  To give to some idea to the extent I go to help consumer, go to my website and read the first few lines of the page that links to the state Attorney General offices or even how I rated some of their site.  I do not take crap from anyone.  If I tell you how I feel about Attorney General offices, do you think, I have any respect for thieves, deceivers and abusers?

”****” Along the names of those above stands for:  I had several communications with the individuals within the company and their ignorance became very clear.  To give you an example.  I spoke with Stuart Verner, who thinks I will have special respect for him if he is “Polish”  yet a thief. He doe snot know a thief is a thief no matter what nationality. Probably he was trying to scare me claiming that he may be a member of Polish Mafia. Possible Mr. Stuart Verener thinks that claiming he is Polish, I will stop bothering him and allow him to ILLEGALLY use my name to link or promote his site.  I even had a phone conversation at his home which his ignorance has become more obvious.  On his sites he displayed his accomplishments are a real-estate investor and in mortgage business for years and now the founder of his website as his accomplishment.  After speaking with him for 10 minutes, his lack of education and disrespect to personal property was very clear.  He claims that he removed all mention of my name and books at his site, but he did not remove the page in which was inviting visitors to his site.  I asked him on the phone three times, sent him emails before and after the phone conversation telling he that he should remove the page.  He BLUNTLY REFUSED.  Meaning, searching my name through search engines, you will find the link to his site using my name and content.  His page is still
standing and inviting readers.  However, he has made the site MORE ILLEGAL by removing any mention of my name yet, promoting business around my name.  The last email I sent him was on Sept. 25, 2008 @ 2:030PM warning him that he ahs made his site more illegal in doing so and it seems that he does not care.  Probably his mention of “Polish” to me was trying to point out that he is a member of Polish Mafia and he does not care if he is using the content illegally.

But there are some sites that when you bring the violation to their attention, they will immediately take corrective measures and either invite you to publish, RSS feed or remove the page as they are supposed to be done and apologize for the error.

Again I do not want to mention the good sites names in this article in case that their name may be misconstrued along with these names.

Best of Luck

Thanks
Mike Samadi

How a NEW tenant lost $6,000.00?!!!

A single mother of 2 children signed an occupancy agreement with the owner of a townhouse in Atlanta.  She paid $2,000 for first month rent, 2,000.00 for last month and $2,000.00 for security deposit.  While moving-in (5 days after paying this amount/signing), she was thrown out by the Sheriff (evicted).  Do you know why?

For those “men” who think they could do a better job or knew what to do; does not matter how good you are, there is always someone that knows how to scam YOU (even at your intelligence level).  The scams/frauds are in so many forms and shapes.

She paid the amount, unaware that the owner was foreclosed.  Since it is easy to remove the foreclosure sign from a property (however, 99% of the times there are NO signs); therefore NO ONE would know if a property is in trouble.  The foreclosure had already taken place and the bank started the legal dispossessory (eviction) process.  Yet no one would have actually known.  It was not that this young lady had an option, but most of us do.  The option you have before you handout so much money is described below.

I talked about some of these in the “Bad Things Happen to Good People.  Your Credit = Your Life, Fix It Now” are repeatedly write articles on so many websites.  I am reorganizing my website to post all sorts of articles (from scams, fraud, saving money tips, fighting collection agencies and much more).  However, I will give you some pointers (for those who don’t want to spend $25.00 and get educated in all sorts of things).

1.    Check with the Better Business Bureaus (“BBB”) in the area of the business you want to enter into a contract.  Although BBB’s are influenced by the businesses, which they sponsor; however, sometimes they will provide “some” accurate information.
2.    This is especially important for the state with non-judicial foreclosure.  Check with the local news paper/media in the area closest to where the business is located and see if they have written, advertised or hold any negative information about the company.
3.    Check with the state District Attorney (DA) or especially state Attorney General (A.G.) office of Consumer Protection and see if they have any past or pending complaints against the company or individual.
4.    This is important for the Judicial Foreclosure states. Check with the Clerk of the Magistrate, Civil, Circuit, Superior (or whatever courts that handle lawsuits or foreclosure) to see if there is a lawsuit or foreclosure complaints filed with that office.  In most states that Foreclosure is a judicial process, it is done in a Circuit or Superior courts.  Different states may have names other than these two for their Court of records.  These are the courts that the real-estate property deeds/records and liens are recorded.
5.    Some states even have office of Small Business Complaints and Grievance.  Call those offices.  Call your state information line to see if you state has an office that manages consumer complaints against small business or an office that resolves “tenant-landlord” disputes.

There are some other more time consuming or troublesome options, but the options 2 through 5 is your best and most accurate choice to check and see if you are throwing your good money after bad.

Now if you don’t know what a “Judicial Foreclosure State” means:  In some states, a bank/lender can NOT foreclose on a real-estate property, unless it files a complaint/lawsuit in a court of record (the court that its clerk also processes Real-Estate documents).  The word “record” here has several legal meaning.  However, for this purpose, we are concentrating on Real-estate records.  These are the states that are called, “Judicial Foreclosure States.”  As a result of this process, there is a clear and concise record of if a foreclosure is file, when, where… You will know then if you want to hand out your money.

In other “NON” Judicial Foreclosure States, it is a little more difficult for you to find.  The only way you will know is: call the newspaper of County/parish that the property is located.  In the Non-Judicial States, an AD MUST RUN for a time frame (generally four weeks/Sunday, or a specific day-based upon what the state law allows). By calling the newspaper and asking to speak with someone in the LEGAL advertising section/department, you will be able to find out if any Ad ran.  You must also understand that sometime, I would call and double check as some CS associate may not feel like checking; therefore, may give you the incorrect information.  So you have to call a couple of times to check and see if you are getting the correct information.

Thanks
Mike Samadi

GOOGLE it or follow this link.  It will blow your mind.
http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1911

The U. S. Geological Service issued a report in April (’08) that only scientists and oil men knew was coming, but man was it big.  It was a revised report (hadn’t been updated since ‘95) on how much oil was in this area of the western 2/3 of North Dakota; western South Dakota; and extreme eastern Montana …. check THIS out:

The Bakken is the largest domestic oil discovery since Alaska ’s Prudhoe Bay, and has the potential to eliminate all American dependence on foreign oil. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates it at 503 billion barrels. Even if just 10% of the oil is recoverable… at $107 a barrel, we’re looking at a resource base worth more than $5.3 trillion.

‘When I first briefed legislators on this, you could practically see their jaws hit the floor. They had no idea.’ says Terry Johnson, the Montana Legislature’s financial analyst.

‘This sizable find is now the highest-producing onshore oil field found in the past 56 years.’ reports, The Pittsburgh Post Gazette.  It’s a formation known as the Williston Basin, but is more commonly referred to as the Bakken.’  And it stretches from Northern Montana, through North Dakota and into Canada.  For years, U. S. oil exploration has been considered a dead end.  Even the ‘Big Oil’ companies gave up searching for major oil wells decades ago.  However, a recent technological breakthrough has opened up the Bakken’s massive reserves… and we now have access of up to 500 billion barrels.  And because this is light, sweet oil, those billions of barrels will cost Americans just $16 PER BARREL!

That’s enough crude to fully fuel the American economy for 41 years straight.

2. And if THAT didn’t throw you on the floor, then this next one should because it’s from TWO YEARS AGO!

U. S. Oil Discovery- Largest Reserve in the World! Stansberry Report Online - 4/20/2006
Hidden 1,000 feet beneath the surface of the Rocky Mountains lies the largest untapped oil reserve in the world is more than 2 TRILLION barrels.  On August 8, 2005 President Bush mandated its extraction.

They reported this stunning news:  We have more oil inside our borders, than all the other proven reserves on earth.
Here are the official estimates:

- 8-times as much oil as Saudi Arabia
- 18-times as much oil as Iraq
- 21-times as much oil as Kuwait
- 22-times as much oil as Iran
- 500-times as much oil as Yemen
-    and it’s all right here in the Western United States .

HOW can this BE? HOW can we NOT BE extracting this?  Because the environmentalists and others have blocked all efforts to help America become independent of foreign oil!

James Bartis, lead researcher with the study says we’ve got more oil in this very compact area than the entire Middle East -more than 2 TRILLION barrels untapped.  That’s more than all the proven oil reserves of crude oil in the world today, reports The Denver Post.

—-
Don’t think ‘OPEC’ will drop its price - even with this find?  Think again!  It’s all about the competitive marketplace, - it has to.
—-
Got your attention/ire up yet?  Hope so!  Now, while you’re thinking about it … and hopefully P.O’d, do this:

3. Pass this along..   If you don’t take a little time to do this, then you should stifle yourself the next time you want to complain about gas prices .. because by doing NOTHING, you’ve forfeited your right to complain.
——–

Now I just wonder what would happen in this country if every one of you sent this to every one in your address book.
Thanks
Mike Samadi

(copyrighted)
Have you noticed when the recent hurricane hit Galveston and Houston, the price of gas at the pumps ski rocketed and we had shortage (even though- the oil refineries in Houston area were not damaged). Then, it started coming down much below where it was before the hurricane.  I must have fallen sleep and missed the laws of supply and demand during my college years.

Please don’t be fooled.

Neither, is it because of the oil company did not profit enough during the past three years; therefore, they had to increase profit.  However, even thought those refineries where not damaged, they still did not start reproduction until days later.  You do not have to believe a word I say. Go back to the news.

Yet, starting a few days later (after the hurricane), the gas/oil prices starting dropping like there is no tomorrow.  Why is that?

Could it be that the oil producing countries all of the sudden decided to drop the price of Oil drastically, everyday  (even in such high demand and shortage of supply market?)??  NO. NO. NO.   Those countries that are being blamed have nothing to do with this issue.

Could it be that the hurricane over Houston was purring down oil instead of rainwater?  If you are a fool then, believe this miracle. J  I called a few people in Houston and Austin area days after the storm to make sure.  I was told there was lots water and wind, but no oil purring down.

Could it be as a result of the Banks financial disasters?  Again NO.  One has nothing to do with another.  There are several sectors to this (the U.S.) terrible economy.

Or could it be that all of the sudden the oil companies hit the jack-pot and discovered oil all over the surface of the earth in this country (no drilling necessary, just drop the pips and pumps on the ground to collect the oil)?  Again, I am certain you are not a fool.  J

It is NOT because the government all of the sudden opened up the drilling options of all the oil fields it had restricted for years.  Nor is that the government made available all of the oil reserves it has been sitting on.  Do NOT put your party hat on YET, because you think the government (which has been on the path of self and consumer destruction), all of the sudden became organized and feels sorry for you.

So what is it?

If you haven’t noticed from the past election years and what happens during the election time (months of October & Nov. going into the general election) you should pay attention.

Simply put it is all about politics and who is being pushed into the “Oval Office.”   Please don’t put your party hat on yet.  The worst is yet to come.  Give it a little time.  As the saying goes, “Patience is the virtue.” Immediately after the general election the price of gas and oil will creep back up.  So, don’t have a sigh of relief yet.

If you have not figured it out, how could it be that during that past years (3-4) the price of the gas has gone up drastically and stayed up there, but after a hurricane over the oil cities of this country, the oil and gas prices are falling without control?  It even made a fool out of me.  Three months ago, I was telling those close to me that staring in October the gas price will come down to around $2.99/gallon up to the day of election and will gradually go back up.  Thus far, the gas price made a fool out of me.  In most of the Southeast region of the country prices are below what I predicted (even after the hurricane)…  It must have been raw oil purring down over the skis of Galveston and Houston (if it is not the politics-controlling it).   J

As I said in my article about the Government “Bail-out… You need Robin Hood.”  I believe you do.  Please read that article.  You have not seen the worst of this economy yet.  Wait until March and April 2009.

With best wishes and love,
Mike Samadi

Article:
5 Things You Never Knew Your Cell Phone Could Do
For all the folks with cell phones.
(This should be printed and kept in your car, purse, and wallet.)
There are a few things that can be done in times of grave emergencies.
Your mobile phone can actually be a life saver or an emergency tool for survival.? Check out the things that you can do with it:

FIRST
Emergency:  The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112.  If you find yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile network and there is an EMERGENCY, dial 112  and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly, this number 112  can be dialed even if the keypad is locked.? Try it out !
========================================================
SECOND
Locked your keys in the car?
Does your car have remote keyless entry? This may come in handy someday. Good reason to own a cell phone:  If you lock your keys In the car and the spare keys are at home:
1.   Call someone at home on their cell phone from your cell phone.
2.  Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at your home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will unlock.?
Saves someone from having to drive your keys to you. Distance is no object. You could be hundreds of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other ‘remote’ for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk).
Editor’s Note: It works fine! We tried it out and it unlocked our car over a cell phone!’
===========================================================
THIRD
Hidden Battery Power:
Imagine your cell battery is very low.  To activate, press the keys *3370#.   Your cell phone will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your cell phone next time.
============================================================
FOURTH
How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone?
To check your Mobile phone’s serial number,
1)  key in the following Digits on your phone: *#06#
A 15-digit code will appear on the screen.
This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe.
2)  If your phone get stolen, you can phone your service provider and
give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset so
even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally
useless. You probably won’t get your phone back, but at least you
know that whoever stole it can’t use/sell it either.  If everybody
does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones.
=============================================================
FIFTH
Free Directory Service for Cells
Cell phone companies are charging us $1.00 to $1.75 or more for 411
information calls when they don’t have to.  Most of us do not carry a
telephone directory in our vehicle, which makes this situation even
more of a problem.
1) When you need to use the 411 information option,
simply dial: (800) FREE 411,  or   (800) 373-3411)
without incurring any charge at all. Program this into your cell    phone now.
This is the kind of information people don’t mind receiving, so:
PASS IT ON to family and friends.?
Regards,  Gwen Jordan

Dear reader again thank you for using the information provided by the above author and giving him credit for his wonderful research.

With love and best wishes

Mike Samadi

Wrong, wrong, wrong. Why is it, that whenever the banks or corporations screw up, taxpayers pay for it? Let’s go back to the 1990’s and the Savings and Loan and the RTC (Resolution Trust Corporation). Of course some of you are younger than I am and may not remember the 1990’s and the S& L or RTC messes. That was also another creation of the Government and the mess it put taxpayers through. However, it was not to the extent of the mess you are facing.

Why don’t we let the today’s mess work itself? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Stop paying the chairmen, board of directors, presidents such high salaries, pension and benefits. Instead of “Bail-out” place then somewhere that they can not be “Bailed-out.”

2. The companies need to stop buying back their stocks and stop paying dividend. They should use the money for the liquidity and to change their balance sheets.

3. Stop bailing out companies because of their mismanagement. How is that if a person cheats a bank, that person ends up in jail, but it is OKAY for the banks and CEO’s cheat people and instead of being punished, they are bailed out and sent to enjoy million dollar vacations?.? i.e. AIG officers and a few others.

4. Why doesn’t the Government force the credit agencies (we are not talking about the consumer credit bureaus) to reevaluate the market and do that without having any affiliation and side benefits?

There is a long list.

Here is one thing I do not understand. Why do the consumers have to suffer from mismanagement of the government agencies; as well as, corporations? Consumers are the ones that get cheated every single time. You need to fire your state and federal representatives who have their own agenda and hire people that care for YOU. Let me give you an example.

I remember years ago (2000), I met Charlie Norwood (GA Congressman) who has been honored for whatever… I met him, with NINE (9) agenda on my plate. Of course let’s not talk about his office’s organization skills and how many times I faxed the same list to his office before I met him. When I finally met him, he still had no clue why I was there. I handed him the list AGAIN, which was talking about Senior Citizens, their finances, health and medical issues and benefits. What this “dead jerk” told me after looking at my list (for 2 seconds) is something that I will never forget. He said, “When you, your families, friends and those who listen to me vote for us and our agenda, then come and talk with me.” I had nothing further to waste my time with him. The best thing I could tell him before I left the office was, “I am sorry that I wasted my time. You are not worth me having any discussion with you.”

I have very little respect for company presidents and CEO’s. And believe me, I have a long list of these unmerciful people in my electronic directory. However, there is one that I admire. He is the CEO, founder and president of Cisco Systems, Inc. (John T. Chambers). Over 3 years ago, when the hi-tech companies were suffering, he cut his own salary, also as part of the company’s cost cutting technique.

Anyway, this is my problem. The government, through the help of the IRS and other federal agencies forces tax payers to pay income tax. The state and local governments force you to pay additional income tax, property tax and, soon tax for breathing air. Now if you do not pay any of these taxes, you will lose your home or whatever you own. Meanwhile, it hands you lottery money ($300.00/person) yet, it hands the money that it forcefully collected from YOU into the hands of the no-good companies that have already and repeatedly cheated YOU. What a dilemma??!! No wonder that these companies have such a large budget to support your elected officials and the “special interest groups” around Washington D.C. that are spending millions to vine, dine and pay for your elected officials trips and luxuries”. You lose, taxpayer, no matter what you do.

If this government was really planning to help YOU (the taxpayer and consumer), it should buy the troubled consumers’ loans (which all together is MUCH less in dollar value than the bail out plan) and refinance the loans at a lower fixed rate. In fact, most mortgage loans are FHA and VA backed. This means, after a homeowner is foreclosed, thrown out of his/her home, the two (2) government agencies takes those properties back from the so-called loan servicing companies and banks. Yet, theses two agencies pay the full price for the foreclosed homes YOU LOST (again your tax dollar at work). It is much cheaper for the government to get the properties back from these horrible banks and manage the properties, instead of, putting your hard earned money (forcefully collected from YOU as TAX) into the hands of those CEOs and presidents so that they can enjoy yet higher salaries and vacations, while you and I are thrown out of our homes, losing our transportation (which is the source of our living) and much more.

As I said, “You lose, taxpayer, no matter what you do.” If this government really cared for you, it would have provided:

1. loan forgiveness program,

2. loan buy back program (just like the companies have their stock buy back programs),

3. reduce long term interest rates which is the ONLY thing that helps fallen behind consumers, instead of reducing short term interest rates which helps the banks and companies that are borrowing,

4. freeze the reduced long and short term rates for several years so the taxpayers would be able to get a relief,

5. start pumping oil from the vast internal resources within the boundaries of this country that are created by YOU, your parents and children (the taxpayers and consumers),

6. place a cap/limit on corporate profit and scandalous transactions,

7. Place some of the CEOs in the state vacation homes (not federal); instead of sending them on million dollar vacations.

“No.” That’s not what this government is about. It is a government of the rich and for the rich.
YOU LOSE CONSUMERS.

With all my LOVE for those who are suffering, losing their homes by the forceful and deceptive practices of loan servicing companies, and banks that have been repeatedly supported by the government that is rubbing YOU by itself and then supports those who are also rubbing you. We need a Robin Hood.

Mike Samadi

I am a consumer advocate who looks after consumers’ personal finances.  So, I MUST share this information with you.  The advertising scam, does affect your valets.  I am not on anyone’s payroll and am not advertising.  In fact, my website is one of the only websites out there that does not hold any affiliate links.    However, you don’t have to believe a word I say about the stores below.  I ask you to please check it out for yourself.

I live within walking distance of two major grocery stores (Wal-Mart and Kroger) and a third one (Publix) is only 1.2 miles away.  I don’t have time for cutting coupons or organizing the special offers handed at the cash register for my “next time shopping.”  I walk-in, look through the isles, check my list and pick up stuff as most of you do (as quickly as possible).

Wal-Mart is the closest to me and Kroger is just a bit further down the road.

Through the past few years, I have been going back and forth between the stores (not to compare prices, but to pick up items I need the quickest possible way).  On 10/27/08, for the second time, I noticed something that I must share with you.

I am always short in time.  I saw an expression years ago that very much qualifies me.  It is:   “God brought me to this planet to perform certain task before I die.  The rate I am going, I will never die.”  Therefore, most of the times, I shop late at night; because, I don’t have to stop and speak with everyone I know, stumble on other people or wait through long lines.

Although, I believe that some of the department managers (such as Deli) in a particular Kroger are the most incompetent individuals I ever met, but the customer service between Kroger and Wal-Mart cannot be compared.  However, I am not writing this article to discuss the “customer service.”  All I want to do is to discuss the price difference.  Kroger management problems have been going on for years and I believe its incompetence provides a better shopping bargain for the customers.   Its internal affairs do not affect your bottom line other than benefiting you.

Neither am I interested to discuss the massive customer lines at the cash register.  Nor do I want to talk about the lack of training of Wal-Mart cashiers which some of them can’t complete a simple transaction –without making it complicated (from time to time).

What I would like to share with you, is the discount Wal-Mart falsely advertises.  I have repeatedly seen the Wal-Mart “Roll- back” commercials as all of you do.

On 10/27/08, I went to Kroger, shopped and on my way home, I remembered that I forgot to write a couple of items on my list.  Therefore, I pulled into the Wal-Mart parking lot, stepped inside and headed for the isles to pick up the item.  As I was passing items, I noticed the items that I just picked up at Kroger.  Immediately, I noticed the price (a jar of SAME SIZE -Kraft Miracle Whip) was 30 cents higher than what I just paid for in Kroger.  To make certain that I was not mistaking or imagining, I pulled my Kroger receipt that was in my pocket and then looked at the pickle that I just bought, Hunts catch-up, canned vegetables, then headed to the produce department compared banana, strawberry, grapes, and other fresh vegetables.  Other than banana which was the same price of $.64/lb, everything else was at minimum 10 cents higher.

Then, I moved to the meat and seafood department and noticed that I may have hard time comparing those prices.  However, I moved to the packaged Sandwich meats and cheese and noticed that all of the cold-cut meats that I purchased were cheaper in Kroger than Wal-Mart. I.e.  regular price of “LandO’Frost –Premium- Turkey or Ham-16 OZ. Was $3.99 regular price at Kroger while the same EXACT package was $4.38 at Wal-Mart.  Let’s not forget that when I used my Kroger card before, I purchased the same item for $3.28 two weeks prior.

And finally, I went to the Milk cooler and saw that the gallon of milk I purchased at Kroger was $3.59 versa $3.99 at Wal-Mart.

Then, I asked one of the Wal-Mart store managers that if they have specials and when do they offer the specials in different department?  I was told that Wal-Mart does not offer daily specials or discounts items, because, “we have the low price offer at all time.”  REALLY.  I must walked in the store dreaming…

Now, allow me to understand the followings:

1.    We live in a tough economy. Every penny counts.

2.    Wal-Mart advertises to have the lowest prices.  But my long list of items I just purchased from Kroger proves otherwise.

3.    Its customer service leaves room to be desired (when comparing to Kroger and Publix)

4.    The lines at the cash registers are longer.

Tell me again why should I be shopping at Wal-Mart?

I am not anti Wal-Mart because, it causes to job losses elsewhere or any other reasons in which that list is long.  If I was anti-Wal-Mart, I would not been spending an average of nearly hundred dollars per month in that store (my bank statements prove the fact).  However, I am going to continue?  I must think again!

Let’s clarify the last item.

Most of the stuff I purchased from Kroger was not store brand name (where they would be cheaper).  They were all name brands.  Kroger offers discount card, Wal-Mart does not.  Wal-Mart claims, “we offer the lowest prices; therefore, we do not need discount card.”  I say, REALLY??!!

Have you looked at the Wal-Mart racks?  Most of the packaged foods are just thrown on the shelves with the original boxes they were shipped in (Except cutting the front of the boxes allowing access to pick up items).  Of course that resembles cheapness (cost cutting technique for the stockers late at night).  So, if Wal-Mart is cutting cost in stocking items, and its food costs more than Kroger, why is it advertising that is has the lowest prices?

Even if I do not consider the discount-card, the discount that I could have received buying Kroger name brand items, clipping/cutting coupons or saving the coupons given to me at Kroger cash registers, every item I purchased from Kroger was at minimum 10 cents cheaper that the same item in Wal-Mart.

So where is my saving shopping at Wal-Mart?

As I stated at the beginning of this article, DON’T BELIEVE a WORD I SAY.  CHECK IT OUT YOURSELF.

On a different note, allow me to share a different experience from years ago.  In 2002, my then wife was attending a culinary art school.  As a result, she had to go shopping for items to prepare different food in the class.  One of the times, she was looking for “fresh chestnuts.” She could not find the item in the smaller Kroger store (not a superstore), Winn-Dixie nor Bi-Lo (close to her school).  As a result she went to Wal-Mart.  She picked up a couple of bags then, she realized- she needed to bag a couple of other produce items.  As a result, she placed the two prepackaged fresh chestnuts on the scale so that they would not get lost among the items of the produce line.  After packaging the other produce she needed, she looked up to pick up the chestnut bags from the scale.  She though she made a mistake.  The scale was showing just a little over one (1) pound for the two bags of chestnuts (each labeled one-pound).  She though she was making a mistake.  As a result, she looked at the bags again and noticed that each bag was indeed labeled to be one (1) pound.  Meaning that the two bags should have registered two (2) pounds on the scale and not just a little over one pound.  When she brought the one-pound difference to the Wal-Mart associate’s attention, the Associate apologized and marked the bags down to compensate for the weight difference.  Did you just notice what happened?   How many of you weight the prepackaged containers to make certain the weight stated on the package matches the actual weight of the item you picked up?  I am not saying this issue happens at all time but once it happens, it is enough for me to lose my trust.

I DON’T WANT YOU TO THINK THAT I HATE Wal-Mart and am advertising for Kroger.  As I stated before, although Kroger’s bad management (in some areas) can be noticed all the way into its corporate headquarters, but for you and I (the consumers) the issues are savings and customer service.

Please share your stories and experiences with me through this website.   Join the membership…(coming soon)

With best wishes, thanks and love;
Mike Samadi

On October 31, 2008, I received two messages within a couple hours of each other from two banks.  The first message was from a so-called “First National Bank of DeRidder, Louisiana” asking to do a survey and it would credit $99.99 into my account.  Of Course, it would not immediate tell me to what account credit would be applied.  So, I did the survey using fatuitous name and info. along with a police departments phone number and YES, here it was, the next page asked me for my CREDIT CARD number.  How sweet you may say.  REALLY??!!  Continue reading below.  I spoke with the bank President’s assistant and she also stated that the email is a scam.

At about 11:10AM, I received the second message from Clarkston State Bank, which would not provide a location address. The phone numbers to this site was a third party numbers for reporting lost or stolen credit or debt cards.  However, even when I found the number and contacted the company, the out-going message only gave the street address and not a city, state, or zip.  Odd!  Clarkston State Bank message is:

“Important Message Alert on E Mail Phishing Scam
We have received reports of an email circulating around the internet requesting the recipients to visit a link in the email and complete a survey. This link brings you to a fraudulent website that looks very similar to the Clarkston State Bank website. The survey requests the recipient’s card account number and PIN in order to deposit $99.99 to the account for completing the survey.

If you received this email solicitation and inadvertently provided your card information for this survey through the website, please take the necessary steps to cancel your card and report any unauthorized usage of the card to your Bank.”

BACK TO MY INFORMATION TO YOU:
This is my problem with both banks.  The email for/about the first bank is definitely scamming.  This bank’s website looks exactly like the scam-email-website.  The scam email website address is generated through “ucla.edu” (either University of Central Louisiana or the actual UCLA in CA (not sure which one).

At the same time. the second bank doesn’t leave much room to be desired, since:

1.    The first bank’s website does NOT look anything like the second bank’s site (as Clarkston Bank stated).

2.    A reputable business (especially a bank) would provide phone numbers and an address on its first/main page.  None exists on this bank’s main page or any other pages for that matter.

3.    The “Contact US” provides a phone number; however, no one answers.  This page of the site requires you to place your personal information so that the bank representative would contact you (possibly through email).  ODD!

In my opinion this is not professionalism and I don’t know if I would trust this bank either.

Please share your stories and experiences with me through this website.  Join the membership… (coming soon)

With best wishes, thanks and love;
Mike Samadi

I am not a politician as I said before; however, I still have a few concerns.

In a few articles, I wrote about finances, scams, what the new year will bring, or How the Federal Reserve Bank cutting short-term interest will further hurt consumers.  Of course, my article about Federal Reserve short-term rate cuts was published in April 2008 and posted on some sites.  However, my concerns remain.

Let’s look at this election from another view.  I live and do business in the “DEEP SOUTH”, where the white supremacy is ruling in its hidden form, yet clearly visible when leaving city limits.  During the past eight (8) years, not only my life but also the life of so many people whom I came in contact with, has been very much impacted by bad government and its policies.  So many homeowners have been forced out of their homes, because of the banks and mortgage brokers’ deceptions; however, instead of the banks being punished, the consumers have been, by first being foreclosed then, using taxpayers/consumers’ (including the foreclosed homeowners’) money to bail–out the same banks that cheated consumers.  And, let’s not forget the many flaws in the bailout plan. To add insult to injury, yesterday, the government announced that the number of bankruptcy in October 2008 was over 146,000, up drastically from months before.  Yet, the same rednecks that have been losing their shirts and sleep (hurting financially), still believe “Bush” is doing a great job.  Yet, some of these rednecks who also needed my help, could not understand a word I was saying because, they were truly following a “Fable” without thoughts/analysis.  If that is not blind loyalty then, what is?   At no time, did most of these people think about the fact that their paychecks/income got cut, gas prices and therefore, the price of any item they have been purchasing increased because of their own mistakes of the previous election.

The past 8 years have impacted so many systems/areas to the extent that cries of injustice and flawed rulings could be heard from state level courts all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States.

Still, the blinds remain dumb. They cannot see how terrible Bush has done that caused nearly fifty-five percent (55%) of voting Americans, to not have only picked an African -American candidate with no experience (too bad for the KKK and the Deep South-White Supremacist) but also caused more Democratic public officials to be elected to the Senate, Congress and even some of the representatives at state-levels.  Some still do not get it.

To give you an example, a month ago, I received:
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
“Mike most of the Godly ministers and folk I know believe God was in the choosing of Vice President Sarah as a running mate. ”

Here is what I think:
1.  Possibly “God” doesn’t want McCain to win
2.  “Most of the Godly ministers and folk”  you know must be dreaming.
…
I guess “GOD” is not siding with your “most of the Godly ministers.”
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Again, this article is not meant to have any political view or be discriminatory, but to emphasize how horribly “Bush” has cheated you because, you let him.  I hope you would not repeat the same (no matter who you supported).    But for now, THE WORST IS YET TO COME.

With love, respect and best regards.
Mike Samadi