Power Through

I figured this picture would be fitting for everything that is going on. We are over it and we want our lives back to normal.  This is only temporarily and I belive that things will get better. If you are home from work like me, keep a routine going. My day today consists of writing a novel that I need to finish and taking some time out to read. I’m currntly reading two books right now The Richest Man of Babylon by George Clason and Novebmer 9th by Colleen Hoover. My grandmother alwahys said, ” the mind is a terrible thing to waste.”

Keep powering through! Delayed does not mean denied. Whatever you want to do in life whether it is a goal, dream, for work, etc it will happen. Keep the faith. It will be worth the wait. As I take the time to encourage my readers, I’m also speaking for myself. I’m home for 2 weeks with pnemonia that is clearing up nicely thanks to faith, prayer and medicine. I’ve always had a weak immune system from being born premature so I am staying inside and taking precautions. But, I will not let that stop me. Life is still be lived! I’m doing the things I love the most, read, write and watch YouTube videos on budgeting and financing.

I’m Getting To The Money

With everything that is going on money is at the forefront. Take the time you need to make arrangements in your budget if you have one. If not, my budget jounral is a personal journal for you to organize your finances and start that budget. But, if here are some tips to do at home right now to free up any extra cash you may need.

I have been doing a challenge for myself where I save any money that I have on hand and wasn’t using. It’s been about 4 weeks and I have saved about $350 in cash. Of course I didn’t know this was going to happen, but I’m glad that I am prepared. I am the type of person to always think ahead and not just live in the now.  Some people have a different approach and want to spend their money because they worked hard for it, and that is their choice. Follow to the beat of your own drum.

1.  Pay Only The Minumum Or Put Payments on Hold – With the virus and things still being do, don’t make an extra payment just yet. Just pay your minimum balance on ALL of your bills and that extra payment, put it in savings or just keep it in your account.  Or if you are able see if you can stop payments altogether until things are somewhat back to normal.
2. Call Companies- There are many companies that are putting payments on hold and providing free services while the pandemic is going on. I.E, Comcast, Electric, Internet and even cell phone bills. Now, just because you don’t have to pay it right now does not mean you get a FREE MONTH.
3. Shop From Home First – Depending on your circumstances if you are quarentined in the house or not, first go through your pantry and take inventory of what you have. Shop from home first and make a meal plan so when you do go shopping or have someone go for you, you will know exactly what you need.
4. Buy In Bulk (If You Can) – There are stores such as BJ’s, Sam’s Club, or even Costco where you can buy meats and other groceries in bulk in order to have more for times like this. If you do not have a membership to any of these places, it’s okay. Buy the family pack of meals and seperate them. Leg quarters are VERY CHEAP and you can get like 10 pouds for like $4. Take them home, clean them, and cut them in half and you have double the amount of food. Now, I know food is scarce in the grocery store, but don’t stock up too much, be mindful of those who may still need to buy groceries and can’t come at the moment.
5. Stay Safe – If it is not mandatory to go out, please don’t. I know some people still have to work and if you do please be careful. Take all the safety measures that you can during this time.

Money, Why Are You Stressing Me Today?

 

I want to love you, but today you are making it hard.

I was fine all day until now. It’s currently 9:35pm and I’m here pestering about you. Sure, they say you don’t grow on trees, but right now, it’s like you are growing in my mind and I am going to mentally combust! I blame you, money. This is all your fault! My dilemma is trying to figure out how to make you and keep you around AND still be happy with that choice. In my mind, I want to make you where you I have passion and purpose. But, I’m in a rut trying to figure out what that is. What is it? Money, do you know?

I want to make so much of you, but I want the task to make you is fun. Lately, I notice that I have a passion for you. Your real name is finance and I’m all over you. I love learning all that you bring to the table with different entities like personal finance, debt, credit card, financial advisor, everything that I’m learning you are standing for I am here for it. You are my new passion in so many different ways. I have to use you to pay my bills, my student loan debt, you help me budget. But, I tell you where to go for my budget and you listen. Unlike my ex boyfriends, but that is another story. We will NOT go there money. I’ve used you for those clowns, but you taught me a valuable lesson. If I don’t take care of you, you will disappear.  At this time in my life I’m learning so much about you which is great.

On the other hand, writing is a passion as well and I’m trying to make you while doing that. Right now, I work in your industry, in the corporate world, but I want better with you, with us so we can always be together. Just like everyone else, I want to have as much as you as possible while having fun earning you. Earning your trust.  The stress of you is how to make you with my passions. I love you, finance and I love the written words called writing. How do I intertwine them both to make you more successfully? I’ve prayed on it and even reached out to other writers on twitter who have been amazing. I met one tonight named Julienne and she helped me tremendously! Thanks, Julienne!  By the way, her work was featured in the New York Times! It feels good to know that writers still look out for other writers. My goal is to make as much of you as possible so I can be debt free.  Now, that I’ve had the chance to talk to you, I feel less tense and I’m more relaxed. With that being said, I’m grateful for you, I appreciate you sticking around when others haven’t and thanks for making me feel secure. Glad we had this talk. Until next time, keep growing for others in terms of promotions, raises, income, and continue to bless many with you abundantly.

New Year, New Financial Goals!

Happy New Year!

It’s that time of year when we all make promises to ourselves and the world and stick to them for one month. Some say setting goals or resolutions is cliche, but in my opinon, people are giving themselves hope. It’s very rewarding to see that people won’t give up on the changes that they want to make for themselves. But, what about your financial goals?

Love Money? How Much Do you REALLY love it?

The more I learn about personal finances and just finance in general, it gets more and more interesting to me. With that being said, how many of you made financial goals this year? Some may want to save as much as they can this year or pay off debt, or start to invest. The sky’s the limit. Whatever you do make sure that your goals are realistic and obtainable.

For example, say you want to save $10,000 this year. What is the first thing you have to do?

1. Write out a written budget. See what your number is for your important fixed bills that are due EVERY month. This does not include netflix, cable, magazine or game subscriptions, etc. I mean let’s be honest, are those really important? Once you figure out what they number is it’s time to do some math.
2. Calcluate your MONTHLY income and substract from that number(important fixed bills).
3. Now you know what your important bills are every month.
4. The goal is to save $1000 a month for 10 months. Depending on your income you may can do that in 10 weeks if you’re paid every week or $2000 a month for 5 months. Or pay $834 a month for 12 months and you are at goal.
5. The way that saving works is to be CONSISTENT and have lots of discpline if you don’t already.

If you are paying off debt, let me just say, kudos to you! There are so many that ignore the debt that they have until the IRS comes knocking demanding their money. Don’t let this happen. Call the creditors, collectors, Navient, Sallie Mae, whoever you owe and make a payment plan, no matter how much your debt is. I know it can be frustrating and stressful, BUT the little payments do add up. Give yourself some credit, you are taking control of your finances.

Again, whatever you do make sure this goal is obtainable.

1. Get a copy of your credit report. Review it, STUDY it hard to make sure it’s correct.

2. Call the creditors and see if you can get on a payment plan.

3. If there is more than one debt, do the snowball method, which is to pay as much as you can on that particular debt alone. Just that one debt, once that one is paid off, put the same amount and a little more on the second debt.

4. You can pay off debt in two ways: the highest interest rate or the highest amount. My suggestion is to pay off the highest interest rate first. I.E, (If these are student loans, pay off the highest interest rate first because interest accures DAILY!!)

5. Keep track of how much you’ve paid off and I guarntee you will see the results in your credit score.

No matter what your financial goals are for 2019, have fun while achieving them. Don’t be so consumed by the number, but the progress you are making.

The Frustrations Of A Debt Free Journey

Hey Readers!

I hope that everyone’s Friday is going well. My day started out to be very stressful. I always try to talk positive on my blog, but I am also keeping it real, too. Being on a debt free jounrey is not easy for me. I’m currently reading Rich Dad, Poor Dad and it’s teaching me so much! I am grateful for the author, Richard. On the other hand, I have a plan on how to get out of debt, but on the other hand, it still seems impossible. Let me explain.

I’ve decided to start Baby Step 2 in the Dave Ramsey plan. BS2 is to pay ALL of your debt, My debt is currently at $211,000. I know I loose my breath everytime I think about the number. To prepare I have also been saving my money in an Emergency Fund so that way I can have a cushion. Let’s face it. $1000 is NOT ENOUGH for a starter emergency fund. My frustration is not just about the debt, but also about earning more income to pay it off. Which leads to the next frustrating thing.  Income. My current income is 38k. I’m looking for side hustles and even another job making more money.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaing at all. These student loan debts are just that mine. It just sucks that I’m not even working in ANY of the fields that I have degrees in. At least that would make me feel a little better.

Plan Of Action

How do I tackle such a big amount? Well, I’m going to pay as much as I can on my student loans while continuing to try to get more income as a writer. Writing is my passion and it’s what I want to do for a living. I also want to bring personal finance in the mix as well since I enjoy it so much. Being on this journey I am sacficing being an even more nomad or homebody so I can be able to say I’m debt free and help others and different organizations. My heart is in the right place. I just wish the income would follow suit. I know in time it will because there is a man named Jesus who said that he would give me the desires of my heart to make it happen. But, I have an AMAZING support system with Clever Girl Finance and my acocuntability partner, Stacey. They understand the struggle and how real it is. So, I’m taking a deep breath, pulling up my big girl panties and getting to work.

 

A Review of Clever Girl Finance: Am I Really Learning?

Hey Readers!

I hope all is well with everyone. Thus far I can say that 2018 has been a monumental year so far. I look forward to what 2019 will have in store for me. One thing that I wanted to mention is a movement or empowering community/group that I belong to. It’s called Clever Girl Finance. Make sure you check out the website. It’s pretty amazing.

I first learned about CGF in YouTube. The channel and company is founded by a woman named Bola who has become one of my financial mentors if you will. This new way of living and learning about my personal finances has shown me that I can acheieve my finance goals. Now, I know you maybe asking, well what are you learning?

Good question! On the website, there are several teachings from powerful women in finance who have had their own journey whether it’s getting out of debt, starting their own business or just being financially free. There are coureses that one must take that includes debt, budgeting and saving, insurance, investing and more. There is even a book club which is my favorite! The books are about working on your credit, personal financies, investing, buying a home, real estate and more.

These courses are VERY cheap too. You can pay $100 for everything or $10 a month and you have a year to finish the courses.  Check out the link when you click on the word courses.  Not bad, right? Right now I am on the first step of achieving my goals. This includes transforming my mindset regarding money, a money challenge, creating a budget and more.

If you have read my other blogs you know I’ve already mastered my financies and have a budget, but the course will be a refresher.  Another thing that I love about clever girl finance is that you can watch interviews with other successful women like Stacey Flowers and Natalie Bacon! Stacey and Natalie both have their own YouTube channels where they talk about how they become debt free and saved a lot of money. It’s VERY inspring for me.

I’m learning to not be afraid of my money. When I mean afraid, I mean not being scared to talk about my debt and knowing that it is okay to save money even if it means not having much of a social life for a while. My financial goals are going to be met in time. The group and girls of CFG all have one thing in common, to be as financially stable as we can.

We talk on Facebook and even have our own accountability partners! Now, to me, this is better than taking an online course for college, lol. At least with CGF, we work at our own pace and don’t have a deadline like you would in school, lol. It feels good to belong to a community where people understand where I’m coming from and they get me. Now a days since I’ve been on this finance journey, people will look at me funny or not understand when I mention a ” sinking fund” or even an ” emergency fund”. Here I belong and I’m not judged for wanting to get out of debt. You’d be surprised at how people will judge you based on your financial planning for YOUR life.

What has been most impactful to me is the book club and my accountability partner, Stacy. Don’t get me wrong, the courses are great, but I take my time with it because it is so much important information. I want to be a sponge and really grasp what my assignments are and how to utilize them in my life.

The books are very helpful and they give assignments too, which I admire. Learing is re-learning, and my grandfather always told me, ” you are never too old to learn anything.” Plus, I’m a book worm so I gravitate more toward books. My accountability partner is like my person I tell all of my money dreams and desires too, lol. We have great conversations and I admire them.

The one thing I look forward to is learning about investing and credit.  I’m interested to see how I can use what I learn from these courses in my real life. Credit is one of those sensitive subjects. Some feel it is needed and others like Dave Ramsey think otherwise. I however, do think credit is important because it is part of financial responsibility in your life. I won’t preach about credit, but I will say if you are looking to get on a financial journey, give Clever Girl Finance a chance. We welcome you with open arms, great advice and awesome tips on how to get your finances in order no matter what your goals are.