Welcome to my portfolio.

I have experience in both content creation and digital marketing, so my portfolio reflects both skills.

If you would like to see my Digital Marketing portfolio, click here.

To view my resume, click here.

On this page, I have included some examples of my work in other areas besides this website. You can also read my blog page for GT Creative here.

You should know that I mostly ghostwrite work for other companies that immediately become their property. Therefore, I will not be publically listed as the author, even though I wrote it.

Through my clients at GT Creative, I have extensive experience writing in various industries, including, but not limited to:

• Real Estate
• Health (Mental and Physical)
• SEO
• Software
• Sports
• Business

Also, here is a letter of recommendation from the interim Chief of Staff at my last job, AutoGrow.co. AutoGrow.co, now Growbo, offers all-in-one digital marketing services to companies looking to grow their business. Each service is broken down and completed by a specialist, such as a copywriter, graphic designer, project manager, etc. I was a senior copywriter for two years.

Digital Marketing Work and Writing Samples

Currently, I am working with two businesses on their digital marketing.

For Cromie Contracting, I am handling all of their social media, blog writing, and website content.

For IPOP, I am doing their email marketing, social media marketing, blog writing, and outreach.

I am starting on the ground floor with both businesses and helping them reach new customers and heights.

Writing Samples

• All blogs and images for Cromie Contracting
• IPOP Blog #1, IPOP Blog #2, IPOP Blog #3
• Various emails in Mailchimp for IPOP (see images sample)

SEO Websites That Rank

Part of GT Creative is owning and operating websites with my business partner. Obviously, my role is to write blogs that are informative, engaging, and contain all the proper keywords so they rank on SERPs.

Through creating, operating, and improving the sites listed below, I have learned that content creation is more than words on a page — it’s about having the right words written for the target audience first and Google (or other SERPs) second. It’s a delicate balance, but one that I excel at.

I have (with the help of my business partner) taken several websites from DR 0 to DRs in the 40s and higher in less than three months.

To get backlinks for these sites (and raise its DR faster), I have written hundreds of guest posts that follow the host’s guidelines and rarely get sent back for major revisions.

I optimize all my blogs for SEO using SurferSEO or Neuron, so they rank on Google. Here are the websites:

• INDMND
• Joe’s Pickleball
• Building Lasting Success
• The Desired Desk
• Toning For Women

My Links

If you are looking for more samples of my writing, click the links below, or visit my clients’ websites listed on my Testimonials page.

• LinkedIn Profile
• Medium – Blogs
• My ghostwritten book on Amazon (4.6 stars out of 5)

AutoGrow’s Clients That I Have Written For

During my time at AutoGrow, I ghostwrote for hundreds of clients, including many types of content for AutoGrow’s various clients over the years, including:

• Emails (most commonly 3, 5, and 7-email sequences)
• Lead magnets
• Landing pages
• Video scripts
• Booking, pricing, and thank you pages
• Homepages
• Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, and IG ads, exit pop-ups, and text messages
• Blogs of all lengths
• Used SEO for all content

Here are some clients I have written for through my time at AutoGrow.

• Mynced
• Turf Managers
• Apollo Answering Service
• Super Copy Editors
• Personal Blog (you can see more examples of my blogs on my Medium account)

Blogs

Here is a quick sample of some blogs I wrote.

Why Being a ‘Credit Card Deadbeat’ is Your Path to Financial Freedom

In the financial world, being called a ‘deadbeat’ by credit card companies is surprisingly good.

This term, usually with a negative connotation, is a badge of honor in the context of credit management. It refers to individuals who pay off their monthly credit card balances, avoiding the accumulation of interest. This practice is vital to maintaining financial health, especially in an era where credit card debt is a common burden.

Should you pay off your credit card every month?

It’s a question many grapple with because of conflicting advice and the constant barrage of credit card offers.

This blog seeks to clarify why paying off your credit card regularly is not just a wise decision but essential for long-term financial well-being. Here, we’ll uncover the impact of credit card debt and the benefits of being a ‘credit card deadbeat.’

By understanding the true cost of minimum payments and the lure of increasing credit limits, you’ll see how avoiding these traps can lead to greater financial freedom.

The Reality of Credit Card Debt

The landscape of credit card debt in America paints a concerning picture. According to a survey by J.D. Power, approximately 51% of Americans carry over their monthly credit card balances. This behavior, even though it is now standard practice, can actually lead to a cycle of debt that’s hard to break free from.

And it’s exactly what credit card companies want.

In the last ten years or so, credit card debt has not just grown; it has soared.

Source

This uptick is not merely a reflection of consumer habits but intertwines with broader economic challenges. If you haven’t noticed, interest rates are much higher these days. High interest rates, a direct consequence of this rising debt, among other things, are making it increasingly difficult for consumers to keep their financial heads above water.

The Cycle Continues

The impact of all this debt goes beyond just numbers. It affects real lives, with more and more Americans and Canadians finding themselves strapped under the weight of their credit card balances. Plus, the situation is exacerbated by current economic conditions. Interest rates are predicted to remain high, meaning that purchases, whether essential like groceries or significant like homes and cars, will continue to be more expensive to finance for the foreseeable future.

Case in point: A report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. They found that food prices alone have risen 3.7% from September 2022 to September 2023.

Source

Eggs, margarine, butter, and flour (staples in many foods in many cultures) were hit the hardest, as well as gasoline and fuel oil.

Source

These mounting costs of necessary items, alongside the pandemic’s economic aftershocks, have left many in a precarious financial position. After all, people need food to feed their families and gas to get to work.

If You Didn’t Get a Raise, Then You Put It On the Card

Many people are on a tight budget. The sudden increase in the prices of necessary items means people have to put those items on a card instead of paying on debit or in cash and hoping they have enough at the end of the month.

While some struggle to keep up with their credit card bills, others maintain a balance despite having the means to pay it off, often due to misconceptions about credit scores and history.

However, understanding the scale and implications of credit card debt is the first step in managing it effectively. As we look at these numbers and trends, paying off credit card debt becomes increasingly apparent, especially as our economy continues to pressure people’s finances.

So, not only is becoming a credit card deadbeat a smart financial strategy, but it’s also a necessary step for long-term economic stability.

Source

What is a Credit Card Deadbeat?

The term ‘credit card deadbeat’ might initially strike a chord of negativity (no one wants to be called a deadbeat…). Still, in the financial world, it’s actually a term for savvy money management.

A credit card deadbeat pays their credit card balance in full every month. This practice ensures they don’t accrue interest on their purchases, effectively using the credit card as a tool for convenience rather than a source of ongoing debt.

Credit Card Companies Don’t Want You Paying Off Your Debt

In the eyes of credit card companies, deadbeats are less desirable customers. Why? These companies make a significant portion of their profits from interest and late fees, which are not incurred by those who clear their balances regularly. By paying off their balance monthly, deadbeats avoid these extra charges, making them financially astute but less profitable for credit card issuers.

This label, therefore, is one that financially prudent individuals should aspire to. Being a credit card deadbeat means controlling your finances, avoiding unnecessary expenses, and maintaining a healthy credit score. It’s about making the credit card work for you, not the other way around.

In other words, this is one instance where it pays to be a deadbeat.

Source

Debunking Myths About Credit Card Usage

One of the most pervasive myths about credit cards is the belief that carrying a balance improves your credit score. This misconception leads many to think they’re boosting their creditworthiness by not paying off their cards each month.

However, this is far from the truth.

How Do You Get a Good Credit Score?

As calculated by major bureaus like Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, credit scores factor in several elements, but carrying a balance is not a direct contributor to a higher score. Here are the factors that affect your credit score and their weighted percentage:

• Payment history (35%)
• The amount owed vs. available credit — credit utilization ratio (30%)
• Length of credit history (15%)
• New credit (10%)
• Credit mix (10%)

Payment history, which accounts for 35% of your FICO score, is the most significant factor. This includes timely payments, which show lenders your reliability. Maintaining a balance doesn’t enhance this aspect of your score; instead, consistently paying off your balance does.

Another crucial element is your credit utilization ratio, which makes up 30% of your score. This ratio measures how much of your available credit you’re using. Lower utilization (keep it below 30%) is generally better for your score, and consistently carrying a high balance can harm this ratio. Therefore, paying off your balance can actually benefit your credit score by keeping your utilization low.

Source

Use Your Card, But Pay It Off

In short, the best strategy for credit card use and a healthy credit score is simple: use your card but pay off the balance in full each month. This approach avoids unnecessary interest charges and aligns with responsible credit management, bolstering your credit score over time.

The Cost of Paying the Minimum (Or Not Paying It Off Entirely)

Paying only the minimum on your credit card might seem like a relief to your monthly budget, but it’s a deceptive practice that can cost you dearly in the long run. This approach leads to prolonged debt and an accumulation of interest that far exceeds the original purchases.

Once the Interest Starts…

If you do not fully pay off your credit card balance, the dreaded interest starts. And once you begin down this path, it’s tough to get off. Since your expenses probably aren’t decreasing, you will owe the same amount next month, plus the balance from last month, plus the interest on the balance you didn’t pay off.

And the interest adds up quickly and amounts to a lot.

For instance, consider a credit card balance of $1,000 with an 18% annual interest rate. If you only make the minimum payment of 2% of the balance, paying off this debt would take over eight years, accruing more than $800 in interest — almost equal to the original amount. This example illustrates how minimum payments can transform a manageable debt into a long-term financial burden.

It Also Affects Your Credit Score

Such a strategy also negatively impacts your credit utilization ratio, a critical factor in determining your credit score. When you carry large balances relative to your credit limit, high utilization can signal to lenders that you’re over-reliant on credit. This perception can lower your credit score, making future borrowing more difficult or expensive.

By paying only the minimum, you’re not only prolonging your debt and paying more due to accumulated interest but also potentially harming your overall credit health.

The long-term financial implications are clear: what seems like a small, manageable payment can spiral into a significant financial challenge.

Source

What Credit Card Companies Are Doing

Credit card companies thrive financially when consumers maintain a balance on their cards. Their profitability is closely tied to the interest and fees generated from users’ debt. It’s essential to be aware of the tactics they use to encourage spending:

Increasing Credit Limits

• Often presented as a reward for good financial habits.
• Aimed at tempting customers to spend more.
• Higher spending can lead to balances that are not paid off monthly, increasing interest earnings for the company.

Compounding Interest

• Small balances can quickly grow due to interest.
• This leads to a more significant financial burden over time.

Understanding these strategies is crucial for responsible credit card use. While a higher credit limit can positively impact your credit score, it’s important to remember that credit card companies benefit most when you carry a balance. Being mindful of your spending and credit card use is critical to avoiding falling into a debt trap.

Source

Strategies to Pay Down Debt

OK, so how do you become a credit card company deadbeat (remember, that’s the goal)?

Effectively managing and paying off credit card debt requires a proactive approach. Here are some practical strategies to help you take control of your financial situation:

1. Create a Budget:
   1. Track your income and expenses.
   2. Identify areas where you can cut back.
   3. Allocate extra funds towards paying off credit card debt.

2. Debt Snowball Method:
   1. Focus on paying off the smallest debt first while maintaining minimum payments on others.
   2. Once the smallest debt is paid off, move to the next smallest.
   3. This method creates momentum and a sense of accomplishment.

3. Debt Consolidation:
   1. Combine multiple debts into a single loan with a lower interest rate.
   2. Simplifies payments and can reduce overall interest costs.

4. Balance Transfer Credit Cards:
   1. Transfer high-interest credit card debt to a card with a lower interest rate.
   2. Take advantage of introductory 0% APR offers, but be mindful of transfer fees and the rate after the introductory period.

5. Cutting Unnecessary Expenses:
   1. Reduce or eliminate non-essential spending.
   2. Use the savings to pay down debt.

6. Seek Professional Advice:
   1. Consider consulting with a financial advisor for personalized strategies.

Paying off credit card debt is not just about immediate relief; it’s about building a stable financial future. A strategic and disciplined approach, combined with the right financial tools, can make the journey out of debt faster and less stressful.

Conclusion

Embracing the label of a ‘credit card deadbeat’ is a wise financial strategy. It’s a testament to disciplined spending and smart debt management.

Remember, paying off your credit card monthly isn’t just a short-term fix; it’s a long-term approach to financial health. You’re paving the way to financial freedom by prioritizing eliminating high-interest debt. The better your plan and the longer you stick to it, the happier your life will be (financially, anyway).

Let this knowledge empower you. Each payment made in full is a step closer to a more secure financial future, free from debt constraints.

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