ryancmack's Comments (25)

“It was hard work and faith (definitely not luck) that kept me on the path towards the success that I enjoy today. When my lights got cut off it was my faith that kept my hope alive enough to work harder to earn that money to get them turned back on and just purchase some candles in the meanwhile. When my heat got cut off, I just kept blankets in the house and worked even harder because of my faith to make sure that I could get my heat turned back on. You can believe in luck all you want, but I choose to believe that I control my destiny despite the obstacles that come my way. I wish you the best brother!”

“@ itolduso -- I can't agree with you more. My mother raised myself and brother with the help of subsidized living. Although there were many holidays with no more than $4 worth of gifts under the tree, I truly believe that she was properous because of what she was able to give my brother and me. We saw her work her way up the ladder and even though she is still today not wealthy as society measures wealth, she has bought her own home, has earned a stable retirement, and has two sons that are both a success and love her dearly. THAT is true prosperity.

@seawolf77 -- I am sorry you feel that way. The truth measure of a man's ability to obtain wealth is the ability to focus more on the opportunity than the obstacles, the belief that life is created and doesn't just happen, and that he is bigger than all of his problems in life that he may face. If one believes that hard work is third and not first on the list, then what is his motivation to work hard? You say good health but it takes hard work to keep a body healthy. I am in the gym working hard 4-6 mornings per week at 5:00 am taking care of my body, that is hard word. There were times when I left Wall Street, started my company, and my savings ran out.”

“TAFL...the essence of your comment displays an ignorance of the primary edict of what most churches are supposed to stand for. For a church to not reach out and work with ALL in the community regardless of race, creed, religion, or background is against its standards.

Deuteronomy 10:17 (NIV)
17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes

Acts 10:34 (NIV)
34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism

Romans 2:11 (NIV)
11 For God does not show favoritism.

James 2:4 (NIV)
4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

James 2:8 (NIV)
8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.

Galatians 3:28 (NIV)
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

I can go on and on. Now, this is not to say that churches do not discriminate, but there are many churches who just like men fall short from the grace of God. Churches are not SUPPOSED to discriminate if they are true followers of what the Bible teaches. So if we truly follow the Word of God, and started businesses according to the Word, everyone would be accepted. .”

“Cont'd....

My work ethic was honest, as was most of those at my trading firm. It isn't fair to group ALL of Wall Street into a group because of the poor ethics of a few just as it isn't fair to group ALL of Main Street as a bunch of people with their handout looking for support from the Government because they need help in purchasing their home. This was not an article about policy, financial markets, or legislation but an article that attempts to demonstrate the negative impacts that can and do occur when we do not show love and respect to ALL of America regardless of their income level. Where there people on Wall Street who because of their inappropriate actions caused the collapse of this market, oh absolutely. I wasn't one of them, and most of those on Wall Street weren't one of them either. Were there people on main street who should have done more research before purchasing a home or should have not read Rich Dad Poor Dad and assumed that they were an expert real estate salesman purchasing/flipping properties using excessive credit...absolutely. However, only 1 out of 9 homes are in foreclosure so that means that 90 of America is making the right decision.”

“You totally missed the point of the article. I understand and have done my own research on everything that you have stated, and report on it frequently on CNN. However, the message to my article is only about the danger of the percieved double standards that exist between Wall Street and Main Street. I spent 5 years as a Wall Street stock trader. I didn't participate in Credit Default Swaps or any other instrument that allowed market manipulation and the consequenting collapse of financial markets. I was at work every morning at 6:30 am and worked straight without a lunch break until at least 5:00 and most of the time even later.”

“It really is great marketing when you say that there are NO other alternatives outside of the Rush Card. Having access to the internet does make things easier, but you can have access to the internet with a secured card which everyone is eligible for. If not that having access to the internet is NOT a necesity but a convenience that might not be worth the cost...especially if you have poor spending habits.

Let me see...if you have poor spending habits is the ONLY alternative to enroll into something that makes you spend more money? It really is laughable when you consider the narrowness of scope of the people in our communities.”

“They do not value YOU! They value those exorbitant, unnecessary fees that they are collecting from you every time you use the card. I am glad that you can at least check your balance for free on the card using text. If you go to another ATM it costs, and by the way…you can do all of those things that you just named that you value and not have to pay a dime at a bank.

If you feel comfortable giving your money away for services that exist for free of charge by all means continue to use the Rushcard. However, I would highly advise that you get your credit in order, get a better control on your spending habits, and open a bank account. Or, you could find a credit union in your area that has a credit builder program and you can enroll in that. They will assist you to get your credit back in order. Or, you could schedule a meeting with GreenPath Debt Solutions…they give a first time free consultation to give you instructions on how to improve your credit.

Anyway it goes…realize the potential that is inside of you. You don’t need to pay for a card that gives you a sense of false prosperity. It does nothing to move you ahead any more than the ability that you have within yourself. I know this to be true even though I have never met you. Good luck!”

“NEXT ISSUE -- THE BANK

The bank gave you a CREDIT CARD which is DIFFERENT from a DEBIT CARD. Whether or not you are prepared to get a credit card is another story all together. I am suggesting that you get a DEBIT CARD from the bank of which the limit is only as much as the cash that you put in the account.

If you overspend, then that is not the and do not blame that on the bank. If you have $300 in your account, then budget so that you only spend $300. Lord knows that banks are not perfect. Pull my previous article TOO BIG TO BE RESPONSIBLE and you will see that I do not have a soft spot for banks. However, sometimes the problem is not the bank. Sometimes the problem is you! I hate to tell you, but you have a problem if you need the RUSH CARD to help you manage your money.

YOU RUINED YOUR CREDIT HISTORY by not managing your funds correctly. Why must we always look for a fall guy when we run into trouble. Did the bank tell you to overspend? Did they make you go into your pocket and spend funds that you don't have? You have given too much power to the banks. Take back control of your life and realize the true power that you have within you. This victim's mentality I am sure is inhibiting your financial and comprehensive growth.”

“Let me explain this to you.

You can use a free DEBIT card from a bank to help you know how much you are spending and how much you spend. If you cannot open a bank account then you need to ADDRESS the issue of why you CANNOT open a bank account. While you are addressing this issue you can set up a household budget using the envelope method, cash flow management software, or a simple pen and pad with a budget template. All of these are free solutions that do not make you pay money to use your own money. We have to learn to stop looking at the easy way out if we have a problem. Often the easy way out does nothing more than fill other peoples' pockets and drain our own...which the rush card does.

A debit card will not let you overspend, the envelope method won't let you overspend, DILIGENCE and DISCIPLINE will not let you overspend as well. If you are in need, then every penny counts. Don't deal with the problem that is causing you to overspend, FIX the problem.

THE RUSH CARD DOES NOT REPORT TO ANY CREDIT BUREAU AND DOES NOT HELP YOU IN ANY WAY TO BUILD A CREDIT PROFILE NOR DOES A DEBIT CARD!!! DO NOT BE FOOLED AND THINK THAT IT DOES.”

“It isn't about being rich, poor, Black, or White...it is about caring for the peope of your community and in your country. It is about doing the right thing all the time even if you think that people are not watching. The lack of values caused our economic demise and it is the insertion of a higher level of morality that will lead us back to success.”

“Brother...this is the fight that we must win if we are to turn this country around!”

“BOTTOM LINE: Educate yourself so that you can find the BEST solution for yourself and not the best solution for someone else's pockets.”

“And trust me brother...banks are not off the book either. The way that they are charging excessive fees to account for their mismanagement and the way that they are using taxpayer dollars for vacations and golden parachutes is another article in itself!”

“3. These cards are a means to an end? The card didn't come with money on it...they had access to the funds enough get the funds and put it on the card. The Pre-paid debit card WILL not help you to rent a car as they require a credit card not a debit card...you are mistaken. Furthermore, if you are not eligible to purchase text books on line or purchase a plane ticket, then what ever happened to rebuilding your credit to obtain a history that allows you to obtain a credit card...if that is what is important to you. There are a million excuses that people give to waste money and we need to start finding excuses to be responsible, building our credit, saving money, and becoming more responsible people as a whole!

EVERYBODY is accountable. I sent this letter personally to Russell Simons but got no response. I sent it not once, but TWICE. I did this because am tired of people taking advantage of those in the community. Past deeds DO NOT give people passes on future wrong deeds. I am open to criticism just as much as the next man and he is as well. As far as my interaction with congress...I work with congress to create programs that address those needs that you outlined. I am in many places at once and trust me when I say that this is not my only fight for the people. WE DESERVE BETTER!”

“1. This same thing can be accomplished with a secured card that has NO FEES attached to it. You can find one that fits your needs at bankrate.com. Secondly, if the only way that you can think of to help someone save money is to spend more money on unneccesary pre paid debit cards I have a bridge to sell you that overlooks the river.

2. Check cashing stores are a problem and I will highlight them in another article. There is no need to carry cash around if you have a FREE debit card from a bank with no fees attached to it. Banks have done many bad things and they are not out of the hot water either. I have written about them in previous articles; however, they do have better FREE services to offer. If you for some reason cannot open up a bank account and get access to these FREE services, the solution is NOT to open up a card that makes you spend more money for YOUR money. The solution is to ADDRESS the PROBLEM! Why are we so quick to accept mediocrity and products that allow us to bathe in mediocrity. We are better people than this...all of us.”

“One solution -- Find a bank that has no fees to open an account.

Two solution - Overdraft fee which most banks have -- Budget your funds as 60% of this country is spending more money than they earn every month we need to budget more effectively. Overdraft is a problem and it needs to be addressed.

Three solution -- Use ONLY the banks at YOUR branch and do not use other branches. Find a bank that has many branches to ease in convenience or carry $20 extra in your wallet at all times to avoid having to go to the bank.

Four solution - Only make inquiries at your bank so that it is free

Five solution - Ask your bank what the policy is for reactivation? Many banks are replacing lost or stolen cards for free of charge and do this to retain much needed business. Furthermore, inactivity fees cannot be compared replacement fees of DEACTIVATED cards. My debit card is free and costs nothing if I decide to use it next monthy or wait until a year from now. The RUSH Card costs.

Six solution - If you return an item on most bank card they do not charge you to do so where the Rush card charges $5.00 each time you return an item. Most banks do not charge you to end your use of their debit cards and this is not even a comparable item.”

“You are mistaken if you think that Russell Simons product actually helps people. It ONLY helps them spend more money in communities where excessive consumption is already at astronomical levels.

As far as the advertising of my "2-bit" work history comment is concerned. It is this sort of divisive and insecure dialogue that has cause strife within communities for far too long. If I hear of others success, be it large or small, I celebrate it. Together is the best way for us to recover from this economic crisis in this country. I wish you all the success in the world and that you use that success to empower others.”

“If I had a cavity on the right side of my mouth, what is the solution?

A) Keep the cavity in my mouth

B) Chew on the left side of my mouth

C) Get rid of the cavity

I hope that you said C. People who are in the Checksystem have a problem that needs to be fixed. What is the reason that they are in the system? These are the problems that need to be addressed. The answer to the problem is NOT to get a pre-paid debit card, one that charges enormous fees just for the ability for someone to use THEIR OWN MONEY! How is it helping other than giving someone the false pretense that they are magically able to carry a VISA card that is not even connected to or assists in improving their FICO score and only serves the purpose of funding the pockets of the financial institutions' pockets who back the card. The Rushcard is the equivalent of having a cavity in your mouth and finding other ways of eating sugar AND not addressing the issue. The issue in your scenario is why are they in the Checksystem and how do they ADDRESS THE ISSUES that have caused them to be there. The solution can be found at many credit unions who have credit building programs and credit repair programs, or form a club of friends who all get together and discuss strategies of how they can repair their credit and accumulate wealth.”

“There is no such thing as a pre paid debit card that I feel is acceptable to use if it charges fees to use your own money.”

“If you are not eligible for a regular debit card, the answer is not to open up a card that is pointless and makes you pay more money. The solution is to fix the reason that you cannot open up a regular bank account. Many credit unions have loan and credit builder programs for people such as this who need assistance. Again, the only purpose for a Rush Card is to line the pockets of the financial insitutions with the much needed funds of those in the community who are not aware of the better more suitable alternatives like a bank debit card, a credit union, or good old fashioned responsibility!

Mario Bartiromo and I are of the same cloth for I do not use a credit card but do own a corporate card for my company.”

“That is another article all together. I could just as easily attach payday loans, cash advances, and check cashing places...one item at a time my friend. Stay tuned.

My advice to you though...stop using ATMs that are not your own branch. I always keep twenty to fourty bucks on me so I can hold myself over until I can go to the bank and withdraw funds for no charge. Those fees add up over time.”

“There is NO reason to ever use a Pre Paid debit card. The best debit card to use is a free card that you can get from a bank. You should not have to pay money to simply use your own money. This pre-paid debit card has no effect on your credit and the only point it serves is to line the pockets of the financial institutions who offer them.”

“I agree that it will devalue the dollar, but it is a necessary evil at this point. I would much rather have a weakened dollar than a crippled, frozen economy. What worries me is that in the discussions they are talking about taxpayer protection, accountability, home owner and foreclosure issues, and executive compensation caps...but they are willing to leave out the oversight (one of the primary causes of this problem) out of the discussion until a "later date". I don't want to see the money spent only to have the Republican parties methods of little to no oversight continue to lead this country deeper into debt.”

“Mr. Khajawall,

We welcome you to the light side!

Regards,

Ryan Mack, President”

“You are correct about the spelling. However, it is a federally formed corporation of which there is none formed as such for individuals to aide individuals to pay down their debt. In addition, it is my tax payer dollars who are paying for the oversight of an organization which is assisting corporations to be fiscally irresponsible. Anything federal, by the definition of federal, is supported by tax payers’ dollars. Finally, the director has warned that he might have to call upon taxpayers to "pony up" for extra funding to close a $14 billion gap that now exists between the liabilities and assets of this federal organization. This is the reason that they are changing the asset allocation of their portfolio to a more diversified portfolio of 45% stocks, 45% bonds, and 10% alternative investments. Its previous targets were 75% to 85% bonds and 15% to 25% in stocks. If this increased risk results in further widening of its current deficit we will most certainly have to provide additional dollars for actual funding and oversight.”