Welcome to our forum. Register and read numerous of interesting secrets which can save you tons of money, and create a new you. http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/index.php Sun, 20 May 2012 11:51:24 -0400 Phorum 5.2.9a http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?69,269,269#msg-269 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?69,269,269#msg-269 Don't Feed Into The Negativity And Take Charge of Your Destiny

I know there are tough times for many, and yes our government is partly to blame. However, you cannot lose hope as our paradigms are based on our perceptions. If you wait for entitlements, government jobs, hand outs, the media to tell you times have changed, you will have a difficult life. Hope is what keeps you going despite what you may or may not see around you. You have to have faith and take action.

You have to believe in yourself and become creative if you want to obtain some form of freedom. I will not tell you that by being creative you will single handily pay off the national debt, but while those around you may be in financial hardship--that does not have to be your truth. Don’t let fear overcome you and your reality. Start thinking, “How can I become creative, contribute to society, and be happy?” Once you discover what that is, money will automatically follow.

We all encounter obstacles. I am not any different. But if you remain positive and persistent, your obstacles will dissolve in front of your eyes. To many, this may seem as “BS,” however, I can personally tell you that I have been in situations where I let what is going on in the world infiltrate my heart bringing fear toward it. Guess what happens while in a state of fear? I get more stressed out, and I attract more negativity toward me. For instance, if you haven’t noticed, I have not been posting as much on my Freedom page as usual. That’s because while I was focusing on what was going on around the world through Facebook, the media, and the financial state of our nation, my paradigm started shifting and so was my financial status and the more scared I became.

I’ve been successfully managing my properties for years without any real issues, when all of a sudden, I started having problems with tenants who were good and turned bad on me. They lost their employment or just decided not to pay on time or pay at all anymore. My credit score went down drastically without any real reason (remember, I do credit restoration), prompting denials on business investments and loans, as well as getting into heated arguments with tenants; until I realized it and said, “Devil you may control some people, financial institutions and some government officials, but you cannot control my creativity.” "You may slow me down, but you will not stop me!" Sometimes we create our own devils and we have to cast them out of our minds and hearts. I kid you not, when I acknowledged that negative energy, change my thoughts despite what I was going through, things started turning around quickly.

I started making offers even without funds or the bank’s approval, and hard cash lenders started dropping in my lap. I found Incredible deals were just being approved. Was I scared? Absolutely, but I didn’t give up and complain about it. OK, maybe I did just a little bit; however, I kept going out and making offers on potential deals. I said to myself, “If when I first got involved in real estate, I did it while having no money or credit in a bad real estate market, what is stopping me now if not myself?” I used to live in an abandoned building and accomplished all these investment goals despite the past. Some of you may say, “Oh that is easy for you to say, you own millions in real estate.” While that may be technically correct, I do not yet make millions, and just like you have many bills, I have them too just multiplied by a few thousands more a week. And sometimes that same mentality, pride, and ego holds us back from even trying because we have given up “HOPE.” Don’t give up!

Although, there are many great real estate opportunities out there, you may not be interested in them. I cannot tell you what to do, because you have to find your own path and what works for you. However, I highly recommend real estate to anyone. Now is the time to buy. If you want to know how to get started, a great guide would be to read my book, The NO BS in Making Millions in Real Estate and/or follow this link on creative financing.

Best Wishes,

George Almodovar
CEO of Striving for Better Days, Inc. &
Author of The NO BS in Making Millions in Real Estate]]> admin Don't Feed Into The Negativity, And Take Charge of Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:34:13 -0500 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?68,268,268#msg-268 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?68,268,268#msg-268 It's All In A State of Mind.

I’ll begin with a quote in mind from Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill:


“If you think you are beaten, you are, If you think you dare not, you don’t. If you like to win, but think you can’t It is almost certain you won’t.

“If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost, For out in the world we find, Success begins with a fellow’s will—It’s all in the state of mind.

“If you think you are outclassed, you are, You’ve got to think high to rise, You’ve got to be sure of yourself before You can ever win a prize.

“Life’s battles don’t always go To the stronger or faster man, But soon or late the man who wins Is the man WHO THINKS HE CAN !” (38).

This positive quote is also available inside The NO BS in Making Millions in Real Estate by George Almodovar, CEO of Striving for Better Days, Inc.]]> admin It's All in The State of Mind Sun, 22 Jan 2012 14:22:51 -0500 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?67,267,267#msg-267 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?67,267,267#msg-267 Stop the Excuses!!! How to Buy A Property With NO Credit Or Money Out of Pocket

Are you complaining about not having enough money, bad or no credit? Let me show you a creative way into buying real-estate without hurting your pocket or bank account. A little over two years ago, I was interested in buying a property that the real estate agent made it impossible for me to purchase on Staten Island. There were disagreements within us, especially due to proof of funds needed to buy foreclosed properties. By the time, I got the funds together, the property was under contract. This happened three times in a row, yet I wasn't given the opportunity to make a real offer to purchase of $190,000, and although illegally, my real offer was never presented to the seller. Nevertheless, the property was finally sold--after two times back out into the market--for $164,000 cash at an appraised value of $305,000.


I was very upset and even argued with the sale's agent. But this setback was a setup for a comeback due to my tenacity and persistence. The new owner who acquired the property, quickly put the property up for sale for $300,000. I waited a month feeling kind of depressed, but I decided to come up with a creative plan to purchase this property, even at a higher price than the owner bought it for. You may ask yourself, why this property? This property is in the same block as five of my other properties that I own in the same block, making it easier for me to manage as well as satisfying my ego of owning the entire block.


To make things short, I set up a meeting with the seller, and I explained to him that I wanted to purchase his property for $250,000. That's fifty thousand dollars less than he wanted for it. He quickly refused my verbal offer until I showed him a contract with a "lease with option to buy." I also explained to him that because he had just bought the house, even if he managed to sell the property at today's record foreclosures, he would have to pay a "Short-Term Capital Gains tax" which was 35% of the purchase price minus his investment. That's $47,600 paid to Uncle Sam, and in addition to this payment, he would've pay closing costs, and other fees. Not only that, but because his immediate gain, he would have to pay taxes for his increase in income which would be assessed at a higher tax-bracket.


I told him, "why give your money to Uncle Sam, when you could lease it to me for $2,000 a month with a two year option to buy for a consideration of $5,000. If I don't exercise my option within two years, you get to keep the $5,000 paid for the option to purchase. Furthermore, I want seller's financing with $25,000 down, and when I decide to exercise my option within two years, I'll pay you the mortgage for the difference. At least this way, after a year and one day of owning the property without selling it, you wouldn't have to pay Short-term capital gains tax and would pay "Long-Term Capital Gains" which is tax at 15% saving you a lot of money. Furthermore, If I buy the property from you after one year and a day, and pay you the mortgage, you wouldn't have to pay taxes until the money is collected throughout the years lowering your tax-bracket and saving you additional money."


After I gave him my written statement on paper, or my offer to purchase, he stated that he was going to sit down with his attorney to verify if what I was stating was correct or not, and that he would reconsider. Moreover, I told him that out of my monthly payment of $2,000 a month, I wanted 15% of the rent payments to be allocated toward my down-payment only if I exercised my option within two years.

He came back to me in a couple of days and many calls after he had verified my offer and statement. He agreed to it, but he instead wanted $2,500 dollars a month rent payment and 15% or $375 dollars a month--out of the rent payment--towards the downpayment, and only if I exercised my option to purchase within two years and wasn't late more than 15 days from my due date. I agreed and shook on it and set up a date for a few weeks later to sign the contract. You may ask yourself, why so much? However, in this game, don't look at what you are paying but what you are getting in return.

For instance, only ten percent down ($25,000) which some of it comes directly from the option, and out of the 15% percent rent payments. Moreover, I am buying a property for $250,000 that is appraised at $305,000 with seller's financing and seller's consesion. As soon as he agreed to my terms and shook on it, I immediately put an Ad at the local newspaper to rent out the two units for a total of $3,500 a month. I borrowed from my credit cards, at O% APR, $10,000 to secure this deal and to prove to myself that you can still buy a property with other people's money. During the stage of the contract agreement, I spackled and repainted the property with his permission, showed it to prospect tenants, and signed the contract once I had the prospects approved and verified with proof of funds. I collected a month's rent and security totalling $7,000 which I paid back my credit card leaving me a balance of $3,000.


Next month came along and I collected $3,500 in rents, and I paid the owner $2,500 for the lease rental with a profit of $1,000 to pay the credit card leaving a balance of $2,000 on them. I repeated this cycle for two more months, while having control of the property, and profits of $1,000 a month. I eventually bought the property under a privacy trust from Nevada owned by a Limited Liability Company which you can do the same, or buy it under your own personal name if you are just starting out.


There are many Foreclosures and opportunities out there where you can borrow the money from your credit cards, a partner, hard cash lenders, or 401k plan for example. You don't even have to purchase it, just control the property for its cash-flow and repeat this cycle a few times over until you can use your own money to purchase real estate. Look for landlords who are renting and have no mortgage on them. You'd be surprised at how many of them are out there in this current market. For more details and creative ideas, ask for my book at your local book store.


Best Wishes,

George Almodovar
CEO of Striving for Better Days, Inc. &
Author of "The No BS in Making Millions in Real Estate"]]> admin Stop the Excuses!!! How to Buy A Property With NO Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:46:52 -0500 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?66,266,266#msg-266 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?66,266,266#msg-266 UnderStanding Your Credit Score

Striving for Better Days, Inc's Home Page!

The NO BS in Making Millions in Real Estate

Fico Credit Scores are calculated from a lot of different credit datas in your credit report. This data can be grouped into five categories as describe below. The percentages stated below indicate the importance each of the categories in determining your Fico Credit score.

1) 35% Payment History
2) 30% Amounts owed
3) 15% Length of Credit History
4) 10% New Credit
5) 10% Types of Credit Used

These percentages are based on the importance of the five categories for the general population. For particular groups --for example, people who have not been using credit long - the importance of these categories may be somewhat different.

Payment History

a) Account payment information on specific types of accounts (credit cards, retail accounts, installments loans, finance company accounts, mortgage, etc.)
b) Presence of adverse public records (bankruptcy, judgements, suits, liens, wage attachments, etc.), collections items, and/or delinquency
(past due items)
c) Severity of delinquency (how long past due)
d) Amount past due on delinquent accounts or collected items
e) Time since (recency of) past due items (deliquency), adverse public records (if any), or collection item (if any)
f) Number of past due items on file.
g) Number of accounts paid as agreed

Amounts Owed

a) Amount owing on accounts
b) Amount owing on specific types of accounts
c) Lack of a specific types of balance, in some cases
d) Number of accounts with balances
e) Proportion of credit lines used (proportion of balances to total credit limits on certain types of revolving accounts)
f) Proportion of installment loan amounts still owing (proportion of balance to original loan amount on certain types of installment loans)

Length of Credit History

a) Time since accounts opened
b) Time since accounts opened, by specific type of account
c) Time since account activity

New Credit

a) Number of recently opened accounts, and proportion of accounts that are recently opened, by type of account
b) Number of recent inquiry(s)
c) Time since recent account opening(s), by type of accounts
d) Time since credit inquiry(s)
e) Re-establishment of positive credit history following past payment problems

Type of Credit Used

a) Number of (presence, prevelance, and recent information on) various types of accounts (credit cards, retail accounts, installment loans, mortgage, consumer finance accounts, etc.)

Please note that

a) a FICO score takes into consideration all these categories of information, not just one or two. No one piece of information or factor alone will determine your score.

b) The importance of any factor depends on the overall informationin your credit report. For some people, a given factor may be more important than for someone else with a different credit history. In addition, as the information in your credit report changes, so does the importance of any factor in determining your FICO scores. Thus, it's impossible to say exactly how important any single factor is in determining your score - even the levels of importance shown here are for the general population, and will be different for different credit profiles. What's important is the mix of information, which varies from person to person, and for any one person over time.

c) Your FICO score only looks at information in your credit report. However, lenders look at many things when making a credit decision including your income, how long you have worked at your present job and the kind of credit you are requesting.

d) Your score considers both positive and negative information in your credit report. Late payments will lower your score, but establishing or re-establishing a good track record of making payments on time will raise your FICO credit score.

How to Improve Your FICO's Score, Click Here!

How to Dispute Bad Information On Your Credit Score, Click here!

Best Wishes,

George Almodovar
CEO of Striving for Better Days, Inc. &
Author of The NO BS in Making Millions in Real Estate]]> admin Understanding Your Credit Score Tue, 27 Dec 2011 13:27:49 -0500 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?65,265,265#msg-265 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?65,265,265#msg-265 How to Get Into More Debt to Succeed

Before you disregard this message, I want you to give me a few minutes to explain the difference between "good debt" and "bad debt" and why one is needed to live a financially successful life and not a mediocre one. I will prove to you mathematically the difference between both without a reasonable doubt. Don't confuse what some gurus such as Dave Ramsey may teach regarding getting off bad debts with getting into good debt which is leverage, compared to over-extending yourself without any contingency funds. Because if you do, you will fail and never be truly debt free due to our national deficit which creates inflation that you will never be able to keep up with, in comparison to your insignificant increase in income. Look up the rate of inflation; in the 80's they were as high as 10% a year. Better hope that we don't experience hyper-inflation!

One should strive to get out of "bad debts" (debts used for goods that depreciate in value such as a vehicle, goods used for immediate gratification, splurging, in general all debts that take away investment opportunity, or money from your pockets). Don't forget that not only will bad debts cost you money every month in compounding interest, but their is also the "opportunity cost" or the opportunity that was lost in time when those funds could have been invested in a higher return of compounding interest. This is one resource that you will never be able to get back, and that is "Time." The more time you lose, the less your investments will grow exponentially or diminish in compounding interest. Paying off your bad debts is sound advice and good offense, however, where is your defense to win the rat race? If you want to win the financial game of Monopoly, you have to play strategically.

Good Debt is greatly mis-understood by the inexperienced or naive investor. Good debt is a form of leverage used to make a great return on your investment by using "Other People's Money" that you would have not been able to save on your own without losing time trying to save up for it while living in this world of inflation. And because money grows exponentially with time, at a compounding rate, you lose many opportunities as well as time when you try to save as much money on your own. This doesn't mean, that there are any risks involved, because there are--even if you were using your own funds, however the risks are minimized by using OPM and saving for contingencies that do occur. I explained this concept in great details inside my book, "The NO BS in Making Millions in Real Estate." If you can't afford a copy, prior to continuing this article, please read free of charge The Formula for Wealth both parts on my website along with, "Now That You've Graduated From Kindergarten or Dave Ramsey's Baby Steps Six of Debt Reduction, What Now" to get a better understanding; that is if you are a serious investor and want to minimize your risks. Please note: Good debt puts money in your pocket after covering all expenditures including interest on the debt; otherwise it isn't "Good Debt."

This section is where I prove without a doubt the difference between "good debt" versus "bad debts." Hopefully by now you've read the articles above through direct links to further enhance your financial understanding. Suppose that you were interested in buying a four-unit income-producing property, where you are planning to live rent free from the potential rents collected. The property is for sale for $200,000.00 where you have the option--according to a few gurus--to put as a down payment 25% ($50,000 down), or 3.5% down ($7,000) with a FHA 203B or K-Loan government secured program which I highly recommend instead. Assume that either way you can afford the monthly mortgage payments, where they will not be a debt burden, especially if you are buying a "Four-Unit Apartment Building" which financial institution allows 75% - 85% of potential prospect rents as an added income for purchasing qualifications.

Why in the world would any wise investor would want to risk more of their funds? Why risked an additional $42,000 in contrast to conventional financing, to using a government program as listed above? Banks plays with home values all the time such as explained in "How to Determine Property Value." If you only invest 3.5% down and the property's value's plummets, you wouldn't lose as much because most of the risks will be on the financial institution's side who put the remaining balance of 96.5% of the loan, making it easier on you to recover, when compared to if you would have put down $50,000.00. Your primarily concern should be positive cash-flow to grow your networth, nothing else. For these same reasons many investors looking for a quick return on capital such as "flippers and speculators," got caught with their pants down or holding the hot potatoes and losing everything they had worked for, whereas if they would have invested for cash-flow and have saved up for emergencies, it is very unlikely that they would have lost their investments.

Some may say, "the more you put down, the less the monthly payments would be, and the less years you take on the term of the loan, the quicker you pay it off. Although, this is true to a certain extent, I would advise you when starting out in real estate ventures, don't look for your immediate dream home just yet. Maximize your FHA programs and take the longest term of payments as possible to minimize your monthly obligations just in case you--or your significant other--find yourselves unemployed making it harder to pay; unless you saved up enough and bought right. Moreover, you want to make sure before you add any extra payments toward your mortgage principal that the real estate market has recovered to maximize your investment and reduce your risks. Once the market has recovered, then you would apply additional funds toward principal to reduce compounding interest and shorten the term of the loan as explained with graphs and charts inside my book.

Now this is where the math throws people off or they become disinterested. Assuming you decided on "Good debt" and you only put down 3.5% on a $200,000 investment and the property appreciates in value in one year at 5%, or $10,000. Let's do the math. 3.5% of $200,000 = $7,000 down payment. Five percent (5% or $10,000) appreciation in value on a $200,000 property, your return on initial investment would be 1.4285% or 142% ROI ($10,000 appreciation / $7,000 down payment = 142% ROI). Where in the stock market would you get those returns? That doesn't include the positive cash flow from rents, depreciation on the "property improvements" (Property minus Land Value) the deduction of mortgage interest according to your marginal tax bracket, and the opportunity cost to invest and save some of the remaining balance of $42,000 compared to getting a conventional loan and putting 25% down as explained by Dave Ramsey. That's additional funds that can be invested in more real estate properties, or "Self Directed Roth IRA's" for you and your spouse, or other investments ventures such as stocks or mutual funds if you choose too.

Let's compared the difference with 3.5% down or 142% ROI with 25% down or risking $50,000 of your own money. Same formula $200,000 property appreciates at 5% or $10,000. ($10,000 / $50,000 down payment = 20% ROI) This Return-on-Investment is still better than stock market's returns on average but you went from 142% return-on-your-investment to risking more of your funds and getting only 20% return-on-your-investment. That's 122% loss on investment and opportunity cost whereas the funds could have been invested elsewhere plus given you an extra cushion in liquidity funds just-in-case. Latter on, once you have established yourself with a couple of these small residential apartment buildings which give a higher return on your investment, than you could buy much larger income producing properties which have a less return on- investment but are much easier to manage. Afterwards, you can also buy your "dream home" but not until then so that you will not over-extend yourself with a higher liability such as your dream property which doesn't put any income in your pocket.

By applying this form of investing, when done correctly as professionally explained inside my book, you will always stay above inflation, thus becoming very financially successful instead of being an indentured servant even without credit card debts and losing precious time with your family's enjoyment such as taking them out to nice dinners or World Disney. Remember, defense and offense to get ahead in life. Take advantage of today's historical interest rates, programs, and low cost in real estate. While everyone is running away from real estate, you should be running toward it. Don't be a "moobah" (cattles and sheep following their herds while making noises such as Moo and Bah..) and dare yourself to be different. Being different has made the most millionaires in "The Great Depression." if you miss this opportunity available now, you will be lamenting afterwards as many were after The Great Depression, the 70's, 80,s and 90's for not investing in real estate and losing out. Please see this inspiring video From Welfare to Millions in Under Four Years. It reminds me of me. Good luck!

Best Wishes,

George Almodovar
CEO of Striving for Better Days, Inc. &
Author of The NO BS in Making Millions in Real Estate]]> admin How to Get Into More Debt to Succeed Mon, 26 Dec 2011 14:52:57 -0500 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?64,264,264#msg-264 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?64,264,264#msg-264 Credit Reports Are Rigged Against You.


Yes I can help you improve your credit score if you implement the information available inside my book, but the facts are that credit scores are rigged against the American people. I have spent years studying them by buying two to three credit reports a month and trying different scenarios and reading as well as participating in many costly seminars. But truth be told, maintaining your credit score is like maintaining a part-time JOB. I have kept my credit clean in over eleven years and have never been late in that period of time. I’ve even assisted individuals--through my company--in improving their scores and taught them the breakdown of how their credit score are calculated which includes the following:

■35% Payment history
■30% Amounts Owed
■15% Length of Credit History
■10% New Credit
■10% Types of Credit Used

This is all true and is explained in detail in my book, The NO BS in Making Millions in Real Estate. However, I can honestly tell you that you can have a credit score of 774, which is a great FICO score, and by the very next day when you go over to the bank with your great score, your score has suddenly dropped to a 674 with no late payments, without over charging your credit card above the 35% overall utilization ratio, but simply because of many errors suddenly appearing on your credit report that you have no control or responsibility for. In fact, I cannot recall what agency wrote this statistic that, "80% of people have errors and are unaware of them, yet it is affecting their credit score and costing them money." From my own experiences, this has happened to me many times as a real estate investor and it should be damn right illegal.

For instance, when obtaining a copy of your credit report and score, be aware of duplicate accounts being reported on your credit report by your financial institutions that are damaging your credit rating. That’s right! If you look at the breakdown above, you’ll see that part of your credit score is 10% of “Types of Credit Used” and another percentage in factoring your score is “length of credit history” which is an additional 15% of your overall credit rating. That been stated, you are purposely being affected negatively by too many types of accounts of one type of revolving credit which changes your “credit’s age averages” by adding multiple accounts, which negatively impacts your score. They normally do it with recent accounts of 2 years or less and not on older accounts, which would improve your score because it will be calculated as a long credit history average and not as a short one which would impact your score negatively.

Then the problem arises after you get denied for credit for a low score due to their errors, and this after you had recently within 24 hours obtained and viewed your score and applied for credit because it was excellent. If you are like me, after getting denied supposedly because of your not so high score, you would immediately check your credit report and score once again to find out what's wrong, only to find these errors that were not there recently and just happened to suddenly poped up and are negatively impacting your credit rating . The problem with this issue—besides most people not being aware of it--is that you would now have to spend more money, time, and aggravation to contact all these bureaus to dispute derogatory items or mistakes that will take anywhere within 30 to 45 days to be corrected even if you ask for it to be expedited and remind them of the “FAIR CREDIT REPORTING ACT.” Remember, you are being inconvenienced because of errors on their part and not yours! Some may say, "you can get a rapid rescore" which is correct but it is going to cost you.

In addition, you might be press for time if you need the loan immediately; so even if you re-apply after a month, you will receive another inquiry which will also affect your score negatively even though you were denied or impacted in a negative way due to their incompetence. This is a big scam taking place with the American people. Even if you do get approved on the loan, due to an error that most people are not aware of, you will end up paying a much higher interest rate and thousands of dollars in compounding interests throughout the loan's term. In fact, MSN Money did a study where they concluded that a difference in 100 points in your FICO Score is $370,000 more in compounding interest for the average American. And whether or not you were late with any of your credit cards, the fact that your score was lowered puts you at a higher risk, which banks inturn can raised your interest rates.

Moreover, you may be someone that plays by the rules and keep your revolving credit below 35% debt to credit ratio as I do, but then the banks may all of a sudden reduce your available credit; i.e. from $10,000 to $3,000 credit limit. If you owe $2,000 from your credit card of $10,000 available credit, you are in the safe zone of 20% utilization ratio. However, once the bank lowers your available credit from $10,000 to $3,000, your FICO score is now being negatively impacted because you have exceeded the 35% allowable percentage and are now in debt on that particular card for over 66% which will damage your credit rating; isn't this unfair? If they close your account that’s even worse! Then, to top it off, you may have another credit card with a $10,000 credit limit and think you are safe because you only owe $50. However, what you don’t know is that if that particular card doesn’t report your total available credit and only reports amounts owed, it will appear as if you are maxing out regardless of how much or little you owe. Therefore, 50 dollars owed is like owing $10,000 because that institution is not reporting your total available credit so it will be calculated by FICO as if you are maxing out! How do you like them apples?

Another situation that many of my clients find unfair is, if they are late on a credit card and close the account, no matter what they do, that account is going to be reported even if the bank goes out of business, thus affecting their score negatively; however, if they (The bank) close a good account for inactivity with many years of good payment history, it will not be reported, and even if it is, it will not be calculated by the FICO formula therefore lowering their score. Credit bureaus have even gone to the extreme of deleting old accounts that were in good standing reducing your actual credit history, therefore affecting your score as well. When confronted about these valid accounts that no longer appear on your file, they'll request that you contact the creditor so that they may resubmit it again stalling your progress and/or impacting your score which goes against the FACTA (Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act).

If you are one of those individual that follow Dave Ramsey's advice regarding credit, you are being misled. I agree with getting out of "bad debt," but trashing your credit score in today's day and age is irresponsible and unsound advice. Sure he makes great money from the people that buy his products--which I recommend most of them--up to where he tells people to trash their scores, which he doesn't need, but you are not him. Credit Scores are widely used today everywhere from obtaining employment, obtaining some licenses and bonds, to obtaining insurance and lower insurance premiums, for apartment rentals, refinancing or buying a home, to even being look at as a terrorist for not having credit cards when reserving a hotel room. And it is going to get worse.

Keeping your credit cards dormant or inactive for more than four months will lower your score for inactivity. How is that for being fair? To avoid inactivity, use your credit card for something that you would normally get anyway such as gas for your vehicle and pay it on-line right away or within a month. You can even set up automatic electronic payment toward your credit cards. Don't rely 100% on this feature and always confirm that a payment was made.

Learn to distinguish the difference between "bad debt" or debt that takes money away from your pockets for goods that depreciate or losses value, from "good debt" such as those spent on assets which include income-producing properties that puts money in your pockets while also paying down the debt. Just make sure that you don't over-extend yourself by not calculating the numbers correctly for positive cash-flow while also saving 5% of your net-income for contingencies. If you don't allocate these contingency funds, when mayhem comes at your door, it will knock you down. Paying your bad debts down is a good offense, but you also need good defense to win the rat race and become financially independent. Otherwise, due to inflation because our national debt, you will never be truly debt-free and will live a mediocre life or worse, unless you invest on a vehicle such as real estate which normally exceeds inflation. Otherwise, get used to being an indentured servant.

The real owners of this country (The Elite) will always come up with ways to screw you regardless of the laws being enacted to supposedly protect you. You just have to be one step ahead of them in the Monopoly game of life and do your research. If you do screw your credit rating on purpose through late payments or worse, you are put in a different category that in two years your score will be right up again, as long as you then continue to pay on time. It is those that always pay on-time and try to invest that gets the short end of the stick. So don’t worry too much, and go out there and buy and invest in as many real estate properties as you can with FHA loans and use your credit cards if you have too; it is good for the economy. Don’t worry to the extreme about your credit and read my book. Financial institutions will always find ways to screw the American consumers of debt and will always look to enslave your mind financially. Therefore, wake up and do the same. I show you how in my book!

To begin today in restoring your credit, get a copy of your credit report and score from the source that 90% of the lenders use, FICO. Log on to MyFICO.com this is a direct linked. You can also obtain your credit from Experian, and Equifax at these direct link, but please note that you will get a "Vantage Score" which is not "FICO." Good luck!


Best Wishes,

George Almodovar
CEO of Striving for Better Days, Inc. &
Autor of The NO BS in Making Millions in Real Estate]]> admin Credit Reports Are Rigged Against You! Let Me... Mon, 19 Dec 2011 21:26:17 -0500 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?62,263,263#msg-263 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?62,263,263#msg-263 See The True Value of This Book, Better Yet of This Real Estate Educational Guide.


by George Almodovar on Friday, December 16, 2011 at 6:18pm
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See The True Value of This Book, Better Yet of This Real Estate Educational Guide

The value you get from this book has no comparison to its inexpensive price. Whether you are looking to improve your score--a difference of 100 points on FICO is over $370,000 savings in less than thirty years for the Average American, invest creatively in real estate, maximize government programs, minimize bad tenants for aspiring landlords, and introduction to asset protection, you can't find a better book.

I want you to think about this for a moment: I have invested on real estate since 1998 and manage properties four years prior to this year. Moreover, I have read hundreds of books, attended and paid for many siminars and courses, including Trump's Institute; joined many professional groups such as BNI (Business Network International), Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, Business People, Real Estate Investment groups and many more. I am also the owner and CEO of a few companies and own properties in NYC, yet you are getting some of my ideas, experiences, and expertise buy simply purchasing and reading my book, The NO BS in Making Millions in Real Estate. If you haven't yet taken the opportunity of reading my book, you are missing a great deal of informational wealth. See what others had to say:

By William Dubovsky "Bill" (Staten Island, NY USA) - See all my reviews(REAL NAME)

This review is from: The No BS In Making Millions In Real Estate (Hardcover)

Quickie Media Review - Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, E-Weekly Update 11/1/10. Bill Dubovsky ***** (Five stars out of five stars.) "The No BS In Making Millions in Real Estate." by George Almodovar. [Business - Real Estate].

The real strength of Staten Island entrepreneur, real estate investor, and Staten Island Chamber of Commerce member George Almodovar's book, lies in the true story of how he started, what motivated him, how he sought out teachers and information and dealt with the ups and downs in his path - the years of hard work, resiliency, and focus - what he learned and how other motivated individuals can too, in arguably the toughest real estate market in the country and achieve success, is not only important information for the beginning real estate investor, but an inspiring story that keeps your interest while teaching you the specifics of New York real estate. This is not a "get rich quick and easy" book but describes exactly what you need to learn and do in order to have a chance for success in a tough real estate market during tough times from someone who has already accomplished it. Nothing theoretical here - Almodovar's detailed and graphic real-life experiences may scare off those who are looking for easy success, but will be a heads-up for serious students about what to avoid that can sabotage a budding real estate investor and save time, aggravation, and money. Also laced throughout the book are inspirational quotes and observations that carried the author through the tough times and setbacks that always occur when you are trying to accomplish something important in your life. The heart-felt story and extremely specific details of his real estate transactions more than make up for what some might consider a "homey" personal writing style. Highly recommended reading to all aspiring real estate investors.

By

Cassandra - See all my reviews

This review is from: The No BS In Making Millions In Real Estate (Hardcover)

This books is excellent. I learned a lot about not only real estate, but personal finance as well. George Almodovar is an extremely insightful man. I gained a lot of knowledge from reading this book and am able to apply it to my situation. I want to buy a home someday and he gave really good advice. He told the reader to pay their mortgage every 2 weeks instead of once per month. He even lists tables for computing interest. There is even a section in there on IDA's - Individual Development Accounts. These are programs for people of limited means to save. Mr. Almodovar lists types of loans that people of modest incomes can apply for. Also, much of the book is devoted to starting your own business with real estate. George also comes from humble beginnings and he uses that experience to better himself. He becomes very wealthy through real estate. He insists to his reader that if you want to follow in a similar path, you can do so, and he lists the ways that you achieve success like he has. Also, for people who want to gain more insight into their own personal finances, like, myself, he lists a lot of good resources and advice. I have had the pleasure to correspond with Mr. Almodovar on many occassions via email. He always replies with good information. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting more insight into personal finance, buying a home, and thinking about investing in real estate.


By

Mmarielove

This review is from: The No BS In Making Millions In Real Estate: HOW I OVERCAME LIVING IN AN ABANDONED BUILDING IN THE GHETTO TO MILLIONS IN REAL ESTATE (Paperback)

This book is awesome. This book is your financial path on how to become financially independent. It is also a great tool guide and teaches you how money works in your favor. Reading this book has helped me re-evaluate my earnings and expenses. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to make financial changes in their life. It's really an inspiring true story.

Angelica Tirado says:

I think this book was well written and gives alot of information on how to fix your credit so that you are able to purchase a home for yourself and to rent out. I like that he also wrote about his life and what he went through to get where he's at now, it shows that we can also do it if we put our minds to it and let nobody get in the way.

sarahceline

Posted October 13, 2010

Highly Recommended

This book is very informative. If you are buying your very first home, or are an experience investor you will find it extremely helpful. The advice makes this book well worth the investment.

Cassandra79

Posted October 30, 2010

Insightful Read!

This books is excellent. I learned a lot about not only real estate, but personal finance as well. George Almodovar is an extremely insightful man. I gained a lot of knowledge from reading this book and am able to apply it to my situation. I want to buy a home someday and he gave really good advice. He told the reader to pay their mortgage every 2 weeks instead of once per month. He even lists tables for computing interest. There is even a section in there on IDA's - Individual Development Accounts. These are programs for people of limited means to save. Mr. Almodovar lists types of loans that people of modest incomes can apply for. Also, much of the book is devoted to starting your own business with real estate. George also comes from humble beginnings and he uses that experience to better himself. He becomes very wealthy through real estate. He insists to his reader that if you want to follow in a similar path, you can do so, and he lists the ways that you achieve success like he has. Also, for people who want to gain more insight into their own personal finances, like, myself, he lists a lot of good resources and advice. I have had the pleasure to correspond with Mr. Almodovar on many occassions via email. He always replies with good information. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting more insight into personal finance, buying a home, and thinking about investing in real estate.

What are you waiting for?


Best Wishes,

George Almodovar

CEO of Striving for Better Days, Inc. &
Author of The NO BS in Making Millions in Real Estate]]> admin See The True Value of This Book, Better Yet... Fri, 16 Dec 2011 23:46:33 -0500 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?61,262,262#msg-262 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?61,262,262#msg-262 Now That You've Graduated from Kindergarten or Dave Ramsey's Baby Step Six of Debt Reduction, What Now?

First of all, I would like to begin by stating here that I have read two of Dave Ramsey’s books, and agree with most of his writings regarding debt reduction. Many Americans in the past four years found themselves stressed over their exuberant debts, mainly because of credit cards and over-extending themselves without contingency funds. Don’t live above your means but within your means. If you can’t pay for the luxuries you want with cash, don’t look for immediate gratification or over-indulging yourself if you can’t afford it. Pay down your credit card debt, and save or allocate at least 5% for contingencies. This is explained in details in the “Formula for Wealth” inside my book.

Before anyone start judging or criticizing me as they have done on Facebook at Dave’s platform, I will prove without a doubt, where his financial advice is wrong and can hinder you from being the best that you can be. For instance, you begin the “Snow ball effect,” a debt reduction system where you begin and focus paying down your smallest debts fist, while paying minimum payments on your larger ones. I see his point where paying down the smallest debts, and once realized, would motivate you to continue paying the rest of your debts. I agree with his philosophy. However, if you have a credit card debt of $20,000 at 25% interest (APR) and a smaller car debt of $13,000 at 5% (APR) with fixed payments throughout the term, I would suggest that you first pay the credit card with the highest interest rate which is charging more rent for their use of their money.

If you are in a tight bind for cash flow or disposable income at the end of each month, then you would pay the credit card down enough until the monthly payments is less than the fixed monthly due payments on your vehicle. Afterward, you would proceed by paying down you highest monthly credit card bill which in this case is your car payments, and then pay the minimum on your credit card with a 25% APR; that is if you are looking for extra cash at the end of the month. If not, continue paying down your credit card which is costing you the most “rent” (finance charges) or “per diem basis” (interest charge per day for their use of their money). Remember, unlike common belief, you are paying interest per day and not per year. Therefore, the quicker you reduce your principal on credit, the less finance charges you’ll pay per month. So for instance, if you are paying a minimum payment of $100 a month, those previous thirty days were charged interest on the principal (Amounts Owed). Thus, you are better off paying $25 a week reducing the principal and still meeting your minimum monthly obligation, while reducing much quicker your debt.

Now, this section--or about ten percent of his financial advice--is where we, Dave Ramsey and I, disagree. For example, now that you have finished baby step six of the debt reduction and graduated from Pre-K and/or Kindergarten, do you remain a child, or do you go to a higher grade of “Financial Education?” Granted, not everyone is meant to be an entrepreneur, business owner, investor, or even a home owner, but do you remain counting on your job for financial freedom? Jobs today, including many careers, don’t last longer than seven years. Their life span, on average, is five to seven years. Unless you have a profession in the medical field—at least for now—your job is very unsecure and risky. Many company are out-sourcing or relocating to third world countries; many professional immigrants are arriving to our country willing to do your job, including in the medical field, for much less. Do you remain a renter at today’s inflation rates? Is it wise?

We are all entitled to our opinions. In matter fact, you create your own outcome in life depending on your perceptions and paradigms. This is why, I inform and educate you of different concepts and opinions, so that you as an adult, can then make an informed and educated decision or conclusion based on your findings. Life is not a cult where you are going to follow someone blindly like a robot or as someone that has been brainwashed, even if it seems to be correct. This is the best advice that anyone can give you. Read many books on different opinions on a subject matter, so that you can come up with your own decision and not mine own, or Dave Ramsey’s for that matter. I am not attacking the man, in fact, I highly recommend many of his products, but there are issues that his crew, and maybe even himself pretending to be his crew, disagree to the point where I was being harassed and cursed at for expressing my opinions--that have worked for me--on his public platform.

For those asking who am I, I am the Author of a book titled, “The No BS in Making Millions in Real Estate.” I am also the owner of few businesses including a credit restoration and loan modification company. I have done credit seminars as well as credit workshops throughout NYC including on NYC Colleges as well as SIBOR (Staten Island Board of Realtors). I am also the owner of a property management company along with properties in NYC, and I am financially independent. I am currently only 38 years old and come from very humble beginnings. I think this qualifies me to state my opinions and prove where Dave Ramsey is wrong or not practical to the average American.

After viewing his segments and reading his books, he advises people not to invest in real estate without first having the entire cash up front. This included the purchasing of a personal property for residency. Now he recently after many debates, has changed it to having more than 25% down and the mortgage monthly payment being less than 25% of your take home pay every month. Never mind that this wouldn’t work for the average Americans, and real estate is an important part of our economic system for employment, but it is just not practical or doable for most. It is unrealistic. If you believe that after you pay all your credit cards off while still paying rent, and then invest the discretionary income in the stock market at 12% a year for many years and be successful at it, you probably also believe in the Easter bunny; unless you are personally trading yourself and are financially well educated. Most Americans are not; too busy working two jobs to make ends meet.

Telling your million of subscribers and audience not to invest in real estate in today’s historical interest rates, low financing, in-expensive real estate prices, and government insured programs available for financing, I assure you is not sound advice. Look, I understand that you want to take care of yourself first by paying down your debt, as you should be. However, our society as a whole depends on economic factors where in order to function correctly, we must all contribute one form or another; if not, the balance is off. If you as a renter who don’t care much about the mortgage interest (most of your monthly payment for the first couple of years) being tax deductable according to your tax bracket for median income for now 28%, and depreciation for 27.5 years for residential income producing properties, and 39 years of depreciation for commercial properties, in addition to more space, less rules than a renter, better school district, many times better neighborhoods than a renter’s neighborhood; that is fine. But please be aware that every single purchase of real estate keeps many people employed so that they too can continue paying down their debts.

For example, the purchase of one property pays directly many individuals and professions such as the seller’s real estate attorney, the buyer’s attorney, the bank’s attorney, the escrow agent, the title search company, the surveyor, the home-inspector, the appraiser, the pest inspector, the seller’s sales agent, the buyer’s real-estate agent, the seller’s broker, the buyer’s broker, the mortgage broker—if any, the banks through fees, title insurance company, the engineer-if any, the title recording agent. As you can see, now you know why your closing costs are so expensive, but think about all these people that earn an income through real estate and this doesn’t include the people who indirectly benefit such as secretaries, contractors, companies that supplies materials for a home such as paint, nails, window treatment, and appliances.

Moreover, property taxes that are not being collected, or “exempt from,” while the property remains in foreclosure status by the banks as REO or non-performing assets. Did you know that most of the city’s civil servants such as teachers, guidance counselors, firemen, lunch’s aid, cops, sanitation crew, and city’s infrastructures, and many more, are all paid by mostly property taxes? Telling millions of people not to invest and save in this economy is horrific. Furthermore, you are losing financially by not doing so. There is a difference between “bad debt” (things that you buy, depreciates, and takes money away from your pocket) and “good debt” (debt that you invest and returns back money in your pocket). Do confuse over-extending yourself with good debt and no savings. That’s where many are misguided. You should avoid debt, but if, as an example, you can invest $1,000 of credit at 10%, and you have stashed away contingency funds, and can get a return-on-investment at 25%, that is a good investment of 15% ROI, thus good debt. Even though this is in a smaller scale as a demonstration, if you don’t take even a slightest risk in life, get use to be an indentured servant, because even if you have paid down all your debts, you will always be in debt; it’s called the “National Deficit” which you will pay through IRS taxation, and the “invisible tax” (Inflation).

Therefore, even if you think you are debt free, due to inflation your income will be diminishing every year even with a yearly raise which will keep you in an invisible debt; thus not debt free. Every year that passes by, your dollar’s buying power will diminish, and so will your ability to invest and stay above inflation rates. Currently, our inflation rate is at 4% a year but can easily exceed 10%, especially with today’s record deficits. Take a look at the eighties; inflation rates were as high as 10% per year. Many didn’t noticed the inflation because in the seventies, many household had only one income earner while women remained home to raise their families, whereas in the late seventies, and early eighties, many women began to work so it gave the illusion of a better life-style due to two-income earners buying more goods.

For those who can, and are not investing now in real estate or home-ownership because of some advice that a guru gave you, you are being naïve. If you choose not to invest, that is your prerogative, but not investing today due to some advice is unsound advice and stupid. I have left the numbers for the end to prove my case against the advice of Mr. Ramsey because many individuals hate math and numbers which is why they make uneducated decisions given by many.

I realize that many cities range differently in the cost of rents, property values, and incomes; which is why, to leave no doubt to the average Americans and to prove my case, I used the “National Median Income” and the “National Median Home Values” according to the “US Historical Census” on home prices, and income. You can verify this yourself by using search engines such as Google. You may find some of the rents we pay in many cities horrendous, but where you may pay less in rent, you lack in income.

The National Median income for one income earner is $46,326, whereas for two individuals or couple (Dual National Median Income) is $67,348 per year. I want you to follow me on this one to see my point. The Median National House Value in 2011 is $244,000 with a mortgage APR of 4.267% for a thirty years term at a monthly mortgage payment of $1,143.00. This includes one mortgage point and bank fees of $3,771. Currently, rents for a three bedroom apartment here in New York City are on average $2,000 and rising. Again, your rent may be cheaper, but so is your income. Keep in mind that real estate trends throughout history up and down markets, has double every ten years or pretty much close to it. One-family properties in the 1940’s were sold nationally for $2,938 and in NYC for $4,389.00. Could you imagine if your grand-parents bought just seven of them? Don’t get sidetrack with the marignal tax bracket and keep reading.

Tax Bracket, Single, Married filing Jointly, Head of Household,
10%, $0 - $8,500, $0 - $17,000, $0 - $12,150,
15%, $8,500 - $34,500, $17,000 - $69,000, $12,150 - $46,250,
25%, $34,500 - $83,600, $69,000 - $139,350, $46,250 - $119,400,
28%, $83,600 - $174,400, $139,350 - $212,300, $119,400 – 193,350,

Please note: The following tax brackets and amounts are not going to last. They will eventually go up again. However, I used it for my demonstration.

A single person’s National Median Income of $46,326 minus the IRS taxes (Please note this doesn’t include: State, City, and County taxes due to the difference on taxation on each state) of $7,706 equals the remainder of a net-income of $38,619.50. $850 (10% of $8,500) + $3,900 ($34,500 - $8,500 = $26,000 x .15 = $3,900) + $2,956.50 ($46,326 - $34,500 = $11,826 x .25 = $2,956.50) = $7,706.50

$850 + $3,900 + $2,956.50 = $7,706.50 total Federal taxes. Income $46,326 - $7,706.50 = $38,619.50 net income not including Social Security Taxes, Medicare tax, and depending on your state, state taxes, city taxes and county tax. What is my point to this entire math, well once you divide the net income, not including other taxes, your monthly net income is $3,218.29 as a single person with national median income.

As a couple National Median Income with head of household is $67,348 minus IRS taxes $11,604.50, + $4,175.57 Social Security Tax, + $976.54 Medicare tax = $16,756.61 in taxes not including State, city, and county. $67,348 - $16,756.61 = Net Income of $50,591.39 / 12 Months = $4,215.94 monthly net income.

Let’s see how far a Net Monthly Income of $4,215.94 Takes You with Conservative Bills Paid Monthly

• $2,000 Rent for Three Bedroom Apartment and rising
• $450 for food and being very conservative
• $150 for Average light bill very conservative especially those hot summer nights.
• $75 for Natural Gas used for cooking
• $200 for Lunch at work for couples at $5 per each at five days a week
• $100 for Cable and internet again very conservative for the average American
• $100 for cell phone family plan bills
• $600 for Cars expenses for gas, car payments, and car insurance for couples. You may have only one car but if you really add your monthly gas, car payment, tolls, repairs, plates, registration, inspection, and car insurance, you would probably conclude that $600 is more realistic for only one car and not two.

Once you add all these conservative expenses—almost unrealistic considering other expenditures—you would get a total of $3,675; subtract that from your net income of $4,215.94 - $3,675 = $540.94 disposable income. This doesn’t include, as stated before: state; city; and county taxes; along with credit cards; savings; and real life occurrences. But Assume that they were debt free, Dave Ramsey is telling the average American to save to buy the house in full, or most recently to cover 25% of the mortgage monthly payment. At $540 a month as disposable income for the majority of Americans multiply by 12 months equals to $6,480, not including other expenses. My question to you is, “how long would it take you to save cash to purchase the house in full or even half as much down. Granted you can invest your money in a risky stock market, but don’t forget to take into account the rate of inflation, which works against you.

If you save your unrealistic savings of $6,480 for ten years, you'll have $60,786.73. You may say that I didn’t take into account the compounding interest rate of savings, you are correct. But what you are not taking into account, your capital gains on investment in the market, whether stocks or mutual funds, are not guaranteed. However, you know what is more certain? The rate of inflation, and while you are saving to buy your home, your rent is going up as well as the rate of inflation. More taxes will be enacted making harder or more difficult for you to buy a house later on when programs may not even be available such as today’s 3.5% down. Even if you got a good return on your investment for ten years, according to historical trends for over 100 years, once you decide to buy a house it will probably be worth $488,200 (twice as much) and you would have spent an astronomical amount of rent payments.

Rents, at a conservative rate, ten years from now will be at $2,960.48 and thirty years from now $6,486.79 a month. That is assuming that we don’t have a hyper-inflation and that people will begin again to buy real estate offsetting the high demands for rentals. During the ten years that you are saving to purchase real estate, because you want to avoid debt according to Dave Ramsey, property values most likely double, rents have risen drastically, mortgage interest rates have gone up, inflation has taken is toil on food prices and gas, and more new taxes will have been introduced, and incomes--adjusted for the rate of inflation—would be much less.

I am not done yet. If you recall from the top, the National Median Property Value of a house is $244,000 at today’s historical low interest rates of 4.267% on a thirty year mortgage would amount to a monthly mortgage payment of $1,143 or $13,716 a year, which of that sum, $10,415.747 is interest the first year and every year after that it’s only slightly amortized by $3,300.255 which would be applied toward principal which will increase every year. Why is this important to you? This is important because out of the $10,415.74 plus your property taxes, you receive a tax deduction according to your current marginal tax bracket; which according to the National Median Income would be 25% - 28% depending whether you are single or not. That is 25% that you as a renter today are losing to Federal taxes and paying more in rent than today’s mortgage payments which will not last for too long. You will get a tax return of a few thousands of dollars, not including the deduction from property taxes which differs by county or depreciation, if it is also an income producing property. I know this is a lot of information to absorb, but if you need the actual mathematics and depreciation, I can email it to you. Or better yet, read the professionally edited book.

If you do use an FHA program such as FHA 203B or 203K, buy a property with as many units as possible up to four units that you can find. Are there risks involved? Sure there are, but not as much if you saved for emergencies and done your due diligence. Life is a risk, especially after you walk out of the house, but are you not going to walk out because it is? “Those who understand interests, earn it, and those who don’t, pay it” –Albert Einstein

If you are thinking about buying a house, or investment property, buy now while they are affordable and take advantage of many government sponsoring programs that are at your disposal.

Good luck and Best Wishes,

George Almodovar
CEO of Striving for Better Days, Inc. &
Author of “The NO BS in Making Millions in Real Estate”]]> admin Credit Card Debt Free? What Now? Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:09:39 -0500 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?59,260,260#msg-260 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?59,260,260#msg-260 Do It YOURSELF Credit Restoration Seminar at SIBOR" Featuring A Power Team of Professionals from asset protecton and real estate attorney, credit specialist, financial planners, CPA, loan officer, sales agent, and myself the author of "The NO BS in Making Millions in Real Estate" and CEO of Striving for Better Days, Inc. Don't forget to schedule your calenders for this free event at SIBOR on 1535 Richmond Avenue, Staten Island, New York on May the 26Th. from 6-10 PM YOU DON"T want to miss this free event. More updates will be posted. For some details regarding this event topics, read below! Y si hablamos tu idioma!

Part-One
■Learn how to properly balance your finances to reduce debts and increase your wealth
■Learn how to properly plan your finances not only for yourself and your children, but for your children’s children.
■How to properly allocate funds for your children’s college education and more.


Part-Two
■Learn how to understand credit and the reporting process
■Learn how to properly analyze your credit reports
■Learn and understand your legal rights involving your credit according to the “Fair Credit Reporting Act.”
■Learn the Do’s and Don’ts of disputing derogatory information on your credit report
■Learn valuable strategies regarding negotiating with creditors
■View samples of Dispute letters
■Overall, learn how to raise and restore your credit score, and why a good credit score is needed now more than ever!


Part-Three
■Learn why are home-owners better off than renters in the long run
■Learn about government programs available to first-time home buyers and minorities
■Learn how to qualify for a home loan and what is needed to realize the American dream of home ownership.
■Learn about the qualifications needed to refinance your loan or even modify it to avoid foreclosure.
■Learn about tax shelters and tax write-offs for homes and income producing properties
■Learn why a reliable home-inspector is needed, and what to look for prior to purchasing a home during inspection
■Most importantly, you will learn for free from our professional power team on asset-protection against frivolous law-suits, and tax incentives programs (very valuable information; seminars and programs with guest speakers such as these will run you in the thousands, yet we are giving it for free.)


Our power team consists of many professionals such as: Asset Protection and Real Estate Attorney; Certified Public Accountant; Financial Planner; Home Inspector; Real Estate Agent; Loan Specialist; Credit Specialist; General Contractor; Architects; and me, George Almodovar CEO of Striving for Better Days, Inc. and author of “The NO BS in Making Millions in Real Estate.” Reserve a seat from now by calling 347-423-8860. Seating is limited

]]> admin "Do It Yourself Credit Restoration Seminar" Sun, 20 Mar 2011 19:17:08 -0400 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?58,259,259#msg-259 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?58,259,259#msg-259 A Free Secret for You That Will Change Your Life!!!


This secret is very simple. In fact, it may even be common sense. However, common sense is not always common practice. I am sure you may have heard by now that to save money on credit card interests, all you need to do is contact your credit-card provider and re-negotiate your interest rate which in most cases will get your credit cards’ interest rates reduced. Make sure you are polite when addressing yourself to a bank representative. If they cannot or will not help you, ask in a nice courteous way to speak to a supervisor or a manager, and I am certain--from my own experiences--that most will oblige to your request.

One tip, and this is not the secret by the way, that I can give you before calling the credit card providers, make sure you first Google their competition or log on to these websites to get an idea of rates being offered:

www.CreditCard.com
www.Lowcard.com
www.CreditPing.com
www.Cardtrac.com
www.StatenIslandUnitedWeGrow.Com click knowledge is power to go to Phorum.

Check out other credit card providers’ interest rates or promotional rates so that you may have some ammunition when requesting a lower interest rate from your current provider. In fairness, your provider should reconsider your interest rate, for example of 29.99%, when they are currently offering new customers for the same card a promotional rate of 5.77%. One of the websites listed above will have other credit card providers compete for your lower interest rate to obtain you as a customer. If you have “great credit,” there is no reasons why, you should have a high interest credit card, or paying “punitive” interest charges such as 29.99%, or “sub-prime” at 26.01%. You should be at “super-prime” rate at 10.59% or at the very least “prime” at 15.44% APR. You should even try to obtain a promotional rate at 5.77%.

If you need help improving your credit score or removing derogatory information off your credit report, order the inexpensive book, The NO BS in Making Millions in Real Estate by George Almodovar, which will guide you step by step in improving your score and drafting letters to the credit bureaus. You can also get partial information from our “Freedom” page on Facebook.

If you are really in a financial bind, after speaking to the supervisor of the credit card company, please request for a "forbearance plan" or a "debt management plan" where your interest rates and/or principal can be reduced. Always try to re-negotiate any plan that they give you to your best interest by asking them, “is that the best you can do” and again, “is that really the best you can do,” and finally, “are you absolutely sure you can’t do any better?” Then you come with something smart as, “at that amount, I might be better off just not paying at all and file for bankruptcy.” Remember they would rather get few pennies on the dollar than getting nothing at all!

NOW HERE IS THE SECRET That You’ve Been Waiting for! Many people make a minimum due payment on their credit cards every month. They understand the APR (Annual Percent Rate) yet are under the misconceptions that they are only charged interest yearly or something of the sort. Interest is the rent you pay for the use of someone else’s money, which most people understand it as being calculated on a yearly interest rate on the principal or balance owed. However, nothing could be further from the truth! You are charged interest on a daily basis or better known as “per diem basis.” This includes your “mortgages.” Notice how I emphasize by quoting and bolding my last statement; that is the best secret anyone can give you! “Those who understand interest earn it, while those who don’t—pay it.” --Albert Einstein

For those who are a little slow or just can’t comprehend (just kidding!), you are being charged interest on the balance owed every day. So the less you owe on any given day, the less you will pay on interest charged per day. Be honest with yourself! How many of you get paid every week, and wait for the last week of the month when payments are due to then make a minimum payment of, for this example, $100? Without adding any extra discretionary income toward your monthly balance, which would help diminish years of compounding interests, by simply dividing the minimum payment of one hundred dollars into four weeks—which equals $25—and making that payment as soon as you get paid, you will drastically reduce years of compounding interest, thus applying more of your payments toward the principal or balance owed instead of interest. This applies to every debt including mortgages. However, if you cannot figure it out on your own, as well as protecting yourself from other possibilities that can occur, buy my book!

I hope that this free information can be very helpful in your life and help me help others as well by sharing this page with them. There are many that need help, but will not get it because of their pride and inability to speak out and obtain it.


Best Wishes,

George Almodovar
Chief Executive Officer of Striving for Better Days, Inc. and Author of
The NO BS in Making Millions in Real Estate

Visit us at our "Freedom" page on facebook!]]> admin A Free Secret for You That Will Change Your Life! Wed, 12 Jan 2011 19:19:11 -0500 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?57,257,257#msg-257 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?57,257,257#msg-257 FHA loan qualifications, if you have not yet purchased a home, I am sorry to tell you that you are naive or have been duped by the media into thinking that everything about real estate is unsafe and falling apart. And even worse, they want you to believe that there is no money to be made so that they can make it all for themselves, while the little guy doesn't benefit as usual because of imaginary fear. History has proven over and over again that times such as these make the most millionaires. I mean really, what do you have to lose; unlike what you will actually make. I will explain this latter on.

If you have not yet read my book The NO BS IN Making Millions In Real Estate, please do. You will see actual real estate market trends that will indicate actual historical trends and how we have always had an up and down market; yet, every ten years properties double in value. This is great since all you need today to purchase a property up to a four-family is 3.5% down payment. Think of the return of your initial investment. In addition, 75% of potential rental income will be added to your income helping you and your spouse in getting qualified for a loan. Moreover, depending on your tax bracket, you can get a refund of 35% of your mortgage interest payment which is most of your yearly mortgage payments when beginning a loan for the first ten to twelve years on a 30 year mortgage. This doesn't include additional tax savings through investment depreciation on residential income producing property.

Unlike renters that pays rent and rent increases and doesn't get any tax write-offs, home-owners get to write off the mortgage interest while properties will eventually appreciate in value. But besides all this, what are you waiting for, or why are you scared. What is the worst that can happen to you. If you are from NYC, you can purchase a one or two-family home for less than $250,000 in the north shore in Staten Island (a borough of NYC) with only a 3.5% down payment or $10,500. Your monthly mortgage payments would be around $1,196.49 in which about 35% of this amount you will get back at the end of the year. Moreover, due to the amount of foreclosures, if for whatever reason you cannot pay your mortgage payments due to illness or unemployment, you can basically live for free for over two years by the time you are foreclosed upon. There is too many foreclosures on file way ahead of yours. You would live rent free in NYC for over two years by the time you will be forced to leave. You will then move to an apartment. Home is where your heart is and not the four walls.

Not that I am encouraging you to foreclosed, but again I ask you, "What do you have to lose"? You have nothing to lose but much to gain. While rents go up at a conservative 4% plus your dollar depreciates in value (buying power) another 4%, real estate will eventually appreciate if we follow historical trends helping you live above inflation while having a nice nest egg to retire on. If you decide to purchase more than one property, you can become very wealthy. DON'T BELIEVE THE MEDIA and remember if you do face financial hardship where you can no longer afford the monthly mortgage obligations, do what millions are already doing and live rent free. Who Knows, they might even forgive half of what you owe.

Best Wishes,

George Almodovar
CEO of Striving for Better Days, Inc. &
Author of The NO BS in Making Millions in Real Estate]]> admin If You Are Married, Both Employed, And Still Renti Fri, 12 Nov 2010 21:25:27 -0500 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?56,256,256#msg-256 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?56,256,256#msg-256 Striving for Better Days, Inc.
www.StatenIslandUnitedWeGrow.com


Foreclosure Seminar at Kingsborough Community College



Cornerstone Realty Partners and Striving for Better Days, Inc. would like to introduce entrepreneurs and Investors alike to a pre-foreclosure and foreclosure seminar being held inside Kingsborough Community College on October 22, from 9:30 to 5:30 PM.


Foreclosure experts Frank Rizzo from Cornerstone Realty and George Almodovar, Author of "The No BS in Making Millions in Real Estate" and CEO of Striving for Better Days, Inc., will be the speakers for this event.


For more Information on topics discussed, see the following Links and attachment below:

Foreclosure course 10/22 9:30 to 5:30
Kingsborough Community College


VBM 20 How to Buy Foreclosed Property $75
Fri 9:30am-5:30pm Oct 22
Topics covered include: creative financing, avoiding most legal
problems, finding foreclosed properties and the bidding
process. We will use the internet to search for foreclosures.
NOTE: Taking this course will not guarantee success.
Investing is highly speculative.


Think financial education is expensive, try ignorance!


Frank Rizzo, CNE
CEO/Broker
Cornerstone Realty Partners
347.497.1482 c
718.317.8100 o
347.274.2570 f
1761 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10314
www.mycornerstoneproperties.com
www.facebook.com/mycornerstoneproperties

Come Join Us!


Seating is limited, register immediately!


Best Wishes,

George Almodovar
CEO of Striving for Better Days, Inc]]> admin Foreclosure Seminar at KingsBorough Community Coll Thu, 07 Oct 2010 13:05:56 -0400 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?55,255,255#msg-255 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?55,255,255#msg-255
I am glad to pronounce that my book titled "The No BS in Making Millions in Real Estate" is completed and published. It is already available on-line, or you can Google the title for its availability. Within a few weeks from now, it will also be available at "Barnes and Noble" and Amazon.com. However, if you would like to view a copy, you can order it now directly from my publisher at George's Book.

The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce has been more than generous in assisting me in promoting my book. I ask that you all please do the same by helping me promote it on Facebook and to your individual friends and family members; hopefully it will go viral and you would have helped me in becoming New York's best seller.


In this book, I write an inspirational story about when my wife and I resided in an abandoned building--with no electricity, running water, or bathroom amenities. To add to the misery, it was in a poor drug-infested neighborhood in Brooklyn; yet, I managed to become financially independent from a young age. It wasn't easy, but these trying moments helped build the entrepreneurial spirit that my wife and I have today.


In addition to this inspirational story, I take individuals with me through a journey of financial freedom. From improving FICO's credit scores, to reducing tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars of compounding mortgage interests by changing your perception of money. Although a bi-weekly program helps you in reducing interests, I am going to show you a much better system than you ever thought possible. "Those who understand interest, earn it! And those who do not understand it, pay it."

--Albert Einstein.


Let me show you a better way to pay off your mortgage, reducing years off your mortgage contract. I assure you, you will not be disappointed. Act today! Time is of the essence. "The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, nor a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of Will"

--Vince Lombardi


Come with me in this journey to explore the principles within, deviate from our preconceived notions and perceptions, and change our paradigm to a positive state of mind which is the very key to success.


Topics discussed in this book are the following:


The Twelve Secrets to Success
The Formula for Wealth
Positive Quotes and Affirmations Throughout the Book
How to Cut Down On Your Finances Without Living Like A Caveman
How to Begin Saving A Dollar A Day to Become A Millionaire
Home Owners Federal Assistance Programs Available for First-Time Home Buyers and Minorities
Knowledge On What is A Credit Report and A FICO Score, and How to Improve It.
Samples of Dispute Letters to Remove Derogatory Information off Your Credit Repot
Why is Real Estate The Beginning of All Wealth
Why Are Home Owners Better Off Financially Than Renters are In The Long Run
Minimizing Bad Tenants
Protecting Your Real Estate Assets, and Much, Much More.....


Enjoy reading and I know that you'll be inspired!


Best Wishes,

George Almodovar
CEO of Striving for Better Days, Inc.]]> admin Spread You Wings and Come and Join me Tue, 14 Sep 2010 12:42:06 -0400 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?54,254,254#msg-254 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?54,254,254#msg-254 http://www2.xlibris.com/books/webimages/wd/85013/author.html

Read this book, you'll love it!

by George Almodovar]]> admin The No BS In Making Millions In Real Estate Thu, 09 Sep 2010 22:50:16 -0400 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?53,253,253#msg-253 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?53,253,253#msg-253 Dear Inner Circle or Friends and Family Members,

I would like to personally thanks all of our subscribers who have been with us throughout the years, and for their attention to our comments. I thank you very much and I mean that sincerely from the bottom of my heart.


Before I begin, I would like to gladly notify to you that my first book, "The No BS IN Making Millions In Real Estate" has been edited, copyrighted, and published. It will be available in local stores soon, such as Barnes and Noble, and on-line at Amazon.com. Please stay tuned, as I will be giving you updates on its progress and availability. One of my greatest topics is where I show individuals how to pay off their mortgage in less than half the time stipulated on their mortgage contract without any out of pocket expenses. And, just in case you are wondering, no it is not a bi-weekly program.


Today's topic is short but of extreme importance. America was founded by our founding fathers as the land of freedom and the home of the brave. Are we still in the home of the brave? Or, have we become to pre-occupied with our individual lives that we no longer care of our and our immediate children's financial freedom? Are we no longer brave enough?


It is our responsibilities and duties to become aware of what is taken place in our nation's economy and how our freedoms are being taken away. No, I am not a conspiracy theorist! It is but mathematics and facts. I personally believe that we all have been hypnotized through the media and our education system, that we have lost track of what is important in our nation's future. We let fear and ignorance to little by little take our constitutional rights away while we blame muslims or each other without getting all the facts in place. We need to stop fighting each other and do our own research and not be misguided or distracted.


I have a few videos on "You Tube" that explain it a lot better than I can. Please make some time to become informed for our nation's best interest and please inform someone else. The "You-Tube videos" that I want you to see are "Money as Debt" what money is and why are bankers slaves, from one to five videos. Please view all of them and pass it on!


The other videos I would like you to please view are "Zeitgeist" Part one and up from the greatest story told, the world's A Stage, remastered and all the other parts. Some information may seem shocking, but some others you'll know it's true. Darkness cannot stand in front of light! I assure you that you will view life in another perspective. Please let the video upload first even if you have to click pause for thirty seconds so that the video may advance.


Just to get you pondering, why is it that our current educational system do not teach individuals how our true money system works or how our mortgage are being calculated? Yet, they teach you how to be a great employee. Will not most Americans be home owners and deal with money? Yet, ask the professional next to you, how is real money created? And, no, I do not mean the United States Mint. Why do our government pay interests and why do we really borrow money if we have the capacity to print more as we are currently doing.


I urge all my readers to please take the time out to view these videos and become informed citizens, as well as pass it on to others to view.



Thank You!


Best Wishes,


George Almodovar
CEO of Striving for Better Days, Inc. &
Author of The NO BS in Making Millions in Real Estate]]> admin Our Responsibilities as American Citizens Thu, 09 Sep 2010 14:35:49 -0400 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?52,252,252#msg-252 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?52,252,252#msg-252 Striving for Better Days, Inc.
www.StatenIslandUnitedWeGrow.com




Hello to my inner circle of friends and family members,


I would like to thank the Staten Island Chamber or Commerce for holding a renowned seminar "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" sponsored by The Staten Island Foundation. Thank you! The seminar highly exceeded my expectations and was very informative.

I encourage all business owners, and entrepreneurs to call the SI Chamber to see when they will be holding their next event. I highly recommend it! Furthermore, I encourage parents who have teenagers to purchase the book title The 7 Habits of Highly Effective teens. Your children will love it, as well as motivate them to think in a positive state of mind! You'll be surprise as you will be able to open up a dialogue with your kids and have something in common to speak about. I myself was surprised that my oldest daughter --currently 13 years old -- read the entire book and answered every question. Just to give you an idea of what the 7 habits are, read the following:

Habit 1 Be Proactive
Habit 2 Begin With the End in Mind
Habit 3 Put First Things First
Habit 4 Think Win - Win
Habit 5 Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
Habit 6 Synergize
Habit 7 Sharpen the Saw

If you want more information, Call The SI Chamber or log on! You can also read my 11 Secrets to Success which has a lot of similarities. And, I'll end with a positive quote:


Sow a thought, reap an action;
Sow an action, reap a habit;
Sow a habit, reap a character;
Sow a character, reap a destiny.
--Samuel Smiles


Best wishes,

George Almodovar

CEO of Striving for Better Days, Inc. &
Author of The NO BS in Making Millions in Real Estate


Together As a Whole, United We Grow!]]> admin The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:11:56 -0500 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?51,251,251#msg-251 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?51,251,251#msg-251 Can I Save Money Being Poor?


For those of you who live below the poverty line, and/or are disable, this program is for you (Individual Development Account). As I have said before, where there is a will, there is a way. There are many programs available for anyone if you just put some time and effort into finding them. I believe this is a good one. You can google it to get more information if you so desire. For those of you who can't benefit directly, I am sure you know a family member or friend that can. Please forward them this email.

What is an Individual Development Account(IDA)?

Individual Development Accounts, also known as "IDAs" are a savings account. What makes it special is you receive an additional deposit each time you add to your savings. It is called a match and is usually one to four times the size of each deposit you make. For example, if you receive a 2:1 match, each time you deposit $25, you will get an additional $50 towards your savings goal.

What can I use an IDA account for?

Each IDA program may differ slightly and may have their own guidelines for how the savings can be used. However, in most cases, IDAs, are used specifically for three purposes:

Starting a business
Buying a home
Going back to school
What is financial literacy training?

Each participant in an IDA program must take free financial literacy traininig. EACH IDA program has its own way of providing this type of training. At a minimum, you will learn how to reduce your debt, develop a savings plan, and prepare for your savings goal. You may also learn about your credit history, banking, investing and money management. The training can take many forms. You may receive one-on-one counseling, classroom training, or peer support.


Can I participate in an IDA?

Each IDA program may have slightly different requirements to participate. Generally speaking, you must be within the income guidelines of "200% of poverty". This means, for example, that an individual could not earn more than net income of $17,720 and the head of household of four could not earn more than $36,200. In addition to income guidelines, you must also have a job. IDA programs often refer to it as an "earned Income" requirement. Even if you do not meet these guidelines, you should still pursue participating in an IDA program, because the IDA program nearest you may have more liberal guidelines.


How Much money can I save?

Many IDA programs last about two to three years. How much you save in the end depends on how much you deposit and how much of a match is offered. For example, if you deposit $25 every month for two years, you save $600 on your own. If the IDA organization offers a 3:1 match, you will receive an additional $1,800 towards your savings goal. In two years, you will save $2,400.


Where is the program nearest you?

For more information, please log on to www.Idanetwork.org, click on "State Pages" on the main (left) navigation bar, select your state from the drop down menu, and then select "IDA Programs". Contact information for all IDA programs in your state will be listed.



Best Wishes,

George Almodovar
CEO of Striving For Better Days, Inc. &
Author of The NO BS in Making Millions in Real Estate]]> admin Can I Save Living Below The Poverty Line! Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:46:20 -0500 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?50,250,250#msg-250 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?50,250,250#msg-250 Striving for Better Days, INC.
www.StatenIslandUnitedWeGrow.com


"Christmas is a reason to be joyful, to believe, A reason to be grateful for the blessings we receive, A reason to have faith and trust in our gracious Lord above... Christmas is a reason to be filled with hope and love."

Be grateful, and give God (The Great Architect of the Universe) thanks for all that he has given us: For all of our friends, family and love ones. For our time here on earth to make impressions on our love ones, and leave marks behind that will stay, and help the rest of us live better lives for ever and ever. God help us quickly evolve into a better race and human beings, so that we may all be united and live in trust, peace, and harmony, according to your will and our destiny! amen!


We want to wish you and your family happy holidays, and a wonderful prosperous New Year.


Thank you and happy holidays!


Best Wishes,

George Almodovar
CEO of Striving for Better Days, Inc.]]> admin The Great Architect of the Universe Fri, 15 Jan 2010 11:38:35 -0500 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?49,249,249#msg-249 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?49,249,249#msg-249 Striving for Better Days, Inc.
www.StatenIslandUnitedWeGrow.com


The greatest wealth anyone can have, is to be around many friends and family members that love them!

Enjoy Thanksgiving with your friends
and family members


Happy Thanksgiving

George Almodovar
CEO of Striving for Better Days, Inc.]]> admin Happy Thanksgiving Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:35:13 -0500 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?48,248,248#msg-248 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?48,248,248#msg-248 STRIVING FOR BETTER DAYS, INC.

WWW.STATENISLANDUNITEDWEGROW.COM


Hello Friends,

A few topics ago, I wrote about How to Diet Yourself to A Million Dollars. I am sure that a lot of you were skeptical. But, the fact is that if you reduce your daily spending on junk food, you can become a millionaire. I wrote this because, I always hear people say, "I cannot save money because I don't get paid enough!" Yet, I see them buy unnecessary things that they can go without. So, to motivate them, I inform them that if they just put a little effort and will power, I am sure that they can find something that they can go without in order to save for their future to become a millionaire. I also teach them The Formula for Success.

Did you know that if you just save a dollar a day, or 30 dollars a month at 5% interest rate, you'll have a million dollars in 100 years. You may say, "but, I don't have 100 years to live." Than either increase your savings, or invest your 30 dollars in a higher return of interests. For instance, 30 dollars a month saved at 10% APR is a million dollars in 56 years; That's more in your life time depending of course on your age. That same 30 dollars invested at 20% is a million in 32 years. That's just a dollar a day! Could you imagine how much more you can earn if you added more money and stay the course? There are no excuses. Set a goal and start saving or investing today!

If you are still skeptical, and think that there is no way that you can get a ROI (Return on Investment) of 20% or more, think again. I have made substancial returns on real-estate, which is why I love it! I have even made over 1000% return on my investment. It all depends on how much money you put down to purchase real-estate properties, and how much you use from OPM (Other People's Money). However, before you walk, you first need to crawl. Take advantage of my real-estate knowledge posted on my website's forum at www.StatenIslandUnitedWeGrow.com and read The NO BS in Making Millions in Real Estate.


Sincerely,

George Almodovar
CEO of Striving for Better Days, Inc. &
Author of The NO BS in Making Millions in Real Estate]]> admin Saving One Dollar A Day to Become A Millionaire Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:14:25 -0500 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?12,247,247#msg-247 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?12,247,247#msg-247
[cgi.ebay.com]


[cgi.ebay.com]]]> melkat I want to advertise my link here! Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:35:20 -0500 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?47,246,246#msg-246 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?47,246,246#msg-246 Striving for Better Days, Inc.
www.StatenIslandUnitedWeGrow.com




Dear Friends,

Don't forget to go out tomorrow and let your voice be heard by voting at the polls; regardless of whom you're supporting. Voice your opinion by electing your candidate.

I may seem controversial with what I am about to state here; some of our subscribers may get upset and unsubscribe. However, I believe in freedom of speech and democracy. With that been said, until recently, I have never seen our roads and highways in such disrepairs (And, I have been here all my life). Furthermore, If you have not noticed, we are being nickle and dime to death with additional taxes. All these taxes popping up on our utilities bills, increased property taxes -- about three times since Mike Bloomberg has been in office-- and higher water and sewer charges. It is outrageous. No wonder the middle class is being pushed out of New York City. Wasn't this the reason that the people (early colonists) became independent from Britain? Does the Boston Tea Party ring a bell?

We all suffer, whether you own a home or not. If you rent, your rent goes up higher just to make the difference in taxes and utilities. In my opinion, Bloomberg is not in touch with reality with the middle class. How could he, he is a billionaire. The facts are that NYC's residents are moving out to pay lower taxes, and to reduce their cost of living expenses. But, it doesn't stop their. Companies as well have been, and are moving out because of higher taxes resulting in less taxes for the city, and less employment, thus less individual taxes as well. This creates a domino effect where taxes must be raised again to make up for the difference and keep the city operational.

We are all partly to blame for our economy for electing officials whom are not tuned in with the average people. We can't blame American Companies for moving out; they are looking out for their best interests as well as their share holders; just as we are looking out for our best interests when we purchase products made outside the U.S. to save a few bucks. We do this knowing that we are jeopardizing American jobs, resulting in American companies moving out and/or outsourcing just to be able to compete with foreign companies, or face going out of business.

Regardless whether we think that Mike Bloomberg has done a good job with the Board of Education, there is more at stake here than electing a candidate that we like. Our founding fathers were geniuses and put "checks and balances" in place as well as "term limits" for a reason. If we allow the terms limits to be eradicated or even changed, whats not stopping other elected officials from becoming dictators, or spreading the changes in term limits to as high as our governors, or even presidents. Power corrupts, Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Didn't you see how much damages our previous president did in eight years to our nation, and how many rights we lost as citizens because of our fears! Could you imagine four more years of the same if our term limits were change against the will of the American people! Whether good or bad for us, Mike Bloomberg had his full term in office, I believe in giving the opportunity to someone else. If, after the four years in office our new mayor doesn't make significant changes, then we will vote for another candidate whom will have our best interest at heart.

Best wishes,

George Almodovar

CEO of Striving for Better Days, Inc.]]> admin Let Your Voice Be Heard, Go Out and Vote! Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:11:21 -0500 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?46,245,245#msg-245 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?46,245,245#msg-245 How to Diet Yourself to a Million Dollars!



Hello Staten Islanders,

I hope that you took advantage of last week's topic on "The Formula for Wealth". Truth be told, If you do not save at least 10% of your net weekly income for investments, it is very unlikely that you will ever become wealthy. Some individuals complain that they do not have enough money to save 10% of their checks. However, in today's topic, I will show you how to diet yourself to a million dollars. Not only will you become wealthy if you follow my instructions, but you will also improve your health dramatically.

For starters, you need to manage your checkbook on a monthly basis; you can even bank on line. If you're not sure, see our previous topic, "How to Cut Down on Your Finances without Hurting Your Pockets". Once you become aware of how much you spend a month, you can then determine your expenditures and start trimming your debts. There is two things that I am very good at: Real-estate, and Body Building. We forget to realize that our bodies are "biological machines". And, if you over eat, your body will store the excess calories as fat for future oxidation. If you don't burn that fuel (fat) your body can end up with a lot of complications such as diabetes, cardiosvascular problems, and much more. So, you can start cutting down on your calories by buying less junk food; especially those with high calories such as donuts.

By minimizing junk food, cafe lattes, sodas, you have eliminated over a thousand calories off your daily diet. Just to give you an idea, a can of soda, has 150 calories per serving and takes an average person about 1/2 hour to burn those calories at the gym jogging on a treadmill. Could you imagine how much you have to work out to burn years of stored calories off your physique? How about the calories that you are now consuming? I assure you, if you reduce your calorie intake, not only will you lose weight, you will save over $10 a day on junk food.

Instead of having a value meal from fast-food restaurant, bring lunch from home instead such as turkey on wheat bread. Go to your local health food store and get a meal replacement protein shake. I prefer Myoplex deluxe. I blend it with orange juice, a whole banana, and crushed ice. By doing so, you will reduce cravings for fatty food, and speed up your metabolism, especially if taken early in the morning; the shake is delicious. If you want to cut down calories even further, replace the OJ with 2% skim milk, and get the myoplex lite. Also, get an inexpessive Acai Berry, colon cleanser, and power walk 20-30 minutes 4 times a week -- if your doctor permits it -- and watch those pounds come off.

For faster results, add weight lifting to your exercise program. Not only will you feel more energetic, you will gradually reduce your eating habits, as well as your expenditures. Allow yourself one day out of the week to pig out to reduce guilt, and help you stay motivated with your diet. My advice, leave the pigout date for the weekend. Once you see your body molding into a different shape, you will be motivated.

By following my recommendations, you will develop a great physique and save anywhere from $70 a week or higher (depending on your current diet). This can be a saving of $3,640 a year or more. You can put this in an interests savings account. After a year or two, you can combine these savings with any income tax returns. You'll have enough funds for a 3% down payment, required for an FHA 203k Loan program. This program allows you to purchase a 3 or 4 family house with 3%. Moreover, the closing costs and any repairs needed can be added to the loan. In addition, if you purchase a property as a first time home buyer before November of 2009 ends (the congress my extend it) you get a tax credit of $8,000. Please note, after repairs and removal of any violations, your property's value will increase, thus your equity. Furthermore, banks typically allow 75% of the current rental income, as your added income to qualify for purchase. Once you have obtained the property and borrowed against the equity, you can continue purchasing more investment properties until becoming a millionaire. If you do not want to deal with tenants, get yourself a property management company. NO MORE Excuses!


Do you think I am exaggerating? My first Building (592 Bushwick Ave.) was bought with a 203k FHA program. I dropped the purchase price from $199,000 to $148,000. The program lend me extra funds in the amount of $50,000 to re-hab the property. My downpayment was $8,000 and the money wasn't even mine. The program allowed a gift letter from a "friend or family" member as proof of funds for downpayment. The closing costs was added to the loan. Because of rents, and other items, I walked out the closing table with $8,000 and eventually I sold the property for close to 1/2 million dollars. Talking about a return on your investment! Furthermore, I received 6 years of rental income and live rent free. I even rented the commercial space as a party rentals for $450 for 4 hours on weekends, plus what I made in vending machines and pool tables. Now, I own million of dollars in real-estate. And, at that time ( Sold 2004) I didn't have any college education. That been said, stop living in that world of poor mentality, and come join us in the other world of the wealthy. For a full edited version, purchase The NO BS in Making Millions in Real Estate.

Best Wishes,

George Almodovar

CEO of Striving for Better Days, Inc.]]> admin How To Diet Yourself Into A MIllion Dollars Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:18:08 -0400 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?44,244,244#msg-244 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?44,244,244#msg-244 Company
Striving for Better Days, Inc.
www.StatenIslandUnitedwegrow.com


Dear Friends,

This is a continuation from last week's topic, [b]"The Formula for Wealth".[/b] For more information and a professionally edited version is available in The NO BS in Making Millions in Real Estate at www.GeorgeAlmodovar.com.

(5% - 10% Charity Account) This account depends on your beliefs depending whether or not you believe in tiding which is 10%. I also wrote about this on "11 Secrets to Success". According to the scriptures, the book of MALACHI 3:10 says, "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, If I will not open up the windows of heaven, and pour you out blessings, that there shall not be room enough to receive it" (Holybible).

The whole idea about tiding in biblical times was to support fatherless children and widows. It was a wellfare system that farmers had stored 10 percent of their crops in a storehouse to feed the children whom became fatherless or widows who lost their husbands, whom were their only source of income. Women in general, were not allowed to work; therefore, the brother of the deceased would have to marry his sister-in-law and provide for her and her childrens, or the storehouse crops (if the decease didn't have any brothers), were used to support emergencies such as this one until the children were old enough to work, or the the widows remarried.

If you feel that you are not contributing 10%, don't feel guilty just yet. Please notice, especially if you are young enough for social security benefits, that Social security is another form of your money that is being taken out to help the elderly and disable. In addition, some of your taxes is used to support individuals in the welfare system. When you go out shopping --because our capitalist system-- you are indirectly supporting other people by keeping them employed, thus, supporting their families. You can also (instead of money) donate your time to charitable causes; only if you do not have enough funds available, or you love doing it. Time is very valuable, and it can be used more efficiently. Trust me on this, most people rather donate their money than their time; it is much easier to do so. Therefore, don't feel guilty if you are donating your time (because of lack of funds) to charitable causes. But, believe me in this, you are blessed whether it is by God, Karma, the Universe, a higher power, the government, what ever you believe in, you will be blessed! Plus, when you join charitable functions, your business gets noticed by networking, which you'll get free advertisement, and other businesses will work with you. You will more than multiply your returns on your donations. In addition, there are a lot of tax benefits, and write-offs for philantropists. One thing I ask you, when you give, try to give from your heart. Then speak to an accountant cpa, or a financial advisors. If you need any referrals, I know a few good ones.

(10% Financial Education Fund) This is an account that you save 10% of your weekly income after tax to finance your education such as college, or a higher education. This is an account that I allocate funds for real-estate seminars, financial education courses, and books. Education doesn't stop when you graduate from high school or college. Learning is a life experience, and you should keep up with tax incentives, laws being enacted to your benefit, and mentors with more experience than you have that can point you in the right direction towards financial freedom. If you feel that you have saved more than enough funds for education and books, you can use the extra funds to finance your children's education. Lack of financial knowledge can be very expensive!

(55% Operating Account for Bills for necessities) This account is used to pay for your essentials bills; things that you can not go without, your basic requirements. This includes shelter, light, gas, water, food -- to a certain extent, transportation for work, not for fun. This is not a fun account, therefore, it doesn't include your cable bills, cell phone bills, the movies, or credit cards you've used for luxuries. These bills come out of your fun account. If you see that your bills (that are for necessities) exceed 55%, than you are living above your means, and you might have to: move to a smaller apartment or house. Modify your mortgage, or sell and get a smaller property. Cut down on your utility usages, or get a balance billing plan. Cut down on excessive food shopping, or minimize junk food that can be very expensive. This might require some drastic changes in your part. You might have to get rid of your car and use public transportation. Where there is a will, there is a way!

Some financial experts say you shouldn't go above 50% of your net income for necessities. However, I find that a bit too extreme; especially for low income individuals. But, if you want to become financially independent, you must follow the percentage breakdown; otherwise, get used to being an indentured servant! The older you get, the harder it will become, and your buying power will diminish. Start now, while you still have time and hope.

Thank you!
Sincerely,

George Almodovar
CEO of Striving for Better Days, Inc. &
Author of The NO BS in Making Millions in Real Estate


Together as a whole, United we grow!]]> admin Continuation The Formula for Wealth. Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:08:40 -0400 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?43,243,243#msg-243 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?43,243,243#msg-243 Company
Striving for Better Days, Inc.
www.StatenIslandUnitedwegrow.com



Dear Friends,

Have you heard of the definition of insanity? Some say, it is doing something over and over again and expecting different results. Why is this important? Because most people get paid every week, pay their bills, party, spend sporadically, and then wonder why they are in the same boat or predicament that they were in last year, even with a higher pay raise. Is like they are expecting different results, or under false perceptions that some holidays are not going to be celebrated this year, or who knows what! They don't keep track of their money, and manage it correctly.

If you truly want to become wealthy regardless how much you get paid, or at least not worry about your bills every week, you need to know the formula for wealth. This formula applies to all types of income, including combined income. If you cannot commit to this formula, especially the investment part, do not kid yourself, you will always be in the same position you are today or worse off because of higher taxes and inflation. So, pay careful attention to this simple, yet real formula for wealth. Before you continue, I will suggest (if you haven't done so already) that you read our previous topic: "How to Cut Down On Your Finances Without Hurting Your Pockets"

The Formula for Wealth:

10% Savings investment Account
5 % Contingency Savings Account
10% Fun Savings Account
5-10% Charity Account (depending on your beliefs System)
10% Financial Education Account
55% Bills And Neccessity (Operating Account)

(The 10% Savings investment account) is the most crucial of them all. Always Pay yourself first; if you don't, you will never have enough money to save for investments. However, if you save 10% of your net weekly income before paying your bills, it will seem as magic. You'll be amazed at how much you will accomplish if you implement this in your life and stick to it. Think of it as a chess game; and the only way to win the rat race, is to play strategically. Every account is like a man in a position on a game board that has to be there in order to win the financial game. You cannot win a baseball game without a pitcher, or a third baseman; the same remains true if you want to win the rat race. Therefore, in order to succeed financially, you must implement 10% or more towards your future investments and have each account set-up properly.

Please keep in mind that our current "cost of living is rising" and our buying power is diminishing. If you don't keep up with inflation, what do you expect your financial life, or your immediate family's life to be in a couple of years from now if you don't act? Even, insects such as ants, and bees save for their future. So should YOu!

(5% Contingency Account) This is an account that is set-up for unexpected occurrences, such as: your car breaks down, flat tire or blow out, a leaky roof, a family member passes away, a medical health issue, incarceration, a summons, a divorce, the boiler breaks down, etc. This account is very important to have if you want to win the financial game, and get out of the rat race. Otherwise, you'll set yourself up for failure by forcing you to tap into your other accounts and defeating the purpose. Each accounts has its purpose which you must uphold and respect. Otherwise, you will never be free.

(10% Fun Savings Account) This is an account that is for exactly as it sounds, "FUN". Everyone works hard every week and at the end of the week wants immediate gratification. This account is use to save for a vacation, any type of enjoyment as clubbing, socializing, the movies, non essentials, and/or necessities such as cable bills, cell phones, video games, etc. However, if you deplete the entire account weekly, you will not have any savings for a vacation. You must not use or borrow funds from other accounts or sources.

Why is this account necessary? This account is necessary to avoid frustrations from saving too much which can lead to quilty spending and lashing out for not enjoying some of your life now. You do not want to live a boring life which can lead to an illness, or death due to stress; thus, leaving all your wealth to who knows whom. The key is to have balance in your life and allocate your weekly funds properly. If insects and some lower animals --as stated before-- can save for their future, so can you. You must trade off some enjoyment now, for more enjoyment later. Everything in life is a trade-off such as: you trade watching television, for an education. You trade some of your time for time at the gym; and you cut down on calories and sweets for a good physique. I am sure you can come up with your own trade-offs in life. If you really want financial success, you must do the time and balance your finances. There is no other solution for this problem. live below your means, even if it means making some temporary drastic adjustments. To continue this topic, Click Here! or purchase an edited version of the book at The NO BS in Making Millions in Real Estate.


Thank you!
Sincerely,

George Almodovar
CEO of Striving for Better Days, Inc.]]> admin The Formula for Wealth Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:36:53 -0400 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?42,242,242#msg-242 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?42,242,242#msg-242 Striving for Better Days, Inc.
www.StatenIslandUnitedWeGrow.com

Turn $30,000 to over $150,000

The NO BS in Making Millions in Real Estate


Hello friends,

Become financially educated ,so that your family's descents don't pay for your mistakes or lack of knowledge. Take it from me, I may not be a great writer, however, I am a genius when it comes to real-estate. Best of all, the information I give you is free and it's listed on our website's forum under "Knowledge is Power". I give you enough information that if you truly follow my instructions, you too can become financially independent. Who else do you know who is helping you, or giving you information for free? So, that been said, take advantage of the information that I am giving you, from improving your credit score to turning $30,000 to $159,000. Even if it means tapping into your life insurance funds.

Let me go over it with you once again. As a real-estate investor, I have learned how to turn OPM (others people's money) into positive cashflow with real-estate. For those of you who are skeptical, you don't need money of your own to get started; however, you do need a decent credit score. When I started out in my real-estate ventures, I was practically broke, had a poor up bringing and my credit score was less than fair; who am I kidding, it was bad! Yet, I was able to obtain a four family building with a commercial space on the bottom with a FHA 203k loan. This loan is for first time home buyers and minorities. All you need is 3% down and the closing costs could be added to the loan. Furthermore, the 3% down could be a gift from a friend or family member. This is a great program because, I was able to obtain a loan to purchase the property and extra funds to rehab it.

I bought my first property 592 Bushwick ave. for $148,000 (after negotiating the deal) and sold it for almost 1/2 a million dollars without having to pay capital gains tax. With the profits, I bought my personal house as well as an investment property which started my real-estate ventures. Which you with time, dedication, desire, and determination can do the same. Best of all, I have listed on our website's forum all the details to get started, and how to minimize bad tenants, so that you can make it on your own. I have always said, "the most insecure position you could have in your life is depending week by week on someone else to feed you, because as soon as the company no longer needs you, you're out! Strive to become your own boss and get multiple streams of income.

There is a lot of money to be made in real-estate. However, you have to be a savy investor and buy right. Now is a perfect time to buy properties to become financially independent. Take advantage of the system before it takes advantages of you. Please note that the less money you put down, the higher return on your investment. Don't put your own funds at risks. Use the power of leveraging to your advantage, and familiarize yourself with how mortgage interests works; do the math!

For instance, did you know that on a mortgage of $300,000 at 6.5% APR paying your monthly mortgage of $1,896.00 after 12 years, you would have paid only $56,531.23 towards your principal (initial money borrowed). Yet, in the same time, you would have paid $216,551.53 towards interests. Why is this important? Financial institution know statistically that you will most likely --after 12 years -- refinance to update your kitchen, upgrade to a bigger house, sell it because of a family addition, divorce, or sending your kids to college; thus, starting the inslavement of interests all over again. If you are one of the rare few who holds on to your house for 30 years without refinancing, you'll still would have paid more than double the amount borrowed. You'll pay anywhere from $382,633.47 to $402,000 on interests alone on 30 years mortgage (death pledge). All depending on how much the bank applies, out of your mortgage payments, towards principal. Usually, out of a monthly mortgage payment of $1,896.00 or $22,754.40 a year, $19,500 is apply towards interests and the remaining balance towards pricipal which the first year would be $3,254.40 subtracted from $300,000. 2nd. year $296,745.60 X .065 will give you $19,288.46 in interests out of your yearly mortgage of $22,754.40 giving you a remaining balance of $3,465.93 towards principal and so on and so on.

Why are these numbers important? Because if you do your math correctly, you will realize that you are better off borrowing from your credit cards to pay your mortgage and save over a hundred of thousands of dollars. For example, if you creatively and with right planning borrowed $30,000 at 10% from your credit card, and applied it towards your principal, you would not only cut 7-8 years of your mortgage loan, you would save $159,280.00 of interests on payments and improve your networth much quicker. Now if you multiply your credit cards' interests of $30,000 X .10 X 22 years, that equals to $66,000 on interests. You may say, "wait a minute, my credit cards' interest is 20% or more". Than, in that case, you need to log on my website's forum to learn how to improve your credit score so that you will not pay 20% (which by the way, you will still save money) nor pay 10%, but 0 APR and you move your debt around saving you thousands. All it is, is learning how to manage your finances for success. I kid you not, if you look beyond my spelling of even grammar errors, and pay attention to the message instead, you --with time-- can become a millionaire; and you've learned it from me for free! Been there, done that. Now get started on improving your credit score! Have a bless day.

Sincerely,

George Almodovar

CEO of Striving for Better Days, Inc. &
Author of The NO BS in Making Millions in Real Estate]]> admin turn $30,000 to $159,000 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:28:03 -0400 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?41,241,241#msg-241 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?41,241,241#msg-241 To Succeed, Think A Little Different



Hello friends,

Sometimes in life things don't go as plans; especially when a few businesses in our community do not play fair or follow legal guidelines. However, today's topic is not about negative businesses, but about positive way of thinking in order to be successful. Some people may slow you down but no one can stop you, but your own negative thinking. In life there will always be setbacks; but remember this, "a setback is a setup for a comeback"! Thus, by thinking a little differently, all things are possible if you have the right attitude, desire, determination, persistence, and dedication.

I leave you with a quote from Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill:


"If you think you are beaten, you are, If you think you dare not, you don't. If you like to win, but you think you can't It is almost certain you won't.

"If you think you'll lose, you're lost, For out in the world we find, Success begins with a fellow's will-- It's all in the state of mind.

"If you think you are outclassed, you are, You've got to think high to rise, You've got to be sure of yourself before You can ever win a prize.

"Life's battles don't always go To the stronger or faster man, But soon or late the man who wins Is the man WHO THINKS HE CAN!" (38).



More secrets to success, log on our website's forum or click this link here!

If you are financially stable, you may want to consider your short term debt over your long term debt for overall savings! Read this topic, and really save tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars, click here! I'll show you how to really save including on your mortgage loan! Don't miss reading this, unless you like to lose money!


Best Wishes,

George Almodovar
CEO of Striving For Better Days, Inc. &
Author of The NO BS in Making Millions in Real Estate]]> admin To Succeed, Think A Little Different Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:05:04 -0400 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?40,240,240#msg-240 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?40,240,240#msg-240 Striving for Better Days, Inc.
www.StatenIslandUnitedWeGrow.com






Striving for Better Day
2522 Richmond Terrace
Suite 2A
Staten Island, NY 10303
Country USA

Phone 718-524-7225
Cell 347-423-8860
Pager 347-623-0700
Fax 718-524-7225
Toll Free 866-291-3228








Dear Inner Circle of Friends and Family Members,

We once again, thank you for your time and for opening our e-mails. Today, I have a matter of urgency that concerns our children's financial well being and including ours as well. I urge you to read along, and support me in fighting against unfair and illegal practices occuring right here on our back yard! This is not a joke! I ask that once you are done reading, please print a copy, sign the petition, forward, and fax it back to me. I will be contacting our representatives (the congress and Senate) the media, newspapers, Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, BNI, Real-estate agents, brokers, anyone who will listen regarding these unfair practices on Staten Island, and anyone who will be willing to protest until changes are made, and laws enacted.

In addition, unless this matter is rectified, I will start a class action lawsuit against New Century Mortgage, and Robert Defalco Realty. Why you may ask? Alledgedly for artificially deflating our properties' value on the North Shore. This is not only unethical, it is damn right illegal! These unfair practices diminishes our profit potential and reduces our home's and investments' equity as well as our networth. By doing these unfair practices, our children's college tuition, their inheritance on our estates, their future potential will be minimized. Moreover, if it hasn't already occured, your lines of credit will be reduced by these unjustly restrictions on competition. This illegal act is known as "Monopoly" I appologize if Robert De Falco isn't aware of what is taking place, however, he is legally responsible for his agents (workers). I cannot allow constriction on competition to continue; this goes against our country's foundation, and it affects all of us.

Our beautiful Country The U.S.A. was founded under Capitalism. If we allow greedy organizations or individuals to constrict our free competitive market system or monopolize our neighborhoods, we might as well live under a monarchy where commoners were never allowed in the nobility society, and never had any chance of royalty or profits. Our economic system is based on private ownership, and our market works best when supply and demand is not interrupted by outside forces including Government intervention; moreover, our market sustains or grows in value when it is motivated by profits (The invisible hand) without any restrictions such as price-ceilings or floors.

Monopoly is an illegal compact between two or more persons to unjustly restrict competition and monopolize commerce in goods or services by controlling their production, distributions and price or through other unlawful means. Such combinations --whether in the form of a contract, holding company, or other associations are prohibited by the provisions of the Sherman Anti-Trust Act and other antitrust acts. You may be asking, "so what went wrong or how are they monopolizing our neighborhoods"? In order for you to realize what's taking place, you first need to understand how our real-estate market works! I, George Almodovar a real-estate investor with over 12 years of experience, am willing to inform and educate you to not only protect your investments, but also to protect mine as well. Furthermore, I personally believe that by uniting ourselves, we become stronger and with a better leveraged position to fight against all obstacles while maintaining, and/or increasing our home's value, thus our networth.

Networth is determined by "Assets" (things of value such as something that puts money in your pocket) minus "Liability" (things that take away money from your pocket). So, that been said, if your property is being artificially deflated, your networth (your value) is also being deflated. This includes your potential to increase your investments and your networth. I hope you are still with me on this one! Keep in mind, your property is not valued because it is the prettiest house on the block; but because of what similar houses sold within 6 months to a year from 1/2 mile radius from your property. Moreover, all an appraiser or bank needs to determine property value is three to four comparables of like-kind properties sold within 6 months.

This concept of determining property value can be dangerous to our financial status because of the size of conglomerate banks' real-estate portfolios. In other words, If your property on average is worth today $400,000, this includes four other properties in your neighborhood, and I happened to own one of them, and for what ever reason I do not like you, and I am also financially established, I can hurt you financially by selling one of my properties for $50,000! Your property will now be worth $312,500, the average of four properties. Not only can I hurt you, but in reality, this will impact hundreds -- if not -- thousands of property values within that neighborhood. You may ask why would I do such a thing? Maybe to buy you out, or to buy numerous properties at an artificially reduced price. You see, it doesn't matter what you know, or think you know about what your property is worth. If you are selling your property, or your neighbor is selling his property for that matter, most individuals' purchases will be finance because lack of funds and/or a greater return on their investment (Another Topic). NO Financial institution will finance a property for $400,000 when a similar property was recently sold for $50,000 whether or not it was foreclosed upon. Your property's value will be affected. Think not? Ask an appraiser. I have many years of experience buying foreclosures and rehabbing them for a quick profit.

My dilemma as a real-estate investor on Staten Island is I have been cheated out off many deals here on the island by unfair practices. For instance, I own a few properties throughout the island; five of them practically on the same block; not including my families' and friends' properties next to me! I had, not too long ago, negotiated a deal, when someone -- with an undisclosed price-- took the deal away from me without any warning or the ability for me to counter offer his price. He was able to do this by offering cash! Meanwhile, during that deal, I was trying to negotiate another deal with an investor who was losing his other investment property not yet on foreclosure. I put a down payment on this other property's legal address 2520 Richmond Terrace, S.I., NY 10303. I couldn't obtain financing as an investor because of today's economy; although, I have excellent credit. So, I was trying to give him $35,000, plus my downpayment that I had already put down as earnest money. He wouldn't work with me or return my calls, and he instead let the property go on foreclosure.

I was more than willing ,as I told him before, to do a lease option to purchase, and buy it for his asking price of $325,000. or higher if he wanted, but to no avail. Not only didn't he negotiate with me, he shut off the heat causing the pipes to bust inside the walls. In addition, I had to maintain the property, clean it, and watch out for squatters to avoid problems to my own properties next to it; this while patiently waiting for it to go to foreclosure. The problem that arrises with Defalco Realty, is that their listing agent felt as if he had showed me the property, when in reality, I was already dealing with other agents and my attorney Robert Prignoli. Because of that, and the agent alledgedly trying to get full commision, I felt that my three offers were not presented. I intuitively, after not getting an approval or denial from the bank on my offers, I contacted De Falco Realty. Sure enough there were some hostility. I even apologize to the agent; however, I cannot drop an agent that I was already working with for someone else as he had suggested. Their reason for not submitting my offer was -- according to them -- lack of proof of funds. I then immediately faxed over proof of funds to my attorney, and he forward it to the listing agent, but to no avail. Being that I had already lost a previous deal, I made sure that my offer was cash deal, and I wasn't taking any chances. Still after three attempts, my cash offer was not presented. This is not only illegal as an agent, this violates the fiduciary right of the seller, and the Mutiple Listing's guidelines. All offers, by law, have to be presented.

After a week of our conversation and proof of funds, I again contacted the agent to be informed that someone had just made an offer. In reality, an offer was not made until almost two weeks later by GMAC Apple Seed. Yet, my offer was not presented. From inside sources -- that I will not disclose-- the offer that came in, alledgedly, was for $202,000. Not only was this low offer presented way after my offer, I was never even given the chance to counter offer. By doing so, they have not only cheated the bank of a higher offer by restricting price competition, but if sold, they have just reduce five of my property's value in addition to everyone in the neighborhood of Mariners harbor, Elm Park, and some of Port Richmond's value . Because, I do not know if that bank was involved, and this has already occurred with another property on the block with the same bank, I will sue the bank and Robert Defalco Realty for their involvement and constriction on price competition. I ask for everyone's help as this needs to be address and corrected. Who knows how many times this has been going on? I urge all my friends to come together and make sure that we are heard!

As a knowledgable real-estate investor, I have a few solutions to minimize the loss of our property's value while also protecting our largest investment:

When offering a price to purchase, not only should counter offers be encouraged and allowed, all offers should be disclosed to allow a free market price competition and diminish illegal carry-back

When a property is foreclosed upon, whether the property is bought back by the bank or not, all homeowners affected within that neighborhood (1/2 mile radius) should be by law notified by the listing agent of the foreclosure and its asking price to protect the neighborhood's property value. This will allow home owner's to protect their property's interests, bring in more prospects to an open market, and compete a week before the public is notified by the MLS. This will increase price competition, bring in more buyers, thus minimizing declining property values at any given neighborhood.

There should be, by law, a period of at least three weeks to allow prospects to enter the market before any offers are accepted, thus promoting price competition, fairness in the market, and prevention on declining property values. This period assuming no one else is entering the market who can counter offer the previous one. This will minimize unfair practices and favoritism.
Sellers including banks have to disclose why other offers are better and allow time for counter offers or to rectify any problems
I know that what we are asking here is fair and just. Furthermore, this will stabilize our property's value and minimize unscrupulous activities. In addition this will diminish restraint of trade on real-estate!

Sign here while forwarding and faxing back to me if you are in agreement with this ideas that should be -- if not already-- enacted into laws and inforced by city officials. In addition, send this to as many people as possible.

1. George Almodovar

2.



To a better tomorrow,

George Almodovar

CEO of Striving for Better Days, Inc.]]> admin Urgent Message! Petition Required For Protection Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:31:09 -0400 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?39,239,239#msg-239 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?39,239,239#msg-239 Striving for Better Days, Inc.
www.StatenIslandUnitedWeGrow.com




Dear Friends,

Thank you for opening our email. We'll start with today's topic; When you want what you've never had, you must do what you've never done. You need to think outside the box! It is essential for you to be creative, optimistic, and persistent! As a business owner, you must put your financial documents in order. By doing so, you may not only improve your cash flow, but also determine your business' weaknesses. You can start by putting together a business plan to determine where you are today, and where your business will be in a few years from now; this of course with your current management and cash flow. Remember, money does not make more money! Ideas, and creativity makes money. However, OPM (Other People's Money) doesn't hurt!

If you are indeed in a business financial hardship, you may want to look into an Arc (America's Recovery Capital) loan. This loan is available, and viable for small business owners whom are facing difficulties operating their businesses, due to our current economy. This includes: losing revenues compared to prior years, layoffs, high prices on your supplies, paying off high interests on business credit cards, which by the way will free up cash Flow, et cetera. Be creative! I'm sure you can come up with something.

This ARC loan was created under the Obama Administration, under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This program allows small businesses to borrow up to $35,000 in government backed, "interest-free loans" to pay off existing debts. The best part of this loan (besides no interests) is you make no payments until one year after the final disbursement of the loan. Think about it! What can you do with an additional year of extra cash flow for your business' needs. In addition, once your repayment scheduled begins, you will not pay any interests on that loan. I strongly recommend that all businesses take advantage of this great business loan opportunity before the funds run out!

You can apply for this loan by visiting your local Small Business Administration Office, or SBA approved lenders. For Staten Islanders, you may visit the Small Business Development Center at the College of Staten Island on Victory Blvd. Bldg 2A. or call Edward J. Piszko @ 718-982-2564, cell (917) 846-8720, or email Piszko@mail.csi.cuny.edu For more details, visit Http://www.sba.gov/recovery/arcloanprogram/index.html

If you need help with additional business topics such as improving your credit scores, log on www.StatenIslandUnitedWeGrow.com 's forum.

One of my favorite topics is (direct links)

"11 Secrets to Success"

Morever, please recommend our website's forum to friends and family members, so that they too can join our inner circle of friends, and benefit as well. Notified them of our Free Classifieds. Other great topics are an

Example of Dispute Letters to Remove Derogatory Information Off Your Credit Report!

AND

What's In Your FICO Credit Scores

P.S. I will like to personally thank The Staten Island's Chamber of Commerce for holding that educational seminar last week at 30 Bay St. Another reason why --if you haven't already done so-- you should join the S.I. Chamber. You get to network and get informed of what goes on your business community; as well as promoting your business by word of mouth. As the saying goes, "It is not what you know, but who you know"

And, I leave you with my web site's quote of the day,

"The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, nor a lack of Knowledge, but rather a lack of Will"

--Vince Lombardi--

Best wishes,

George Almodovar

CEO of Striving for Better Days, Inc.






Together As a Whole, United We Grow!]]> admin ARC Loans, When you want what You never had, You Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:40:17 -0400 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?38,238,238#msg-238 http://www.statenislandunitedwegrow.com/phorum/read.php?38,238,238#msg-238 Striving for Better Days, Inc.

Continuation!





Hello friends,

This is a continuation of last week's topic. Become financially educated ,so that your family descents don't pay for it (your mistakes).

Most People are not awared that our currency is basically a bad check with insufficient funds or no true value. This currency is circulating through our economy when some day, someone is going to get stuck with a bounced check for lack of funds. I am not going into economics now, but I am going to explain to you something that has already occurred to many home owners. And, I will explain it in the most simplest terms, so that we can all understand and be enlightened. And it's regarding our nation's foreclosures. As I mentioned last week, beware of financial institution stealing your funds.

Our economy will always go through up's and down turns, including wars every ten to twenty years. This is what keeps an elite group of people wealthy and in power; while puting our nation in more debt, meanwhile the average American has to work harder,longer hours, and pay more taxes to pay the nation's debt off; this of course, while others are benefiting from it. Surely, not the average American! You don't have to be that old to realize the value of our dollar (the buying power) has diminished compared to, let's say, 40 years ago; if your not sure, ask your dad, or an older relative. Otherwise, get yourself a good book on micro-economics.

We as Americans, need to stay away from watching too much television. Otherwise, we'll keep ourselves distracted through the media and entertainment, and we will not have enough time to allocate towards financial education. If we don't change our habits, we'll become -- if not us our childrens --financial slaves. I really suggest that you pick up a book, educate yourself financially, and follow the money. Where does it goes? You can start by YouTubing (YouTube) The Federal Reserve Bank, and the Rothschild for those whom do not like to read.

I don't want to sound like a conspiracy theorist, because I'm not. However, everything that happens in our economy, is not an accident. It is well planned by an elite group and very, very wealthy individuals, whom are playing monopoly with us. Our government has statistics on everything; including how many people buy toilet paper; do you really think they didn't forsee or know what was coming? Especially, after what had occured during the great depression. Nothing happens unless it was meant to happen for a higher cause of their own, or their purposes and agendas. They have hypnotize the world through the news and media while making you believe that the end is near. thus, you willingly give up your rights because of it -- figuratively speaking.

Let me give you an example: We have all heard and blamed this mess mostly on subprime banks, or people whom took out loans that they couldn't afford. And, Im certain most of you believe that. I'm sure, you also believe that banks lost out on a lot of money. However, do you know the percent, or ratios of foreclosures compared to those that didn't foreclosed? According to a press release article dated Nov. 29, 2007 by RealtyTrac.com noted, "The national forclosure rate for the month was one foreclosure filling for every 555 households" Refering to the highest month of foreclosures thus far, reported on October 2007. This is one out of 555 households nationwide, or one out of 1,255 households in New York.

Why are these statistics important? Simply because, I know that large banks could have easily taking minor losses as a tax write off, and restructured and negotiated the terms of their loans making it more affordable to a small minority of home owners whom were in trouble. Instead, they basically said the hell with them. Then they turned around stopped giving out credit, forced small banks to shut down, while selling the properties that they foreclosed upon; sometimes for less than half of their value. Sold for less than most home owners would have paid to avoid losing them. Does this make any sense to you? So, that been said, you may think they lost out 50% of their money. However, have you ever considered the other home owners and investors that weren't having problems? The banks just robbed their equities and investors' networth. In simple terms, out of one house in New York that they've sold for half off, they have just robbed the value and equity on 1,255 households that month. Great profit wouldn't you say!

Let me explain it to you as a real-estate investor. Any property -- unless commercial-- is worth according to four comparables of recent sales within 6 months sold, and half a mile radius from any property. They, knowing this, and having many properties in their portfolio, they've monopolized most neighborhood and lowered their home values. Practically stealing your money that you've already invested on your properties, and/or your networth. Furthermore, they have used the media to cause public fear and panic by coercing individuals to refinance starting the full interests on loans all over again. Most of what you pay the first 12 years is interests; 5 to 6 times as much depending on the amount of years. They entice you with an illusioned interest rate (for example) of 6.5% on a 300,000 loan. However, in reality on a 12 years span, you would have paid off only $56,531.23 towards the principal (initial money borrowed) compared to $216,551.53 towards interests. They knowing statistically that you will most likely --after 12 years -- refinance to update your kitchen, or upgrade to a bigger house, or sell it because of a family addition; thus, starting the inslavement of interests all over again. If you are one of the rare few whom hold on to your house for 30 years without refinancing, you'll still would have paid more than double the amount borrowed. You'll pay anywhere from $382,633.47 to $402,000. on interests alone on 30 years. All depending on how much the bank applies, out of your mortgage payments, towards principal. Usually, out of a monthly mortgage payment of $1,896.00 a month or $22,754.40 a year, $19,500 is apply towards interests first, and the remaining $3,254. towards principal. (This is based on a $300,000 note at 6.5% interests). Check your mortgage statements.

Let me put it to you this way. Instead of the word interests, which is against the bible by the way, let's give it its value in time. Depending on how much you get paid, on average, you and your significant other will work for free an additional 16 years after paying your debt in full, or the actual money borrowed as an appreciation for the loan. This 16 years called interests, I call enslavement for something that is not actually yours but an illusion. However, you can use your knowledge and creativity to use their money to your advantage, while becoming financially free. Don't be a slave. Use their own money to become free and independent.

I can show you how to use their money while multiplying the value for you or return on investments. Turn $30,000 to over $150,000 or more. However, I will not show you this for free, and it will not be cheap. I've already given a lot of free info on our website's forum and newsletters. It's not going to cost you $10,000, nor $5,000, although, my secrets are worth a lot more. But, if you want to know my secrets on making positive cash flow, and turning their own money into more value for you, set-up an appointment with me, or give me a call. For $1,000.00, I can show you how to become financially independent. However, this is not a quick get rich scheme. Take advantage of this! I may charge more later on. One secret that I will give you is, money does not make more money. Ideas and creativity makes money. Go study my 11 Secrets to Success that even newspaper's columnists has borrowed from me. It can change your life if you implement it.

Sincerely,

George Almodovar
CEO of Striving for Better Days, Inc. &
Author of The NO BS in Making Millions in Real Estate]]> admin Continuation ON Protecting Your Funds From Banks! Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:10:10 -0400