Dirty Credit Card Tricks

Say "Bye-Bye" to Your Grace Period
No grace period means that you'll start accruing interest the moment you charge something and that can cost you a bundle of "extra" interest. Most credit card issuers have already reduced their grace period from 25 days to 20 days. Many others have eliminated the grace period altogether. Now they are coming up with more and more reasons to take away your grace period. Miss a payment? Stop carrying a balance? Bye-bye grace period!

Dirty Credit Card Tricks

Punishing You for Being Smart
These fees are the lowest of the low because they penalize you for being a responsible credit card user. Some of the biggest offenders include charging you a fee for:
+ Closing your account
+ Failing to use a card for a period of time (such as six months or a year)
+ Not carrying a balance
+ Every transaction each and every time that you use your card
If your card charges you any of these fees, it's time to look for a new card!

Dirty Credit Card Tricks

Lowering Your Minimum Payment
Another way some cards try to jack up their profits and lure you deeper into debt is by lowering the minimum payment due on your balance. It used to be cards required a minimum monthly payment of about 4% of your balance, but many now require as little at 2%. Don't fall for it! Going from a $40 payment to a $25 payment on a $2,500 balance means it will take you an extra 19 months to pay off your balance!

Dirty Credit Card Tricks

Inviting You to Skip a Payment
Broke this month? In their infinite generosity (ha!), some cards will "invite" you to skip a payment. This "helpful" offer, which sounds great at first blush, often comes after the holidays when your balance is big and your wallet is stretched. DON'T DO IT! Skipping that payment can lead to a host of trouble from a higher interest rate to possibly having to make extra payments in the future. Are you starting to notice a pattern?! You should be skeptical whenever your credit card company does something "nice" for you without you asking for it!

Dirty Credit Card Tricks

Tricky Timing
We all know that our payment is due on a certain date or it's late, right? But a new twist being thrown into the mix is having your payment due by a certain time on the due date. If your payment is due at noon, and gets processed at 12:01, you get socked with a late fee AND likely a higher interest rate. Gimme a break! Carefully check your statement so you avoid this trap.

SOURCE: Dirty Credit Card Tricks provided by AOL Money & Finance

Dirty Credit Card Tricks

50 Female Empowerment Anthems

Female-Friendly Songs
March may have been widely celebrated as Women's History Month but music doesn't have a timestamp. For that reason, we at BlackVoices.com decided to take a look at some of the songs that speak directly to women from women - and the stories behind the songs. From Aretha Franklin's renowned '60's anthem and Janet Jackson's rally for independence to Mary J. Blige's self-motivating anthem and Alicia Keys' tribute to sisters, music has been a driving force for female empowerment.We have an array of artists, from Queen Latifah and Jody Watley to Whitney Houston and Madonna. Check out our list of female empowerment anthems.

50 Female Empowerment Anthems

Song: 'Superwoman'
Performer: Alicia Keys
Sheer Lyricism: "I am superwoman. Yes, I am. Yes, she is. Even when I'm a mess, I still put on a vest with an S on my chest. Oh, yes. I'm a superwoman. Yes, she is."
Factoid: Keys sang this song to legendary actress Ruby Dee on the television series called 'Iconoclasts.' Her music can also be heard on is Jada Pinkett Smith's new medical drama, 'Hawthorne.' The track 'Lessons Learned' -- from her 2008 opus, 'As I Am' -- is heard throughout the final scenes of the pilot episode of the TNT series.

50 Female Empowerment Anthems

Song: 'Respect'
Performer: Aretha Franklin
Sheer Lyricism: "All I'm asking for is a little respect when you get home."
Factoid: Though the lyrics in this song intimate that a woman is paying a man for his love and sexual favors, soul crooner Otis Redding wrote and originally recorded the song for his third album 'Otis Blue.'
BUY IT, TRY IT: Aretha Franklin's 'Greatest Hits'

50 Female Empowerment Anthems

Song: 'Respect'
Performer: Adeva
Sheer Lyricism: "Come on, respect me when I'm cookin'. Come on, respect me when I'm cleanin', Come on, respect me whem I'm workin'"
Factoid: This house music cover of the hit song 'Respect' was a crossover success in 1989. The Capitol Records dance-music artist brought new life to the song, which became an anthem for "Queen of Soul," Aretha Franklin, 22 years earlier.
BUY IT, TRY IT: Adeva's 'Adeva'

50 Female Empowerment Anthems

Song: 'Sisters Are Doing it for Themselves'
Performer: Annie Lennox and Aretha Franklin
Sheer Lyricism: "We say, sisters are doin' it for themselves. Standin' on their own two feet and ringin'on their own bells.'
Factoid: Talk about a heavy-hitting duet. This soulful offering was featured on an episode of the long-running animated television series 'The Simpsons' in a scene where Bart Simpson is dressed in drag.
Annie Lennox's 'Sisters Are Doing it for Themselves'

50 Female Empowerment Anthems

Song: 'Me, Myself & I'
Performer: Beyonce
Sheer Lyricism: "I got me, myself and I. I know that I will never disappoint myself."
Factoid: Beyonce might have been known to write female empowerment songs as part of Destiny's Child, but this marked the Houston native's first solo try at letting the ladies know that they don't have to deal with a cheating boyfriend. 'Me, Myself & I' also earned the hit-maker and co-writers Scott Storch and Robert Waller ASCAP honors.
BUY IT, TRY IT: Beyonce's 'I Am Sasha Fierce'

50 Female Empowerment Anthems

Song: 'You're So Vain'
Performer: Carly Simon
Sheer Lyricism: "I bet you think this song is about you."
Factoid: Over the years, lots of guesses have been made about the famous subject of this song. Mick Jagger, Warren Beatty, Cat Stevens and James Taylor are some of the names that have been dropped. The song essentially talks about a rich man, a possible lover, who is unfaithful.
Carly Simon's 'You're So Vain'

50 Female Empowerment Anthems

Song: 'Before He Cheats'
Performer: Carrie Underwood
Sheer Lyricism: "'Cause I dug my key into the side of his pretty little souped-up four-wheel drive, carved my name into his leather seats..."
Factoid: Sure, this 'American Idol' winner might have been syrupy sweet on the competition series, but with her debut album, she stood firm on how she doesn't go for cheating. It certainly paid off. It remains the country star's most successful single to date with over 2 million digital downloads sold.
BUY IT, TRY IT: Carrie Underwood's 'Carnival Ride'

50 Female Empowerment Anthems

Song: 'I'm Every Woman'
Performer: Chaka Khan
Sheer Lyricism: "Anything you want done, baby, I do it naturally."
Factoid: Singer/songwriter couple Ashford and Simpson penned 'I'm Every Woman' for the Rufus front woman. Whitney Houston, who reportedly sang background vocals on the original track, eventually covered the song in 1992 on 'The Bodyguard' soundtrack -- giving props to Chaka in her rendition. 'American Idol' season five finalist Mandisa also covered the song and brought it new life.
BUY IT, TRY IT: Chaka Khan's 'Greatest Hits'

50 Female Empowerment Anthems

Song: 'Believe'
Performer: Cher
Sheer Lyricism: "But I know that I'll get through this 'cause I know that I am strong."
Factoid: Though it sounds like Cher used a vocoder machine, which T-Pain and Kanye West have most recently made popular, Cher's voice is actually sped up by a software called Antares Auto-Tune.
Cher's 'Believe'

50 Female Empowerment Anthems

Hollywood U: Celebs and Higher Ed

They have fame, fortune and are blessed with ability to entertain. Acting and singing are part of their repertoires and they make outrageous sums of money... but how many of them have higher education?

BV has taken the liberty to highlight just a few celebrities who have hit the books at one point or another and some who even obtained college degrees. Welcome to Hollywood U!

Hollywood U: Celebs and Higher Ed

Alicia Keys - Accepted to Columbia University
After graduating valedictorian of the Professional Performing Arts School in Manhattan, a 16-year-old Keys was accepted to Columbia University in New York. However, the talented songstress decided to drop-out and forgo a college ed to pursue her musical career.

Hollywood U: Celebs and Higher Ed

Sean Combs - Attended Howard University
Hip-hop music mogul Sean Combs briefly attended Howard University in 1987 with a major in business administration. Combs honed his chops promoting parties and meeting many of the producers who would go on to help him found Bad Boy Records. Combs dropped out of Howard in his second year to become of of the most successful and powerful individuals in music and fashion with an estimated net worth of $400 million.

Hollywood U: Celebs and Higher Ed

David Banner - Attended Southern University and the University of Maryland (grad school)
No stranger to contradiction, southern rapper David Banner is as well-read as they come. He is one of the few rappers that can boast a college degree as well as an MS in business! His music can often be as polarized as his life as he integrates raunchy and violent themes with conscious fare on his albums.

Hollywood U: Celebs and Higher Ed

Denzel Washington - Graduated from Fordham University
Dr. Washington? Believe it or not, everyone's favorite actor once aspired to be a doctor. But while at Fordham he caught the acting bug and switched his major to journalism. By the time he graduated with a B.A. in Journalism and Drama in 1977, Washington already had his sights set on acting. Nearly two decades later most would agree that that was a pretty smart decision.

Hollywood U: Celebs and Higher Ed

Boris Kodjoe - Graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University
Before he was a film and television heartthrob, actor Boris Kodjoe was well on his way to being a tennis superstar. Kodjoe went to school at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he played for the Rams. After a back injury halted his sprorting aspirations, the poor guy had to settle for being a model... what a sad life.

Hollywood U: Celebs and Higher Ed

Nicole Ari Parker - Graduated from New York University
Born in Baltimore Maryland, Nicole used to pretend that she was Willona from the TV show 'Good Times.' After being named the best actress in Maryland at a high school competition, it further solidified her desire to act. Parker was accepted New York University's Tisch School of the Arts and graduated with an acting degree in 1993.

Hollywood U: Celebs and Higher Ed

Common - Attended Florida A&M University
This Chicago legend attended Florida A&M University to study business administration. It wasn't too long afterward though that Common was featured in the Unsigned Hype column of the 'Source Magazine' and dropped out of college to be a rapper.

Hollywood U: Celebs and Higher Ed

Duane Martin - Graduated from New York University
The former 'All of Us' star played basketball for NYU's team and was even drafted into the NBA by the New York Knicks. While he may not be acting at the moment, Martin is currently the owner of both a sports agency and a real estate company so that college ed may be paying off after all.

Hollywood U: Celebs and Higher Ed

Will Smith - Could have gone to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The biggest actor on the planet had a chance to go to one of the country's premiere colleges, but turned it down to pursue his music career. "My mother, who worked for the School Board of Philadelphia, had a friend who was the admissions officer at MIT. I had pretty high SAT scores and they needed black kids, so I probably could have gotten in. But I had no intention of going to college," said Smith.

Hollywood U: Celebs and Higher Ed

Rappers Turned Actors

Acting Up:
Queen Latifah, Will Smith and Ice Cube may be some of the most bankable black actors in Hollywood. But they are also hip hop royalty. These Grammy Award winners lead a growing list of rappers who caught the acting bug. Check them out.

Rappers Turned Actors

Stage Name: Queen Latifah
Real Name: Dana Elaine Owens
Notable Acting Roles: 'Jungle Fever,' 'Living Single,' 'Set It Off'' 'Chicago'
Factoid: The New Jersey native spent five years as magazine editor Khadijah James on the hit television sitcom 'Living Single,' but this Grammy Award winning Cover Girl spokesperson was marked as an actress to watch when she scored an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Matron Mama Morton in the movie 'Chicago,' based on the hit Broadway musical.

Rappers Turned Actors

Stage Name: Ice Cube
Real Name: O'Shea Jackson
Notable Acting Roles: 'Boyz N the Hood,' 'Barbershop,' 'Are We There Yet?' 'Friday'
Factoid: This former N.W.A. rapper got his start as Doughboy in the John Singleton directed Academy Award-nominated film 'Boyz N the Hood' before starring in and producing his own comedy 'Friday' as well as family-friendly fare like 'Are We There Yet' and its sequel.

Rappers Turned Actors

Stage Name: DMX
Real Name: Earl Simmons
Notable Acting Roles: 'Belly,' 'Exit Wounds,' 'Romeo Must Die'
Factoid: Once a chart-topping rap superstar, DMX, who reportedly suffers from a bipolar disorder, has spent most of the past five years in and out of jail, which has side-lined his budding acting career -- not to mention the possibility of starring in an official sequel to the Hype Williams-helmed cult classic 'Belly' alongside fellow rapper Nas.

Rappers Turned Actors

Stage Name: Ice T
Real Name: Tracy Marrow
Notable Acting Roles: 'New Jack City,' 'New York Undercover,' 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit'
Factoid: Talk about a 360. Once a controversial gangsta rapper with the song 'Cop Killer,' Ice T is a household name -- thanks to his role as NYPD Detective Odafin 'Fin' Tutuloa on the police drama 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.' Series co-creator Dick Wolf reportedly cast him in after seeing his NAACP Image Award-winning portrayal of drug dealer Danny Cort on 'New York Undercover.'

Rappers Turned Actors

Stage Name: Will Smith
Real Name: Willard Christopher Smith, Jr.
Notable Acting Roles: 'Independence Day,' 'Six Degrees of Separation,' 'Men In Black' and 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'
Factoid: At 40, not only is this 'Parents Just Don't Understand' rapper one of only two hip-hop artists to receive an Academy Award nomination in an acting category (Queen Latifah is the other), but Smith is the only actor in history to have eight consecutive films gross over $100 million in domestic box office and have all eight open at #1.

Rappers Turned Actors

Stage Name: Nas
Real Name: Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones
Notable Acting Role: 'Belly'
Factoid: In both a pivotal scene in 'Belly' and on a song called 'One Love' from his 1994 album 'Illmatic,' this New York lyricist talks about a character named 'Shorty,' who shoots from the roof of a Queens project building.

Rappers Turned Actors

Stage Name: Method Man
Real Name: Clifford Smith
Notable Acting Roles: 'How High,' 'The Wackness,' 'The Wire'
Factoid: According to 'The Wire' series creator David Simon, the Wu Tang Clan member's character Melvin 'Cheese' Wagstaff was the father of Randy Wagstaff, a young boy in the final two seasons of the Emmy-nominated HBO drama, but the relationship was never explored on the show.

Rappers Turned Actors

Stage Name: Diddy
Real Name: Sean John Combs
Notable Acting Roles: 'Raisin in the Sun,' 'Monster's Ball'
Factoid: Although his early days forming Bad Boy Records were portrayed on the silver screen by actor Derek Luke in the Notorious B.I.G. biopic 'Notorious,' Diddy has worked tirelessly so that he would be taken seriously as a thespian. Since starring in 'A Raisin in the Sun' on Broadway and then taking a bit role in the critically-acclaimed indie 'Monster's Ball,' the hip hop mogul has been cast in the upcoming movie 'Get Him to the Greek.'

Rappers Turned Actors

Stage Name: Mos Def
Real Name: Dante Terrell Smith
Notable Acting Roles: '16 Blocks,' 'Brown Sugar,' 'The Italian Job,' 'Cadillac Records,' 'Monster's Ball'
Factoid: The Brooklyn native studied theater at New York University and also starred in the 2002 Tony Award-nominated and Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway play 'TopDog/UnderDog.'

Rappers Turned Actors

10 Ways Black People Have A Long Way To Go

Breakdown of the Black Family
The low marriage rate in the black community has a detrimental effect on today's youth. Nearly 65% percent of black kids are born to single parent homes. Lacking either a mother or a father leaves a gap in a child's psyche that is usually replaced by a more negative factor. While one parent is better than none, a single working mother or father usually doesn't have enough time to parent their children as effectively as they should, which could cause trouble in the household.

10 Ways Black People Have A Long Way To Go

Black Health Issues
While African American are only 13% of the U.S. population, blacks account for more HIV and AIDS cases and HIV-related deaths than any other racial/ethnic group. The rate of obesity is also a huge factor in the community, with over one-third of blacks being obese. The result is a higher risk of pancreatic cancer among blacks than among whites, particularly for women. It also leads to a high prevalence of obesity-related conditions such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes, factors reported to contribute to a high death rate from coronary heart disease.

10 Ways Black People Have A Long Way To Go

Light-Skinned vs. Dark-Skinned
The color complex is an issue in the black community that has existed for centuries. It has divided families, communities and marital relationships, etc. It is a system of discrimination by black people against other African Americans based on skin tone, pitting light versus dark--even though the reality is that no matter what the shade, we are still black.

10 Ways Black People Have A Long Way To Go

Use of the N-word
Much has been said and published over the use of the word "nigger." Political figures and celebrities have argued over its power and prevalence in the black community. No matter how you spin it, this word, whether you love it or hate it, will most likely be a part of the black vernacular for years to come.

10 Ways Black People Have A Long Way To Go

Crack Epidemic
Starting in the early 1980s, a cheap, portable and highly addictive form of cocaine hit America's streets. Crack ravaged many inner cities populated by African Americans with a flood of addiction, a proliferation of border babies (abandoned children in hospitals born addicted to crack), astronomical murder rates, and a general blight that had never been seen before. Even in 2008, the effects crack has had on black families still remain.

10 Ways Black People Have A Long Way To Go

Hurricane Katrina
Race in America came into focus in August 2005 when Hurricane Katrina hit the nation's Gulf coast. The fact that many news outlets referred to survivors as "refugees" in addition to the government's slow reaction time for largely black communities hardest hit left many wondering if black people "matter." Socio-economic class and segregation in the U.S. were put on television for the world to see. Although Katrina was a natural disaster, some say it exemplified this country's disregard for the condition of poor people and black folks.

10 Ways Black People Have A Long Way To Go

Black Leaders
Who are they? Who appoints them? Do people still respect what Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton have to say? Does the NAACP have any power today? The future and current state of black leadership has been highly debated in recent weeks, but with the emergence of the Barack Obama presidential campaign, there is hope for a brighter day with black leadership.

10 Ways Black People Have A Long Way To Go

Institutional racism
The decrease in race-based scholarships, rollbacks in affirmative action plans, and the persistent inequality in salaries between whites and blacks continue to show how the glass ceiling remains above the head of African Americans.

10 Ways Black People Have A Long Way To Go

Hip-Hop's Portrayal of Women
Rap music has been criticized for its negative portrayal of women, glorification of "thug life," and violence since its inception. However, these days, the future of the genre is less clear as fewer artists top the charts and remain there. Also, opinions differ on who is to blame for women being used as stage props and negatively portrayed in music videos and lyrics. Regardless, the negative effects of hip-hop continue to linger.

10 Ways Black People Have A Long Way To Go

Police Brutality
The brutality cases of Amadou Diallo, Sean Bell and Rodney King have only increased an already cold relationship between the African-American community and police throughout the country. Police brutality has always been prevalent in the black community, but these cases shed light on the often violent encounters between African-Americans and cops.

10 Ways Black People Have A Long Way To Go

10 Urban Money Myths

Money Myths That Just Won't Die

There is an awful lot of bad advice out there when it comes to managing your personal finances. Like rumors, these myths get told and retold as if they were true and spread like wildfire even though they are flat out wrong.

Click through our gallery to see 10 urban money myths that you would do best not to believe.


(To see the 10 myths, mouse over the photo at left and click on the right arrow.)

10 Urban Money Myths

Money Myth No. 1: This is a Great Opportunity to Buy Stocks

If you believe that, I have some real estate in Florida (with just a little water on it) that's also a great buy. If your financial advisor is telling you that now is the time to buy, fire your broker. Are you kidding me?!

We know that you are desperate to make back some of your investment losses, but buying stocks in this environment isn't the way to do it. The bottom is nowhere in sight right now, and this is no time to invest new money -- don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

10 Urban Money Myths

Money Myth No. 2: Everyone Needs Life Insurance

Think the insurance agents are behind keeping this money myth alive? Here it is in a nutshell: If you have someone who really DEPENDS on your income -- then, yes, you likely may need life insurance to help them maintain their standard of living if you're gone.

If you're single, retired or part of a dual income household with no dependents, you may not need life insurance at all. And, please, don't count on life insurance as a savings plan or as a source of "emergency money" that you can cash in down the road.

10 Urban Money Myths

Money Myth No. 3: Credit Counseling Will Hurt Your Credit Score

No, no, NO! We're going to scream this one from the rooftops till we get through! Credit counseling will not affect your credit score one iota.

In fact, Fair Isaac (the company that calculates credit scores) does not factor enrollment with a credit counseling service into their scoring criteria. However, some lenders will see that "in credit counseling" notation on your credit report as a red flag, so you may have trouble getting new credit while you are in counseling.

10 Urban Money Myths

Money Myth No. 4: Money Markets are FDIC Insured

A money market mutual fund is most certainly NOT FDIC insured. However, a money market DEPOSIT account -- which earns interest at a rate set (and paid) by the bank -- IS FDIC insured.

The fact that the names of these two vehicles sound similar may be the source of the confusion. Just suffice it to say that, basically, any deposit-type of account where your bank pays you interest is probably insured (but double check!) That includes any traditional type of bank account -- from checking and savings to CDs and IRAs. All of these are insured by the FDIC up to the limit of $250,000 per qualifying account.

10 Urban Money Myths

Money Myth No. 5: You Get What You Pay For

Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, this money myth won't die.

While it's true that sometimes there IS a link between price and quality, more often than not, you can get a great product at a great price if you shop around and/or know what to look for.

Take generic drugs, for example. They often use the exact same ingredients as their higher-priced name brand counterparts, and many are considered to be just as effective when stacked up against the big names. So why pay more?

10 Urban Money Myths

Money Myth No. 6: Co-Signing a Loan is No Big Deal

Think co-signing a loan for a friend or relative is "not a big deal"? Think again.

Your signature is essentially telling the lender, "Sure, come after ME if my loved one defaults ... or even misses ONE payment. I'll take care of it!"

And, yes, this even applies to your own children. We know of one couple who co-signed a loan for their grown son -- one day, he just stopped making payments. Guess who's now making those car payments for him ... to avoid ruining their own credit?

10 Urban Money Myths

Money Myth No. 7: You Don't Need a Will if You're Leaving Everything to Your Spouse

More than half of Americans die without leaving one. Big mistake.

Don't make the all-too-common assumption that your spouse will automatically get everything -- the house, the car, your investments -- upon your death. Without a will, there's no guarantee. That goes especially if you have children and/or surviving parents. The law in most states will award one-third to one-half of your property to your surviving spouse and divvy up the rest between your children and your parents, if they're still living.

10 Urban Money Myths

Money Myth No. 8: Your Debts Will Be Wiped Out When You Die

It's a sad fact: Your debts may live on long after you do. Sure, some of your creditors may choose to forgive your debts, but more often than not, they'll try and collect from your estate.

If you have a trustee, that person is legally obligated to contact and pay off any debts before distributing money or property to your heirs. But, even if you don't have a trustee, your creditors can still stake a claim against your estate.

10 Urban Money Myths

Money Myth No. 9: You Need a Certain Amount of Money to Start Investing

Don't let this money myth rob you from investing in your future. Even if you can only invest a few dollars every month, you still have plenty of options.

As a first step, you can open an online savings account that pays interest. Or you can buy stock directly from a company, though a Direct Stock Purchase plan. You can also pick up a low-cost mutual fund for as little as $50.

10 Urban Money Myths

Six Horror Stories of Mortgage Modification

Sue Wright, Las Vegas, Nev.
Real estate agent Sue Wright was one of the earliest homeowners to apply for the FDIC's mortgage modification plan to help insolvent IndyMac's at-risk borrowers keep their homes. But because she was current on her mortgage payments, the bank said it couldn't help her and advised her to stop making payments for two months. She did that and called back right after her second payment was overdue. She was given a plan with a reduced interest rate and told to make the new payments for three months and the modification would become permanent. But after doing that, she received a letter from the bank telling her the modification was off; the investors wouldn't approve it.
Full Story: The Crazy Part Is ...

Six Horror Stories of Mortgage Modification

A. G. Chancey, Longwood, Fla.
Chancey has been trying to arrange a mortgage workout since August 2008, when she was only two months behind on payments. Today, after dozens of phone calls to her lender, she's made progress. But she's now five months behind. She has been in the home for 23 years, but family health problems, divorce and economic factors have conspired against her and she's never been able to substantially pay down the loan. She tried to apply for a mortgage workout, but no one ever seemed to know her status.
Full Story: She May Get Good News Yet

Six Horror Stories of Mortgage Modification

Raul Medina, Moorestown, N.J.
No good deed goes unpunished, they say, and Amber and Joe Tardiff might be forced to agree. When Joe's good friend and partner in a landscaping business, Raul Medina, was left a parapalgegic by an auto accident, the Tardiffs took on the Good Samaritan task of dealing with Medina's mortgage issues. Medina, who's also a minister, owns two properties, his residence and one he bought for a Moorestown, N.J., church to provide shelter for the homeless. But after seven months of roadblocks, wrong numbers, voice mails to people who no longer work for the company, they were told that the lender does not offer any loan modifications.
Full Story: His Only Options Now

Six Horror Stories of Mortgage Modification

Richard and Pati Kays, Stuart, Fla.
"He's 83 and I'm 73, with separate assets, stuck in the mortgage mess. We're not quite in foreclosure but in distress over the inability to sell or refinance," says Pati Kays. Pati married husband Richard seven years ago. He's a retired high-steel construction man. She's a retired attorney who owns five cottages she rents out. Richard was supplementing his pension and social security with the rent from a mortgaged duplex he owns. Not any more. His adjustable rate mortgage reset, and his payment on the $430K mortgage went from $1,750 a month to $2,750. The rent he now receives is only $1,800 a month. Trying to head off problems, Richard called his lender to ask for a workout.
Full Story: Why He's in a Bind

Six Horror Stories of Mortgage Modification

Ron Nash, Carlsbad, Calif.
Ron Nash is not someone who's shy about pushing to get what he wants; he's a motivational speaker, headhunter and author of "How to Find Your Dream Job; Even in a Recession." But when it came to obtaining a mortgage workout, he wasn't getting anywhere -- even after months of trying. He finally wrote a letter to the president of his lender to try to resolve the issue. The results were very gratifying -- at first. After that, however, and after he was asked to send in all his paperwork for the fifth time, he didn't hear from them again for six months. Then, recently, he finally got a call back with a loan workout offer.
Full Story: Why He Chose to Walk Away

Six Horror Stories of Mortgage Modification

Ken Mobley, Tampa, Fla.
Ken Mobley had some of his best earnings years ever in the mid-2000s, as an advertising sales representative for a media company. But with newspaper ad revenues in decline, he was "reorganized" by his company and now sells ads to mom-and-pop businesses. He called his lender last fall hoping for a hardship consideration and asking for a two-month postponement of his mortgage payments. He wanted to have them added to the end of his mortgage. Mobley says his credit rating was excellent, and he was merely trying to free up some cash for the holidays. The effort failed.
Full Story: His Catch-22

Six Horror Stories of Mortgage Modification

Hot Shots!

Beyonce attends Beyonce's First Fragrance Launch Event for 'Beyonce Heat - Catch the Fever' at 15 Union Square West on February 2, 2010 in New York City.

Hot Shots!

Actor and model Tyson Beckford takes his dog to the beach in Miami. Tyson, who was accompanied by a female friend, wore a fitted grey tshirt while took his pug for a walk on South Beach before getting rained on. Beckford seems to have adopted a Muslim-chic look with a full beard and a white hat.

Hot Shots!

Juelz Knowles, Beyonce and Jay-Z at the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on January 31, 2010 in Los Angeles, California.

Hot Shots!

Christina Hendricks and Common look at magazines together in Los Angeles, CA.

Hot Shots!

Recording artist Ozzy Osbourne attends a signing for his book 'I Am Ozzy' at Book Soup on February 2, 2010 in Los Angeles, California.

Hot Shots!

LL Cool J, Swizz Beatz, Wyclef Jean, will.i.am, Lionel Richie, Snoop Dogg and Jamie Foxx at the "We Are The World 25 Years for Haiti" recording session held at Jim Henson Studios on February 1, 2010 in Hollywood, California.

Hot Shots!

Lady Gaga and Elton John attends the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on January 31, 2010 in Los Angeles, California.

Hot Shots!

Musician Will.i.am of Black Eyed Peas poses with Best Pop Performace award for 'I Got A Feeling', Best Pop Vocal Album award for 'The E.N.D.' and Best Short Form Music Video for 'Boom Boom Pow' in the press room during the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on January 31, 2010 in Los Angeles, California.

Hot Shots!

Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor are made "Chevalier Des Arts Et Des Lettres" at the Ministry of Culture in Paris, France. The duo went so far as to give one another a big kiss on February 1, 2010.

Hot Shots!

Justin Timberlake films scenes from his latest movie "The Social Network" in Downtown Los Angeles on January 30th, 2010.

Hot Shots!

Smart Money Tips

$5.00 Easily Spent:
A five spot can easily buy a value meal from any one of your favorite fast food joints or a hoity toity coffee from a barista named Genevieve. But think about what that fast, fried, sodium and/or sugar-laden junk is actually doing to your health.

Smart Money Tips

$5.00 Spent Wisely:
Why not take the five bucks to the grocery store? You can easily prepare a tuna casserole; fritatta with leftovers; Mexican/Caribbean dinner containing rice, beans/peas, plantains & salad; rotelle or any fun-shaped pasta with frozen veggies (add olive oil, seasoning & a little cheese) to make your family a nutritious meal. Quality family time is worth far more than a #2, don't you think?

Smart Money Tips

$10.00 Admits One:
A dimesky (a name someone gives it when he wants to borrow -- somehow lessening the ask) will get you in to see the newest flick 'At a Theater Near You.' But it will only get you ONE ticket. Anyone going with you is on their own.

Smart Money Tips

$10.00 Stretched to the Limit:
If you wait a bit, the 'newest flick' can usually be seen on DVD within a month or two. It may/may not be available for $10.00 but if you head to the bargain bin at a Walmart, Target and other similar stores, you may just snag two or three really good DVDs for the price of ONE $10 movie ticket!

Smart Money Tips

$20.00 Bucks to Betterment:
Who doesn't like to ride in style? Doesn't your car just seem to handle better when it's squeaky clean with a vacuuming, high-gloss wax, tire treatment and under chassis cleaning? Suuuuure it does. But do you want to spend $20 on that?!

Smart Money Tips

$20.00 Better Spent Elsewhere:
If Palmolive dish detergent is 'tough on grease, yet gentle on hands' that means it should be perfect for cleaning one's car. Your car deserve a little more pampering? Head to the auto parts store and buy a few supplies. But the big plus here is you can take your son, daughter or significant other along with you to the coin car wash. Better yet, if you're set up for it at home with a hose, bucket and sponge, all can enjoy some real fun along with the promised benefits of cardio activity.

Smart Money Tips

$50.00 to Feel Good:
Let's analyze pampering. 'Fiddy' might get you a 30 minute massage or the manicure/pedicure works from the nail salon. Everyone who works hard deserves to spoil themselves from time to time. But if this really isn't your bag and you'd prefer weighing other options...

Smart Money Tips

$50.00 You Can Keep:
Buy your own products, most of which you may already have in your closet -- you junkie! Invite friends over for a pampering party OR -- why not plan a special evening for you and your mate to pamper each other? You can even throw in a bottle of wine. The Pinot Grigio Santa Margherita is less than $20.00 and "c'est magnifique"! Disclaimer: Cost of a babysitter not included.

Smart Money Tips

$100.00 Wasted:
One hundred, or in rap lingo, a Benjamin, used to mean something back in the day. But in terms of transportation today, you may be able to fill your SUV's gas tank with it. Emphasis on MAY. Depending on where you live, this may be a necessary evil. However let's weigh the options...

Smart Money Tips

$100.00 Put to Work:
You can buy a tank of gas for your SUV and possibly eke out 200 miles on that investment OR you can purchase the bike that you've been promising yourself and hit the road, Jack. (Great cardio.) Walking and/or public transportation works as an alternative as well.

Smart Money Tips

Getting a Job in a Tough Economy

Set realistic goals:
Don't live in a fantasy world. If you are a cashier at your local drugstore, don't apply for an executive position at a Fortune 500 company. Being realistic means that you only apply for positions that dovetail with your qualifications. Otherwise you will spend more time online applying for jobs rather than a real time chance through interviews.

Getting a Job in a Tough Economy

Learn New Skills:
With that being said, if you want to move from cashier to management or make a total career change, you should grab the bull by the horns and make it happen. I am a strong believer that you can get any job you want just as long as you know what you want and what it entails. If you don't have the necessary education or training, then it's your job to get it. So take that computer course, register with that college or vocational school, and talk to as many people as possible that have the same job that you want.

Getting a Job in a Tough Economy

Staffing Agencies:
Register with as many staffing agencies as possible. It's a great way to find a job and an even a better way to keep your interviewing skills up to par. The best way to find a Staffing Agency in your city is on the web or word of mouth. I also suggest targeting smaller agencies as opposed to feeling like just a number at a larger one. Being a recruiter at a boutique agency allows me to give a more personalized touch to all of my candidates. Since the flow of traffic isn't as heavy, I am able to spend time with my candidates and really get to know them on a professional and personal level.

Getting a Job in a Tough Economy

Resumes:
Resumes should be easy on the eyes, which means simple and uncomplicated There are two types of resumes -- functional and chronological. Functional resumes are more effective if you're changing fields; chronological works best if you want to move up in your field. Email addresses should be professional, sexygirl@gmail.com is not appropriate. Once you've finished writing your resume, always have another pair of eyes to review it to avoid grammatical and spelling errors.

Getting a Job in a Tough Economy

Honesty is the best policy:
Never lie on your resume -- embellishing is fine -- but flat out lying will send you back to the unemployment line. Most companies will do background checks, so be as accurate as possible.

Getting a Job in a Tough Economy

Use the 'Net:
Posting your resume on Monster, Hotjobs, and Careerbuilders is definitely worth a shot, but in these hard times you have to think outside the box! Start your own blog for people like your self who aren't working. Get a discussion going; join linkedin immediately if you're not already a member and Facebook (seriously!) One mortgage broker swears by Facebook because he has made more contacts on Facebook than anywhere else.

Getting a Job in a Tough Economy

Networking:
Word of mouth is a great way to get started. Let your friends, and former business associates know that you're looking and what type of position you're looking for. Embrace technology. Send a mass email out to all those who might be helpful. Encourage them to pass it along to their contacts. You'll create a ripple effect that just might lead to the job of your dreams.

Getting a Job in a Tough Economy

References:
Notify references prior to interviewing. No employer wants to hear "I'll have to get back to you with that." It is just as important to be prepared before your interview as it is during.

Getting a Job in a Tough Economy

Hot Shots!

Juelz Knowles, Beyonce and Jay-Z at the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on January 31, 2010 in Los Angeles, California.

Hot Shots!

LL Cool J, Swizz Beatz, Wyclef Jean, will.i.am, Lionel Richie, Snoop Dogg and Jamie Foxx at the "We Are The World 25 Years for Haiti" recording session held at Jim Henson Studios on February 1, 2010 in Hollywood, California.

Hot Shots!

Lady Gaga and Elton John attends the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on January 31, 2010 in Los Angeles, California.

Hot Shots!

Musician Will.i.am of Black Eyed Peas poses with Best Pop Performace award for 'I Got A Feeling', Best Pop Vocal Album award for 'The E.N.D.' and Best Short Form Music Video for 'Boom Boom Pow' in the press room during the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on January 31, 2010 in Los Angeles, California.

Hot Shots!

Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor are made "Chevalier Des Arts Et Des Lettres" at the Ministry of Culture in Paris, France. The duo went so far as to give one another a big kiss on February 1, 2010.

Hot Shots!

Justin Timberlake films scenes from his latest movie "The Social Network" in Downtown Los Angeles on January 30th, 2010.

Hot Shots!

Morgan Freeman is seen leaving Radio 1 studios after talking about what it was like meeting Nelson Mandela whom he plays in the film Invictus on February 01, 2010.

Hot Shots!

Siblings Brandi and Ray J have a great time together as they head to House of Blues for a night out.

Hot Shots!

Anthony Anderson and Jeremy Sisto on location for "Law & Order" on the streets of Manhattan on February 1, 2010 in New York City.

Hot Shots!

Recording artist/actress Mary J. Blige attends the ESSENCE Black Women in Music event at the Sunset Tower Hotel on January 27, 2010 in West Hollywood, California.

Hot Shots!

10 Things IRS Wont Tell You

1. "Fear is often our best weapon."

The threat of an audit is enough to send many folks scurrying to their tax preparer, and no wonder. "With audits, you're assumed guilty until proven otherwise," says Long. It's this fear, coupled with the complexity of the system, that causes some to overpay their taxes by not taking deductions they're entitled to, according to experts. A study by the Government Accountability Office found that 2.2 million people a year overpay, by an average of $438. "Americans are leaving a lot of money on the table," says Roni Deutch, a Sacramento-based tax attorney.

10 Things IRS Wont Tell You

2. "Like it or not, you may need help with your taxes."

When Cindy Hockenberry and her husband sent in a tax-penalty payment in 2007, they knew there was a chance their math might not jibe with the IRS's. When that turned out to be true and the amount was much higher than expected, they decided to dispute it. Fortunately for them, Hockenberry's a pro. As tax research coordinator at the National Association of Tax Professionals, she spotted a glitch in the IRS's calculation; after visiting the local IRS office, the agency admitted its mistake and lowered the penalty. "There's no way the average taxpayer would have noticed," she says.

10 Things IRS Wont Tell You

3. "You don't have to be rich to get audited."

The IRS's job is to enforce the tax laws enacted by Congress and to collect what's due. Its primary weapon? The audit, whose use has more than doubled since 2000, to surpass 1 percent of all returns, according to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, a Syracuse University data-research organization. The increase can be attributed to the rising number of so-called correspondence audits -- those done through the mail asking for specific information rather than, say, investigating your whole return, says Susan Long, codirector of the organization. "It's more efficient."

10 Things IRS Wont Tell You

4. "The AMT is our ATM."

When the alternative minimum tax was introduced in 1969, it affected only a handful of taxpayers with high income and big deductions. But by 2010, it will hit 87 percent of married couples with income between $75,000 and $100,000. That's not what it was designed to do; the AMT was meant to force big earners with lots of deductions to pay their fair share. Now it "brings in a group of taxpayers the IRS has no problem with," says Olson. "The AMT has run its course." The problem is, the AMT hasn't been updated to account for inflation. Instead, Congress has been adjusting exemption criteria on a yearly basis. "It's just a Band-Aid," says Hockenberry.

10 Things IRS Wont Tell You

5. "Just because we billed you doesn't mean you owe us money."

Receiving a CP2000, also known as a correspondence audit, sure sounds scary, but in most cases, you don't actually owe any more money. Not that the IRS will make that clear -- it's likely billing you because of a discrepancy on a certain deduction or reported income; then it's up to you to prove otherwise. But as the number of these audits have risen, up 176 percent since 2000, the chance for error goes up as well. The IRS says 98 percent of the audits it sends out require clarification, not payment, but Charlotte Ogorek, an Illinois-based enrolled agent, thinks it's more like 85 percent.

10 Things IRS Wont Tell You

6. "If you don't pay, we'll sic a collection agency on you."

If you thought dealing with the IRS was bad, wait till you're past due on a payment and get turned over to one of the two private collection agencies the IRS taps to help collect its money. Since 2005, the IRS has been assigning delinquent taxpayer accounts to either Pioneer Credit Recovery or the CBE group of Iowa -- much like any other business or lender. "These are federal taxes," says Olson, the National Taxpayer Advocate. "The IRS should be collecting them." The retention of these private agencies costs $7.65 million annually, yet when the IRS works these cases instead, "it's three times more productive," Olson says. (A spokesperson for Pioneer Credit Recovery and CBE says the issue isn't who can do the work more efficiently; it's whether these taxes would be collected at all without the private collection agencies.)

10 Things IRS Wont Tell You

7. "Want to go green? We'll help pay."

Tucked into last year's unprecedented $700 billion bailout plan was some pork that even a vegan could love. Congress not only added an extension of the eco-friendly Energy Policy Act of 2005, which was set to expire at the end of 2007, but it also sweetened the pot for homeowners looking to green up their homes.

10 Things IRS Wont Tell You

8. "April 15 isn't necessarily a hard deadline."

If you're one of the 112 million taxpayers who receive a refund every year rather than owing more, you have a lot more flexibility around the standard Apr. 15 deadline than you might think. Feeling rushed this year? By filling out IRS form 4868, which you can find online, you can buy yourself a no-questions-asked six-month extension on filing your taxes. And you can file the form requesting your extension as late as Apr. 15 without incurring any penalties. The only catch -- and it's significant for some: If you do owe any taxes, then you must still pay those by the 15th.

10 Things IRS Wont Tell You

9. "We may be a government agency, but that doesn't mean your data's safe."

One things you may not be thinking about as you file your taxes this year is that the documents you're sending off to the IRS contain virtually every piece of information an identity thief would ever need to drive your credit, and your sanity, into the ground. And considering that data breaches are on the rise -- up 47 percent in 2008 from 2007, according to nonprofit Identity Theft Resource Center -- protecting your information, which includes your Social Security number and home address, should be paramount. But a recent report by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), an independent IRS oversight organization, casts some doubt on the agency's ability to protect your information. For example, TIGTA says two new systems the IRS is implementing to manage taxpayer accounts and account data were "deployed with known security vulnerabilities in the controls over sensitive data protection, disaster recovery and system access."

10 Things IRS Wont Tell You

10. "We may still have your refund."

Waiting on a refund? Typically, it takes three to six weeks to get your money back from Uncle Sam, depending on whether you e-filed or sent your paper return through snail mail. Either way, the IRS does a pretty good job, by and large, of getting refund checks out to taxpayers in a timely manner. But the agency's record is hardly perfect: Every year a fraction of refunds -- belonging to more than 100,000 taxpayers, and with an average due of $988 -- never get to their destination.

10 Things IRS Wont Tell You

Blacks in the News

This Oct. 15, 2008 photo released by the University of Alabama shows Paul R. Jones. Jones, an African-American art collector who donated troves of works to universities in Delaware and Alabama, has died. He was 81. Jones died in Atlanta on Tuesday after a brief illness, said University of Alabama spokeswoman Angie Estes. The university established an art collection in Jones' name after receiving some 1,700 pieces valued at $5 million in 2008. (AP Photo/University of Alabama, Zachary Riggins) **NO SALES**

Blacks in the News

Jerome Valcke, FIFA's secretary general addresses a press conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010. Football officials say one-third of World Cup tickets remain unsold less than five months before the tournament begins. FIFA said in a Wednesday statement that South Africans and Americans led the 1.2 million ticket bids in the third round of sales which will be settled by lottery next month. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)

Blacks in the News

Jerome Valcke, FIFA's secretary general addresses a press conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010. Football officials say one-third of World Cup tickets remain unsold less than five months before the tournament begins. FIFA said in a Wednesday statement that South Africans and Americans led the 1.2 million ticket bids in the third round of sales which will be settled by lottery next month. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)

Blacks in the News

Jerome Valcke, FIFA's secretary general addresses a press conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010. Football officials say one-third of World Cup tickets remain unsold less than five months before the tournament begins. FIFA said in a Wednesday statement that South Africans and Americans led the 1.2 million ticket bids in the third round of sales which will be settled by lottery next month. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)

Blacks in the News

From left, Horst Schmidt, chairman of FIFA's ticketing sub-committe, Jerome Valcke, FIFA's secretary general and Danny Jordan, chief executive of South Africa's 2010 World Cup Soccer organizing committee, address a press conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010. Football officials say one-third of World Cup tickets remain unsold less than five months before the tournament begins. FIFA said in a Wednesday statement that South Africans and Americans led the 1.2 million ticket bids in the third round of sales which will be settled by lottery next month. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)

Blacks in the News

From left, Horst Schmidt, chairman of FIFA's ticketing sub-committe, Jerome Valcke, FIFA's secretary general and Danny Jordan, chief executive of South Africa's 2010 World Cup Soccer organizing committee, address a press conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010. Football officials say one-third of World Cup tickets remain unsold less than five months before the tournament begins. FIFA said in a Wednesday statement that South Africans and Americans led the 1.2 million ticket bids in the third round of sales which will be settled by lottery next month. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)

Blacks in the News

From left, Horst Schmidt, chairman of FIFA's ticketing sub-committe, Jerome Valcke, FIFA's secretary general and Danny Jordan, chief executive of South Africa's 2010 World Cup Soccer organizing committee, and Wolfgang Eichler address a press conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010. Football officials say one-third of World Cup tickets remain unsold less than five months before the tournament begins. FIFA said in a Wednesday statement that South Africans and Americans led the 1.2 million ticket bids in the third round of sales which will be settled by lottery next month. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)

Blacks in the News

Elizinel Martinez, 9, of P.S. 192 touches a wax figure of President Barack Obama during the initial viewing of a wax figure of first lady Michelle Obama at Madame Tussauds to kick off Black History month Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2010 in New York. Students from PS 192 are among the first to see the wax figure and continue their lesson on black history by going on Madame Tussauds' Black History Month scavenger hunt, featuring over 20 wax figures of prominent African American icons. The scavenger hunt will be available free to attraction guests through the end of February. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Blacks in the News

Elizinel Martinez, 9, of P.S. 192 touches a wax figure of President Barack Obama during the initial viewing of a wax figure of first lady Michelle Obama at Madame Tussauds to kick off Black History month Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2010 in New York. Students from PS 192 are among the first to see the wax figure and continue their lesson on black history by going on Madame Tussauds' Black History Month scavenger hunt, featuring over 20 wax figures of prominent African American icons. The scavenger hunt will be available free to attraction guests through the end of February. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Blacks in the News

Tamara Field is no longer shocked when people make offensive remarks about her light African-American skin tone. She is shown on January 14, 2010, at her home in Evanston, Illinois. (Chris Walker/Chicago Tribune/MCT)

Blacks in the News

Beyonce and Solange Fashion Transformation

In 2001, Destiny's Child won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Song for their hit single 'Say My Name.' Beyonce was 20 years old, and Solange was 15. New to superstardom, these young girls from Texas would take their time developing their sense of style.

Beyonce and Solange Fashion Transformation

Looking just like her mom Tina, Beyonce began her career with hair extensions based on braids, way before she would "upgrade" to lace-front wigs. Beyonce's mother's taste would continue to influence the her, as she would struggle to develop her own looks apart from her mother's sensibilities.

Beyonce and Solange Fashion Transformation

Working a strange mix of accessories, Beyonce used her ensemble to promote her self-penned hit 'Bootylicious.' We do what we must to reach the top! It was 2001, and still a few more years before Bey would cement her top spot without resorting to desperate fashion moves.

Beyonce and Solange Fashion Transformation

At the 2001 Teen Choice Awards, Beyonce and Solange fully evoked the over-the-top tacky look that became synonymous with their mother's style choices. Matching neon yellow outfits and braids in clashing shades of auburn were made worse by the wrong make-up colors. Having their mother as their stylist was quite the cross for B. and Solange to bear.

Beyonce and Solange Fashion Transformation

In outfits containing a range of colors in clothing, hair, make-up and accessories that defy my capacity for negative description, Solange and Beyonce attended the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards -- wearing more clothes designed by Tina Knowles. Need we say more?

Beyonce and Solange Fashion Transformation

As a teen, Solange grew up in the fast lane. Her braids, scarf, tee and jewelry were clothing any average girl would wear. As much as she needed to develop her sense of style as a star, Solange's deeper struggle would include developing an identity apart from her sister.

Beyonce and Solange Fashion Transformation

Solange and Beyonce posed together in 2002. This is an uncharacteristically dressed-down look for Bey. Do you think she still has that 'Michael Jackson's Thriller' shirt?

Beyonce and Solange Fashion Transformation

Through this two-tone hair sculpture in the form of a lace-front wig, Beyonce shows the world that they do indeed do things big in Texas at the 'Austin Powers In Goldmember' premiere in 2002. While Beyonce began to branch out into acting roles at this time and slightly mature in her sense of style, Solange still seemed like a non-entity totally dressed by Mom.

Beyonce and Solange Fashion Transformation

These two sisters made an appearance on MTV's 'TRL' in 2002 wearing distinctly different casual looks. While Beyonce took her relaxed dressing to a costume-like extreme, Solange still looked like a normal young person.

Beyonce and Solange Fashion Transformation

At the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards, Bey gave a knockout performance and revealed what many would come to term the "Beyonce Look" in full force. The huge blond mane and over-the-top sexy outfits were here to stay.

Beyonce and Solange Fashion Transformation

Hot Shots!

Recording artist/actress Mary J. Blige attends the ESSENCE Black Women in Music event at the Sunset Tower Hotel on January 27, 2010 in West Hollywood, California.

Hot Shots!

Kanye West and Amber Rose arrive at the Chanel Haute-Couture show as part of the Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010 at Pavillon Cambon Capucines on January 26, 2010 in Paris, France.

Hot Shots!

Monday January 25, 2010: Dax Shepard and Joy Bryant chat before leaving the set of TV series 'Parenthood.' The two enjoyed a laugh, with Shepard holding onto what looks like his call sheet for the day.

Hot Shots!

Kanye West and Amber Rose at the Dior Homme fashion show during Paris Menswear Fashion Week at Palais Omnisports de Bercy in Paris, France on January 23, 2010.

Hot Shots!

Mariah Carey performs at Hard Rock Live! in the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on January 21, 2010 in Hollywood, Florida.

Hot Shots!

Kanye West and girlfriend Amber Rose took a stroll through Paris, France on January 21, 2010. Kanye and Amber sported long fur coats on their way to the Louis Vuitton fashion show during Paris Menswear Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2010 at Le 104.

Hot Shots!

Tracy Morgan gives a salute as he prepares to depart LAX on January 24, 2010.

Hot Shots!

Top celebrities like Amber Rose show off their over the top fashions in Paris, France on on January 21, 2010 during Paris Menswear Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2010.

Hot Shots!

Rihanna makes a guest appearance on Norwegian TV show 'Skavlan' on January 21, 2010 in Oslo, Norway.

Hot Shots!

Actress Zoe Saldana star of the new film "Avatar", is spotted trying to stay dry under her multi-colored umbrella while going to a meeting in Hollywood on Wednesday January 20, 2010.

Hot Shots!

Hot Shots!

Kanye West and Amber Rose arrive at the Chanel Haute-Couture show as part of the Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010 at Pavillon Cambon Capucines on January 26, 2010 in Paris, France.

Hot Shots!

Monday January 25, 2010: Dax Shepard and Joy Bryant chat before leaving the set of TV series 'Parenthood.' The two enjoyed a laugh, with Shepard holding onto what looks like his call sheet for the day.

Hot Shots!

Kanye West and Amber Rose at the Dior Homme fashion show during Paris Menswear Fashion Week at Palais Omnisports de Bercy in Paris, France on January 23, 2010.

Hot Shots!

Mariah Carey performs at Hard Rock Live! in the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on January 21, 2010 in Hollywood, Florida.

Hot Shots!

Kanye West and girlfriend Amber Rose took a stroll through Paris, France on January 21, 2010. Kanye and Amber sported long fur coats on their way to the Louis Vuitton fashion show during Paris Menswear Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2010 at Le 104.

Hot Shots!

Tracy Morgan gives a salute as he prepares to depart LAX on January 24, 2010.

Hot Shots!

Top celebrities like Amber Rose show off their over the top fashions in Paris, France on on January 21, 2010 during Paris Menswear Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2010.

Hot Shots!

Rihanna makes a guest appearance on Norwegian TV show 'Skavlan' on January 21, 2010 in Oslo, Norway.

Hot Shots!

Actress Zoe Saldana star of the new film "Avatar", is spotted trying to stay dry under her multi-colored umbrella while going to a meeting in Hollywood on Wednesday January 20, 2010.

Hot Shots!

New Orleans Saints player Reggie Bush sits with Kim Kardashian on the court during the game between the San Antonio Spurs and the New Orleans Hornets at the New Orleans Arena on January 18, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Hot Shots!

The New Black Leadership

Barack Obama
Barack Obama is the first African American president of the United States. His charm and charisma have been well received around the world, making him an "icon" for change in America.

The New Black Leadership

Oprah Winfrey
Oprah: the name is as powerful as her brand and image. The media mogul has made it her mission to inspire millions of people to be who they aspire to be through her television show, movies, magazine, and a radio show. She even reached out to help educate struggling kids in Africa by opening her girls-only boarding school, but even that wasn't enough for her. Next year, she'll launch her own network, leaving no doubt that Oprah is a leader in every sense of the word.

The New Black Leadership

Jesse Jackson
Arguably the most well-known black leader, Jesse Jackson has been on the front lines for black people since witnessing the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. However, the reputation of this former presidential candidate has been tarnished with time and by the discovery of his marital infidelity, which produced a love child. Then, there are his controversial comments: the one about Jews that killed his White House bid, and recent ones about presidential hopeful Barack Obama. Is the leader of the so-called "old guard" still relevant in the black community? Only time will tell.

The New Black Leadership

Condoleezza Rice
Rice, a former professor at Stanford University, is the first black woman to serve as Secretary of State in the United States. She's also just the second black American to hold the post. Prior to this, she served as George W. Bush's National Security Adviser. Her political acumen isn't the only thing that distinguishes her leadership. Rice is also a classical pianist who can speak five languages fluently. Still, many black commentators have concern about Rice's stances on the war, handling of Hurricane Katrina and statements on various issues. But nonetheless, Rice is truly a remarkable woman that deserves recognition as a leader and pioneer. But will her next job give any attention to the needs of the black community?

The New Black Leadership

Deval Patrick
On Nov. 7, 2006, Patrick was elected as the first African American governor of Massachusetts, and the third black governor in United States history. More recently, he signed a landmark bill that allows gay non-residents of Massachusetts to tie the knot in the state, circumventing bans in their own states.

The New Black Leadership

Dorothy Height
A civil rights activist, Dr. Dorothy Height has spent a lifetime fighting for equal rights for African Americans and women of all races. Chair of the National Council of Negro Women, she recently received the Congressional Medal of Honor, a testament to her reputation and leadership skills. At 96, she's still going strong as the chair of the Executive Committee of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights. She is a tireless leader who will keep fighting injustice until her last breath.

The New Black Leadership

Corey Booker
The current mayor of Newark, N.J., has been a dynamic force in the resurrection of one of the Garden State's largest and most-beleaguered cities. Booker has taken a hard line on crime in the city. In 2008 Newark has had 37 murders so far; that's on track for a dramatic low for the city which had 105 murders in 2006. Additionally, he was at the forefront of a new arena being built downtown along with a city renovation. He took over for Sharpe James who was at the city's helm for 20 years, but was recently convicted of federal corruption charges.

The New Black Leadership

Cynthia McKinney
The former U.S. congresswoman from Georgia has become the new face of the Green Party within the last year, as the party's nominee for president. Unfortunately, her leadership in recent months has been overshadowed by Sen. Barack Obama's presidential run. In Congress, McKinney was recognized for pressuring lawmakers to release records relating to the killing of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Tupac Shakur, as well as for her Hurricane Katrina activism.

The New Black Leadership

Benjamin Jealous
Who is Benjamin Jealous? If you don't know now, you soon will. At 35 he is the youngest ever national leader of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. His challenge? Bringing the civil rights organization back to the forefront and making it relevant to younger generations. Perhaps Jealous will give the organization an infusion of youthful energy.

The New Black Leadership

Faye Wattleton
As the youngest ever president of Planned Parenthood, Wattleton became a leader in family planning and reproductive health. She has also been at the front of the pro-choice movement. As if that wasn't enough, Wattleton is now taking her inspirational message to all women as the president of the Center for the Advancement of Women.

The New Black Leadership

Martin L. King Family Album 2

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta Scott King, sit with three of their four children in their Atlanta, Ga, home, on March 17, 1963. From left are: Martin Luther King III, 5, Dexter Scott, 2, and Yolanda Denise, 7. Yolanda Denise King, daughter and eldest child of civil rights leader the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., has died, said Steve Klein, a spokesman for the King Center. King died late Tuesday May 15, 2007 in Santa Monica, Calif., at age 51.

Martin L. King Family Album 2

27 Oct 1960, Chamblee, Georgia, USA --- After Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is freed from prison under a $2000 appeal bond, he is greeted by his wife Coretta and children, Marty and Yoki, at the airport in Chamblee, Georgia.

Martin L. King Family Album 2

Coretta Scott King, wife of jailed integration leader Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., and their three children pack a picnic basket with at their Albany, Ga. temporary home, August 5, 1962. This is the 10th day the Atlanta pastor has spent in jail for his integration activity. From left are: Martin Luther King III, 4; Yolanda Denise King, 6; and Dexter Scott King, 18 months old.

Martin L. King Family Album 2

Coretta Scott King holds her sleeping daughter Bernice at the funeral of her husband Martin Luther King Jr.. His brother A.D. King sits beside them.

Martin L. King Family Album 2

ATLANTA - FEBRUARY 6: The children of Coretta Scott King, Dexter Scott King, left to right, Rev. Bernice King, Martin Luther King III, and Yolanda King react during a musical tribute to Coretta Scott King at the new Ebenezer Church February 6, 2006 in Atlanta, Georgia. King's casket will lie in Ebenezer Baptist Church, where her husband the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. preached in the 1960s and the civil rights matriarch remained a member until her death. King died January 31 in Mexico at an alternative medicine clinic, where doctors said she was battling advanced ovarian cancer.

Martin L. King Family Album 2

Dexter Scott King, youngest son of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., gets a hug from his mother, Coretta Scott King, at a news conference, in this Jan. 14, 1989 file photo, in Atlanta where it was announced that he would replace her as president of the King Center as of April 4, 1989. King, who turned a life shattered by her husband's assassination into one devoted to enshrining his legacy of human rights and equality, has died, former mayor Andrew Young told NBC Tuesday, morning, Jan. 31, 2006. She was 78.

Martin L. King Family Album 2

Family members of the slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., left to right, sister Christine King-Farris, son Martin Luther King III, widow Coretta Scott King, daughter Yolanda King and an unidentified young boy, pray at his tomb in Atlanta, Ga., Monday, April 4, 1994. The ceremony marks the 26th anniversary of King's death.

Martin L. King Family Album 2

The second daughter and youngest child of civil rights leaders Martin Luther King, Jr and Coretta Scott King, Bernice A. King (R) and Honoree of the Ford Freedon Scholar Award Dr. Dorothy I. Height attend the Ford Freedom Award Dinner and Ceremony honoring Coretta Scott King and Dr. Dorothy Height at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History May 6, 2008 in Detroit, Michigan.

Martin L. King Family Album 2

Coretta Scott King's children, Dexter Scott King, left to right, Rev. Bernice King, Yolanda King and Martin Luther King III pose for a photograph before a press availability at Paschals Restaurant in downtown Atlanta Sunday, Feb. 5, 2006.

Martin L. King Family Album 2

WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 13: Children of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Martin Luther King III and Bernice Albertine King speak to reporters before the groundbreaking ceremony of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial November 13, 2006 in Washington, DC. The memorial has been in the works for 10 years and will be situated on the National Mall near the Tidal Basin between the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials.

Martin L. King Family Album 2