The Young, Faithful, Fabulous….and Broke!

Let’s face a scary fact. My blog title describes many people between the ages of 17 and 35. In the fast lane lifestyle, it’s all fun and glamorous and luxurious. Sadly, very few free-spending people will stop to consider what their financial future will look like…until their credit is damaged and the money well runs dry. Staying ahead in a material world is a costly trend. Most people in this current economy just cannot afford it.

For this reason, I am excited to share my inspiring interview with Miycol Jones, author of “Keepin’ Up With The Finances” and a young, faithful, fabulous woman who is no longer BROKE! Rejoice because I picked her pretty little head for the scoop on “keepin’ up with the finances.” Read on for her practical money-saving tips.

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Memi Says: What are some of the reasons why young people mismanage their money?

Miycol Jones: One of the major reasons is trying to keep up with friends and what they have. You see people you know with the things you saw in videos, magazines, and you want it, too. It’s like peer pressure. It’s very easy to be caught up in what other people have.

MS: How early is too early to start teaching children about finances? What can be done to help curb these unhealthy spending habits?

MJ: No age is too young. I’ve instilled principles in my 7- and 8-year old daughters. I give my daughters allowance and ask them provoking questions, like ‘Do you want to spend all of it to buy x, y, and z? You won’t have any money left to go to the amusement park.” Ask the right (relevant) questions to engage them in managing their money. Now, my 8 year old will tell me not to waste my money on this or that.

MS: In the preface to your book Keepin’ Up With Finances, you talk about how financial wisdom is usually passed on from generation to generation. How would you tell the older generation to explain the debt/debtor relationship to someone before they’re enticed by the credit card fantasy?

MJ: I would tell them to talk about it! Some parents don’t talk about finances in front of their children. You have to talk about credit card mistakes. Be honest about it. Say, “I’ve been there. I know how it is.” The problem with older generations is that their approach is missing the “why” and the relativity. It’s important for young people transitioning from high school to college to know that there are consequences for bad choices.

MS: I love your cost-effective ideas on staying fashionably fabulous. What are some of your favorite fashion and beauty tips or products for women to stay trendy without breaking the bank?

MJ: I am definitely a sale shopper. I just bought something marked from $120 to $15 that’s still in season. I’m not going to grab something I’m not going to wear but I always use coupons and shop clearance. You can find great things at thrift stores. Also, don’t spend a fortune on your accessories. They change so often.

I recently learned that castor oil can remove waterproof mascara and make your eyelashes grow! I have also found many drug store foundations match my complexion better and are more cost-effective than department store brands. Keep your natural nails neat and you won’t have to spend so much on manicures. Cut back on hair salon visits.

MS: My favorite thing about your book is the biblical and spiritual perspective it has over finances. There is absolutely no judgmental tone in the content. Tell me how you caught wind of what God was trying to tell YOU about your finances.

MJ: I got discouraged at one point when my husband and I were both out of work and I was eight months pregnant. I thought to myself, ‘I’m praying and going to church, why am I going through this?’ So, just hold on, be patient, you’re only going through a storm. We went through tough times so that we can be the best stewards over our money, to see what really matters. If I were the same person I was 10 years ago, I wouldn’t be the best steward over my money. Now, I’m trying to do things for my future.  I want to be a help to others. You must get out of the mindset of being selfish with your money. God rewards you for giving to others.

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Amen! If you want to learn more about Miycol’s practical tips on personal finance, tune into The Power of One Voice talk radio show with Sean Anthony The Hip Hop Motivator on Sunday, February 27. The “Get Your Money Up” episode will air live nationally at 9am EST on www.iPowerRichmond.com and WCDX iPower 92.1 in Richmond, Virginia. Definitely visit Miycol’s website for more insight at www.miycol.com, and be sure to tell her:

Smooches&Deuces! from Memi

Saving Cupid

I don’t believe there is a cupid, actually. I do, however, believe in personal angels that guide us through all of life’s relationships. When God wants someone in your life, your personal angel is working overtime to create the opportunity for you to meet that person. And yes, you guessed it: that person has a purpose in your life! These angels give us wisdom, compassion, and the ability to trust another human being at the exact moments that cultivate a new bond in our lives, the moment when a friendship is born.

What’s crazy is: I did not intend to meet “my husband” when I did meet him for the first time in a swanky restaurant in Ohio. I thought, ‘What a nice, handsome man and he’s so…optimistic!” At that time in my life, meeting a wholesome man like him would’ve sent me running in panic and fear of commitment. Instead, my angel gave me a spirit of peace whenever this man was near so that I could open my heart and trust him with it. God used my vulnerability to make me stronger, to heal me of my bitterness and cure me of my unbelief. Listen to your angel (who was sent to give you God’s personal message for you) and have a little faith. Save your cupid.

In just a few days on Sunday, February 13, Sean Anthony The Hip Hop Motivator will conduct another transparent discussion on interracial dating on his talk radio show The Power of One Voice. I am moved by this topic because today’s world can still be deathly intolerant of interracial couples. It is my hope that this show encourages the love of a person’s character before judging him or her by skin color. Plus, one of my favorite inspirational people, relationship coach Tony Gaskins, Jr will be a featured guest. Tune in at 9am Sunday for the live one hour talk show on www.ipowerrichmond.com.

 

Especially because it’s Valentine’s Day Weekend–Smooches & Deuces!

Simple gifts worth the splurge

Happy Groundhog Day!! (Although, an early spring looks unpromising for most of the states.) With spring around the corner and most of us literally under the weather, I found ways to enjoy life’s simple pleasures-the ones you have to pay a little extra for but having these items will give you pause throughout the day.

1-FRESH FLOWERS. These bundles of colorful joy can be found on sale at your local florist or grocer even during the winter season. Opt for clusters of carnations, sunflowers, or other blossoms that will last for a longer period of time.

2-ORGANIC FOOD. Wonderful places like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods offer comparable prices to your local supermarket. If you can get all natural foods for the same price as processed or “enhanced” foods, why not add a little effort and travel for it?

3-SPICES. Ow! There’s nothing like a burst of flavor with every bite of your meal. Isn’t it Rachael Ray who says, “Add a little happy to your food”? And it’s so much fun to experiment with spices!

4-3-PLY TISSUES. Your nose will thank you.

5-GOOD BOOKS. I won’t lie, I usually borrow library books before I purchase brand new. Certain best selling authors, though, pass the bar immediately like John Grisham, Patricia Cornwell, and Dean Koontz, who all have New York Times Bestseller titles out right now. A bath and a good book? Luxurious!

6-DINING OUT. It can save your relationship! A great date night starts with good food that you don’t have to prepare on your own. To be served a delicious meal in a nice restaurant is always a prelude to warm conversation, reflection, and gratification.

7-PERFUMES. I read somewhere that scents can trigger emotional responses, so invest in a bottle of perfume or linen spray. The smell of wildflowers can inspire thoughts of care-free, sunny spring days. Sandalwood and vanilla can comfort a soul or add a bit of flirtatiousness in the air. Whatever your nostalgia, just know that it can linger if you’re surrounded by its familiar smells.

Those are my little ways to periodically escape our daily perils. You will have these small, intimate moments for yourself for a few extra dollars. You are worth it.

‘Til next time, Deuces & Smooches!