C.H.A.N.G.E...Ya'll know what that means!!!

This past Sunday, Democratic Presidential nominee Barack Obama was in Charlotte for a political rally. If you’ve never attended any kind of rally, this was certainly something you really needed to see. There were so many people of all races, being kind to each other, waiting in the hot sun, just to see and hear this candidate of ‘change’. He did not disappoint most of the estimated crowd of 20,000. I was so enthralled by all of the young people who were so energetic about being in that arena and witnessing a part of history. This was not the first time Obama has come to Charlotte, but this was the first time I’ve gone and heard him speak and I was more impressed than I have ever been from watching him on T.V. He joked with the crowd while remaining steadfast in his efforts to bring economic relief, affordable health care, and better paying jobs to this region and this country as a whole. His momentum keeps growing…just remember to VOTE and get registered if you aren’t already. Make a commitment to getting at least one other person registered. The deadline to register is on October 10, that’s only 2 and ½ weeks from now…so keep it moving!

The first presidential debate comes on this Friday, September 26 at 9:00. Don’t miss this chance to see the candidates in action talking about the issues that matter to us in this election. Amid all of the controversy with John McCain trying to postpone the debate, as of now, it's still scheduled. This may be a lot of people’s first perceptions of the candidates after the conventions. There will be a total of 3 debates before the election, the second one is on October 7 and the third one will be on October 15.

P.S. Preferred Spot...

Come join the beautiful ladies of Professional Swagga at an exclusive event this Friday night, September 26 at Whiskey River and Suite inside the new EpiCentre in the heart of Uptown Charlotte! The first 15 people to email us at professionalswagga@gmail.com with "party" in the subject line will receive free VIP passes to both events...so don't be left out!!!

We bring the events so you can party!!!!!!!!!

Budget up!!!

BASIC RULES OF BUDGET KEEPING
If your expenses exceed those shown on this card, then your are probably in trouble financially.
- A budget is a guide for your spending
- A budget lets you control your money instead of Vice-versa
- A budget lets you know if you are living within your means
- A good budget allows you to save for the future
- A good budget frees up money for extras
- A budget allows you to focus on your goals
- A budget allows you to prepare for emergencies
- A good budget often leads to a good marriage and vice versa
- A budget will reveal areas where you are over spending
- A good budget keeps you out of debt
- A budget creates extra money by good management practices
- A budget lets you sleep without worries over bills

BASIC MONTHLY MONEY RULES
- Take your Yearly Take Home Pay after taxes and divide by 12 (You now have your monthly take home amount)
- Now-Break down your expenses by percentage of monthly pay:

1. Your rent should be less than 30% of your monthly take home pay
2. Your car payment should be less than 12% of your monthly take home
3. Monthly Utilities (lights, gas, water, telephone) should be less than 12%
4. Monthly food should be less than 16% of your take home pay
5. Credit Cards should be less than 10% of your take home pay
6. Savings should be 10% per month
7. All other expenses should be less than 10% (total %=100)

Your credit score is one of the most important factors in your financial life. The current recession makes it even harder for consumers to get approved for a loan or line of credit which is why it is so crucial to have good credit.
If you have good credit and can afford to make purchases during this time you can get some great deals. However, if you are already in debt, don’t have an emergency fund, savings account or retirement account you need to reevaluate your spending habits. While you are working on improving your spending habits you can also follow these 5 tips to boost your credit score so when the time is right you can make a purchase and get the best deal possible.
1. Change your mindset. You have to change the way your currently spend money and develop good spending habits so you make good choices when making purchases, buy in terms of needs vs. wants.
2. Get current on late bills. Pay old or late accounts immediately. Setup payment plans for bills that cannot be paid in full.
3. Establish credit. Open a secured account if you have bad credit or no credit to re-establish credit history. Use non-traditional forms of credit to establish history such as Pay Rent Buy Credit (Payment Reporting Builds Credit), www.pbrc.com.
4. Keep balances low. Keep your credit card balances at 50% or below the credit limit. This shows you have good spending habits are not seen as a credit risk.
5. Don’t open new accounts. Don’t open any new accounts more than once every year when trying to improve your credit history. You will be seen as a credit risk and this will lower your credit score.

Congratulations to the Carolina Panthers for a great win on Sunday! We faced a real challenge going up against one of the best teams in the AFC, the San Diego Chargers. Quarterback Jake Delhomme, back from elbow surgery, went 23 for 41 with 247 yards passing. The most exciting play of the game was the last play, which was the game winning play. Dante Rosario caught a touchdown in the back of the end zone with no time left on the clock, and this was Jake's 14th game winning drive. Our next game is at home this Sunday @ 1:00 against the Chicago Bears, tailgating is strongly encouraged!!

PS PREFERRED LIST

Come out all entrepreneurs and friends who support us to join us at Café Siena inside of the Holiday Inn Center City (5th Street) for our Afterwork Network and Flirt on Friday, September 12! This is FREE FREE FREE to the public Come out, bring plenty of business cards, and be prepared to meet a diverse group of people who want to network just like you…and as always, you never know who you might meet!

FRIDAY’S DRINK SPECIALIN CAFFE SIENA$6 Margaritas$6 Infused Martinis$3 Coronas

CALLING ALL VIRGOS BECAUSE YOURS TRULY IS ONE. MEET ME ON THE YACHT!!!!

For more information call Coretta at 704-492-0069.

P.S. We bring the event so you can party!!!!!!!!!!!!

Part 2: Reflect and Elect!!!

So the political season continues…the Republican National Convention began this week, without the A-list star power that the Democrats had, but it has certainly not been without it’s share of fireworks. As you probably (should) know, John McCain has picked Sarah Palin as his Vice Presidential running mate. Mrs. Palin has not been without her share of scandal, even in rural Alaska. She has been praised for uncovering corruption within the Republican party within her state, but she has also been criticized for allegedly getting her brother-in-law fired for a domestic dispute with her sister. It has also been uncovered that her 17-year old daughter is now 5 months pregnant, and that the McCain camp did in fact know about it. Whatever the case, the Obama campaign has stated they will not attack Palin’s family, but what about the Republican’s sense of values? There have already been not-so-thinly veiled attacks against Michelle Obama this week, especially by Rudy Guiliani and Ross Huckabee, two Presidential wannabes who nobody wanted to see receive the nomination. Also, has anyone who has been watching this seen how they have continued to attack Obama’s record, but have not said much about the issues and how WE could possibly benefit from Republican leadership for yet another 4 years…somebody email me and tell me why anyone in their right mind would vote for one of the oldest candidates in history…and don’t worry, I won’t try to have a mini-debate with you over the email!

Hurricanes Gustav, Hannah, and Ike are continuing to pound the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, the Midwest, and now, the Southeast coast. We are all checking out these storms for their severity and damage. We all remember Katrina and the devastation it caused. For your safety, please heed all warnings to get to higher ground and stock up on food and water if you can’t leave your homes. Our prayers are with the families of those who did not make it through these storms, and please plan accordingly if you are traveling to these areas.

Don’t miss the VMA’s this Sunday night on MTV…

We would like to formally invite all of the entrepreneurs who read our blog to join us at Café Siena inside of the Holiday Inn Center City (5th Street) for our Afterwork Network and Flirt on Friday, September 12! Come out, bring plenty of business cards, and be prepared to meet a diverse group of people who want to network just like you…and as always, you never know who you might meet!

FRIDAY’S DRINK SPECIAL
IN CAFFE SIENA
$6 Margaritas
$6 Infused Martinis
$3 Coronas

Enjoy tapas menu during our early bird hours Monday through Friday 3-7 PM. All tapas are 50% off during these hours.
Daily Lunch Specials Include:
Monday-Pasta Station
Tuesday-International Buffet
Wednesday-Mexican Buffet
Thursday-Italian Buffet
Friday-Seafood
($9.95, Includes a Beverage)

P.S…We bring the events so you can bring the party!!!!