Common Reasons Hair Becomes Dry

Successful business owner Renell (“Rae”) Shorter of Texas leads Credit Diva of Dallas, Inc., which is committed to helping clients improve their credit scores. Beyond her credit repair industry-related skills, Renell Shorter is familiar with the cosmetology industry and was responsible for treating and cutting dry hair as the owner of Styles by the Lash Diva.

Before treating dry hair, individuals must understand what caused the issue to develop in the first place. Below are several common reasons why hair becomes dry:

- Using the wrong products. The reason there are so many types of shampoos and conditioners available is because each one is designed for use on a specific type of hair. Using the wrong products often results in dry and brittle hair since they remove the hair’s natural moisture and oils. To avoid this, consumers must check the product label of any hair care product to ensure it will work well for them.

- Overuse of heat styling tools. Using a flat iron or dryer on a daily basis damages the hair and increases the chances it will become dry over time. If people need heat styling every day, they can still reduce the amount of damage that occurs by either using a heat protectant or keeping the temperature below 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

- Excessive hair washing. Although washing hair regularly is important, washing too often removes natural oils and leaves hair more prone to dryness. Hair that requires more consistent washing can be moisturized with the addition of a deep conditioner. Meanwhile, other types of hair, such as curly hair, should only be washed once or twice a week.

Questions to Ask Yourself If You Want to Be Your Own Boss

Renell Shorter has been working as her own boss for more than 15 years. A former hairstylist, Renell “Rae” Shorter owned Lovely Lashes in Michigan. She is now the owner of Credit Diva of Dallas, Inc.

If you are thinking of becoming your own boss, take some time to answer these questions:

- What are my strengths and weaknesses? 

Leading your own company, even if you are the only employee, requires that you take a careful look at your business skills. If you are weak in any skill that can benefit your company, make a point of either improving yourself in that area or finding a business partner who is strong in that area.

- Am I committed? 

Within five years, more than 50 percent of small businesses fail. To be successful, you must push through all of the challenges you will face on the way to building a company. If you remain committed, your chances of creating a lasting company are much higher.

- Can I handle the workload? 

Being your own boss requires a great deal of time. You will most likely have to work more than 40 hours per week to keep your company afloat, and you must think about your company even when you’re off the clock. If this idea concerns you, you may not be ready to be your own boss.

An Introduction to Improving Your Credit Score

An experienced beauty salon owner and manager, Renell Shorter has driven operations at Credit Diva of Dallas, Inc., in McKinney, Texas, for nearly 20 years. In her role at Credit Diva of Dallas, Renell “Rae” Shorter provides clients with support in areas of credit repair.

Repairing bad credit can be a lengthy, complex process. Fortunately, there are several steps an individual can take towards rehabilitating a poor credit score. One of the more obvious ways to improve credit is to make all scheduled payments in a timely manner. In some cases, something as simple as setting up payment reminders can prevent a person from further damaging their credit as the result of delayed payments.

Minimizing outstanding debt is another strong step to take towards an improved credit score. Of course, paying off debt is not always such an easy task to accomplish. However, refraining from using credit cards during periods of significant debt can help individuals avoid exacerbating the issue. Individuals can use their credit report and other resources to determine their exact state of debt and, subsequently, develop a realistic payment plan.

Lastly, individuals and families must appreciate the fact that rehabilitating a bad credit score takes time. Certain missed payments and financial occurrences, such as bankruptcy, will stay on a credit report for up to a decade. A person should be wary of any service or program that claims to significantly improve a credit score in a short period of time.

Why Credit Card Cash Advances Are Never a Good Idea

A Dallas area business owner, Renell (“Rae”) Shorter leads Styles by the Lash Diva in The Colony and offers customers fashion-forward makeup, eyelashes, and hairstyles. A mentor to entrepreneurs in her local community, Renell Shorter assists people in living productive, debt-free lives that maximize opportunities.

One of the key aspects of living without the burden of major debt is foregoing the ATM cash advances available through credit cards. The issue with cash advances begins with percentages, or fees, charged on the transaction itself. This is typically a flat fee such as $4, or 4 percent, whichever is higher. Beyond this advance fee, there is the ATM fee as well, unless the credit card is tied to the bank from which the money is withdrawn.

The next challenge is the significantly higher interest associated with the cash advance compared with the interest charged on purchases. With no grace period offered, the interest on cash advances begins to accrue immediately.

Additionally, the money owed on credit card purchases is automatically allocated for pay off before the cash advance principal is touched. If a card has $10,000 in total debt, with $4,000 associated with cash advances, $6,000 must be paid off before reaching a point of paying off the higher interest portion of the debt. Another problem with cash advances is that they are often necessary when people experience financial setbacks and need money fast. This is not the ideal time to add high-interest debt, and any strategy that avoids this should be carefully considered.

A Brief Overview of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act

Renell Shorter is the owner of Credit Diva of Dallas, a consulting firm that provides personal financial guidance, credit repair, and credit education. In addition, Renell "Rae" Shorter helps her clients understand their credit rights, many of which are outlined by the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA).

A United States federal law passed in 1974, the ECOA states that credit applicants may not be discriminated against based on race, religion, and marital status. Additionally, the ECOA guarantees that each individual has the right to his or her own credit profile and history. 

This law is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, an agency that oversees many aspects of consumer safety. The ECOA is important to consumer credit rights, ensuring that all applicants are judged on identical criteria, such as credit score, credit history, income, and debt. 

While creditors cannot use these factors in making credit decisions, they are allowed to ask for their own data purposes. Additionally, some factors not allowed to be used in deciding creditworthiness, such as marital status, may still play a role in determining whether credit is granted. For example, if a married couple files a joint tax return and shares assets, the debt and income of either partner may come into play when eligibility for loans, such as a mortgage, is determined.

Wayne State University MBA Program Offers Study Abroad Options

Since 1999, Renell “Rae” Shorter has helmed Credit Diva of Dallas, a company that helps clients repair and restore their credit, while leading several successful companies in the personal beauty sector. To prepare for her career, Renell Shorter earned an MBA from Wayne State University.

Routinely included in the Princeton Review’s list of top MBA programs, Wayne State University’s MBA program has trained more than 30,000 business leaders since its founding in 1946. Over the years, the program has developed a range of innovative initiatives that provide Wayne State MBA students with unique real-world training and networking opportunities, including a robust study abroad program.

Students interested in studying abroad have the option to participate in an individual-exchange program or a faculty-led program. In the individual program, students travel on their own to one of Wayne State’s partner institutions in 12 different countries, where they take semester-long courses that may qualify toward their degrees.

Meanwhile, students on the faculty-led program can choose between visiting Brazil, China, Italy, and several other countries for visits of 11 to 13 days. In these programs, students meet and network with corporate partners in the destination city while receiving guided tours of local businesses and plants.