Casual Articles

Telephone Sales for Credit Card Rewards Programs
Often credit card companies have your phone number and they will attempt to call you to get you to buy more stuff from them or sign up for another credit card under the same account with a different name on it perhaps for a spouse. Telephone sales for credit card programs are quite common and many credit card companies partner with other companies who try to sell you stuff.Often this infuriates clientele and nevertheless there is nothing the customer can do about it because they do actually do business with the credit card company already and that makes it within the law. What kind of things, credit card rewards programs?Sometimes they give discount airline miles and sometimes they give discounts or prepaid merchandise cards and various large retailers. This helps the retailer, which is also their customer and it makes the credit card customer feel like they're getting a good deal even though they are get reamed by the high-priced credit card interest rates.Telephone sales for credit card reward programs generally net about 10% of the people called and they know that since you already do business with them they can simply add costs on to your credit card. They a

Networking Events - Lose the Fear and Gain the Benefits
“Kevin, are you saying I need to go to Networking events? I hope not because I hate them.”No, of course you don’t have to go to them. You could stay home or sit in your office. But if you choose to not go, you won’t have the chance to learn something, to help others, to get new ideas, maybe generate some new Clients, and yes, meet new people.“But Kevin, I don’t do well at these events, I am too self conscious and besides, you know I am shy.”It is true, some people aren’t as outgoing as others, but I highly doubt that anyone reading this is a hermit. We all like to be around people. As for the self conscious part, well, that is what the rest of this article is about. Read on.I hear all sorts of excuses for not going to networking events:“I already know all those people.”“I have other things to do anyway.”“Everyone there is in a clique – I won’t have anyone to talk to.”“I hate those things.”“I get scared.”“I don’t know what to wear.”“I don’t know what to say or talk about.”That’s right – they are excuses, or they are based on misinformation about what networki

“...I'm sorry, my bank cannot help you. You're listed in ChexSystems...”

My wife and I just moved from South Bend, Indiana to Indianapolis. We needed a checking account. We both wanted a fresh start after bankruptcy, and opening a new checking account with a new bank seemed like a good place to start.

I chose to go with a national bank and found a branch on Fall Creek Road in Indianapolis near Geist Reservoir. I was nervous.

The thing about filing bankruptcy that most people have a hard time understanding (unless they've gone through it themselves) is the feeling of inferiority. Each new credit application can cause anxiety.

I'll share a quote that pulled me through this stressful time in my life. It's from Eleanor Roosevelt. She said...

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

I love that quote.

So I walked into the bank branch with the attitude, “Everyone knows I filed bankruptcy—so what?” I asked to be directed to the person who could open a new checking account for me.

The lady at the desk who began to talk to me about opening an account was really nice...until she found my name in ChexSystems.

Then everything changed...

“...I'm sorry, my bank cannot help you. You're listed in ChexSystems...”

That was that.

I walked out of the bank without a checking account because of a company called ChexSystems.

What is ChexSystems?

ChexSystems is a checking account verification company based in Woodbury, Minnesota. Banks and credit unions use them when people apply to open a checking account. It's essentially a consumer reporting agency designed to check if people have a history of writing bad checks. If you're listed in ChexSystems you're usually not allowed to open a checking account with that bank.

ChexSystems is the largest player in the check verification industry. However, there are other companies that provide similar services, such as TeleCheck and Decision Power Insight from Equifaxreg;.

I'll focus on ChexSystems since they're the largest.

Are You On The ChexSystems Blacklist?

There are several actions that can get you on ChexSystems' blacklist...

- Fraudulent handling of a checking account
- Bouncing a check resulting in non-sufficient funds (NSF)
- Overdrafting your account while using your ATM or debit card
- Having your account “closed for cause”

One of the most common ways to get listed in ChexSystems happens when you move or change banks. Because check and debit card charges don't show up on your account as soon as you make them, you can get hit with NSF charges after you thought you closed your old bank account.

The best way to avoid this problem is to leave your old account open until you are sure all your transactions have cleared.

Once you're listed in a check verification service such as ChexSystems—it's best to just pay what's due. Also, make sure you request a letter on that bank's letterhead stating that all debts have been paid.

Now, one would think that if you included an unpaid check in your bankruptcy petition that your debt would be erased—I personally didn't find that to be the case.

I learned that entries remain on your ChexSystems report (even if they're paid off) for five years. So if you think you're safe because you paid the check or included it in your bankruptcy, you may not be.

This was my ChexSystems experience. Yours may be different. If you have a ChexSystems story to share go here to tell me about it. I'll compile all the information and share it with everyone in a future issue.

How Do You Know If You're Listed In ChexSystems?

You'll either be unable to open a new bank checking account or you'll have a difficult time getting stores to accept your checks.

You see, the same corporation that owns ChexSystems also owns SCAN, the company that verifies checks at places such as Wal-Mart or your local grocery store.

When you write a check at a store, and they put it through that little machine at the register, they're looking to see if you're listed in either SCAN's or ChexSystems' databases. If you are, they usually won't accept your check.

If they do accept your check, then ChexSystems has guaranteed that it will be honored by your bank. If it bounces like a rubber ball, then ChexSystems will pay the merchant the amount of the check out of their pocket...then you not only have to pay your bank's NSF fee, but ChexSystems' as well...which can get expensive.

The best way to know if you're in ChexSystems is to review your ChexSystems report. Since they're a consumer reporting agency, ChexSystems has to follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the new Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA). This means you're entitled to one free copy of your ChexSystems report every year.

What I Figured Out By Accident

After my unexpected rejection from the bank on Fall Creek Road, I needed a few days to regroup.

My wife and I shared a car at the time, and she had a job interview at a RE/MAX real estate office near Geist Reservoir.

As I waited for her, I noticed three new banks just a stone's throw from each other.

Is Now the Right Time to Become An Entrepreneur?
A number of economic changes are magnifying the role of small business and creating the impetus for entrepreneurship.In the past, many people perceived small business owners as shopkeepers – the mom ‘n pop shops. Today, with a status boost, they’re entrepreneurs, and perceived to be on the leading edge.But is now the right time to step up to the plate and take a swing at starting a small business? In the audio book, “Sound Advice on Small Business,” author Jim Schell points to a number of economic changes creating momentum for entrepreneurs.Continued downsizing in the Fortune 500 sector is one change, as corporate CEOs strive to keep earnings up to stock market expectations. “The corporate rat race has become more stressful to its inhabitants, and more tenuous,” says Schell. “Today’s Enrons and Worldcoms haven’t done the image of the big guys any good, either.”Job creation is another economic change. “Corporate and government downsizing, combined with an influx of trained and motivated entrepreneurs is resulting in the vast majority of today’s new jobs being created by the small business sector,” says Schell.He also points to changes in technology

>The lady at the desk who began to talk to me about opening an account was really nice...until she found my name in ChexSystems.

Then everything changed...

“...I'm sorry, my bank cannot help you. You're listed in ChexSystems...”

That was that.

I walked out of the bank without a checking account because of a company called ChexSystems.

What is ChexSystems?

ChexSystems is a checking account verification company based in Woodbury, Minnesota. Banks and credit unions use them when people apply to open a checking account. It's essentially a consumer reporting agency designed to check if people have a history of writing bad checks. If you're listed in ChexSystems you're usually not allowed to open a checking account with that bank.

ChexSystems is the largest player in the check verification industry. However, there are other companies that provide similar services, such as TeleCheck and Decision Power Insight from Equifaxreg;.

I'll focus on ChexSystems since they're the largest.

Are You On The ChexSystems Blacklist?

There are several actions that can get you on ChexSystems' blacklist...

- Fraudulent handling of a checking account
- Bouncing a check resulting in non-sufficient funds (NSF)
- Overdrafting your account while using your ATM or debit card
- Having your account “closed for cause”

One of the most common ways to get listed in ChexSystems happens when you move or change banks. Because check and debit card charges don't show up on your account as soon as you make them, you can get hit with NSF charges after you thought you closed your old bank account.

The best way to avoid this problem is to leave your old account open until you are sure all your transactions have cleared.

Once you're listed in a check verification service such as ChexSystems—it's best to just pay what's due. Also, make sure you request a letter on that bank's letterhead stating that all debts have been paid.

Now, one would think that if you included an unpaid check in your bankruptcy petition that your debt would be erased—I personally didn't find that to be the case.

I learned that entries remain on your ChexSystems report (even if they're paid off) for five years. So if you think you're safe because you paid the check or included it in your bankruptcy, you may not be.

This was my ChexSystems experience. Yours may be different. If you have a ChexSystems story to share go here to tell me about it. I'll compile all the information and share it with everyone in a future issue.

How Do You Know If You're Listed In ChexSystems?

You'll either be unable to open a new bank checking account or you'll have a difficult time getting stores to accept your checks.

You see, the same corporation that owns ChexSystems also owns SCAN, the company that verifies checks at places such as Wal-Mart or your local grocery store.

When you write a check at a store, and they put it through that little machine at the register, they're looking to see if you're listed in either SCAN's or ChexSystems' databases. If you are, they usually won't accept your check.

If they do accept your check, then ChexSystems has guaranteed that it will be honored by your bank. If it bounces like a rubber ball, then ChexSystems will pay the merchant the amount of the check out of their pocket...then you not only have to pay your bank's NSF fee, but ChexSystems' as well...which can get expensive.

The best way to know if you're in ChexSystems is to review your ChexSystems report. Since they're a consumer reporting agency, ChexSystems has to follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the new Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA). This means you're entitled to one free copy of your ChexSystems report every year.

What I Figured Out By Accident

After my unexpected rejection from the bank on Fall Creek Road, I needed a few days to regroup.

My wife and I shared a car at the time, and she had a job interview at a RE/MAX real estate office near Geist Reservoir.

As I waited for her, I noticed three new banks just a stone's throw from each other

How to Choose a Hosting Company
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of hosting companies out there. They come in all price ranges, and with all kinds of bells and whistles. Here are some things you may want to look for in a hosting company, especially if your website is part of your overall marketing plan to sell products or services.• Money Back Guarantee - I put this first, because if you are unhappy with your hosting site, you'll want assurances that you'll get your money back.• 24/7 Customer Technical Support – This is critical. Find out if they mean "there’s voicemail or email 24-hours-a-day" or if they mean, "we will answer the phone and help you 24-hours-a-day."• Control Panel - The Control Panel where you control all aspects of your account, such as managing email accounts, reading statistics, and configuring autoresponders. Make sure your hosting company has a centralized control panel for your management needs.• Website Statistics – From a marketing perspective, it’s important to know who is visiting your site and what pages they read. Your hosting company should keep track of all of this information for you, and present it in an easy to read format. Make sure your statist

On The ChexSystems Blacklist?

There are several actions that can get you on ChexSystems' blacklist...

- Fraudulent handling of a checking account
- Bouncing a check resulting in non-sufficient funds (NSF)
- Overdrafting your account while using your ATM or debit card
- Having your account “closed for cause”

One of the most common ways to get listed in ChexSystems happens when you move or change banks. Because check and debit card charges don't show up on your account as soon as you make them, you can get hit with NSF charges after you thought you closed your old bank account.

The best way to avoid this problem is to leave your old account open until you are sure all your transactions have cleared.

Once you're listed in a check verification service such as ChexSystems—it's best to just pay what's due. Also, make sure you request a letter on that bank's letterhead stating that all debts have been paid.

Now, one would think that if you included an unpaid check in your bankruptcy petition that your debt would be erased—I personally didn't find that to be the case.

I learned that entries remain on your ChexSystems report (even if they're paid off) for five years. So if you think you're safe because you paid the check or included it in your bankruptcy, you may not be.

This was my ChexSystems experience. Yours may be different. If you have a ChexSystems story to share go here to tell me about it. I'll compile all the information and share it with everyone in a future issue.

How Do You Know If You're Listed In ChexSystems?

You'll either be unable to open a new bank checking account or you'll have a difficult time getting stores to accept your checks.

You see, the same corporation that owns ChexSystems also owns SCAN, the company that verifies checks at places such as Wal-Mart or your local grocery store.

When you write a check at a store, and they put it through that little machine at the register, they're looking to see if you're listed in either SCAN's or ChexSystems' databases. If you are, they usually won't accept your check.

If they do accept your check, then ChexSystems has guaranteed that it will be honored by your bank. If it bounces like a rubber ball, then ChexSystems will pay the merchant the amount of the check out of their pocket...then you not only have to pay your bank's NSF fee, but ChexSystems' as well...which can get expensive.

The best way to know if you're in ChexSystems is to review your ChexSystems report. Since they're a consumer reporting agency, ChexSystems has to follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the new Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA). This means you're entitled to one free copy of your ChexSystems report every year.

What I Figured Out By Accident

After my unexpected rejection from the bank on Fall Creek Road, I needed a few days to regroup.

My wife and I shared a car at the time, and she had a job interview at a RE/MAX real estate office near Geist Reservoir.

As I waited for her, I noticed three new banks just a stone's throw from each other

Dealing with a Layoff in Your Job History
If you look at the history of employees, you’ll see that they change companies every few years or so. They simply don’t work at the same company for years and years anymore. Many times, they are often forced to find a new job due to downsizing or a company layoff. In fact, with so much economic uncertainty, there is a strong possibility that anyone can be laid off at any time. Whether the layoff ranges from a couple of months to a couple of years, you have to be prepared. You have to learn how to deal with it and how to explain it to future employees. In this article, we’ll tell you exactly how you can deal with this unfortunate but common issue.Layoffs and R?sum?sFirst off all, you have to realize that layoffs happen and they are not something to be ashamed of. If you’ve been laid off in the past, you can’t hold your head in the sand. You have to use the experience as a learning opportunity and realize that everything happens for a reason. In essence, you have to begin again.Second, you shouldn’t hide the fact that you’ve been laid off in your resume. A gap due to a layoff does not take anything away from your experience and capabilities. Although some people may l

ebt would be erased—I personally didn't find that to be the case.

I learned that entries remain on your ChexSystems report (even if they're paid off) for five years. So if you think you're safe because you paid the check or included it in your bankruptcy, you may not be.

This was my ChexSystems experience. Yours may be different. If you have a ChexSystems story to share go here to tell me about it. I'll compile all the information and share it with everyone in a future issue.

How Do You Know If You're Listed In ChexSystems?

You'll either be unable to open a new bank checking account or you'll have a difficult time getting stores to accept your checks.

You see, the same corporation that owns ChexSystems also owns SCAN, the company that verifies checks at places such as Wal-Mart or your local grocery store.

When you write a check at a store, and they put it through that little machine at the register, they're looking to see if you're listed in either SCAN's or ChexSystems' databases. If you are, they usually won't accept your check.

If they do accept your check, then ChexSystems has guaranteed that it will be honored by your bank. If it bounces like a rubber ball, then ChexSystems will pay the merchant the amount of the check out of their pocket...then you not only have to pay your bank's NSF fee, but ChexSystems' as well...which can get expensive.

The best way to know if you're in ChexSystems is to review your ChexSystems report. Since they're a consumer reporting agency, ChexSystems has to follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the new Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA). This means you're entitled to one free copy of your ChexSystems report every year.

What I Figured Out By Accident

After my unexpected rejection from the bank on Fall Creek Road, I needed a few days to regroup.

My wife and I shared a car at the time, and she had a job interview at a RE/MAX real estate office near Geist Reservoir.

As I waited for her, I noticed three new banks just a stone's throw from each other

Increase Search Engine Rankings Using These Easy Tricks
Rank Booster #1 Increase Your Reciprocal Links - This is a time tested approach and it works in both Directories such as Yahoo! and also in Spider Search Engines such as Google. What you do is setup a link trading directory and make categories just like a mini Yahoo! except you have them all relate to your market. This provides keyword density and it also gives your link popularity a big boost. But please be warned that if you just go and get any links you can (i.e. untargeted links) you will be penalized rather than rewarded in your rankings.It's much better to get just a few high ranking link partners verses hundreds of unrelated and untargeted ones.Rank Booster #2 Add More ContentThis is a great technique that also works in both Directories and Spider Search Engines. By adding more content you will keep people who click over to your site there longer and this gets your ranking up in the Directories such as Yahoo! because they track how long a visitor stays at your site. If they click their back button then you will be shown as a site which doesn't help the visitor which will decrease your rank.You will get a higher ranking on the Spider Search Engines such

ly won't accept your check.

If they do accept your check, then ChexSystems has guaranteed that it will be honored by your bank. If it bounces like a rubber ball, then ChexSystems will pay the merchant the amount of the check out of their pocket...then you not only have to pay your bank's NSF fee, but ChexSystems' as well...which can get expensive.

The best way to know if you're in ChexSystems is to review your ChexSystems report. Since they're a consumer reporting agency, ChexSystems has to follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the new Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA). This means you're entitled to one free copy of your ChexSystems report every year.

What I Figured Out By Accident

After my unexpected rejection from the bank on Fall Creek Road, I needed a few days to regroup.

My wife and I shared a car at the time, and she had a job interview at a RE/MAX real estate office near Geist Reservoir.

As I waited for her, I noticed three new banks just a stone's throw from each other. Literally, one on each corner of the road. What were they thinking? None of the branches looked busy. My guess was they were stumbling over each other to win new bank customers...even ones listed in ChexSystems.

So I took a chance.

I locked the car, hoping Michele wouldn't return right away. Then I picked the bank that looked the newest. I went in and asked to be directed to the person who could open a new checking account for me.

I sat down in the branch manager's office. And as he was going through the routine pleasantries, I noticed him reaching in his drawer for a new starter checking account kit.

I then spoke up and asked, “But what if I'm listed with ChexSystems?”

His answer shocked me.

“We don't use CheckSystems. I'd be happy to open an account for you.”

And so he did.

I returned to the car, excited to share my discovery with Michele. We had a checking account from a bank!

What I hope you glean from this is that not all banks or credit unions use ChexSystems. It may seem like it in some cities, but they absolutely are not used by 100% of financial institutions.

How To Get a Checking Account If You're Listed In ChexSystems

The best way is to find a bank that doesn't use ChexSystems to verify new accounts.

Here's how to go about it...

1. Start by making a list of all the bank branches in your area. You'll do better if you stick with the smaller, local banks and avoid the big banks.
2. Call and ask to speak to the branch manager.
3. Inquire about their different checking account programs. (How much money do you need to start an account, how long does it take, can you do it online, what check number will they start you out at, etc.?)
4. Then ask how they verify new accounts. Do they review your credit report? If so, which credit report, and will the credit inquiry lower your credit scores? (Of course, you know the answer to this question is yes—but let's see how many tell you the truth.) Or, do they use a check verification service? If so, which one?

If the branch manager tells you they don't use ChexSystems—you've got a winner! Be sure to write down the person's name and make arrangements to stop in and open an account. If the branch manager tells you they use ChexSystems...here's what to say next...

“...Darn it. I'm listed with ChexSystems and they're a bear to deal with to get something resolved. Is there anything I can do to get an account with you?”

If they say, “No,” ask them...

“Do you happen to know of a local bank that doesn't use ChexSystems or a program that can help me open a new bank account?”

Sometimes you can speed up your search by asking for help. It will take you only a few seconds to ask, but the right answer may save you hours of research.

A New Trend Developing

I've noticed more and more banks are reviewing credit reports in lieu of using check verification services. Sometimes they even do both! I wouldn't open an account with a bank that does this—mainly because their credit inquiry will lower my credit scores. So keep looking.

Banks That Really Care

Some banks are willing to give even bankrupt people a break. If you're searching for a new bank and you think you may have trouble getting a checking account, ask if they have some kind of “second chance” or “fresh start” program.

A lot of banks have probationary programs that offer limited services for a set amount of time (usually six months). If you really need a checking account, these programs can be a lifesaver.

There are also two specific services that a lot of banks and credit unions are becoming affiliated with. Basically, these programs allow you to take a course on how to manage a checking account. And when you complete the course, you'll be given a certificate to open a bank checking account with a participating bank or credit union.

The two programs are called Get Checking and InBalance. Get Checking is geared more toward banks, while InBalance is more for credit unions.

So don't be afraid to ask. Remember what Eleanor Roosevelt said...

“No one can make you feel

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