I’ve been with my current financial advisor, James, for close to 15 years. In a recent conversation, he shared his first impression of me, which, surprisingly, wasn’t complimentary at all. He said that after I entered his office to discuss retirement, he thought he’d never see me again. In his experience, potential clients would show great initial interest in planning for retirement, but would never garner the discipline or commitment to execute a plan. His anecdotal experiences mirror what’s ...
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Is Being a Bridesmaid Even Worth the Cost?
One of my dearest friends got married at the end of last year. The destination wedding, which took place on some of the most gorgeous beaches of Mexico, was hands-down one of the most exquisite ceremonies I had ever witnessed. And, as one of her five bridesmaids, it was also one of the most expensive. When I agreed to accept the invitation of being a bridesmaid, I knew I was also accepting the financial responsibilities that accompanied a destination wedding.Bridesmaid Costs for a Destination ...
I Dated a Miser and Here’s What I Learned About Love
I dated a millionaire miser. His name was Peter, and it was one of the most toxic relationships I’d ever been in. But, it was also one of the most transformational. I can thank Peter for teaching me a few surprising things about love and money. Maybe you’ll benefit from learning them, too. Money Is a Stand-In for Many of Our Values I grew up in a household where money was hard to come by. Once I entered the working world, I became obsessed with saving money as a way to avoid poverty, as opposed ...
3 Career Lessons From My Mom That I Live By
I’ve always been a mama’s girl. Even though I had a big brother, it was always Mom and me. She was a nurse by trade and hustler by nature; she used both skill sets as an immigrant from the beautiful island of Antigua to make a home for my brother and me on the mean streets of New York City as first-generation Americans. I credit my success as a professional and businesswoman to the career advice and guidance she gave me over the last two decades. Here are three of the most memorable gems of ...
Spending Over $500 With a Personal Stylist Made Me a Better Money Manager
Earlier this year, I conducted an experiment of sorts. As a person that struggled with over-saving and money-hoarding, I wanted to test a theory that I had been mulling over. I wanted to see if I could overcome my tendency to obsess over every penny spent if I just threw caution to the wind and forced myself to spend a large amount of money on items I’d normally deem as unnecessary and frivolous. Since I had secretly wanted to do a wardrobe overhaul for the last five years, I decided if I was ...
I Have a Successful Business but Still Work a 9-to-5
Last year, I was invited to a local television show to speak about the importance of “spring cleaning” your finances. While I was there, I met a businesswoman who was invited to share her expertise on the power of organizing your home and decluttering. We chatted about our respective businesses while we waited to be called for our segments. I learned that she had an office in an enviable part of the city and loved what she did. By the way she spoke, I thought she had it all and had it all ...
The Ultimate Book List to Tighten Your Finances, Build Your Career and Heal Your Relationships
[This post contains affiliate links.] If you know anything about me, you know that I loooooove to read, and love a good self-help book (I mean, I've published more than one!) So I've compiled a list of my favorites for anyone who is looking for a good read. Take a look and see if there's something that resonates with you! Financial Help & Advice Get Rich Lucky Bitch: Release Your Money Blocks and Live a First Class Life, by Denise Duffield-Thomas. You’re a Badass at Making Money: ...
Happy Finances Challenge Day 1: Money Memories
If you’re interested in the Happy Finances Challenge, you’ll love The Happy Finances Challenge book. Learn more HERE.Today’s Lifework: You are going to delve into the past and get in touch with your earliest money memory.You are going to answer: What was my earliest money memory?What were the smells, the people, and the sounds? What was said? What did you feel?Was this experience positive or negative?Why was this memory so vivid?What money message did you “learn” from this memory?This lifework ...
Happy Finances Challenge Day 2: Create a Family Tree
If you’re interested in the Happy Finances Challenge, you’ll love The Happy Finances Challenge book. Get your copy HERE. Today’s Lifework: You are going to create a family tree. But not just any family tree but a financial family tree. (BOOM!)Why?You know the saying, “the apple doesn’t fall from the tree”? We say that to mean that we are influenced by those around us and when we were children, we were especially influenced by our family members."You can go to The Happy Finances Community ...
Happy Finances Challenge Day 3: Understanding Your Current Financial Identity
If you’re interested in the Happy Finances Challenge, you’ll love The Happy Finances Challenge book. Get your copy here.Yesterday, we went deep into your family financial tree to see who influenced your financial thinking and to see what money messages you internalized as a child.Now, you are going to focus on your financial identity.Today’s lifework: Without overthinking it, you are going to write down:How you feel about moneyWhose money mindset influenced you the mostIf you want to continue to ...