Money Talk Matters

Posts Tagged ‘fees’

As in most things in life, you should have a goal. So when it comes to Saving Money, you should have a realistic goal for the year. You should be looking at your income, your expenses and what is the amount you would like to save by the end of the year. Sure it is the last full week end of February and March is right around the corner. You have 9 months left… what are you going to do?

Your goal could say for each month, I will save x amount of dollars and put it into this account. If you have not chosen a bank account yet that you want to put your money into.. do your research and see where you would get the best return. Whether it is a bank account, money market account or even a CD. Do your homework.

I remember many many years ago when I was teaching finances online to a specific group the different online accounts that we discussed were ING, FNBODirect and EmigrantDirect were the ones we talked about. Do your research and see what is the opening amount you need to have, how much has to be maintained and if there are any fees associated with the account. All of those factors make a difference. When it comes to money, you must pay attention. No pun intended.

Set your goal and go for it. I encourage you to go to www.AmericaSaves.org and see what resources they have available regarding goal setting as well. Until tomorrow…All it takes it a START!

This movie came highly recommended to me by a colleague, Mary Chatman, CEO of Creations of Love, Inc. I have to say WOW! This was not what I expected and it truly kept me on the edge of my seat.

Darin Dewitt Henson, Golden Brooks, Erica Campbell, Mel Jackson, Bishop Noel Jones, Darius McCrary, Hill Harper and Melissa De Sousa what a cast. There are so many dynamics in this movie, I am attempting to summarize it without giving too much away.

The below is a a familiar story that people might have actually heard in real life: Man meets woman when they are younger, fall in love and he asks her to marry him. She says yes under one condition that he would never leave her. Man is invovled in his church and woman feels as if she has taken a back seat to his duties at the church. Man says that she doesn’t come second, but any time she wants to plan something, he has a commitment at the Church. Woman feels unappreciated and unwanted. Woman has a great paying job and completes a top level degree, that no doubt her husband paid for. Woman is offered a job that is paying her more and her soon to be new boss make advances. Woman invites new boss to a dinner gathering and husband is late to the gathering and still meets her new boss and does not like him.

Woman goes to work the next day and complains to the new boss. What do you think happens next. What happens next, sets off a chain of events that you do not expect by a long shot. You will have to get a copy of this movie and add it to your library. It it soooo worth it.

Money Implications:

Just because one person makes more money than the other in marriage, does not mean that the one who makes less is any more less driven than the one who makes a lot of money. There will always be people who think they can come into your life and give you the world, yet in the end it is a game to them. People love the chase. Don’t fall for the trap.

Money Tip #1: Do not forget about investments spouses made in each other and the marriage.

Money Tip #2: The grass may look greaner on the other side and that new person is only using different fertilizer with a devastating result.

Money Tip #3: Do not allow illegal activity to go in your house that could result in something detrimental to your family. It is not worth it.

Observations:

Couple #1: Main Couple who is Rachel (Golden Brooks) and Clarence (Darrin Henson) were in a marriage that dealt with him paying for her higher college education, him being involved in the Church and her feeling as if she came second to the church. They had an adult son that did not want to work but was involved with some illegal activity.

Couple #2: Bruce and Charlene a very interesting couple. Bruce worked with Clarence at the Auto Shop and is a drinker. Charlene has a good job and loves her husband. Within this relationship they deal with alcoholism, pregnancy and physical abuse.

Not a couple: What is interesting you have Rachel’s friend, Monica who met her boss, Damion Marshall. You will have to watch the movie to find out what happens.

Recommendations:

(1) Do not subject yourself to physical abuse in any relationship it is not worth it. That can cost you tons of money in the long run whether it is legal fees or even therapy bills.

(2) When you are in a marriage, do not let it drive you to do anything illegal or anything that would endanger your life.

(3) Make it known if someone begins flirting with you that you are happily married. Do not even let your mind begin to go there. You cannot afford the consequences of infidelity.

(4) For those that are spiritual, when it comes to involvement in your Church and your marriage, healthy boundaries must be set here too. Families should not feel as if they are paying a heavy price because of the Church.

If you are seeking guidance in money and marriage, contact Dr. Taffy via emal at drtaffy@moneytalkmatters. com

Today after seeing so much on the news and Twitter last night about Michael Jackson’s death, I want to encourage every person struggling with finances to get to the root cause. Clearly, Michael Jackson was a person in pain and believed he didn’t have anyone he could turn to. That truly saddens me.

Do you know what financial pain looks like? Look  in the mirror. Or look at that co-worker that has been talking to you about financial challenges.  Financial pain can be your niece, nephew, brother, sister, co-worker, your boss or someone else you know. The stress of finances leads to health issues resulting in pain, broken relationships and even a decline in job performance.

I know firsthand about not wanting anyone to know that you are struggling financially. It is a false security because while you are not saying anything, you are creating more financial problems for yourself. Sooner or later you will have to accept it and reach out for help. So why not take this step today. Tomorrow is not promised to you. You deserve to live without financial stress. Do not doubt that for a second.

Get to the root cause of financial challenges today. If you would like to work with a financial advocate/advisor, contact me. I am opening it up for the end of this month and July and accepting 7 new clients. GO  to the products page and choose consulting – my fees are reasonable.

Let’s get to the root cause together and develop a plan for your financial success.

There has been so much talk about credit cards especially in the news with the credit card reform that was signed into policy. Last night my husband was sharing with me about a public service announcement he heard on the radio about the Ten Worst Credit Cards.

After doing two interviews last night, there I was could not let that go and did some research. Prior to my reading this article, I was thinking to myself they have to discuss read the fine print from all the different offer you receive in the mail. I say that because there are some cards that when it comes to the fees that they attach to the card, once you sign and say yes to it, you are already over your limit for the year.

For the next two weeks, take a look at all the different credit card offers that come in the mail and do your own comparison. You will see exactly what I am talking about. Alright, now on to share the Ten Worst Credit Cards…. hold on to your seat. Go and check your purse or wallet to see if you have one of these.