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Re: Abandoning Nigeria's Good Life For The Us,its A Blessing If.... by LUCAS99: 4:29pm On Jun 09, 2017 |
[quote author=Goldenboy007 post=56774987]There are so much myths and hearsay you get from people before coming into US, even some so called long residents of US still pass down this false information to new immigrants. One important issue is how to build your Credit Score. A Credit Score is like your Credit Standing or Ratings or Worthiness which determines your ability to get credit facilities in the US. For example it is considered when renting apartment or buying house, getting car loans, personal loans, bank credit cards, store cards, reward cards, Cable/ Internet Services,Getting Utilities,Cellular Services and other financial facilities, in fact your Credit Scores is like your life. US economy runs on credit unlike Nigeria where most transactions are cash basis, and when you ruin your credit score you "may" become financially useless except you start running everything on cash. Normally when you get into US you have low Credit Score because you do not have a Credit history. Your Credit Score is typical based on number of credit facilities you have, your payment performance and number of years of credit history. it could range from 300 to 850, the higher the better. Someone once said - "if you want to hide anything from a black man put it in a book". People are too lazy to investigate or research any information given to them, they find it easier listening to second-hand information. When I got into US, people passed down a lot of information, 80% were false, if you are not careful you would be misled. One of the information is about the Credit Score - They told me to go apply for many credit cards and owe debts. Some people will come to US and start accruing credit card debts, they will get Store credit cards, buy everything on credit, buy things they do not need, clothes, shoes, gadgets, furniture, etc. They will opt out for minimum payment, what they pay monthly is not enough to cover the interest accruing on their debt monthly so the debt begins to accumulate. Some people will never have any savings because they will pay debts for the rest of their lives. They will now start living from one paycheck to another paycheck, then they will say "you are one paycheck to being homeless". Sabi yourself no be abuse. When I just got into the US I applied for Bank of America Credit Card - They told me to go bring my grand mother's right hand, pay fees and deposits and I should wait a long time for approval, I told them to shove it up their behind. When I got a job, my salary account was with the bank - When my savings hit the $10,000 mark, they started begging me to come collect their credit card free of charge- No deposit !!!! they approved me in 10 mins online. I have rules for using Credit Cards - I don't buy anything on credit if I do not have the cash in hand. So when I buy on credit, I pay everything back before it hits month end cycle, I do not have minimum payment. I got a second card from Chase Bank through Amazon and I applied same principle. My credit score is close to 800. Do not acquire debts in US, you are simply planning your visa back home. To be continued - Buying cars, mortgage etc. Also ask me any question or guidelines on living in US. My Question is regarding Credit Cards. I am 23 year old College Student living in the United States. I maintain a Checking Account with Bank of America with about $8000 in savings. I have been building my credit score since February 2016. I applied for and was approved for the BankAmericard Visa Platinum Plus Credit card with a credit limit of about $2000. I continued using my Bank of America Credit Card until February 2017 when I applied for and was approved for the BB&T Bright Credit Card with a credit limit of about $1000. As of May 2017 my credit score are as follows: 720 VantageScore by Equifax & 735 FicoScore by TransUnion and 742 FICO Score 8 by Experian. I believe that my Credit Limit is low compared to my Credit Score. I do know people qualify for credit Limit of $10000 upwards My questions are as follows: (A) How do I increase my Credit Score to the 800-850 range without hurting my credit score badly. I noticed that the last time I applied for a New Credit Card my Credit Score dropped almost 30 points since the bank had to perform a hard inquiry on my Credit Report. It took me months before my Credit Score could come back up. (B) Do you know of any Credit Cards in particular that offer high credit limit of $10000-$20000 that I can apply and be qualified for with my Credit Score. I do receive credit card offers from Chase, Discover and American Express. But I'm confused as to which one will offer me the high Credit Limit I'm seeking for 3 Likes |
Re: Abandoning Nigeria's Good Life For The Us,its A Blessing If.... by Goldenboy007(m): 1:11pm On Jun 10, 2017 |
@Lucas99 When it comes to credit scores there are lots of dynamics. I will mention few as it concerns you. 1) Duration - the number of years you have maintained a credit facility in the US 2) The number of credit facilities you have 3) Your credit utilization 4) Payment history 5) Hard Inquiries These factors affect your credit scores - If you just got into the US or if you have not spent so much years then your credit score may be affected by that. Also the number of credit facilities you have maintained over the years matters...mortgage, car loan, credit cards, personal loans, student loans, store cards...if you have effectively managed these, it can increase your credit score Credit Utilization- In simple terms - how much of the facilities you were given do you use? If you are extended a total of $2000 credit facilities and monthly you use $1500..then your utilization is high and your credit scores would be affected Payment history - if you have ever defaulted a payment a payment then it would affect your credit scores Hard Inquiries too - The more they are the more it brings your credit score down - However the effect is temporary. The funny one is - If you pay off a major loan - Your credit score will momentarily drop...because your total loan based has reduced compared to how much you borrowed - Utilization has increased. Maintain a neat credit life will increase your credit score - No one can tell you specifically what you will do to hit 800 and above but keep a neat credit life - watching out for all the factors I mentioned above. The amount of credit extended to you depends on your credit score and history. Also banks may consider your relationship with trhem. You can apply for increase credit limit from BOA, you will be subjected to approval. Credit score above 700 is ok. As far as you can back it up with extensive credit history. Chase is a good bank. However same criteria would be used when evaluating you for credit facility. All those institutions offering you cards are capitalists that would lock you down in a high interest facility trap. Beware !!!! Once you sign on then they hit you with some impossible conditions - You end up working for them as slave !! Beware of minimum payments - It's a simply financing principle - The longer your duration of credit - The more total interest you will pay. Some times, your monthly payments may not cover the interest generated on that loan principal, so the rest is capitalized. You may never totally pay off till you die ! Hope these helps. Please go and register for Credit Karma - its free and it helps to monitor your scores. 5 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Abandoning Nigeria's Good Life For The Us,its A Blessing If.... by Nobody: 12:17am On Jun 22, 2017 |
Goldenboy007: Bro pls give me ur email address pls, I wanna discuss sometins with you. Am really learnt alot here bug d answer am looking for is not here |
Re: Abandoning Nigeria's Good Life For The Us,its A Blessing If.... by Potch: 10:24am On Jun 22, 2017 |
Goldenboy007:When Nairaland was NAIRALAND , not these days when it has been infested with bigotic and tribalistic posts. Even in today's circumstances, your messages still remain evergreen. God bless the op. 9 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Abandoning Nigeria's Good Life For The Us,its A Blessing If.... by Goldenboy007(m): 11:52pm On Jun 25, 2017 |
The Chicago Life .... Summer time is fun. I recorded this in downtown https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvhVS-JqV0o |
Re: Abandoning Nigeria's Good Life For The Us,its A Blessing If.... by Obalende: 2:11am On Jun 26, 2017 |
Goldenboy007: That una side dey fear me well well sha. Most violent city in the US especially south side Chicago and South West. Is it really that bad? Already over 400 shootings in 2017 according to official stats I think. Makes Enugu and Abuja sader me thinks. |
Re: Abandoning Nigeria's Good Life For The Us,its A Blessing If.... by Goldenboy007(m): 3:35am On Jun 26, 2017 |
Obalende: Chicago is one of the biggest cities in the world. The problem you talk about is localized in a little area. I don't even live on the south side. It's similar to saying I cannot live in Lagos because there are miscreants killing themselves in Oshodi. However I can't blame you for the conclusion you made because Americans always generalize about Nigeria too. Chicago is beautiful and safe and it's always a tourist destination. 1 Like |
Re: Abandoning Nigeria's Good Life For The Us,its A Blessing If.... by dudu200: 8:08pm On Jun 26, 2017 |
Hello sir I just need your advise on this life decision is it a good decision for somebody earning like 250k ngn to still relocate to us am a banker in Nigeria a graduate of computer science second class upper married with two kids . though what is making to think of relocating is the uncertainty of Nigeria economy and many more. How do I really go about it relocating and start all over? I discussed this with a friend over there all he told me was that it is not going to be easy. Please advise sir thanks 2 Likes |
Re: Abandoning Nigeria's Good Life For The Us,its A Blessing If.... by Goldenboy007(m): 3:16am On Jun 28, 2017 |
dudu200: If you have proper documents to relocate then I will tell you to pack your belonging this very moment, however anything short of that would be a struggle. I will try to give you as much facts but I want you to make the decision yourself. 1) The American Nigerians - The first thing you'll realize is everybody that promised to help you will disappear, they had boasted on helping because they hope you would never get a Visa 2) The 2nd reality check is ..The millions Naira savings will only convert to couple of 100 Dollars.The fastest way for your savings to evaporate is when you earned Naira and you start spending dollars. 3) Accommodation - I have seen immigrants stranded in US and they ended up living on streets. If you are lucky enough to get a host, they will manage you for few weeks before they will make your life a living hell. I have heard many horror stories. 3) Job - The laws on illegal workers are now very strict, no papers no work. Almost no company will touch you with a 10 foot pole. (Thanks to the new government). However for the few who eventually got a job it would be very hard labor. Factory work with long hours - Minimum wage is between $7.25 to $9.00, you will have 40 hours a week - That may seems like a lot of money in Naira but you would soon realize that your expenses are in dollars, you will barely survive from one paycheck to another paycheck. 4) Immigration status - Once you overstay in US you become illegal - the implication is if you leave US you may never be able to come back in for a very long time. You may think you do not need Nigeria again until you start missing births, marriages, deaths, burials, graduations of people that are really important to you. Also under the new government If you are caught you may be deported immediately. 5)Hard Years - Lets assume you scaled all the earlier hurdles - you got a job and accommodation - You will discover that after several years of doing manual labor - you would have succeeded in saving nothing because your expenses are equal to your income. Eventually at old age you decide to come back to Nigeria - your mates would have moved and left you behind. Typical average living Expenses - it could be higher or lower depending on the US State Income $11/Hr x 40Hrs/week X 4 weeks = $1760 before tax, After tax approx = $1372 Monthly House Rent (Studio) - $700 (Hopefully in cheap suburbs or Project Apartments) Groceries - $100 ($25/Week) Bus - $100 (Transit Card) Utility (Electricity) - $25 (provided you get free Gas and Heat) - Internet - $20 (lowest Speed) phone bill - $20 However if you have opportunity to migrate and work legally in US-I advice you to put your IT Degree to work, get some IT certificates in US and in few years your annual salary in Nigeria would be what you will earn in 1 month in US. I have often heard that the greatest enemy of invention is common sense, what may actually work for you may be what would not make sense to the rest of us. Some of us that are citizens today are beneficiaries of immigrants that made the sacrifices, the end justifies the means. America is a great place to be, the land where dreams are fulfilled, but it is not heaven. All the details I have given you here are what I have witnessed from real people with real experience 13 Likes 3 Shares |
Re: Abandoning Nigeria's Good Life For The Us,its A Blessing If.... by femo86(m): 11:10am On Jun 28, 2017 |
Thumbs up to you Goldenboy007... Nice one.. Keep it up |
Re: Abandoning Nigeria's Good Life For The Us,its A Blessing If.... by dudu200: 10:43pm On Jun 28, 2017 |
Thank you sir. For taking your time and for being explicit in your explanation and advise. I will think about it. Ese pupo. |
Re: Abandoning Nigeria's Good Life For The Us,its A Blessing If.... by OtunOba15(m): 5:23pm On Jul 02, 2017 |
Please sir.... For immigrant kids who's parents are yet to get their papers due to change in status. Are they entitled to any benefits from the US system like welfare or health care. Thanks |
Re: Abandoning Nigeria's Good Life For The Us,its A Blessing If.... by Goldenboy007(m): 10:52am On Jul 05, 2017 |
OtunOba15: Hi, If you are new immigrants - you are not meant to resort to public funds, that's why you have a Sponsor who has guaranteed your economic well being. However there are subsidized health and other welfare benefit programs for low or no income families, depends on the US State. Food stamps and children's healthcare are examples. Go to Google- Type in - Welfare programs for New immigrants in "your" state. |
Re: Abandoning Nigeria's Good Life For The Us,its A Blessing If.... by Goldenboy007(m): 1:50am On Jul 09, 2017 |
This weekend was the Taste of Chicago...In summer Chicago becomes the tourists haven https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwjgEUf5gc8 |
Re: Abandoning Nigeria's Good Life For The Us,its A Blessing If.... by beejay112: 5:39am On Jul 09, 2017 |
Thanks for the info..any benefit for parent with kids born in usa |
Re: Abandoning Nigeria's Good Life For The Us,its A Blessing If.... by lionlee216(m): 7:25am On Jul 09, 2017 |
Thanks for the enlightenment. My fiancee lives in south side of chicago, 95th to be precise and more often i have always heard about high rate of crime. Is it really worth it as a Nigerian to be living there due to the high rate of crime.. |
Re: Abandoning Nigeria's Good Life For The Us,its A Blessing If.... by Bossman(m): 2:37pm On Jul 10, 2017 |
It's certainly much cheaper to live there. And it may well be what your fiancee can afford. There are actually a lot of Nigerians on the South Side and North side due to affordability and it's proximity to downtown. Some of the South suburbs are quite safe and not overly expensive as well. I personally live in the North West Suburbs. lionlee216: |
Re: Abandoning Nigeria's Good Life For The Us,its A Blessing If.... by Goldenboy007(m): 9:41am On Jul 12, 2017 |
beejay112: There is no immediate benefit from what I know, however my knowledge may be limited. Your children can file for you when they become adults. 1 Like |
Re: Abandoning Nigeria's Good Life For The Us,its A Blessing If.... by Goldenboy007(m): 9:49am On Jul 12, 2017 |
lionlee216: 95th and Dan Ryan ......Aaaaaaah...I remember that station. 95th is the core South Chicago. Surely the crime rate is high in that location but it's easier for an individual to live than trying to grow a family there. Like Bossman said...accomodation is cheap and there are many Nigerians there. |
Re: Abandoning Nigeria's Good Life For The Us,its A Blessing If.... by Goldenboy007(m): 9:54am On Jul 12, 2017 |
Bossman: Hey Bossman...i live in North West Suburb too Des Plaines to be precise. 1 Like |
Re: Abandoning Nigeria's Good Life For The Us,its A Blessing If.... by ladylco: 10:43am On Jul 12, 2017 |
Goldenboy007: Hey! Goldenboy007, i sent you DM! pls check your email and reply. Thanks |
Re: Abandoning Nigeria's Good Life For The Us,its A Blessing If.... by Goldenboy007(m): 10:57am On Jul 12, 2017 |
ladylco: Done that. |
Re: Abandoning Nigeria's Good Life For The Us,its A Blessing If.... by ladylco: 12:51pm On Jul 12, 2017 |
Goldenboy007: Didnt get your email. Pls what's your email add |
Re: Abandoning Nigeria's Good Life For The Us,its A Blessing If.... by Quad2100(m): 10:18am On Jul 20, 2017 |
Hello Goldenboy007,please i need your opinion on this. My uncle who happens to b a travel agent contacted me n informed me about an opportunity to start a new life in USA. He said he will get a work for me in US company b4 i leave Nigeria and all i need to do is resume work as soon as i get to USA. Please is this really possible n after my visa expires in d future do i stand a chance to renew it. please sir i need ur advise on this |
Re: Abandoning Nigeria's Good Life For The Us,its A Blessing If.... by Goldenboy007(m): 11:52am On Jul 20, 2017 |
Quad2100: Hey bro, Let me tell you a little true life story - There is this street hustler from Lagos that wanted to get to US at all cost so he went through the usual unscrupulous traveling agents. The agent falsified the documents the guy took to the US embassy and was caught, the guy got a life ban but he didn't know. Fast forward the years; this guy became a very popular Hiphop artist in Nigeria, he made so much money and promoters arranged a US tour for him. With his fame and fortune he was eligible for an easy visa but his past came to haunt him, he was informed that he had a life ban. Life can be funny at times and every action has consequences. - To your questions This is strictly my opinion - except your uncle is a Visa officer even your entry into US is not guaranteed. If you overstay or work illegally in US without proper documentation - and they have your records, your Visa may not be renewed - Except you apply under a new immigration status then I think you may be reconsidered. Let me know if you have other questions - I would be glad to help 1 Like |
Re: Abandoning Nigeria's Good Life For The Us,its A Blessing If.... by Quad2100(m): 12:35pm On Jul 20, 2017 |
I really appreciate your time but i am a bsc holder and he is going to do my proper documentation,its not as if i coming into US illegally or work illegally bt what i am trying to ask is that is it possible for a US company to hire me even when i am still in nigeria. Goldenboy007: |
Re: Abandoning Nigeria's Good Life For The Us,its A Blessing If.... by Goldenboy007(m): 2:58pm On Jul 20, 2017 |
Quad2100: The answer to your question is YES...a US company can hire you from Nigeria. However because of the recent travel and immigration reforms in US which are offshoots of political campaign of - Make America Great Again and Buy America, Hire America - The guidelines on hiring foreigners have been streamlined. Companies are refraining from filing H1B for foreigners except it is very necessary, however nothing is impossible. If I will advise you as a brother - Look for a good low tuition school in US, go for your graduate study - that will open doors of opportunities to migrate legally. Where there is a Will, there is a Way. I see your email, I will get in touch with you as soon as I can. 4 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Abandoning Nigeria's Good Life For The Us,its A Blessing If.... by Teedawg: 3:58pm On Jul 20, 2017 |
Goldenboy007:i cant wait for the prospective f1 student advice i dont know why there is no thread for f1 students in the USA only visa issues they do share advices once in a while though Fall semester loading.....loads of info in here thank you for dedicating your time to do this |
Re: Abandoning Nigeria's Good Life For The Us,its A Blessing If.... by Bossman(m): 4:50pm On Jul 20, 2017 |
As already mentioned, Yes, it's possible. This is usually via the H1-B program. A lot of software developers, mostly from India, have used to come to the US. However, the new administration has made that option very difficult now. First of all, you skills/degree has to be in one of those that it has been determined there is a shortage. Quad2100: 1 Like |
Re: Abandoning Nigeria's Good Life For The Us,its A Blessing If.... by Teedawg: 5:53pm On Jul 22, 2017 |
Bossman:hello Bossman sorry you didn't hear from again had some issues with my Email account took a while to get it back.. Thank you again for the Advice you gave me Last Time! Hope you're doing fine? |
Re: Abandoning Nigeria's Good Life For The Us,its A Blessing If.... by Bossman(m): 8:15pm On Jul 22, 2017 |
I am well, Thanks. Hope you are as well. Teedawg: |
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