OFCI Report Editorial: The Popular Church

I am a little concerned as I look as Christianity today. It seems as though as time progresses the Church is looking to conform into the identity of the world than being transformed into the image of Christ. And what I mean about that is, we have adopted more of the traits and characteristics of worldliness than the world looking like they are becoming made into one that has become a Son of God. The way we dress now, the vernacular and slangs we are using, and the way we are clamoring for the applause of people makes us seem as if we care more about notoriety than being humble and only being concerned of how God views us. One of the things I have hated the most is hearing the church world using the dialect of the streets to make itself seem more hip, and relevant to the world. Now don't get me wrong I know when it comes down to reaching souls you don't want to seem as if you are presenting yourself as one being better than the other person because you have a "new walk and new talk," but the bible does tells us that if any man be in Christ he is a new creation......and we should walk as such. Not to mention when it also says.."But be not conformed unto this world...but be transformed by the renewing of the mind. But I see how we have come up with catch phrases that make it seem as if what we are doing is uber important as if God Himself came down and picked us out from amongst the crowd. One of the biggest ones is when they Used the words.."My Assignment" As if God is calling them on the cell phone like mission impossible and giving them their Assignment.  In many of the case it isn't God, it's just you accepting an invitation to a church or putting yourself out there to impress people and gain your own notoriety. You visit other churches and pass out business cards to get invited to preach. Or when you meet people you push your agenda on them to impress them so they can pat you on the back and usually invite you to use your services. I am reminded of these two preachers who when apart of this popular ministry would always say they couldn't wait to get booked with a Gig... That's what they thought about being a preacher that it was a Gig not a service unto the Lord. Another things is the dancing in the church. Nothing wrong with dancing for the Lord, but when you add the bumping and the grinding and the twisting and the perverse gyrating, then it becomes more of you dancing to the tune of pleasing your flesh than praising the Lord. And now it seems that every preacher and their mammy is a Bishop or Apostle, or has some Big Title to gain popularity, and we as the church put up with it as if it is of God. One thing we have to remember and always be reminded of is that their is only one Star in the church and that's Jesus Christ. We Give glory to God based on the fact that he loved us enough to give us His only son as a ransom for us, and to pay for our sins. This is not about YOU. Especially to the point where you gain popularity. To sum it all up.... Philippians 2:7 tells  us that as Jesus walked the earth He made Himself of no reputation. In other words he didn't seek to become popular or get pats on the back. But he humbled himself, and it was then and only then that when he humbled himself did God exalted Him. We as the church need to learn this lesson from Jesus, as it already says to us in verse 5 "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. An it also tells us in another part of scripture to Humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God that He (and only He) will exalt or bring us up in due time. If you are in this which we call The Body of Christ for your own self serving purpose, I suggest to you to check your motives and see if they line up with God.

OFCI Report: Person of Interest

                                         

Who am I:                                                                                                    

 

Rachel Johnson-White (RJ White)

 

What Do I Do:

 

I'm a Credit Guru and Radio host for Fin-Mance Radio (Finance/Romance).

 

Where Do I Do It: 

 I'm world wide even in the UK..but back and forth between Michigan and ATL..

 

Why you should be interested in me:

 

Because I'm me!!! They call me the Credit Guru-I know everything about Credit; credit scores, credit reports and credit increase- from how to clean a report, stop a garnishment, defaulted student loans, driver license suspension, home buying, anything that has to do with finances, debt, increasing wealth or credit repair- I'm Your Lady.. ! I've been honored to visit the White House (twice) and starting my company at 17 -I was Oakland County, MI -Youngest Registered Entrepreneur. As seen in Oakland Press Editorial and Merchant circle most watched and fastest growing company. We have expanded into Several states and planning for a prosperous 2013. We have finally introduced our first time home buyers preparation program reaching nearly 6,000 clients for sign. We have Free Tuesdays, in which you get free credit advice from our Instagram post or page or emailed answers go into my OFCI Report publications. Aiming to be in Forbes or Black Enterprise by 2014..! I'm striving to the top and humble all the way!

Where you can find me: 

 

Facebook: rjwhite1004@yahoo.com
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/RJCreditassocia
Instagram: www.instagram.com/rjcreditassociates
Offical Website: www.rjcreditassociates.biz
Mobilesite: http://www.mobile.dudamobile.com/site/rjcreditassociates
Radio show page: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/finmanceradio

OFCI Report: The Credit Crunch with R J Johnson

                  

What type of spender are you? Cautious, Compulsive or Frugal!
When I first started asking this question “What type spender are you” I just started asking random people what type of spender are you? What would best describe how they shop? The first response I received was; Which is worse? My reply was, a compulsive spender-

Before I go any further let me go on to define the definitions of these types of spenders:

Compulsive are those who are “shop alcoholics”. Consistent shoppers, never really nothing to buy, just goes to the store and buys something out of sheer boredom. Most compulsive shoppers regret almost every purchase they make, sometimes they spend their very last, knowing they actually needed the money for real life necessities like household bills, gas for their car, or important items- Most compulsive spenders spend to cover a deeper issue of self-confidence, loneliness, subsided relationship tension or self-esteem issue or sheer boredom.

Cautious Spenders, they make sure all the household bills are paid before any shopping is done and are almost always worrisome of a financial disaster happening, so they continue to reserve funds. They go to the store with a grocery list and if it’s not on the list it needs to wait until the next go round or paycheck. For the most part all bills are paid on the due date; if not before, to avoid late fees and out of fear of disconnection or in any laps in service and some will over pay just to reserve for next month.

Frugal is what you would call the “cheap shopper”. Every cut corner that can be taken will be done; Frugal shoppers will place their selves in unique living situations to make sure they can see that they’re savings are growing. They will save by any means, from buying the cheapest quality product or even going without certain necessities.

So I’m sure you’re reading these as though all of these are the worse kinds of spending ever, but the overall goal is to save and be COMFORTABLE… Being compulsive places you in higher debt category most compulsive spenders are in, and can’t get out until they figure out why they are shopping compulsively. And the only remedy to a compulsive shopper is to remove all their money -make it hard to get, and even harder to spend –Close all accounts if their excessively compulsive, credit cards need to be frozen or given to a person you trust until they figure the situation out -A savings account with no ATM card, nothing to make spending easier. After a few drives back and forth to your bank, one may realize what they’re doing and halts or at least slows the process. Go to the store with a list (it takes only minutes to create a shopping list) and literally stand in the store and check off each box. If it’s not on the list, put it back and don’t purchase it. Don’t go to the grocery store hungry also, you’ll use all compulsive tendencies because everything in the store is going to be something you want-be sure to just use your list. Pick a shopping day, only put a certain amount of money aside for that shopping day, not a penny more, not a penny less. Once it’s gone, the day is over for spending despite what you need.

　
Cautious shoppers have a way of saving that’s very unique. They’re so worried about making a wrong financial move, they save while spending- Out the three types of spenders, if I had to pick the better of the three I would go for a “Cautious” spender, as they reserve funds for a rainy day, they can save, they almost never over spend and wouldn’t mind stopping the clerk while checking out and saying “I’m sorry I don’t need that, can you please put this back, I’m on a strict budget” . Bills are paid in advance, credits cards are at a normal balance to limit and all house hold necessities that are purchased are a necessity and nothing more.

It’s always sad to get a bank statement back and see fruits of your labor not paying off. Most of the issues of not being able of save are because our bills subside our income or we just don’t know how to save despite how much we make. Remember the term “A penny saved is a penny earned”- well one would be surprised how much you can save by changing your spending and shopping habits. Start buying in bulk, it avoids the option of going to the store as frequent. Stores like Sam’s Club, Costco and other bulk retailers really payoff. Save a dollar a paycheck….yes a dollar- I’m sure some are saying a dollar can’t get anything – you’re right, an it’s not as tempting to spend either, but $1x 30 x 12= 360, so I’m sure you can see, a dollar adds up pretty quickly. If you can do more, do more, but only small amounts so you’re not tempted to go back to the amount because you need it for something. Watch it grow and no matter how tempted you are, don’t touch it after it gets to 500.00. Remove it and place it into a CD account. Your bank or credit union can assist with opening this account, but it won’t allow you to easily withdraw the money which is what some of us need.

Again, what type of spender are you? What type of spender do you want to be? I’m sure you can now change the type of spender you are to be a little more cautious and save a little more.

Are you drowning in a debt and just can’t seem to find a way out. Why? No matter what you do, you’re still living paycheck to paycheck. Stay tuned for my next article –“Breaking Doubts of Being Debt Free, You Can Do It”. I have helped people with diagnosed spending disorders, so I’m positive I can help you- if you need help with a spending problem…

Visit me at www.rjcreditassociates.biz

Email me: rjwhite@rjcreditassociates.biz (everyone remains anonymous)

Got Financial questions? Email me and I’ll be sure to answer them in my next post!


Q & A for spender’s topic:

Q: RJ, I have been saving for years and I have a decent amount saved, but I really don’t trust banks with my money. I don’t want to keep hiding my money, because in case of a disaster I would lose everything. I’m completely at a lost, but I don’t trust banks either. What do I do…..?

A: I suggest either turn the money into bonds and place them in a safe deposit box at a bank where you have anytime access instead of using the bank system (Deposit, withdrawals, debit card, etc.). It’s just a key and signature to your items – but this world is technology based so I suggest maybe try to scout for a good credit union you can trust. Start small and see how that relationship works. Keeping cash value is always great, but safety and security is key. If you’re worried about spending it, then investigate in healthy 401K programs.

　

Q: How do I stop my significant other from spending? Every time I look at the bills they're just spending and spending an I really want to purchase a house in a year or so, but I’m afraid because the spending just doesn’t stop.

　

A. It’s time for a family meeting. Some family goals need to be put in place and during the meeting, it needs to be cut and dry- We're looking to buy a home and if “we” continue to spend this way I’m afraid we won’t be able to afford the house or anything else. We need to cut back our spending. That should solve the issue if each of you are on the same page of family growth-

Consumer Report: Buyer Be Aware.

So today I visit the local HEB because I needed some laundry detergent. While on the aisle I compare prices as I normally do (not because I'm cheap, but a smart shopper) and I see that the 32 load Gain is $4.97 a bottle. So I'm thinking, "Nice Deal" be it though the Tide 32 is $7.97. And I'm also thinking about how nice it is to get 2 for 10 bucks. Then something clicked in my head and saidto  see how many loads I get in each bottle of Gain, and of course it's 32. So I add them up and I get 64 loads all together. Then something said look down and see how much the 1 bottle of the 64 load cost. Low and behold that was $9.97. Now you may be wondering where I am going with all this, so I won't prolong it. This is not a good deal where I am getting the same amount of detergent for the same price even though 1 is in a single bottle and the other is split in half in 2 seperate bottles. Now I can see if the 32 load was like 2 for $6 or even 2 for $8 giving me $2 off. But to try and create it as you are giving me a deal by simply making it seem like the price is a bargin is this a straight shame. Buyers Be Aware and watch when you shop and don't fall for these tricks these stores are trying to spring on you...Even though I Love HEB because they are a good store and reasonable, this particular incident was just one that blew me away.....Buyer Be Aware!

*The views in this blog are for the sole purpose to give information. Not to defame any particular product or company.

OFCI Report Editorial: The Lazy Black Man....

I always get excited when  I have found inspiration to write a blog after I have come from the barbershop. One thing about the barbershop is that you will find inspiration there whether you're looking for it or not. And today I can say that I was looking for and found it. For the past I would say 4 years or so I have been opening and closing the barbershop, and without fail with accurate consistency the same things have been happening. 1). The same Barber is the only one on time every morning and 2). those guys will complain that they are not making any money. Now you may be asking yourself what does that have to do what a lazy black man, well hold tight and continue reading and I will tell you. I am a student of entrepreneurialship and I believe that if you put in hard work and time in your craft it will pay off in the long run. Now that being said, I am also not a barber, but I have been in customer service almost all my life so I can pretty much tell you how to keep them coming back besides having them being impressed with just your cutting skills. These guys are pretty decent barbers, but the one thing they lack that they do not seem to get is what is holding them back from getting a decent customer flow is their work ethic. When you are in a business where you are serving thee public, the one rule that governs your whole business is "Time is of the Essence". I know you open at 9 am and I also know that I don't have to be to work until 10 am. Now if I am at your shop when the doors open and it takes about 35 to 40 minutes for me to get a cut, and about 15 minutes for me to get to work, why is it that I am on time and you are not there until 3 or 4 hours later. How about, I call you to see what time I can come in to get a cut and you don't answer your phone all day. You say you need money, but when it comes time for you to be there or answer the call to make the money you are no where to be found. How long do you expect for folks to put up with this foolishness until they decide to go somewhere else where they are on time and professional. I've experienced that at least once or twice in the past. But with these guys, they take the cake.

Now lets fast forward to today. Again one of the barbers was talking about making money. So I mentioned to him that he should lower his prices a little and be to work on time. Right after saying this he came up with almost a thousand excuses on why he couldn't do either. But you say you need money. Time and time again when special holidays roll around, or when graduation and prom come up I suggest to them about putting on specials for the kids. That seems to go in one ear and right out the other, but they say they want and need money. Now to the lazy black man. It's to often that I talk to other young brothers about how they want to better their lives and how they want more that when I suggest to them roads and avenues to take to get what they want they seem to just want to "take the easy way out"  Become a rapper, sell drugs, or for some, be a pimp. None of them want to put in hard work any more. Hard work to them if like a fat man trying to lose 200lbs in 2 days. It ain't happening.... Some of them would soon cut of their arms and legs then put in an honest days works. Now before you go criticize and say not all black men or like that. Notice I didn't say all black men, just the ones I tend to talk to on a daily basis.  An I know nothing is wrong with being a rapper, but it that all their is to our young black brothas, saying rhymes or running a ball. There is so much potential inside of our Young Black Males that is being untapped, but because we see dollars instead of destiny many of our so-called friends and family members only encourage you in doing what is best for them and not what is best for you. An in the end you wind up wondering what if while they are out spending your hard earned cash. So you need to follow what is in your heart and if you need solid advice on the road you may want to take then I advise you to talk to someone who has nothing to gain from your success but knowing that they gave you good advice and that is why you are where you are today. But time and time again with our young Black Brothas they just want the easy way out. What upsets me the most is when you hear brothas talk about trying to find a job and you cannot get hired. Well here is a tip, Don't show up to to fill out an application 3 o'clock in the evening when the notice says they are taken between 9 am and 1 pm. Don't show up wearing hood gear, dress for success. And lastly Learn how to speak proper English, you are looking for a job working with professionals, not auditioning for Yo! MTV Raps....get it together. But my gripe is, as I talked to this barber, again it irked me that he came up with all these excuses on why he couldn't get to work on time, and his other mess. Now true I understand that these guys have personal lives and things need to be taken care of, but at the same time when the bulk of your problems is financial then you need to be at the front and center of the line when it come to you making the money that you need to solve that problem, not making excuses on why you can't. Brothas look, if you want to be on top of the world then you have to actually go to the mountain and climb it. There are no elevators there to take you to the top, you actually have to do some work to get there. Don't hate on the next man cause he got his success by actally working for it while you still in the mailroom sorting his mail and bringing it to him. Initiative is the key to your success, actually getting up and doing something about your situation. But, until you do that, Society will always view you as what they think you are, A Lazy Black Man....