The Sisterhood

Page 1

DECEMBER 2016

Women &Wealt h Madams CJ, Teri and Oprah, three guiding lights Pg. 8


CONTENTS 6 DAVE KOZ AND

5

FRIENDS DELIVER STELLAR SHOW

WOMEN AND WEALTH

TEAM SISTERHOOD MICHELLE HOLLINGER Publisher and Editorial Director CATHY CHARLES Senior Graphic Designer and Illustrator ALEXANDRA HARRIS Staff Photographer

MakeupbyRory.com

STEPHANIE HARRIS Contributing Writer C O N TA C T : sisterhoodnewsmag.com 305-924-5773

Award-winning make-up artist and entrepreneur. Philanthropist who helps girls discover their beauty from the inside out with her Our Girls Enrichment Program. Change Maker selected to attend the inaugural White House Women’s Summit for her philanthropy work and leadership. 2

THE SISTER HOOD | DECEMBER 2016

8 COVER STORY: WEALTH IS AN INSIDE-OUT JOB

10 12

S.O.S COUNCIL: MOTHERLESS DAUGHTERS

Read these to build wealth from the inside-out

15

Accumulating cash: Liberate yourself from old habits

Copyright © 2016 HOLLINGER PUBLICATIONS Volume 1, Issue 5 THE SISTER HOOD | DECEMBER 2016

3


PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

Seminar

Women and Wealth

Women and Wealt h MICHELLE@SISTERHOODNEWSMAG.COM @MSMHOLLINGER

What is wealth? For different people it means different things. While wealth is not exclusive to money, money is a significant aspect of a wealthy life. Having wealth in relationships, wealth in health, wealth in love and wealth professionally are all wonderful, essential parts of a wealthy life. Constantly falling short in the money department, however, has a way of poking holes in the other interrelated components of life.

Can we have wealth, true wealth, in all aspects of our lives? I believe the answer to that is yes, because again, wealth looks different to each of us. For some of us, a spacious loft apartment near the water, a reliable, safe car, traveling, (especially to music festivals around the country) enough money to meet all of our needs with ease and grace, have some fun, share, buy books and save for a dreamy day equals a wealthy life. For others, accumulating large amounts of money, having that mansion, luxury car, traveingl, healthy relationships and shopping could be their meaning of wealth. Place 100 women in a room and you’ll get 100 different ideas about what constitutes a wealthy life. The most important part of that gathering would be creating the

space for each woman to really get clear about what her wealthy life looks and feels like and then creating a plan to make it happen if it’s not already her reality.

I sat down with Teri Williams, president of OneUnited Bank, for a discussion about wealth, and what she has to say about it, especially as it relates to Black women is fascinating and empowering. She’s big on sisterhood; considers it a vital part of her life. But she has also learned the importance of establishing healthy boundaries when sisterhood isn’t functioning at a high level. All the rich information she shared during our interview couldn’t fit into one article so the need for a second story became apparent. In part one, Williams shares her sisterhood story and gives you some background on her journey from Indiantown, Florida to becoming president of the largest Black-owned bank in the nation. Part 2, in January’s issue, will delve into Williams’ fascinating ideas for wealth-building (she advises a three plan approach) and how I Got Bank, a book she wrote for youth, can also help adults transform their financial lives. Ultimately, a woman’s relationship with wealth is one of

By HYACINTH HENDERSON There’s no denying the fact that men and women are different. Yes, we’re all humans, yup we’re all perfectly made and sure, women can do everything men can do- better. Smile. But that still doesn’t negate the fact that we think, process and act differently. Women tend to be more nurturing, which means often decisions are made with the future and the affect that the decision will have on others in mind. This decision making style isn’t limited to meal planning and extra-curricular activities for our children; it carries over when making decisions regarding money

the most complex in her life. Childhood beliefs continue to shape how we interact with money, often unconsciously. Wage disparities continue to be a part of our reality for various reasons and self-imposed obstacles like fear, worry and doubt block us from realizing the life we were born to live.

and finances. According to Forbes, 1 out of 5 married American women outearn their husbands yet most women feel left out of the con-

She’s an example for all women, but Madam C.J. Walker’s example provides pointed power for Black women; especially when we ponder the circumstances within which she prospered. What a powerful reminder that we have no excuse! She laid the foundation for women like Teri and Oprah to walk courageously into their truth and they, through their words and actions, inspire us to walk courageously into our own. Because wealth is such an essential aspect of an authentic life, we’re thrilled to inform you that Hyacinth Henderson, managing director at The Henderson Financial Group, will be authoring a monthly Women & Wealth column that explores every conceivable aspect of this extremely important topic. Because living a wealthy life, however you define it, is what you’re here to do.

versation and underserved by the financial services industry-an industry largely known for catering to men. A lack of truly understanding money and finances may be why, according to a study by Allianz Life, 49% of all women, wealthy women included, have bag lady syndromea fear that regardless of how hard they save, or the number of new businesses they start- they will still end up broke. We all know what usually happens when fear takes over- we fold. There’s a small percentage of folks who can press for-

ward in the face of fear, however, most people Forget Everything And Run. It’s time we stop running!

Michelle

In sisterhood,

I am honored to contribute to The Sisterhood with a monthly Women & Wealth column where we’ll connect and have open, honest and sometimes tough conversations about money and building wealth. While we may be unclear if men are from Mars and women are from Venus, I do know that both genders deserve to be a part of the conversation about money!

7 PRINCIPLES of an active S.O.S.

• All women have an S.O.S. that is either active or inactive. • The only way to activate your S.O.S. is to spend time in the silence, daily.

4

• Self-forgiveness elevates an active S.O.S. • Paying attention to thoughts and words is imperative to maintaining an active S.O.S. • Gratitude helps an active S.O.S. thrive. THE SISTER HOOD | DECEMBER 2016

• An active S.O.S. points the way to inner splendor, which reveals life purpose. • An active S.O.S. impacts a woman’s sisterhood exchanges with other women

Revisit the story of Rev. Johnnie Colemon Learn her teachings on the 12 spiritual faculties Gain new insights about your indwelling potential Come dressed in your birth month color

Saturday, December 3, 2016 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Facilitator: Tawnicia Rowan UNIVERSAL TRUTH CENTER

Hyacinth Henderson, Managing Director, Investment Adviser for The Henderson Financial Group. She is a registered representative of IFS Securities, located in Atlanta, GA. FINRA/MSRB/SIPC. Contact her at www.TheHendersonFinancialGroup.Com or 305-825-1444.

21310 North West 37th Avenue • Miami Gardens, Florida 33056 www.utruthcenter.org • 305-624-4991 Rev. Charles M. Taylor, Senior Minister

THE SISTER HOOD | DECEMBER 2016

5


Food, wine and fun in Miami Gardens Miami Gardens Wine & Food Experience on Nov. 12

Dave Koz and Friends deliver stellar show By MICHELLE HOLLINGER You know the holiday season is upon us when shoppers descend on malls the day after Thanksgiving for Black Friday bargains and Dave Koz and friends roll into town with their spectacular annual concert. The sax man and three of his friends, Jonathan Butler, Kenny Latimore and Valerie Simpson took the stage at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts on Nov. 26 and put on a show that seems to get better with time. In its 19th year, the Dave Koz and Friends concert changes characters slightly, however, the constant is individual performers so talented they could each easily present a solo concert and leave the audience thoroughly satisfied. Koz wisely selects stage mates whose body of work and musical

6

genius pack a melodious punch and blend well when the foursome perform together. R&B heartthrob Kenny Latimore was a really nice addition to the show that has included jazz artists Patty Austin, Gerald Albright and others. The man can sing. In addition to lending his full bodied vocals to traditional holiday fare, Latimore also wowed the crowd with a flawless rendition of his 1988 hit, For You, that revealed a surprisingly strong bass to anchor his soaring high notes. Straight from the songwriters hall of fame is Valerie Simpson, one half of the iconic duo, Ashford and Simpson. Her husband and songwriting partner, Nick Ashford, died of throat cancer in 2011. His absence from the stage during her solo performances was notable but took nothing

away from her spirited performances – especially when she was joined for a medley of hits by the gentlemen Koz, Latimore and Butler. Simpson and her late hubby are bona fide American treasures, having penned Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing, Reach out and Touch, I’m Every Woman and many other classics performed by them and other legendary musicians. Simpson brought the house down when she sang God Bless the Child, written by another mega-talent, the late Billie Holiday. Koz more than holds his own on the saxophone. Backed by a four piece band, he stays in his very talented lane, never doing too much and certainly not too little. The humorous and charismatic musician is beloved by his fans, and he is energized

THE SISTER HOOD | DECEMBER 2016

by the adoration. One of his many positive qualities is his generosity, especially with fellow musician, South African performer turned American mainstay, Jonathan Butler. At it for at least three decades, Butler’s voice is one of the best I’ve ever heard and his distinct guitar sound never fails to arouse fans of his smooth jazz, R&B and gospel repertoire. Hearing him sing No Woman, No Cry is a sacred experience and his emotionally bountiful performance of Oh Holy Night took us to church. The Arsht Center is the perfect venue for Koz’s show. There are no bad seats in this acoustically stellar theater that feels intimate, even though you’re enjoying a concert with hundreds of other music lovers. Wonderful venue, wonderful concert, wonderful night. Happy holidays! THE SISTER HOOD | DECEMBER 2016

7


Wealth is an inside-out job Part 1

By MICHELLE HOLLINGER

Teri Williams is a different kind of banker. Sure, she wants OneUnited Bank, the largest Black-owned bank in the country, for which she serves as president, to prosper. But she genuinely wants the bank’s customers to prosper, as well. Williams is a wealthy woman. Her journey to wealth parallels the advice she has for women seeking to build it in their lives. Instead of chasing money, she said, discover what you love and pursue that. Her trajectory from Indiantown, Florida, where the railroad separated whites from blacks and dirt roads landed her at the prestigious Brown University, even though attending an Ivy League school was nowhere on her radar. “I got to Brown University in Providence, and I never knew Ivy League existed. I didn’t know what Ivy League was. I just went because they gave me the most money to go to college,” said Williams, who was the first person in her family to go to college. At Brown, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in economics before entering the workforce. A few years later, she would matriculate at another Ivy League institution, Harvard, where she earned an MBA and graduated at the top of her class. After leadership roles at financial institutions in corporate America, Williams landed at the top of OneUnited, which has two locations in California, two in Massachusetts and one in Florida (3275 NW 79th Street in Miami). She brings a deep level of compassion to her role, as well as mindfulness of her consumers

and an earnest desire to see them prosper.

She loathes payday loan and check cashing stores, “they’re bad for you. I wish they didn’t exist;” and believes women, regardless of their socioeconomic level, can create wealth by following specific guidelines.

be wealthy in love, you can be wealthy spiritually, you can be wealthy in friendship. You can be wealthy in money,” she said. However you define it, it’s important to define it for yourself. “What you may perceive as being the wealth of others could be quick sand,” she warned.

Sisterhood is a significant part of her life; always has been, always will be.

Williams’ acquisition of wealth unfolded organically, from the inside-out.

“I’ve always relied on girlfriends for my emotional support and guidance,” she shared. “They provide me with a space for me to be myself and to share my ups and downs. The best sisterhood…is as excited about your highs as they are supportive of your lows.”

“My goal was really two things, to find what I loved, but I also felt that God had a plan for me,” she explained of her journey. “Clearly…it was impossible for me to have a plan. I didn’t know enough to have a plan.”

She’s had friends who were OK with her lows but couldn’t deal with her highs. Williams’ approach to women who others might label “haters” is based in wisdom and compassion. “Those individuals were the exception, and I do think they grew up in environments where highs weren’t celebrated so they didn’t know how. I can’t say I’m mad at them, it’s just more from a friendship perspective, I put them in a little corner over here and not bring them into what I would call my soul sister space,” she explained. “And I think that’s also important. Sisterhood is having boundaries because not everybody can be supportive and that’s not necessarily that they’re bad people.”

Good thing she surrendered, because “What was being revealed to me was so much greater than what I would have planned. I basically gave my life up to God and said You guide me because I don’t know where I’m going with this.” God’s plan for her, she shared, was to become wealthy in order to teach others how to do the same. Her unorthodox approach is what she advises for women in search of financial freedom. Pursuing money for money’s sake, she said, is counterproductive. “If you follow something specifically to make money and it’s something you don’t love, it’s going to be very difficult,” she advised.

Her ideas about wealth include and extend beyond an abundance of money.

Following your passion is essential to acquiring wealth, Williams explained, but it’s also necessary to be practical.

“Wealth building is really truly a personal and spiritual journey. It’s not all about money. You can

“What I learned about wealth building is not only is it about following your passion,

it’s also about putting money away systematically before it reaches your pocket. That is 80 percent of the way of building wealth.”

She said the black community in general and black women specifically, “tend to miss” the savings habit despite intentions to the contrary. “We say ‘I’m going to save this amount of money,’ but at the end of the week, I would not have any left, and next week I’d say the same thing.” The discipline to save consistently is “next to impossible,” therefore people should have their savings deducted from their pay “before it reaches your pocket,” she explained. “I’ve been doing that since I was 24.” Williams said the rationale that people with limited resources can’t afford to save is baloney. “My response to that is people who don’t have a lot of resources can’t afford not to save because you really do need some savings to take risks and you need to take risks to get to the next level.” Part II of Teri Williams’ Wealth is an Inside-out job will include her “three plans to building wealth,” and will appear in the January edition of The Sisterhood.

Make-up by Rory Lee; photos by Thierry Dejean

8

THE SISTER HOOD | DECEMBER 2016

THE SISTER HOOD | DECEMBER 2016

9


Get your copy of NOW!!! WHAT WOMEN ARE SAYING ABOUT An unfolding novel

Motherless Daughters

“Love it!! Great magazine and articles!”

“OMG! This is awesome!”

“So inspiring!” Fantastic!!!!” “Amazing achievement.” “AWESOME!” “THIS IS SUPER COOL! LOVE IT!” “I AM TOTALLY ECSTATIC!” “Beautiful magazine!” “Sensational! Your passion explodes from every page!”

“Enjoyable and uplifting from cover to cover!”

10

BY MICHELLE HOLLINGER “We’re losing her,” Dr. Jones says angrily. “Come on, Shelby, don’t you do this. Don’t you leave this little girl.” She’s thrusting Shelby’s chest with compressions while the rest of the medical team looks on helplessly. “She’s gone, doc. It’s time to call it,” a nurse said as she begins unhooking Shelby from the various machines. Dr. Jones’ anger appears to come out of nowhere. “I decide when to call it. I’m in charge here. I decide. Now get the fuck out of my emergency room if you ain’t down with saving lives,” as she continues the compressions. The nurse nearly trips backing away from the heart monitor, which she leaves connected in her haste to escape Dr. Jones’ wrath. “Whatever,” the nurse mumbles on her way out. Dr. Hernandez knows the source of the anger and takes a step forward to stand beside Dr. Jones, placing a calm hand on her shoulder. He knows Dr. Jones’ story of growing up in foster care after her THE SISTER HOOD | DECEMBER 2016

AFRICAN AMERICAN RESEARCH LIBRARY AND CULTURAL CENTER 2650 Sistrunk Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 broward.org/Library/LocationsHours/Branches/Pages/AA.aspx ​CAFE CREME 750 NE 125th Street North Miami, FL 33161 www.cafecrememiami.com

T he S.O.S Council

“PHENOMENAL”

PICK UP YOUR FREE COPY OF THE SISTERHOOD FROM ONE OF OUR AWESOME DISTRIBUTORS:

mother died. He knows her struggles to keep the foster father out of her bedroom and of the foster mother’s unfounded accusations that “Danita thank she better than everybody and her little fast ass out to get my man.” He knows that Dr. Jones’ decision to run away likely saved her – mind, body and soul - but kept her homeless for a full year until a social worker at her school followed her one day to confirm her suspicions that the brilliant eighth grader had no family. He knows that the social worker brought Danita into her home, became her legal guardian and was instrumental in her becoming high school valedictorian, honors college graduate and the doctor she is today. Dr. Hernandez knows, so when Dr. Jones finally gives up fifteen minutes later, standing there motionless, the only movement her trembling lips as she fights back tears; he waves the rest of the team out of the room and stays with his friend. “Time of death, 4:48 p.m.,” Dr. Jones says sadly. EDITOR’S NOTE: The S.O.S. Council is an unfolding novel being written by Michelle Hollinger. Each month, a new chapter will be included in The Sisterhood. To read preceding chapters, visit https://issuu.com/thesisterhood/docs/ the_s.o.s._council_1.4.

FIRST CLASS PRODUCTIONS, INC. ​15800 Pines Blvd #3054 Pembroke Pines, Florida 33029 ​www.firstclassproductionsinc.com LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL, MD FAMILY PRACTICE 222 S. Flamingo Road Pembroke Pines, FL 33027 www.LifeisBeautifulmd.com

LORNA’S CARIBBEAN AND AMERICAN 2732 NW 183rd St, Miami Gardens, FL 33056 www.facebook.com/officiallornas/

STILES FARMER’S MARKET 5920 West Oakland Park Blvd. Lauderhill, Fl 33313 facebook.com/Stiles-Farmers-Market

MAGIC SOUL FOOD ​11244 Pines Blvd. Pembroke Pines, FL 33026 ​www.magicsoulfoodfl.com/

TOTAL WOMEN WELLNESS CENTER 16400 NW 2nd Ave., Suite 101 Miami, Florida 33169 www.TotalWomenWellness.com

NATURAL TRENDSETTERS 7247 NW 88th (Pine Island Rd.) Tamarac, FL 33321 www.Naturaltrendsetters.com

UNIVERSAL TRUTH CENTER 21310 NW 37th Ave. Miami Gardens, Fl 33056 www.utruthcenter.org

POWELL HEALTH SOLUTIONS ​​16400 NW 2nd Ave, Suite 100 Miami, FL 33169 www.phsflorida.com

Advertise with The Sisterhood will help you connect with an audience of amazing, progressive and educated women who are determined to live their lives fully! These awesome women are actively discovering why they are here – diligently revealing their unique purpose in life and maxing out the joy in every single aspect of their existence, including:

• • • • • • • • •

Investing in fitness and wellness Shopping for healthy, nutritious food Understanding financial literacy and building wealth Planning for their dream home Practicing self-care with manis and pedis, facials and massages Vacationing and traveling domestically and internationally Driving quality automobiles Expressing their individuality with their fashion, shoes and jewelry Dining out for breakfast, lunch, dinner and, especially the sisterhoodfriendly meal called brunch!

This group knows how to have fun, whether they are supporting local live talent; dancing to a variety of good music, catching the latest theatrical performance or their favorite celebrities in concert. They are mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, aunts, godmothers and grandmothers who not only shop for themselves but also for the special people in their lives.

Contact us at michelle@sisterhoodnewsmag.com today to learn about your advertising options. DOWNLOAD 2016 MEDIA KIT THE SISTER HOOD | DECEMBER 2016

11


Read these to build wealth from the inside-out

These six books offer priceless guideposts on your road to wealth. Some have little to do with wealth-building per se, but can help you achieve wealth nonetheless by helping to free up valuable space otherwise occupied by stress, ineffective communication, unrealistic expectations and other people’s opinions about who you are. Consider adding them to your spiritual development toolkit as you develop an individualized plan for creating the life you want.

In the Meantime by Iyanla Vanzant

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra

This is another book that doesn’t deal with wealth-building per se, but it helps you to clear out things in your life that could be blocking your wealth from manifesting. As Iyanla is fond of saying on her show Iyanla: Fix My Life on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), “call a thing a thing.” This gem of a book helps you get clear on what’s holding you back so that you can deal with it, once and for all, and get on with your life.

Deeply spiritual, this book provides insight and guidance for going within to learn more about your inner self, the most accurate aspect of who you are. From exploring the pure potentiality that exists for all of us to embracing the law of dharma (what you give, you get), the book provides a really solid foundation for building wealth from the inside-out.

Iyanla has a way of helping people, especially women, to do the necessary mental housekeeping to clean the “windows, floors, walls, closets and corners of our minds,” so their spirits will shine, bringing in the light of true love and happiness. If you know where you want to be, but you have no clue how to get there; if you know exactly what you want in life, but what you want is nowhere in sight – it’s time to clarify your vision and better define your purpose. If your relationships, especially the romantic ones, are suffering you are smack dab in the middle of the meantime. Use it for your benefit and make room for your wealth to manifest into a healthy, happy life.

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill This timeless classic was written in 1937 and remains as powerful today as it was back then. The “rich” that Hill refers to includes money and so much more. The book is more a character-building, positive habit-forming mantra that guides readers on a journey to build wealth from the inside-out. Beginning with identifying a ‘definite major purpose,” and including several principles to help readers develop their inner fortitude, courage and ability to excel at what matters. At the time of Hill’s death in 1970, Think and Grow Rich had sold more than 20 million copies, and by 2015 over 100 million copies had been sold worldwide, with good reason. The book essentially breaks down how desire, faith and persistence can take you far if you’re able to suppress negative thoughts and focus on long-term goals. A summary of the book is available on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=3L3fLSvThks.

12

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz This book has nothing to do, specifically, with wealth building; however, it is an essential tool in enhancing your prosperity consciousness because learning how to manage your expectations of others as well as how you view yourself frees up valuable energy that could be used to build the wealthy life you deserve. The Four Agreements free you from time-consuming, energydraining emotional distractions like making “false” promises to yourself, (Agreement 1: Be Impeccable with Your Word); taking things personally (Agreement 2: Don’t Take Anything Personally); jumping to erroneous conclusions (Agreement 3: Don’t Make Assumptions) and beating up on yourself when you fall short, (Agreement 4: Always Do Your Best). This book can help decrease the level of stress in your life, increase the joy and make space for inside-out wealth.

The Sisterhood Exchange by Michelle Hollinger Including this powerful book on this list is part shameless plug and part encouragement to dig deep into your S.O.S. (Sisterhood of Self) en route to an improved Sisterhood Exchange between you and other women. The book’s premise is the relationship we have with ourselves not only affects our quality of life, it also impacts on how we interact with other women. Like attracts like, so as you journey towards wealth, activating your S.O.S. will help you to attract others with an active S.O.S. into your space who are similarly serious about creating the wealth they deserve and therefore have no time for anti-wealth behavior like gossiping, self-sabotage and being stuck in the past. Arguably the most important aspect of the book is the S.O.S. and activating it rests on 7 Principles of the S.O.S.

Spiritual Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach Taking women on a spiritual journey that explores who they are, what they like and what helps them feel fulfilled, essentially living by their own lights, resulted in this book remaining on the bestseller’s list for months. Written in 1996, Sarah Ban Breathnach was a freelance writer living paycheck to paycheck when she put pen to paper to excavate the joy in her own frustrated life and infuse it with gratitude. When resulted is a masterpiece for women that includes daily inspiration, activities and poignant material upon which to meditate, explore and implement in their own lives. “The spiritual self is the soul made visible” serves as the foundation for this rich, transformative treatise on discovering one’s self AND one’s purpose and living a simply abundant life.

ENGAGEMENTS | MATERNITY SHOOTS | FAMILY SESSIONS | SPECIAL EVENTS | GRADUATION SHOOTS

Contact me to help put a very affordable package together that best suits you and your needs!

ALEX@LEXIKAYEPHOTOS.COM THE SISTER HOOD | DECEMBER 2016

THE SISTER HOOD | DECEMBER 2016

13


Use chores to teach children about value of money

(BPT) — When you pay your child $5 to clean the garage or $6 to mow the lawn, you’re accomplishing far more than just getting the tasks done. A majority of parents use chores to teach their kids that money should be earned, a new study reveals. “Sixty-eight percent of parents believe kids should get an allowance for doing chores,” says Troy Frerichs, director of wealth management at COUNTRY Financial, which sponsored the survey. “Assigning kids chores and paying them for accomplishing their tasks is one way parents can teach their children about finances and the value of money, in a way that they can easily understand. Paid chores also instill work ethic, impart an understanding of the value of money, and inspire financial independence.” In teaching kids about the value of money, today’s parents appear to be trying to spare their children some of their own pitfalls when it comes to learning about finances. The survey found that nearly half of parents learned about money on their own, and only 39 percent were taught by parents or family members. Among millennials, 48 percent learned from their parents. Chores are a powerful way to help children learn money management skills that will be valuable throughout their lives.

Using chores to teach COUNTRY Financial, which recently launched the free ChorePal app to help parents teach children the basics of money, asked a panel of family bloggers how they use chores to help teach financial lessons to their children. * Ari Adams, who blogs at www.lovepeaceandtinyfeet.com, suggests playing a grocery-themed game with children. Gather grocery items from home and put price tags on everything. Give children play money to shop with, making sure you have more groceries than they have money. The “shortfall” teaches children the importance of planning and making careful selections. Older children can use coupons to make their money go farther. * Tap technology to communicate money and chore-related lessons. The ChorePal app, which is available on Apple and Android devices, allows parents to set chores and rewards, helps kids see their earnings add up as they complete tasks, set long- and short-term goals, and even earn fun badges for accomplishments. Parents and children can discuss household chores, schedule them, and agree on rewards. Learn more at GetChorePal.com. To download the free app, visit googleplay.com or itunes.com.

Accumulating cash: Liberate yourself from old habits and prosper (BPT) — Did you retire the checkbook and register years ago? Do you now pay your bills automatically? If you answered yes to these questions, then you may be in the dark about your account balance(s) and exactly where your money is going. Fear not. Let’s get you to a healthier, happier place. It’s time to reverse the trends that have been thwarting your finances and stash cash for life’s next big moment. 1. PRIORITIZE. To get the most out of your money, you need priorities. Start with a list of core expense categories: home (mortgage, repairs, utilities), health (meals, gym, medical), vanity (clothing, hygiene), entertainment (movies, sporting events), travel, commute (car loan, gas), savings and miscellaneous. Organize as many expenses as you can under these. When one doesn’t fit, remove it. Now, order the categories from most to least important. When money is scarce, priorities help you to reduce or cut an expense altogether. Here’s a budget tracker to help you get started. TIP: Any system you create or adopt to eliminate distractions and better sort through the numbers will increase your ability to make sound financial decisions. 2. EXAMINE YOUR HABITS. Review your checking account and closely examine past intentions. Maybe it’s a gym membership you no longer use, or perhaps you’re spending too much on a hobby. Here’s one that can really affect cash flow - dining out too often. It’s easy for new expenses to creep in, stay too long and burden you. Some begin as an investment in a good thing, but then life happens. Be honest - you won’t finish all you start. The wind shifts and so will you. TIP: By facing the realities, you can re-align your spending

14

THE SISTER HOOD | DECEMBER 2016

with your greatest wants and needs.

Here are a few suggestions for the cash you’ve accumulated:

3. BE NOT AFRAID.

* Open or boost a savings account.

Financial habits form easily. While some can be difficult to reverse, few things are as stressful as a shrinking account balance! Be strong and level with yourself. Which expenditures can you continue to afford? Which need to be retired? Calm those voices in your head that won’t leave you alone. You should be doing this. You could be there instead. The calling may be medical expenses, a bigger car to accommodate the kids, a much-needed home repair or a vacation.

* Take on a certificate with a yield.

TIP: As Benjamin Franklin warned, “Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today.” 4. BE PATIENT, BUT BE CONSTANT. Depending on the amount of money you’re trying to accumulate, it could take months or years to save, so start now. Monitor progress and hold the course dutifully. Habits that once affected your cash flow probably lingered for months (if not years). Saving money often takes time, and while the impact of your new financial priorities could produce an immediate bump, most will take longer to deliver. TIP: Set alarms in your phone to encourage regular reviews of expenses and other sound financial habits. 5. LIVE PEACEFULLY AND PROSPER. The hard work has been done - you faced bad habits and got your financial house in order. Congratulations, you chose the future over the past! Now, go forward with renewed energy. THE SISTER HOOD | DECEMBER 2016

* Invest in a money market fund. * Enjoy that vacation you’ve wanted to take. * Contribute to your retirement savings. * Get a head start on home improvements before the spring. “You rarely hear anyone say, ‘I started saving for retirement too early in life,’” says Kevin Driscoll, vice president of advisory services at Navy Federal Financial Group. “If you start saving earlier than later, you’ll be financially healthier throughout your retirement years.” TIP: Align your money closely with short and long-term goals to reduce anxiety and enhance your well-being. Get started. Money matters are so much more than a series of cold numbers. How you manage your financial house can bring peace to your life or stress your cash flow. Here’s to taking a few sound steps toward taking control of your finances. “Invest in your future today and reap the rewards of financial freedom later,” says Thomas Racca Jr., manager in Navy Federal’s Personal Finance Management division. “The choice is ultimately up to you. If you work hard at following these steps, then you can achieve your personal goals and also enjoy the journey along the way.”

15


Get your FREE subscription to THE

SISTERHOOD

Beginning in October, The Sisterhood will be available in a FREE print edition at several locations throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties. You can have the FREE online version delivered via email each month by becoming a subscriber.

The Sisterhood is a South Florida publication like no other. Each month, it will deliver information, wisdom, insight and guidance with a singular purpose of motivating you to live your absolute best life. On its pages, you will not only read about tips and strategies for moving beyond fear, overcoming obstacles, becoming financially independent and living the life you were born to live – you will read about women who are who are doing all of that and more. We will regularly spotlight powerful characteristics in real life women because repetition is an extremely effective approach to empowerment. The more you read about women overcoming fear, the easier it becomes for you to do the same thing. The more you hear women talk about money, building wealth and how they took control of their financial life, the easier it is for you to embrace prosperity as your birthright. The more you see women checking dreams off their bucket list, the sooner you will check important dreams and goals from yours.

SUBSCRIBE NOW!

sisterhoodnewsmag.com 16

THE SISTER HOOD | DECEMBER 2016


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.