The Cover – Monica Gee (Photos by Prettii Dope Photography) ✓ Inside Covers Monica Gee ✓ From the Editors’ Desk ✓ IShine Poem – Merry Christmas ✓ Marketing Director – Rhonda Turner ✓ Become A Publisher ✓ Merry Christmas from A & M ✓ Merry Christmas from the A & M Contributing Writers ✓ The Charge Room ✓ Natashah Khan – Faith Over Fear ✓ Monica Gee – Confidence (Photos by Prettii Dope Photography) ✓ Denise Henry - Good Grief: Navigating Loss ✓ Kevette Minor Kane – Mindset & Money Management… Know Your Numbers ✓ Linda McDowell – Prescription for your soul, Getaway go somewhere and just be ✓ Black Women Business Connect ✓ Deborah Cooper – Christmas Date Ideas “For Couples” ✓ Monica Gee – “True to Yourself” (Photos by Prettii Dope Photography) ✓ Abide Candle Co. by Tabitha ✓ Karla Beedles - A Note to Self: Increase Your Productivity ✓ by Minimizing Distractions ✓ Jennifer Williams - When should I remove a closed account from my credit report?
✓ Latosha Clemons – The Truth About Leadership ✓ Monica Gee – I AM A WOMAN EMPOWERED (Photos by Prettii Dope Photography) ✓ Paula R. Amor – REGAL The Americans Black Women ✓ Chanelle Lawson, PHD -How to be Intentional during the Holidays! ✓ December SPOTLIGHT – Flawed & Still Favored o LaShonda Oglesby – Visionary Author o Regina Price Co- Author o LaDonna Porter Co- Author o Rev. Dr. Sonja Wright-Smith Co- Author o Courtney Oliver Co- Author ✓ Coaches Darryl & P’Angela Jones – High Earning Doesn’t Lead to Submission ✓ iShine Podcast ✓ WOP Women of Peace ✓ Carolyn Darensbourg - Memories of Family Christmas Travel ✓ Monica Gee – Back Cover (Photos by Prettii Dope Photography)
Angela Lewis Matthew Santana Jr. Editor in Chief iSHINE Magazine From the Editors’ Desk A NOTE FROM THE EDITORS 12.25.21 When I think about the month of December and the holidays, one of the important things that comes to mind is \"family.\" The delight of holiday family gatherings; meeting up with relatives we may not have seen in a while and renewing ties with close friends who are \"just like family.\" As we come to a close on the eventful year that was 2021, I'd want to express my gratitude to our iShine \"family\" - the team on which we rely to keep things running smoothly and to make us feel like “WE” are a part of something extremely special and valuable. We've accomplished a lot in the last year, had a lot of fun creating some remarkable publications, and made a lot of new friends along the way. I wish a healthy, happy, and profitable New Year to everyone we've had the pleasure of doing business with this year, as well as everyone who enjoys reading the rewards of our labor. Accept yourself, love yourself, and keep moving forward. If you want to fly, you have to give up what weighs you down. Thank you for being a member of the iShine family!
Marketing Director As your A & M Marketing Director, I like to create your ads to be imaginary for what you are saying in your article. Is it making a difference? Does it catch the reader eye? Most marketers would say that advertising is one of the fun parts of marketing. But beyond the fun, I like to have an ongoing collection of inspiration to learn from and draw upon. Experience matters and having a collection of examples can continue to make things useful even if I have never worked directly on your article idea look. It is important to communicate a clear benefit to the readers making sure they focus on what your article is telling. The less you say, the more the reader will actually take away to remember. As your A & M Marketing Director the hands business is important with the ability to lead, motivate, and coordinate the best editorial and technical team to achieve above expectations. We want to thank you for supporting A & M iShine Magazine where we make you shine… I shine… then we all will shine. Happy Holidays Rhonda Williams-Turner
Become A Published Writer!
Contributing Writers
Contributing Writers
Contributing Writers
Contributing Writers
Set “Free your mind and the rest will follow” There are most times where Yourself one may become overwhelmed and or anxious over people, places, or things that are not of our control. Not to mention the parts of us Free that feel inclined to always participate in areas of where it is really none of our business. Ilyasah Yasah Simpson Are you that one to always place your nose where it should not belong? Or better yet the one who just cannot sit still. Nervous Nelly and Nosy Patty. Let’s not forget Run and Tell Harry. Come walk with me as I share a story. There was a lady named Sarah who wore multiple hats. She was a mother of six small children and worked as a customer service representative in a retail store. Sarah also was a member of the PTA at her children’s school, and active member of the local church’s choir. Sarah most times felt she needed to prove herself to be accepted. Sarah felt ashamed of having children unwed and raising her children alone without support. Sarah often felt like her back was against the wall because not always did Sarah meet every financial or emotional need of her household. Not always did Sarah experience mental satisfaction and encouragement from day to day. In fact, there were more times than many Sarah would cry for hours and night and as the tears on her pillow often made her feel uncomfortable, she would dare not to allow anyone to see her pain. Sarah would call her friends or family in her times of need. Not always were any of her support systems available for release or relief. Sarah often wore a coat of emotional heaviness. What should she do? Did ever stop to think how you were going to make it out of experiencing high emotional moments? Recall the last time when your back was against the wall. Let us now unpack these emotions. First things first. I encourage you to begin everything you do with prayer.
Whenever you are doing something for God you will run up against opposition. Get past the restraint, defeat, and resistance. God is the glue that will keep you together. With God all things are possible Stay focused • Follow your heart • Look at what God has for you. • Keep working don’t stop. There will be criticism and critics. People will laugh at you. People will think you won’t make it through to your there. You may be last. However, you will have the best laugh. Never wear your emotions on your sleeve. Despite weakness in the mind and intensity of your current situation, God will lift you up behind the scenes. God knows how to fix any situation. Never feel that what we see with our eyes is human weakness, but the power of God will see way beyond what man/ woman can see. Keep your eyes on God. Can you sacrifice? I was called by God to be a blessing to his people. God will provide the people a place of sacrifice. God will provide a place of worship. Don’t stop working towards your goals or purpose because people think you are doing too much or not enough. Do your assignment. Do the job well. You are here. But this is not your stopping place. God has greater places for you. No matter what the enemy does God has his hedge of protection for you to still stand. Keep on moving. Keep on calling on the name of the lord. Keep your hands in God’s unchanging hands. Do a great work. Set yourself free. God will supply your every need. Thank God in advance Thank God for his healing, blessings, and his covering. “You will shine as you hold on tight to the word of life. Then I will be able to boast about you on the day Christ returns. I can be happy that I didn’t run or work for nothing.” Philippians 2:16 NIRV Minister CHARGE
Faith Over Fear Natashah Khan
Faith Over Fear Natashah Khan My daily interaction and growing in relationship with GOD are a constant reminder of who I am in GOD and who he is Why do we allow ourselves to live in FEAR? Is it the in me. The good news is that we are not powerless. That we fear of the unknown, fear of being alone, fear of failure, shouldn't feel this way. \"Power belongeth unto God,\" - fear we are not good enough; the list of what we are power to be unafraid: \"For God has not given us the spirit fearful of is endless… but why?! Where did we learn to of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind\" (II allow the emotion of fear to paralyze us, hold us back Timothy). I am reminded that anything is possible, and we from accomplishing our dreams and believing that can achieve anything we set our minds and hearts too so as whatever we want is impossible to obtain. Many of us long as we allow GOD to not only to take the journey with were influenced by the opinions, negative beliefs and us but lead us and guide our steps. fears of others and have carried the torch of fear with (Proverbs 3: 5-6) Trust in the LORD with all us into our own lives; causing us to burn down GOD’s your heart; and lean not unto our own plans for our lives. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans understanding. In all thy ways I have, to give you hope and a future”. As a result of acknowledge him, and he shall direct our allowing fear to control us we have given up our power paths. and we have lost a sense of self and believing we are powerless. In my recovery journey, I’ve learned that my To overcome FEAR and walk in FAITH I needed to believe powerlessness was a result of believing the enemy and in a higher power, trust in GOD, have courage and step out listening too and believing the lies that was told to me in faith (what I believe to be true about who GOD is and “That I wasn’t good enough or I am a failure”. what he is capable of doing in my life) Hebrews 11:1-3 “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen and without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.\" ... “All things are possible for one who believes.\"
Below are 5 things I exercise daily to help me overcome fear and walk in faith; Also the following scripture motivates me to regain power and spiritual strength. (Corinthians 5:7 “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”) 5 Tips on How to Stop Living in Fear 1. Identify your emotions and Journal your thoughts and feelings 2. Explore what your negative beliefs are (i.e., “I am not good enough, I am a failure, I am not capable”)- Ask GOD to remove the negative self-talk. 3. Replace your inner negative self-talk with positive self-talk (I.e., I am good enough, I am courageous, I can do whatever I put my mind too, with GOD all things are possible) 4. Prayer- Release your Fear as it comes from the Enemy, Trust in the GOD of your understanding and seek the courage needed to step out in FAITH 5. Regain Power, Be Courageous, Be BOLD and live the life GOD has called you to live. When we choose a higher power of our understanding (GOD) fear becomes a thing of the past, and our faith then ignites the power within us that makes us unstoppable! For more inspiration and information on how to combat fear & walk in FAITH email me: [email protected]
I AM Monica Gee
Monica Gee
Monica Gee
Good Grief: Navigating Loss Denise Henry When I think of grief, the first thing I come up with is the death of a person. But, as I have matured and grown, I have come to the full understanding that grief extends beyond the death of a person. Grief can come in the form of a change/loss of a job, a home, any kind of relationship or even one’s former self. No matter the kind of grief one may experience, according to Psychology Today, there are 5 stages of grief and that’s what I will explore in this month’s article with the hope that you’ll gain a better perspective of, while giving yourself permission to walk through the grieving process at your own pace and promote healing in your spirit, body, and soul.
Stages of Grief Stage 1: Denial and Isolation. There is a disbelief and even shock of losing something or someone. You separate yourself in order to get a grasp on what is happening. When I was passed over for promotion at my job, I was in great disbelief for quite some time and the person, who got the promotion, hadn’t been there as long as I had nor did they (in my opinion) display qualities needed for the position. It was weeks before I was able to fully acknowledge what happened and during that time I kept to myself at work and did the bare minimum of my job. Stage 2: Anger. It’s the doctor. She didn’t do her job. It’s my body. It doesn’t work right. It’s God. He could’ve stopped it. This raw and unpredictable emotion is looking for a way to escape the truth of deeper feelings such as fear, betrayal, disappointment, etc. Most of all, through your anger you gain momentary power in situations that you feel are out of your control. Stage 3. Bargaining. This stage of grief is offering ways to negotiate a different outcome of what has happened as you are trying to make sense of the situation. I remember praying to God and attempting to bargain with Him when my son was in the hospital. God, if you take this away now...then I will do better. Can you relate? Also, behind the negotiating is an acknowledgement that you’re to blame and/or you are carrying shame and thus need to atone for your actions. Stage 4. Depression. For some depression is a never ending saga of despair. For others, it is a quick and hard gut punch that lasts for a while and then relief comes. Depression tells you there is no solution. It cannot get better. The heaviness of the loss is too much to bear. So, you give up and become stuck and in that place is where thoughts of suicide and/or causing harm to another begin to form. Stage 5. Acceptance. NOW, this place signifies you are ready to take what has happened and move forward. You recognize the present moment for what it is and your attempts to change or fix it are no longer the main focus. You’re able to make the necessary adjustments to live in what is your new reality while having a deeper “knowing” that there could be a greater purpose formed from your loss.
Dealing with loss is no easy feat. Whether good or bad, planned, or abrupt, everything familiar about that person, place or thing, holds a level of significance in your life and cannot be undone because of the memories created. While there is no timeline for when you should be done grieving, although studies suggest grief can last between 6 months-4 years, these 5 stages of grief are a good roadmap to help you navigate loss with understanding and efficiency. With that being said, I want to remind you grief is a process and a part of the healing journey. Embrace it (or not) as best you can and don’t allow anyone to tell you to “just get over it” or “you’re being ridiculous” or any other insensitive thing that may come out of people’s mouths. You deserve and have the right to feel how you feel...cry, yell, write, sing, etc. But let’s be clear sir/madam if you need help sorting your grief, without shame go ahead and get it. It can be a trusted and safe friend, pastor, therapist, a day at the spa, playing basketball, baking, or going for a good run/walk. Until next time, Hugs and Smiles Denise Henry, The HealthyMomLife, LLC Resources: Suicidepreventionlifeline.org Victimconnect.org Nami.org ++reach out to your local hotlines and therapists
Kevette Minor Kane
Mindset & Money Management: Know Your Numbers One of the most overwhelming things for 1. I Am Enough many people to do is sit down with their 2. I Have Enough financials and create a budget or plan for 3. I Do Enough saving and spending their money. This may 4. God is my provider be due to past financial traumas or the 5. Asé influence of others on their money 6. Take a deep breath and relax. relationship. There are so many factors to consider when calculating your numbers for the day, week, month, and year, including: income, essentials, wants, credit, investment, insurance, savings, debt, etc. So how do you manage your money without losing your mind? Start by taking a deep breath and repeating a short mantra to calm your apprehension and boost your confidence. Repeat this out loud so that you can hear yourself say it. So, what are the numbers you need to know? First, you’ve got to face the big bad wolf by taking a look at your bank account balance(s). You need to know how much liquid cash you actually have because keeping track of your cashflow is how you’ll control how much you keep. Then you need to know how much stashed cash you have available through alternative resources. Review your credit balances and availability. Review your investments for gains and losses. Finally, review your insurances to ensure that you’re neither over- insured or underinsured.
Then there are three LIFE numbers that each person should know for themselves. 1. Net Worth is the number that identifies the value of your assets over liabilities. (Bag) 2. Break Even Point is the number that identifies when your income amount equals your expense. (Seesaw) 3. Retirement Requirement is the number that identifies how much money you need to support yourself through a lifetime when you no longer work to exchange With these numbers you will be able to puytouyor uhroufirnsafnocriadloplliacrtsu.r(eBeinacchlecahraviri)ew. The planning process becomes an exciting venture rather than a weighty task. The only remaining question is, how then do you calculate these numbers for your financial plan? That’s where MarimorLife Mindset & Money Management is available to support you with motivation and accountability through education, encouragement, and empowerment. Contact our office to connect with a financial advisor who can guide you on the journey to self-sufficiency, one step at a time. Kevette Minor Kane Financial Liberation Expert MarimorLife Mindset & Money Management www.marimorlife.com Social: @marimorlife
Prescription for your soul, Get away, go somewhere and just Be! Linda McDowell
I did something a little strange for me this weekend. I decided to just get in my car and go away. I did have to call and make reservations for my hotel room, but I did that the day of my get away adventure. The reason for this spontaneous moment was that I just needed to get away. I had been working hard, there were some family things going on, and I just needed to take a break from everything. So, I got in my car, and began my trip, at first, I felt a little guilty. When I say I needed to get away I went on this trip by myself without my husband or friends, just me. I think it was the first time I had taken a little get away by myself. I went to Gatlinburg, TN, which is just a few hours from me. It was one of the best things I could ever do for myself. I stayed by the mountains in a hotel that was on the river. The beauty of the mountains, in the fall, with bright yellow, red, and orange colors of the trees, was breathtaking. Then to add icing to the cake was the sound of the river, and the motion of the water hitting against the pebbles and rocks. It was so soothing to my soul. I was able to rest, recharge, and replenish my soul. I was alone with no expectations for my time, no deadlines, no rush to go from this place to the next. I was able to calm my spirit, ground, and center myself with my Creator, most of all I was just able to be! Sometimes we just need to stop, pause, and just be. I sometimes have so many things on my plate, that I often forget to savor the moment. In those moments away, I was able to savor the moment of a beautiful autumn day, a sunset over the mountains, a cool breeze running across my face, and the melodic sound of the river rushing over the stones that are the inhabitants of the river’s edge. In one moment, I watched a beautiful red leaf, fall, and be carried to the ground by the wind. I enjoyed the coziness of hot chocolate as I wrapped myself in a blanket and felt the crisp air and watched the sun drift way past the mountains. I did this as a gift to myself. My own token of appreciation for the hard work I had been doing. I also realized that I had to nurture and take care of myself before I could give to another person. I found me in that solitude, I appreciated my strength, my courage to do something just for me, because I deserved to. Some may even call it a little selfish, maybe so. However, I can’t tell others to take care of themselves, to nourish their souls, and commune with their God if I have never experienced the feeling. As I think about it, I was not alone, it was me and God. I was enjoying and feeling grounded in His presence. I felt him though we did not talk much. I knew he was with me because he restored my soul. I lived that verse over this weekend. So, the moral of this article is just this, Take the time, it is imperative to restore your soul in Him! Below I shared some of the pictures I took. Don’t be afraid to take time for you, and to treat you as special as you are. Enjoy the scenery!
CONNECT Register Your Business Today! BLACK WOMEN NETWORKING
CHRISTMAS DATE IDEAS “FOR COUPLES” Deborah Cooper
“ Are you ready to have an amazingly romantic holiday season? Christmas is a beautiful time for family and friends, but sometimes in the flurry of activity, our own relationship takes a hit. Um, when was the last time you relaxed with just your spouse? So, let’s solve this with some fun Christmas date ideas. Our relationship should be a priority, even during this busy time. Without a doubt, I believe fall is the most romantic season. The chilly air makes lovers want to spend time together, snuggling under blankets, walking together, and cozying up to a fire. Plus, the scenery is beautiful, and the seasonal food is delicious. What better season is there to fall in love–or to rekindle your passion? Whether you’re casually dating, in a serious relationship, engaged, or married, fall and winter can be the perfect time to grab someone special and go on an adventure. Here are some things to spice up the holidays. It has worked for us for years. Trust me. Try them. You will not be disappointed. Hint-We are still 39 years strong. Fall is our best time of the year.
First, why not make your scrumptious Christmas treats together? Spend a few hours making your favorite goodies to eat, drink some coffee and hot chocolate this gives you a chance to sit together and have a deep conversation. Or you can read a couple of good books, side-by-side. Sometimes the best dates (especially for long-term couples) are ones where you can simply sit and be completely comfortable together.
A movie makes an awesome date. Who could miss all the amazing movies at Christmas? Whether you’re into the classics like the Grinch, or the romantic Hallmark movies, snuggle up with your spouse by the fire and give at least one night to the holiday spirit. Don’t forget a cozy blanket to snuggle under together. Do you have kids? Get a babysitter and enjoy one night out getting gifts for the kids and eating at a fun restaurant. If you’re shopping online this year, turn this into a cozy night in with takeout after the kids are in bed. Try a couple’s date night around the holidays to catch up with old friends. To fellowship together, laugh, and have fun. One of my favorites is volunteering this time of the year. Helping others will undoubtedly bring you together. Is there a way for you to be generous over the season? Plan it out and do it. It’s so fulfilling to give back.
This one is such an easy way to keep the romance alive! Hang your mistletoe over a common space and enjoy some extra smooches over the holiday season. It only takes a second, but it’s a fantastic way to strengthen your bond! Plan an annual weekend getaway with your spouse. *Can’t get away? Make it a fun holiday staycation and add activities in your day that make for a relaxing and cheerful break from the Christmas preparations. Fun ideas include seeing an outdoor light show. This is so much fun seeing the lights. It’s Something about the lights make you smile. My spouse and I aren’t big gift-givers to each other. However, we LOVE giving a gift that is used as a future date.
Decide on a special holiday breakfast and splurge on some fancy coffee or hot chocolate for a Christmas morning that feels cozy and warm. If your kids are small or older and sleep in late, sit with your spouse and enjoy a quiet moment together before the chaos of gifts begins. Our kids are older and out of the house, so this gives us lots of time to cozy up drink hot chocolate listen to Christmas music and warm up together before everyone comes over. After the hoopla has died down, make a toast with the one you love. What are some things that went well over the holiday season? The year? Spend a short moment being grateful for the love that surrounds you. Next, get a little romantic and leave a love note or letter in your partner’s stocking for them to read on Christmas Day. Obviously, it’s awesome if you’re poetic and romantic, but even just a sentence explaining why you appreciate the other person is a sweet bonus.
Do a Christmas 12-day countdown Finally, of course, it’s a lot of fun to fill your spouse’s stocking with small There’s no doubt about it. The holidays goodies that make him or her smile. are fun, but also can be stressful. If it’s a Let them know that you are thinking difficult time of year for your mental about them! health or relationship, consider doing a self-care challenge! It’s a wonderful Happy Holidays from way to slow down together during an our family to yours! incredibly fast-paced time. We are all unique, so our traditions should be too! Spontaneous and out-of- the-box traditions are often the most special. What do you love to do? What do you love to eat? Incorporate these! Perhaps you get sea food together on Christmas eve or drink champagne to celebrate that you survived another season. Do something that makes you both happy and own it! Are you building a beautiful Christmas tree? If so, give your spouse the gift of a new ornament every year. Years later you’ll come across ornaments that bring back sweet memories.
Monica Gee
Monica Gee
“You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks.” - Winston S. Churchill Many times, we find ourselves distracted from our work. It can be a simple thing like a phone call that unexpectedly extends, a last-minute dash to run an errand, or a simple swipe and click on a social media notification. This happens to me too. However, by being fully aware of what this may cost me and my business, I strive to maintain focus regardless of the situation. As they say, nothing comes easy but with dedication and being intentional in maintaining focus, you will be on the road to achieving all that you ever wanted. As an entrepreneur, your innovative and creative mind is constantly racing. You might find yourself handling several things at the same time and on the other hand, the noisy and busy business environment does no good in helping you calm down. This may shift your attention and you may find yourself struggling with prioritizing important elements.
Managing Distractions for Better Focus Maintaining focus is very important as it will not only help you run a thriving business, but it will also keep you in check and help you become more productive in all areas of your life. Regardless of the pointers you pick that will work for you, it is crucial to improve your focus by identifying and eliminating items that seem to divert your attention from what is important. So, how can you take back control of your time and attention? Here’s a few strategies that will keep you on the right track in reclaiming your focus: 1. Create a Distraction Free Mode for Yourself I know most of our work is done on the thing that causes the most distractions, the computer! If you find yourself wandering to videos or other sites while working, try using an app blocker while you’re in distraction free mode. The point here is to create an environment and signals for yourself and others that indicate that you are in distraction free mode. Signals to consider include putting your phone on silent or do not disturb, using noise canceling headphones, closing the office door, working from a different location or any similar thing that will reduce distractions and excuses. 2. Shorten Your “Must Do” List to 3 Main Objectives Face it, a long list of things to do at the start of a day is overwhelming. We may think that we are getting a lot done but working a lot of hours does not equal productivity. Parkinson’s law says, “work tends to expand to fill the time we have available for its completion.” By limiting your list to 3 main objectives daily, you will reduce the need to attempt multitasking and straying from the work at hand. This in turn will allow you to work with greater intentionality on the main things. Other tasks can be added on a separate “to do” list and can be tackled once the main things are complete. 3. Put Yourself on a Schedule Parkinson’s law says One of the hardest things for new entrepreneurs is to decide how to use their time. (I’ll share more deets on this in another article). Once you have your 3 main objectives, choose how much time you need for each task and schedule it. If you’re not sure, start with working for 45 minutes then taking a 15-minute break. The secret to this is using a timer, both for work time and break time! During your break you can browse away, look at emails, shop or talk on the phone until the timer goes off. If you find that during the scheduled work time you are still getting distracted, reduce the work time to 35 minutes with a 10- minute break. Putting yourself on this type of schedule allows you to put your full attention on one task at a time, no multitasking.
Making It Happen It may not feel easy at first, but it can be done. Implementing new habits to maximize your focus is necessary for the growth of your business. As Roy T.Bennet says “What you stay focused on will grow”. The key is looking at the bigger picture and executing the action steps you created for goal achievement. Purpose to achieve your highest levels of success and growth by being aware of what can negatively shift your focus and energy and learning how to steer clear from them all. If you are in need of a clear roadmap with actionable steps and defined goals to ensure that distractions don’t keep you from your business profits, CLICK HERE to schedule your Path to Profits call with me.
You may be wondering, “Can I have closed accounts From there, credit reporting agencies are legally required removed from my credit report?” to investigate your claim, usually within 30 days, and For the most part, it only makes sense to try to remove a notify you of their response. closed account from your credit report if some negative While a closed account may not be removed from your information has been reported. This is especially true if credit reports entirely if your dispute is granted, the the negative details reported are incorrect. credit bureaus may remove incorrectly reported negative Fortunately, you do have some options when it comes to information. This can help improve your credit score having information from your credit reports removed, or even if you are still stuck with the account on your at least trying to get information removed. Here is how report. to remove closed accounts on your credit report. Step 1: Formally dispute inaccuracies Step 2: Politely ask for the information to be removed. You can dispute inaccurate information on your credit If you do not necessarily have any incorrect information reports, and you should do so with the credit bureaus as to dispute but you still want a closed account removed well as the company that provided the information. If from your credit reports, you can also write the credit you have negative reporting on a closed account on your bureaus a “goodwill letter.” This type of formal request Experian credit report, for example, you will dispute the could lead to having an account removed out of information with Experian and with the creditor who goodwill, yet there are no guarantees. reported the false information, such as a credit card Either way, you can ask and all they can say is “no.” You issues can find out how to contact all three credit bureaus using You can dispute inaccurate information online by the links below: providing your name, your address and your phone • Equifax: Equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services number and the details of your dispute. Details you will • Experian: Experian.com/help want to list along with contact information includes: • Transunion: TransUnion.com/credit-help • Account numbers for accounts you are disputing. Step 3: Wait for the information to disappear on its • A written explanation of the incorrect own. information and why it is wrong. Also, remember that closed accounts on your report will • A copy of your credit report with the incorrect eventually disappear on their own. Negative information information highlighted. on your reports is removed after 7 years, whereas • Any documents that prove your dispute is valid, accounts closed in good standing will disappear from such as receipts of payment. your report after 10 years. If you have tried to dispute Once you gather this information, you would send it to incorrect negative information without success, or if your the credit bureau that is reporting the false information goodwill request went unanswered, it is possible that as well as the company that reported it. From there, you’ll just have to wait it out until your problem corrects credit reporting agencies are legally required to itself. If you’re curious about which accounts are still on investigate your claim, usually within 30 days, and notify your reports or you simply want to monitor the you of their response. information on your reports over time, note that you can get a free copy of your credit reports from all three credit Once you gather this information, you would send it bureaus via the website Annual CreditReport.com. to the credit bureau that is reporting the false Where you could previously only get a free report from information as well as the company that reported it. each bureau on this site once per year.
The Truth About Leadership Latosha Clemons
Search
