Let’s keep this short and sweet as it is very simple.

Companies that offer a FREE credit report are offering you a report that is already by federal law FREE to you. They charge you for such things as a membership, credit-monitoring services or some other services. That is how they make their money and in most cases the service they are offering is not needed or can be obtained free as well by the consumer.

Below is information of the federal law, the link, the phone for that 100% FREE Credit Report. This site is sponsored by all 3 bureaus. You can get 1 FREE REPORT ANNUALLY from each bureau. There are 3 bureaus, so order one every 4 months and you have now just covered the full year.

“THIS NOTICE REQUIRED BY LAW. Read more at FTC.GOV. You have the right to a FREE credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com or 877-322-8228, the ONLY authorized source under federal law.”

I told you it would be short and sassy. If you still have questions or need help with a credit issues, please visit us at Marshrobert.com. MRG provides a suite of Credit Building Tools.

Richard Van Dyke
MRG Credit Consultant

FHA loans can still be a great deal but there are a few credit related changes for 2011

*  Minimum credit score at or above 580 are eligible for maximum 97.5% Loan to Value for FHA financing (3.5% down-payments required with purchases).

*  Minimum credit score between 500 and 579 are restricted to 90% Loan to Value for FHA finance options (10%         down-payment required).

*  Minimum credit score of less than 500 are not eligible for FHA- mortgage loans insured by the government.

*  FHA borrowers with a non-traditional credit history or insufficient credit are eligible for maximum financing if they   otherwise meet FHA guidelines.

*  Borrowers using 203(h), Mortgage Insurance for Disaster Victims, are eligible for 100% mortgage financing and no down-payment is required.  However, FHA borrowers must have at least a 500 credit score to be eligible.

Richard Van Dyke ,  Credit Consultant with MRG,  has been a credit specialist  for over 15 years with such companies as, Far West Credit, Inc., Land America – Credit Division, Credit Plus, Inc. Richard has also been a successful Real Estate Agent and an owner/operator of a mortgage loan processing center and loan origination division.

After three years of being hampered by a recessionary economy, job seekers are tired of guessing which positions are in demand, while hiring managers are sick of turning people away.

In an effort to help the millions of job seekers, Robert Half International (RHI), a staffing firm with a Naperville office, created a cheat sheet detailing the top 11 most sought-after positions for the coming year.

“This list is based on the positions we are filling for our clients,” said Fran Liontakis, regional vice president for RHI’s Naperville office. “These are the jobs that were cut during the economic downturn. Now that businesses are seeing an uptick in business, they are not prepared to go into 2011 and are scrambling.

“These positions enable companies to save money and improve profitability. They improve efficiencies and identify revenue opportunities.” After three years of being hampered by a recessionary economy, job seekers are tired of guessing which positions are in demand, while hiring managers are sick of turning people away.

In an effort to help the millions of job seekers, Robert Half International (RHI), a staffing firm with a Naperville office, created a cheat sheet detailing the top 11 most sought-after positions for the coming year.

“This list is based on the positions we are filling for our clients,” said Fran Liontakis, regional vice president for RHI’s Naperville office. “These are the jobs that were cut during the economic downturn. Now that businesses are seeing an uptick in business, they are not prepared to go into 2011 and are scrambling. “These positions enable companies to save money and improve profitability. They improve efficiencies and identify revenue opportunities.”

Financial analyst
“This is a person who evaluates financial plans, assists with forecasts and budgets and identifies opportunities to boost budgets,” Liontakis said. “At first glance, they can identify an area in the company that is lagging and advise senior management on how to increase revenue flow.” According to RHI, salaries will range from $72,750 to $95,000 per year for mid-sized companies and from $81,500 to $109,750 for large companies.

ERP technical developer
“ERP stands for enterprise resource planning, a function that enables companies to improve efficiency and cut costs by effectively managing resources,” said Liontakis, adding salaries will range from $72,250 to $109,500 per year.
“Companies are moving to ERP systems to make sure they are utilizing every piece of the business efficiently. An ERP developer is someone who customizes the system for the organization, based on the company’s needs.”

Business intelligence analyst
Next year, companies will look to pay business intelligence analysts between $82,500 and $116,250 per year, according to RHI. “Companies really need these types of analysts to guide the decision making process,” Liontakis said. “You can think of these people sort of as consultants. They help high-level decision makers evaluate data and guide processes. “Although this is usually on a project basis, a lot of companies haven’t looked at these decisions for a long time and need someone on a full-time basis.”

Paralegal
“Paralegals research, investigate and look up case laws,” said LaSonia Michele, a freelance paralegal based in Chicago. “Then we write a memorandum of findings for an attorney. We really support the attorneys.” Associate degrees are required for most paralegal jobs, according to Michele. “There are so many laws; a paralegal really needs to think like an attorney,” she said. Why is this position in such high demand? “Law is a growing field and it is very broad,” Michele said. “There are so many areas of law, there is always need for paralegals.” RHI projects 2011 salaries to range from $48,250 to $62,500.

Senior administrative assistant
Liontakis said she isn’t surprised companies are in desperate need of senior administrative assistants.
“The first positions that went away during the recession was those of administrative support because they don’t impact the bottom line,” she said. “Now, managers are finding that it isn’t cost effective to do administrative work.”
According to RHI, companies are looking for individuals with technical skills and staff supervision experience. Yearly salaries are forecasted to range from $32,500 to $41,750.|

Data modeler
These days, firms handling more and more data, Liontakis said, increasing the need for data modelers.
“Data modelers analyze data on various trends and process it for the needs of various parts of an organization, from purchasing to hiring,” she said, adding that compensation is expected to range from $80,750 to $11,250 per year.

Mobile applications designer/developer
With a salary ranging from $73,250 to $102,500, these positions are in top demand, said Liontakis.
“Technology didn’t stop when the economy took a dive,” she said. “Now, companies are looking to distribute content and build their brand through mobile applications, which wasn’t the case just a few years ago. This position is one that would help integrate smart phones and tablet computers into business models.”

User experience (UX) designer
A UX designer is someone who helps Web sites and software become more user friendly, according to Gabby Hon, a freelance senior UX consultant in Chicago. “We really think about the customer’s experience. When they click on a link in a Web site, what happens?” she asks. “It involves testing where we sit people down, give them tasks and find out how difficult or easy it is to use a piece of equipment or a Web site.” Why is this field growing? “The recession highlighted the need for companies to focus on the customer’s experience,” Hon said. “Advertising is dead. Consumers want to be treated like people. They want their experience to be a good one, whether it is in person or on a Web site.” Educational opportunities are hard to come by, as of now, Hon said. “The field is so young that there are very few good programs out there for UX,” she said. “I assume that will change in the next five years as the field explodes.”
RHI projects 2011 salaries to range from $67,500 to $98,000.

Lawyer
Attorneys with at least four years of experience in the health care, bankruptcy, foreclosure and litigation law fields are in high demand, according to RHI. Projected salaries range from $106,250 to $163,250.
Staff accountant “Companies need accountants who can do the grunt work,” Liontakis said. “This is the person who can maintain the general ledger, complete reports and get information ready for a financial analyst.”
Salaries range from $42,000 to $55,500, according to RHI.

Senior business systems analyst
A senior business systems analyst looks at existing systems and researches new ways to improve efficiency and day-to-day operations, Liontakis said. “They specialize in researching new hardware and software to help a company,” she said. RHI projects 2011 salaries to range from $66,500 to $85,000.

This information is an article by:
Katie Morell, Contributing Writer
The Business Ledger

Your credit report can impact your ability to get good rates on loans, as well as the ability to get a job, keep one and higher home and auto insurance rates.

Since errors may be reflected by some but not all reporting agencies, you should examine reports from Equifax, TransUnion and Experian closely.

Below is information of the federal law, the link, the phone for that 100% FREE Credit Report. This site is sponsored by all 3 bureaus. You can get 1 FREE REPORT ANNUALLY from each bureau. There are 3 bureaus, so order one every 4 months and you have now just covered the full year.

“THIS NOTICE REQUIRED BY LAW. Read more at FTC.GOV. You have the right to a FREEcredit report from AnnualCreditReport.com or 877-322-8228, the ONLY authorized source under federal law.”

NEED HELP

Need help building or rebuilding your credit score we at MRG can help: Personal Credit Solution Center

Business and Financial Solutions for an ever changing World

Merchant  Services   Employment Screening   ATM Machine Services     Internet Services

Card Services     Credit Building Services     Loan Modification     Mortgage Loan Profiling

2. Always pay your bills on time. Delinquencies have the biggest negative effect on your credit score.

3. Reduce your overall debt. If you don’t have the funds to pay down debt, consider taking a loan from a family member or friend. That doesn’t reduce what you owe.

4. Don’t close unused credit cards accounts. Canceling a card can actually lower your score because it leaves you with less available credit relative to your total debt. It may also shorten your credit history, which will ding your score.

5. Never max out your credit cards. A good rule of thumb is to keep your balances below 30% of your credit limit – even if you pay your accounts off in full each month.

6. Do your loan shopping quickly. Having lots of credit inquiries can decrease your score.

7. Get a Secured Credit Card. You’ll have to dish out an upfront security deposit of at least a couple hundred dollars, which the card issuer holds as collateral. IMPORTANT; Card needs to report to ALL 3 Bureaus monthly. This cards does: Secured Credit Card.

8. Get a gas or retail store card. Even though you may want to buy more than gas and clothes on credit, making small monthly charges that you pay off in full and on time each month will work wonders for boosting your credit score.

9. Won’t wait, credit issue can be resolved but get started NOW!. A low credit score means you may not qualify for a mortgage, car, etc., or have to pay a much higher rate. If you think you might need a mortgage, car loan and really any loan review credit 90 prior. Even if you can clearly document an error on your credit report it still on average takes up 30 days to come off or adjust your score. MRG offers credit building tools as well as credit profiles product.

10. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. If you already have good credit, why would you want to risk doing something radically different? A score over 750 is excellent and means that you’ve been doing everything right when it comes to your credit.

Bloom Energy, which was founded in 2002 has already sold its stationary, solid oxide fuel cells to some of the most prominent U.S. companies, including Google, Wal-Mart, Coca-Cola, eBay, and Fedex. What is just as exciting as the Bloom Box is that the big power companies are too late to buy and hide the technology. Our hats off to Bloom for not selling out and to the companies who were the first in line. They maked a clear statement that they represent a new way of thinking and caring for our big blue ball.

MRG provides a suite of business products so it would seem natural that we would want to offer merchant services. Most every merchant has to have the ability to accept credit and debit cards, right? With a good business plan, and a little research we have a good starting point. Working with our client base we peppered them with a few questions like; “how do you like you current service, what kind of fees are you paying and would you be open to looking at a few other options”? I have to say; we were more than surprised as most everyone we spoke with was confused… to the point they were really unclear just what fees they were paying for the services they had. Most were also unhappy with the service in general and felt trapped by the lack of understanding and the fact they were in some cases locked into an agreement.

The Executives and Channel Managers at MRG determined there clearly was a need for professional services, which as you know is a key element with any successful business model. The next step was clear and that being find a lender in the industry with the goal of partnering to provided merchant services to our client base. Wow, it was like we stepped on a used car lot as the bull flowed freely. It seems everyone has the best rates in the industry with “free everything” type concept. That is until you sign on the dotted line and then BAM! I thought I got a corvette and ended up with a Dodge DART! The mortgage industry leads the BS wagon, but was proved wrong. Anyway, I am not writing a novel so let us jump to the chase. We have found what we think is a leader in the merchant service industry and our merchant services offers NO contracts, NO cancellation fees, No hidden fees, and we work harder to breakdown fees in an industry that works harder to get people guessing and their heads spinning.

Due to the fact we offer a suite of business products we have a vented increased in building long term relationships, so we continue to work as hard as we can to earn and keep earning are clients business.

MRG takes the Confession out of Merchant Services with Professional Service and Support

]]> http://mrgnews.wordpress.com/2010/04/10/292/feed/ 0 marshrobert More... http://mrgnews.wordpress.com/2010/04/02/why-your-business-needs-social-media/ http://mrgnews.wordpress.com/2010/04/02/why-your-business-needs-social-media/#comments Fri, 02 Apr 2010 01:53:56 +0000 the Team http://mrgnews.wordpress.com/?p=273 ]]>

What if you could speak directly to your target audience and get them to repeat your messages to everyone in their community? You’ve probably heard that you already can with Social and Digital Media. Think that there isn’t time to engage these type of fads? In actuality, you don’t have time not to do it and your competition already is. What is referred to as “Social Media” is now the #1 activity on the web, spreading information faster than any news organization.

The good news on that front is that it’s not too late to get started. Social and digital media are still in their infant stages and getting started now means being able to evolve with it, as a business owner, community member and even as a consumer.

The more you engage with real people who have similar interests to your own, the easier it becomes to spread the messages of what your business is all about. With enough practice, you no longer have to “sell” anything. The term “Brand Evangelists” is being used to describe a person who communicates on behalf of your business to their online community about why they love its products or services. The best part is that every time a new product or service is released, you are able to let those who will most appreciate it know first.

Services like Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, LinkedIn, Yelp, Buzz, Digg, WordPress and others are usually completely free to use and give the average business owner a chance to make connections with their audience on an individual, yet broad reaching basis.

You may wonder what’s in it for them, which is a valid concern. For many of your clients or customers, just showing appreciation is what they are out for. Others may be looking for recognition for being a loyal supporter or potentially a discount. Those looking for discounts and prizes are actually unofficial advertising employees. Instead of throwing out messages to a mass audience that may or may not care about what products a business provides(traditional advertising), using social and digital media is much like creating powerful little hubs of information spreading. Those “hubs” are real people and they dig what you are all about. In return, your business can find ways to reward them. There’s really no formula to it, except to give your “Brand Evangelists” something worth their time and worth wagering a little bit of their own reputation.

It’s difficult for anyone to fully grasp what social and digital media is about until they have participated in it. Many are scared away by privacy concerns and not fully grasping the technology or features. There are many pitfalls of putting messages out in to cyberspace, where they can be stored and spread around. That’s why it’s best to have a strategy going in to it. Would you know who in your office or organization you could trust with that type of responsibility? This is something to give serious thought to. Countless gaffes on twitter have embarrassed business owners, politicians, professional athletes and other famous people. It can just as easily happen to a smaller fish in the pond too, which is why the strategy is so important.

Getting started really is the hardest part. Online communities are just like any other place that people congregate to share ideas. Being the new kid on the block is never easy. For those who’ve had no exposure at all to social or digital media, try reading up on it before just jumping in. Experts in these fields are popping up everywhere, so a simple google search is a good start. Mashable.com is considered to be at the forefront of these newly created experts, but there are many others. Even the online world can be cruel, so make sure to get off on the right foot!

For inquiries about Social and Digital Media consulting services, please visit this page or contact us directly.

Cheers!

Ross Trumble

rtrumble@marshrobert.com

Important Issues with Realistic Solutions

This Week: Credit Score Determine Insurance Rates

So you lost that career job, or home, had a medical or other emergency that drained your savings or affected your credit score. Just when you thought it could not get any worse, SURPRISE!  The latest, here we go; if you have a low credit score you will pay higher insurance rates, sad but true. People who have a lower credit ratings pay an average of 25-35 percent more for home and auto insurance coverage, than those with good credit – even when driving records and recent damage claims on homes are identical.

Rates submitted by the 35 largest auto insurers show that all but two use credit history to help decide whom to sell insurance to and how much to charge. Some companies double the rates for those with poor credit scores. Among home insurers, 19 of the 26 largest companies charge higher rates for low scores, including some who charge 2 ½ times as much.

State Farm, Allstate and Farmers – all rely on credit ratings when determining a customer’s premiums. Customers facing foreclosure and delinquent credit card payments are the most vulnerable; but also those who have suffered reduced credit limits.  Some analysts note that individuals with otherwise good credit are suffering lower score due to credit card companies reducing their credit limits.  Lower debt to income ratios can lower anyone’s credit score.

Solutions, Things you can do…

Credit problems? First off join the club and do not feel bad as you just joined millions of people dealing with the same problem. Even if you file bankruptcy, which is considered the worst of the worst you can turn it all around and even purchase a home in 24 months or sooner.  The most important thing to do is start rebuilding your credit history NOW.

Annually Review of your Credit Score (rating) The 3 credit bureaus have to provide one FREE copy on your report annual. Review, make sure the information being reported is correct. Each bureau will have a dispute form on their web-site, dispute incorrect information that is reporting, ALWAYS SENT ANY DISPUTE LETTER(S) CERTIFIED MAIL.
IMPORTANT:  each bureau when visiting their web-site will try to sell you a credit product. Search their site for the FREE annual report, It is there, it’s FREE and it’s the law.

Equifax: (800) 685-1111, www.equifax.com
Experian (formerly TRW): (888) 397-3742, www.experian.com
TransUnion: (800) 888-4213, www.transunion.com

The Credit History Builder Card is a great way to start building or re-building credit history. There are 2 options with picking the type on Credit Builder Card to meet your credit issue are time frame.  Learn more about the Credit Builder Cards and features

Credit Repair

FAST, LEGAL, AND EFFECTIVE CREDIT REPAIR, CLEAR YOUR CREDIT OF DEROGATORY ITEMS IN A LITTLE AS 30 DAYS, Is this true? Due to loopholes in the law,  and verification guidelines smart legal people have a system that can really clean house and remove, collections, repo’s, foreclosure and even bankruptcies in as little as 30 – 60 days.  Again they take advantage of loopholes in the rules set-forth.  It is safe to say that opportunity might end with changes in the law, rules, etc. Here is a company that provides that system and offers a “Get a free, no obligation Credit Analysis.” I would at the least let them work the numbers and see where you stand.

Credit and your Insurance Rates. Best thing we could all do is call our current insurance company and let them know if they continue basing rates on credit scores you pulling your business, nice but not likely. I will say that consumer groups are fighting this one so stay tune. In the mean time when seeking a new policy best to ask up front if the base rates on credit scores.

I/s, issues with solutions is a way we can all help each other. Your participation is vital so please reply as your input  participation is crucial.

It’s time to do your part and get GREEN in 2010. So much is riding on us all to start taking better care of our environment and do our part. Volunteer your time or at the least simply support your favorite group. MRG is a proud supporters of the American Evergreen Foundation’s “Conservation through Participation” young and community education hands on program. We must all do our part to help so let’s start the NEW decade off the GREEN way and volunteer or support our environment. American Evergreen Foundation usagreen.org