Recently, Experian announced that they will no longer provide FICO scores to the general public. They announced that they are terminating their relationship with myFICO.com, a website that sold credit scores from all three credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax), ultimately not allowing consumers to know their FICO score. Experian will allow you to purchase their own scoring model, PLUS Score and another scoring system created by the 3 bureaus known as VantageScore.

However, most lenders (mortgage, banks, and auto dealers) use the FICO scoring system. Also know that eac h scoring model calculates scores differently. Rest assured that your lender will still have access to Experian's FICO score. So, if you're in the market for a home, be sure to check with your mortgage professional before you start looking for homes. And if you have any information that may prevent you from obtaining that loan due to bad credit, let us see what we can do to help you. While you may no longer have direct access to your FICO score, keep in mind that the better and cleaner your credit report is, the more likely your score will be high enough to qualify for the loan you are looking for.

James Jeter

Credit Repair Specialist

972-665-9925

Thanksgiving has come and gone and the winter holiday season is upon us.  In less than 3 weeks millions of us will be spending the holidays with our families and friends exchanging gifts and sitting down to a bountiful table of good food and enjoying the season across this great country of ours.  As tumultuous as this year has been for all of us, there are still others that will go without.  Unfortunately, many of them are children, innocents lost in this sea of foreclosures, lay offs, and lost savings.  Many of these kids will not have warm clothing or even a single present to open on Christmas day.  In the spirit of the season, The Credit Repair Guys is going to donate a portion of our proceeds to help buy coats and presents for the little ones.

Between now and December 20th, we are not only offering a special incentive for our prospective clients, but we are also going to donate money for each client that signs up.  Normally our credit restoration is priced at $499.  Not only are we going to give the client a savings of $149 (which makes our retainer an affordable $350), but we are going to donate $50 for each client that signs up for our program.  So not only will you be helping yourself, you'll also be helping someone that truly needs it this year.

Furthermore, if you sign up for our program during this special time, we will waive our monthly processing fee which is another savings of $354!  So not only will you save over $500 in restoring your credit, but you'll be helping a young child that otherwise may not have received anything this holiday season.

So, if you were ever ready to do something about your credit, the time is now.  With the lowest cost and the opportunity to help someone else, it's a win/win for all the parties involved.

We look forward to hearing from you!  Have a happy and safe holiday and I hope we'll be working together real soon!

Seven years ago today, our country was shaken to it's foundation.  While no one is a stranger to what happened on that tragic Tuesday morning, I realize that many of us will go on about our day, not realizing that today is 09/11.  I'm guilty as charged.  I was busy making my plans for tomorrow in my calendar until I realized that tomorrow was September 11th.  While many of our grandfathers will remember the exact date of the Pearl Harbor attacks (December 7th) and our parents can recall the date of the Assassination of JFK (November 22nd) I'm sure everyone that will remember this day for the rest of their lives.  While we may not remember the exact number of casualties, what the flight numbers were, or even recall all the little miracles that happened in that carnage, I'm sure that we will always remember that day for as long as we live.  Many of us even remember where we were and what we were doing when we saw the footage of the planes crashing into the towers and when the towers finally collapsed.

My two young children weren't around when this happened, but I'm sure that I will share with them the story of what happened on his historic day.  While I didn't lose anyone in those infernos, I know that regardless of how many years pass, this day will be one of the hardest days for many people directly affected by those events.  The surviving moms and dads, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, and husbands and wives will mourn for their lost loved ones.  Whether they were heroes who sacrificed their own life in the pursuit of sparing someone else's, or one of the 2000 plus innocents who were in the towers or travelers on the planes, some one is missing them.  As we go about our day, take a moment to remember the lives that were lost, but don't forget about the ones that are still coping, crying, and missing one of the 2998 that lost their lives seven years ago today.

I pray that those that are still mourning will seek refuge in God's bosom and I pray that He gives them the strength, comfort, and solace that they are seeking.  May God bless you and keep you and be your Shepard in the your darkest days and that he be the Light you are seeking.

God bless America! 

Okay.  I'm a nerd.  When the news of Transformers movie came out a year ago today, I was there!  For weeks, my friends and I had sat around my lap top checking out the trailers for this movie.  On opening night, myself, 6 friends, my sister and brother in law, and 2 nephews took up almost one row to see this movie.  As a HUGE fan of Transformers growing up, this was an event for me.  I loved the Transformers, and I'm sure if Transformers were a topic on Jeopardy! I'd give anyone a run for their money....

Me:  Transformers for $1000 Alex. 

Alex:  The self proclaimed leader of the Decepticons after the "death" of Megatron, who was later killed by the new incarnation of Megatron, Galvatron.

Me:  Who is Starscream?

See, told you I was a nerd.  Why do I lay this out there?  GI Joe is coming out next year.  I'm not too sure what I'm more excited about.  Transformers 2 or GI Joe.  It's a close one.  Last Saturday, myself and the same brother in law listed above, as well as my cousin (who's a senior in HS) and my oldest son (he's 6) went to the GI Joe convention in Frisco.  I don't know who was more excited.  Myself or my son, who kept referring to it as a toy convention.  As soon as he realized he couldn't touch 95% of the stuff out there, it became "BORING".  It was nice to relive my childhood in that short 2 hours we were there.  I remembered toys I had, ones that I wanted, and even ones that I never knew existed.  Many were MINT CONDITION, never opened.  I couldn't fathom that as a child.

Dad:  Here's a new toy for you son.  Want me to open it up for you so you can play with it?

Me (age 8):  No thanks dad.  Could you just put it in a dust proof container with the others so I can sell it for hundreds of dollars at a convention to guys that are reliving their childhood and fund my retirement that way?

No sirree.  I would have ripped the plastic off the toy, cut out the little ID card on the back, file it in my little camo "ID BOX" that said "KEEP OUT" (geared toward my sister) ran upstairs and added it to my collection of toys.  I have no clue where they've gone, but I'm sure my parents sold them at a garage sale or given them away to some kids at church.

I liked walking down memory lane with my son that day.  Showing him the toys that I played with, toys that I spent countless hours creating war scenes, and tons of other scenarios.  I even bought him a new GI Joe.  I let him choose it.  It's still sitting in the back seat of my car.  He's too busy playing his Nintendo DS.  Hmmm.  Maybe I can repackage it and sell it for $299 10 years from now.  Well after all, knowing is half the battle!  Yo Joe and Autobots, Roll Out!

Growing up as a military dependent, I spent the first 10 years of my life celebrating Independence Day on foreign soil.  As a kid, I never recall calling it Independence Day.  To me, it was just the 4th of July.  It meant going to a barbecue, swimming at the pool, and watching fireworks light up the sky with a rainbow of colors that rivaled that big box of 64 worn out crayons my sister touted with her.  Normally, she'd be fast asleep before the fireworks display, but the thunderous claps would always jostle her from my fathers arms, allowing her to share in the airborne spectacle that lit up the night sky for miles and miles.

June 20, 1987 was when we came to the United States and eventually made it our home.  No more military moves, although my dad spent 1 more year abroad before retiring.  Tomorrow marks the 21st 4th of July I have witnessed on American Soil.  As you get older, I realize the sense of what it means rings truer as each year passes.  Over 200 years ago this country was fighting to be free.  Free from tyranny, religious intolerance, and a cornucopia of other hardships that made life intolerable in "the old country".  Americans wanted their freedom, to be unchained from the bonds that England had on the them.  They won, and now, one of the youngest countries in existence, we are the nation that everyone comes to.  The UN is here.  Corporate headquarters for foreign companies are here.  Even today, thousands of people flood the United States seeking refuge and a new life here, something they could never find back in their homeland. 

Today, across this great expanse we call Earth, millions of people have no food to eat, place to sleep, and wars and droughts destroy their homes and farmland.  Our country, which was once being bullied, now helps those that are in need.  Are there certain things that our Government does that we may not agree with?  Are certain things questionable or hard to swallow?  Sure.  But would you rather call any other place home?  God bless you on the Fourth of July.  Enjoy the hot dogs and lemonade, bottle rockets and roman candles, three day weekends and spending time with the family.  But remember that we are the lucky ones and while we may be free to do what we want, others are out there, wondering what freedom truly tastes like.

You read it right.  There's no typo here.  Credit Restoration for as low as $399!  One of the things about The Credit Repair Guys is that this company is about making some positive changes in the lives of people with out having them break the bank.  Normally, we charge $599 a retainer for our services (still a bargain compared to a lot of companies out there).  However, for those that sign up by next Friday, July 11th, 2008, we will save you $200 off our retainer and waive 2 months of processing (which is $59/month) for a total savings of $318!  If you don't get signed up by then, you've got until the 22nd to save $100 off our retainer and we'll still waive 2 months of processing for a savings of $218!  And for those procrastinators out there (like myself), if you sign up by the 31st, I'll waive 2 month of processing for a savings of $118!

The sooner you call, the more you can save!  And if you're an active rain member, I've got a deal that's just too good for me to list on here.  If you're and Active Rain member contact me via email with your contact information so I can share with you the AMAZING PRICE of credit repair!  Don't forget, this offer expires on July 31st at 7pm, CST!  If you're looking for the best credit repair at the best price, look no further!  If you're looking to do something about your credit, the time is NOW!

Years ago, when I was still in high school, I was part of a nationwide delegation that had the privilege to visit the nations Capitol and meet senators, representatives, and several other political and public figures of our country.  I toured the halls of congress, visited the great monuments dedicated to former Presidents Lincoln, Jefferson, and Washington and even dined in the restaurants where past luminaries like Nixon, Kennedy, and Johnson enjoyed their lunches and dinners. 

However, one of the greatest moments that I witnessed was the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknowns. It was an amazing thing, seeing that the earthly remains of these unknown service men being protected and honored.  In case you didn't know, the Tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  I didn't realize it back then, but looking back today, I realized I was in the presence of thousands of soldiers, airmen, seamen, and corpsmen that will never be mentioned in the history books by name and their memories will only be remembered by their loved ones and those that new them.  Some may have had their likeness and names printed in obituaries and, more recently, broadcast on the evening news in certain cities and towns.  However, unless they were a great general or commander, or turned their war time heroics into a successful political career, many of them will never be remembered by the general public, their only mark left to the masses is a tombstone in the plush green fields of the National Cemetery along with thousands of other unsung heroes.

This weekend, while you're enjoying your extended weekend, take time to remember the heroes that gave themselves to fight for our freedoms and our rights, and thank the ones still here with us for doing a duty many of us have never undertaken.  Keep in you prayers and your thoughts the thousands of currently active duty and reservists that are abroad and stateside that make it possible for us to enjoy a 3 day weekend with out fear of tyranny or oppression.  Visit your local National Cemetery and take a moment to remember the forgotten, unsung, and unlisted heroes that allow you the liberty and freedom to pursue your dreams and endeavors.  I'm sure thousands of people will converge on the monuments and cemetery in Washington, D.C. and it's vicinity this weekend as well as other monuments and edifices across this great land that salute our heroes.  Will you be one of them?  Will you honor their memory this Memorial Day?  I will.  I hope you will too! 

Leukemia is a deadly disease, a cancer of the blood and/or bone marrow.  There are various forms of leukemia.  Some are incurable, but most are treatable with modern medicine.  As you can imagine, the hospital bills for the treatment can be horrendous.  Sadly, one of my friend's little brother has recently been diagnosed with leukemia.  To help with the mountains of medial bills that are beginning to pour in, Chick-fil-A has pledged to donate 15% of all sales to the McFadden Medical Fund to help Jason and his family.

Chick-fil-A has some of the best fast food around.  It's a favorite of my family, and the menu has wide variety of different tastes for every palate.  If you happen to be in Carrollton, stop by the Chick-fil-A located at 2652 Old Denton Road and order something to eat, drink, or nibble on.  They've got an awesome sweet tea and their waffle fries are some of the best around.  So feed your hunger and help a family in need.  It will cost you nothing more than the price of lunch to help them.  Be sure to mention that it's for the McFadden Medical Fund when you order.  Who knew helping someone could be so tasty!  Chick-fil-A will be donating 15% of all proceeds on Friday, May 23 and Saturday May, 24.  On behalf of Jason and the rest of the McFadden Family, thank you for doing what you can!  Have a safe and Happy Memorial Day weekend!

For every company out there doing legal and ethical credit repair, there are numerous companies out there that are running illegal scams.  Every industry has sleazy and unethical practitioners but over the last decade, credit repair has been a major focus of many federal and state agencies and governments.  Most states have laws to protect the general public to warn and educate the average person against the scams that are out there.  The Credit Repair Organizations Act is a federal law that governs credit repair companies and many states have made their adjustments and amendments by drafting their own version of the law.

Unfortunately, the bad companies have but a huge black eye on our industry.  Keep in mind that not all credit repair companies are scams or illegal.  Keep a look out for these tell tale signs of the companies that may be after just your money:

• Companies that state:
  • We can erase your bad credit — 100% guaranteed!
  • Create a new credit identity — legally!
  • We can remove bankruptcies, judgments, liens, and bad loans from your credit file forever!
• Beware of companies that:
  • do not tell you your legal rights and what you can do for yourself for free.
  • that suggest that you try to invent a “new” credit identity.

Truth is no one can remove accurate and timely information.  Furthermore, no company can guarantee removal of any information in your credit report.  However, all information that is obsolete, inaccurate, unverifiable, and invalidated must be removed from your credit report.  Those are part of what was set forth by the Federal Trade Commission. If you do decide to use a credit repair company, like The Credit Repair Guys, be sure that the company:

• gives you a contract that states:
  • the payment terms for services, including their total cost;
  • a detailed description of the services to be performed;
  • how long it will take to achieve the results;
  • any guarantees they offer;
  • offer you a 3-day waiting period that gives you a chance to cancel the contract;
  • the company’s name and business address.
• doesn't make false claims about their services.
• perform any services until after you signed a contract and have completed the 3-day waiting period.

Each state is different.  Some states require that you obtain a license and surety bond and some do not.  Each state has different laws and guidelines set up for credit repair companies.  Ultimately, responsibility is yours.  Do your due diligence and research the company.  If you feel that they do not have your best intentions, go with your gut and call someone else.  After all, ultimately it's your credit report and you need to make sure that the company you use is someone you trust and count on.  

I spent the first ten years of my life growing up around Seoul, Korea.  My father, a since retired US ARMY NCO, was stationed there until just before my 11th birthday.  Since this was infancy of cable, MTV had yet to make it's presence known in the Land of the Morning Calm or to any of our neighbors in the Far East.  However, as soon as we moved to our house in Fort Polk, LA during the summer of 1987, I soon began to "WANT MY MTV!" like every other adolescent in America.

Overseas, I knew about all the big time artists here stateside:  Culture Club, Michael Jackson, Madonna, George Michael, Bon Jovi, and so many more.  I fell in love with MTV and normally just listened to the music while the video played and I was busy doing my homework.  But then an amazing video caught my eye. 

It was the fall of 1989, just before my 13th birthday.  The video was Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start The Fire".  For the lack of a better word, I was hypnotized.  After that song, I became one the Piano Man's biggest fans.  Then I uncovered something that really blew my mind!  He even had a song called "James"!  You know how sensitive a teenagers ego is at that early of an age, and to have a song with your name in it was just too cool.  To top it off, it was released around the time I was born!  How cool is that?  Granted, I never truly understood the meaning behind the song back then, but it didn't matter to me.  All that mattered was that every few moments in that song, Mr. Joel said my name and that made me feel cool!

As I got older I began to understand the words and the meanings behind it (or at least my interpretation of the song).  Most parents want the best for their kids, and always want their children to be more succesful and happier than they were.  Korean families take that a little further.  Since I could remember all my Korean friends and I were told we were to be doctors, lawyers, engineers, or scientists.  Pressure was high on us.  Many of our parents grew up in poor towns, due to the devastation of the Korean conflict.  Many prominent families lost thier land, family members and finances due to the aftermath of the war.  Homes were destroyed, belongings were stolen or lost, and families were divided now by a border that ripped across the middle of the peninsula that for thousands of years was home to one country.  Now it was two.  It was important for their children to better themselves and get a good job.  They lived in poverty.  They lived in one room houses.  They lived in conditions they never wanted their children to live in.

When I graduated High School in 1995, I headed to UT-Arlington, to study architecture and planned to become an architect.  13 years later, I'm no where near where I planned to be.  I never imagined my life would have involved sales, but for the past 12 years, that's all I've done in one shape or form.  I can't remember the last time I actually got a salary from a "real job".  I'm married and have two beautiful boys that are the light of my life.  I've owned 3 houses, 6 cars, and have met hundreds of wonderful people that have touched me spiritually and emotionally and even some that I can't stand that taught me a thing or to.  I tried to live my life based on my parents expectations.  Go to college, get a degree, get a job, get married, raise a family.  I realized that I finally had to live my life for me.  While I may not have taken the path they hoped I would take, I've accomplish a lot.  I've lived and learned, failed and succeeded, loved and lost, and so much more.  I still dream of finishing school, but not for my parents, or my wife, or my sons, but for me.  I've yet to write that masterpiece Billy, but I'll get to it one of these days.  Because I want to and for no other reason...

James By Billy Joel

My Theme Song