IMO Thursdays - Focus

A huge reason why we fail to achieve certain goals is b/c we neglect to turn the steps required into habits. And the reason they don't become habits is b/c we're too short-sighted and don't focus on the big picture.

I've seen relatives and friends alike go on diets to lose weight, but not to tack on 5 years to their lifetime. Saving is an afterthought b/c we'd rather have a new wardrobe now than to take advantage of compound-interest that can afford a larger wardrobe later. We'll make these New Year's resolutions b/c, well, they sound like a good idea to make...but by February we're onto something new, as opposed to, renewing our spirit.

I will keep this short, so I won't even begin to speak on diets or resolutions.

I am a saver. I am a consistent saver b/c I have made it a habit. While collecting unemployment for those 4 months, I still managed to save. Why? B/C if I didn't, it just wouldn't feel right. I also pay more than the minimum monthly on my student loans. This didn't stop, as well, b/c I had gotten used to paying more. Once I'm debt-free, I'll have more money to save. With more money in my savings accounts, I can afford to do almost anything that I want.

So I am sitting here, reviewing my numbers in my son's educational fund and am feeling pretty pleased with the increase. This is an investment in his future that can chart the course to greatness. Maybe he'll grow up to be some hot shot that will take care of me...handsomely. At any rate, I have learned to live without the money diverted into this account. Anything left after paying bills and saving can THEN go to whatever I desire. Bottom line...

Wealthy people, pay themselves FIRST. Not Ma.cy's, Tar.get, Wal-M.art, etc. This can become a habit, if the focus is on the big picture.

Oftentimes, we gaze through a microscope...trying to make a big deal out of small things. I say, get out your telescope and focus on the stars.

Simply IMO...

still standing

I remember when 2009 began, I hoped that the year would go by quickly. I had it in my mind that although the recession would be for a lengthy period of time, that 2009 would bear the brunt of it. It seems like January 1st was just yesterday, but here we are in June. So, I guess it has gone by quickly, but last week was rough (excluding my interview).

I've been going through some financial madness! No, I'm not in trouble. It just seems that everyone has their hand out NOW. I had to kick this plumber out of my house last Friday, proceed to go off on their office manager and then promptly hang up the phone after shouting, "I'm not signing anything and I'm not paying a damn thing!" Yep, it was THAT serious. This was the third time that these people have been out to the house.

I don't even want to get into all of what happened, but all I know is...I'm my momma's child with my daddy's temper. I abhor conflict. I don't like arguing with people. And being mean (and angry) just consumes so much energy. But damn if I'm gonna allow someone to get over on me. I was still mad at myself for losing my cool...do know that it takes A LOT! But playing with my money is like playing with my emotions.

That was only one example of the foolishness that was last week. My God, I hope that I'm not going through all of this for nothing.

Anyway, this whole layoff thing has altered many of my plans and financial goals. I have been researching brokerage firms in order for me to rollover my 401K to an IRA. While in the mood to examine my financial house (to make sure that it was in order), I searched my file cabinet for the small slip of paper, on which I outlined my assets and liabilities on January 1st. It was imperative that I see where I stand in comparison, 6 months down the line.

Assets

Mutual Fund (for whatever) - 22% increase

Mutual Fund (Jalen's education) - 12% increase

401K - 49% increase

Savings - 72% increase (after removing a chunk to cover bills in the meantime)

House - 4% decrease in value (this is what gives me heartburn)

Liabilities

Student Loan 1 - 10% decrease (kinda sad that it wasn't more)

Student Loan 2 - 25% decrease (I wanted to pay off this one by year end)

Credit card debt - 13% increase (NOT HAPPY, although it is relatively small debt)

Overall, my Assets decreased by 8%, with a cash asset increase of 36%. My liabilities only decreased by 9%.

I know that I could be in much worse standing. I could not have savings at all, but it doesn't really make me feel better about my situation. I was supposed to go to Chicago in July and now that's pretty much out of the question...and so is my goal to see "The Col.or Pur.ple" at the Kenned.y Ce.nter that month too. I'm not too bothered by putting off those plans.

I just want to live life again.

Right now, my son is my only source of happiness. He has been so helpful. He keeps offering up his birthday/Chr.istmas money b/c he says, "I don't want you to have to use your money." He says that he's not worried about anything and I explained to him that that's HIS money and "my" so-called money is our money. His only request is that we not move b/c he likes our house.

I dunno...where is the fast-forward button when you need it?

makin' a list, checkin' it twice

Once again, my carriage turned back into a pumpkin. Which is fine. All of my horn tooting has subsided, lol. Rockin' the "silky" pink robe now (ratty pink one is out of commission for the moment) w/o a doo rag...tryin' to preserve the curls. Look at me, I'm relaxing all prissy now.

I'm on day 4 of these meds and it feels as if their starting to wear off. I'm going to hold out until tomorrow and see what happens. If I don't see anymore improvement, I will be bent over in the doctor's office by Wednesday, right cheek primed and ready for a shot. These daggone copays are adding up. Merry Christmas to me! I will finally get my mam.mogram on Friday. I always try to set my appointments towards the end of the day...until this woman said that I couldn't wear lotion, perfume, or deodorant. Needless to say, I had to sign up for the first train smoking b/c I refuse to walk around funky. She asked if I had implants, and although I know its procedure, I hadn't laughed that hard all day.

Saturday was fun, but Sunday was business...I was about my business. Although the Prez really likes "having me around", I need to be about mine for 2009. While on my Sunday night date...watching Rata.touille, sharing MY recliner and MY blanket, and eating stale Nilla wafers with the kid...I thought that it would be nice for us to do more artsy type things since J is a lot like me. I put him in this drama class afterschool (that of course, I have to pay for b/c cultural enrichment is not free). He has been doing really well and his teacher said that she always wants to give him the big parts b/c he's good at memorizing his lines. Go figure. He can't seem to remember what math page to study or to bring his jacket or library book home or to run to homeplate before just walking off into the dugout, but he can memorize some lines. He loves drawing and building things and I noticed that when struck with an idea, he loses focus on tv until he puts it to paper...like I used to do. So while surfing online, I found a FREE Saturday morning art program that he and I can take together at the local visual arts center. I emailed the director this morning to check February registration, so hopefully, she gets back with me and we'll secure 2 spots. And if I grow some balls and my bank account, I'll finally take those figure drawing classes over next summer while my baby is back home. I hate that I lost touch with what was once my passion, but I hope to get back to my roots in 2009. I feel as if it will lead me to somewhere...don't know exactly where, but somewhere close to home.

I keep wondering if interior design is something that I'd like to try my hand at. That statement was totally random, but the jury is still out.

Another goal of mine for the New Year (also requiring much testicular fortitude) is to start investing in stocks in January. One of my books had me so intrigued that I was up reading until almost 2 am. I come from a family of some of THE worst money managers. It seems that my cuz and I are the only ones working hard at being good stewards and trying to make ends to leave to our children's children. And its not as if we hadn't screwed up our finances before, its just that we've learned from those experiences. And seeing as how I wasn't as smart as Kim Por.ter to at least get impregnated by someone with money, I guess that I'll have to look for other means at stacking my own. My prayer is for substantial growth over the long term.

And lastly, I need a will. I have been putting this off for some time. I have life insurance policies and learned some legal mumbo jumbo but if something happens tomorrow without any directives, I just see myself leaving a huge mess behind. That needs to be taken care of ASAP.

All of these random thoughts are partially inspired by my increased stress level, frustration, and drama on the job. But I guess the method of motivation doesn't matter as long as it propels me towards my dreams...or reminds me of those deferred.

Have you made any goals for 2009?

ch-ch-changes

New Year's is approaching. I can't believe that 2008 has come and gone so quickly. I don't ever make resolutions, b/c come Jan. 5th all of 'em will be looking for me. I can only strive to be a better woman/mother/daughter/friend/engineer and take the lessons that I've learned over the past year and apply them. But while under self-scrutiny, I decided to start making changes now.

1. Career: After my company dropped the bomb in the middle of last month, it sparked much introspection. I have done some researching and have since found that other architectural-engineering firms in the area have been giving the same speeches to their employees and hiring freezes are the norm. Well, the prez has requested another meeting on Monday. Again, there is much speculation that Monday is Doomsday. I'm to the point where there is just not enough worry left in me. If it happens, it happens. I have already been knocked down a few times in life. I may lay there for a second, but eventually I come up swinging. I enjoy what I do, but if this is God's way of nudging me in the right direction, then all I can do is look forward to next season's blessings. If that's still in engineering, then my goal is to get my PE license next year and do my own hustle.

2. Love: All that I can truly promise is to keep an open mind.

3. Vices: I have become more and more raw by the day; yet, I've always known how unladylike cussing is. It's hard, b/c I think that its my #1 vice. But I have been feeling so convicted that I just can't stand it. We'll see how long this lasts, but I need to be better at controlling my tongue.

4. Spirituality: I have been struggling in this area over the past year and I'm positive that God wants more from me. I've been feeling as if I've been at a crossroads and have no idea which direction to choose. I need to increase my presence both inside and outside the church. Reading, praying, and speaking life.

5. Finances: I have been pretty steady in this area, but I want a "Travel Fund" so that I can afford to go back home as much as I want to and wherever else my heart desires. Of course, I want to save more but I still have some debt to climb. But again, I am pretty diligent with this and still foresee my student loans being paid off by June 2011.

6. Motherhood: I love my lil man, but I can stand to be more patient with him. And maybe I should work on his crawling into bed with me every night. I just want to hold tight to his youth, but it's probably time to let go. That's my baby though.

7. Reading: Do better.

8. Health: By the looks of my ankles, I think that I'm doing well. I have not had my follow-up blood test yet, but I believe that some of the diet changes have paid off. We'll see. There's always room for improvement.

monday mind dump

I'm kicking it with the kid today. It's one of those teacher training days, so the students were given a 3-hour early release. This would be cool if J's daycare wasn't closed today as well. I should be working hard, but I'm hardly working. I have to do a site visit for a reno project tomorrow, so I should (at the least) be knee-deep in existing floor plans. But I've been feeling kinda blah for the past few days. So I might intermingle work with that episode of The Ga.me (that I missed b/c the CW keeps changing air times), a few episodes of the Boon.docks (still wondering when in the hizell Season 3 is slated to start), and maybe an episode or 2 of The Hi.lls (I keep getting sidetracked when this show is on). I got enough leftovers, Twizz.lers, Ginger Ale, and Orange-Pineapple juice to carry me through this intense day of...uh, working.

Speaking of working, 'tis the season to count your blessings. The company Prez gave us a pep talk about the economic crisis on Friday. He said that we may have lean months ahead but that we're in a good position b/c kids will have to be educated and the convicted (in most cases) will be jailed (schools and correctional facilities are our specializations). I previously blogged about not being moved by the crisis. I still feel as if I have job security; however, I have more friends that didn't survive the second round of layoffs at my old job. I cannot help but be affected by that. I'm also feeling less optimistic about the financial goals that I wanted to attain during this quarter and the next. The Prez warned of us getting our financial houses in order...and well, he didn't have to tell me that, but I think that I may have to tighten up the purse strings a little more just so that I can sling more money towards my savings during this time. I feel pretty confident with my decision to not touch my 401K and other investments. I think that my concern is that if I pull out now, no one gives you the green light to take advantage of the upswing (when it comes) until after the fact. And I fear locking in my losses.

Despite the polls, this upcoming election concerns me as well. I will do my part, but I'm sitting here, waiting for the other shoe to drop. I think that this presidential race has brought out both the best and worst in people. I just don't have as much confidence that a country that has voted Bush for a second term will make an unbiased decision based on facts. I fear seeing "Quay.le's sister from another mister" possibly take over in the event that something happens to "that OTHER one". Then again, maybe I'm biased. I just hope that I'm wrong.

In other news, J and I had a mini-photo shoot at the Japa.nese Gar.dens at May.mont park yesterday. I fell in love with May.mont ever since I went there with Tatted Up...I don't think that I have written about him on here, but he is certainly not important enough to write about now. Anyway, I thought that this park would be the perfect backdrop for our family pics this year. I got this young dude at work (who wants to be a photo-journalist) to take some pics of us (on the cheap) while skipping about the koi fish and standing in front of waterfalls. I may post some when I get them, that is, if I get bold enough. I'm sure that EVERYONE would agree that I look like Beyon.ce on some of them...ya know, if you closed one eye and squinted HARD with the other one. This shoot lifted my spirits a little bit...especially considering how goofy J is (he gets that from his daddy, lol).

Well, I guess that I've wasted enough time...I must do some work watch my shows.

counting pennies for my thoughts

My watch tells me that I'm supposed to be a quarter past "worried". The news tells me that I should be panicking...in fact, every article that I have read on the internet has managed to sneak in the words "fear" and "crisis." But for some reason, I'm just not...moved. And at the looks of things, I probably should be.

The mutual fund for my baby's education has been on a steady decline...so has my other fund, which at this point, does not have as important of a purpose. I have been dipping into my savings account a lot recently to cover medical bills and "curb appeal" expenses. My 401K has been doing the sinusoidal wave thing and my house is in negative equity. On paper...and even after re-reading this paragraph...I should be rocking the hard, furrowed eyebrow. But in my mind, I'm covered. And this is not b/c I have money to spare. I just have faith.

The "right now" is not the issue. At least, not for me. It is my understanding that the market is cyclic. And albeit I'm "losing" money, I'm still taking advantage of the low costs and acquiring more shares. I'm no financial wizard, but I believe that this should prove profitable within the big picture...well before it is time to consider retirement. My baby has 11 more years before he graduates so that just means that I have enough time to stack some cash. Besides, I'm believing on a scholarship for him, so his money can go towards other non-pressing things. As far as my house is concerned, I have decided to table some of the more expensive home improvement projects that I had in mind. A house is an investment, but I bought a place that I love. In the meantime, (while I wait for the housing market to rebound) I will just enjoy being here. This is the perfect place for a homebody at heart.

Aside from that, I'm still banking on a sizable bonus, a generous raise, and a jaw-dropping tax return. Maybe I have been reading too many of those "I believe I can have it" books. But as for the "right now", the only things that I'm counting are my blessings.

nickel and dime

Words of caution - review your bank account statements REGULARLY. In fact, be anal about it...after all, this is YOUR MONEY that we're talking about. My blog may only have an audience of 4 or 5 people. So what...if you're reading this (even by accident or pure boredom), then this message is meant for you.

I have been dog-tired lately. The J.O.B. is actually making me WORK for this new change that they kicked at me come raise time. So, I have been a little more than "out of it" lately. However, what I spotted on my bank statement alerted me like a shot of caffeine.

I have an active checking account back home that I have had since I was in my teens. Well, when I moved to VA, I had to open a different account at a new bank b/c the other bank does not have a brick and mortar establishment up here. With that said, I never use that debit card associated with that old account. In fact, I just keep it open b/c J's dad and my pops both have my account number and occasionally (and that's a pretty weak occasionally) deposit money into that account...well, J's dad has an automatic debit set up at his place of employment but the turn-around time for him to take action on changing something about our agreement is ridiculous. I also keep it open in the event that FEMA one day decides that they miscalculated how much I am entitled to...fat chance, maybe but that's the account number on file.

Honestly, I don't ever keep more than $300 in this account so I very rarely do any sort of online banking at the old bank. Yesterday, I was on the site b/c I was trying to verify that money from J's dad was deposited in that account recently and THAT'S when I noticed debit charges from some By.ersbooks company (supposedly out of NJ) in amounts of $6.95, $4.95, and $2.95. This is easy for me to spot b/c I don't have many monthly transactions. Well, I googled the company and came up with some forums on it being a fraudulent company, some sort of well-established ebook crime syndicate.

So, I called my bank and cancelled that debit card and started the process for filing a claim...granted, the company never charged more than $10 at a time, but that's how you get robbed in A BIG WAY b/c it's ALMOST unnoticeable. But wasn't that the plan of those dudes in that movie Offic.e Space when they wanted to rebel against the company??? Thankfully, I caught it early. As I was reading on those forums, some people noticed this stuff happening last year some time. I still don't know how my information was compromised. Some think that this scam is linked to some leak with Equifax account holders. I really have no clue, but the take-home message today, folks, is...

REVIEW YOUR BANK STATEMENTS REGULARLY.

Thank You and good night.

'tis the season...

...to break the bank! An unprecedented 2 blogs in one weekend...I might just stomp with the big blog dawgs in 2008. So after being down in the dumps and dumpy-looking on Saturday, I was angry at my orange-level alert of procrastination on Sunday. 'Tis the season to break the bank and I headed to Target for the next episode. I had a To.ys for To.ts luncheon and a small group Secret San.ta to shop for. Considering that my SS group chased down mexican food with a quick trip to the next door porno shop during lunchtime last week, I'm HOPING...seriously HOPING...that whoever pulled my name didn't wake up stupid and buy me a vibrator for Christmas. There were a lot of jokes being passed around the table that day, which led to my own private showing of this dude in accounting "dropping it like it's hot" at my cube. Since he had no shame on company property during company time, I shudder to think of the things that we all will unwrap during our break THIS week. I am somewhat making my gift, so we'll see how it comes out.

'Tis the season to ATTEMPT frugality. So I was in luck, my cuz's shoes will go well with the dress that I bought for the Gala. They're her wedding shoes though...I had to make sure that they weren't so sacred that I couldn't even breathe on the heel but she willingly through them my way...along with the red shoes that I had let her borrow about a year ago.

But I didn't just drop by for shoes...I went on ahead and invested in some real estate. Money, for me, has been tight this month...key words being "for me." I don't necessarily HAVE to live check to check, but I choose to forego transferring funds out of my savings accounts to compensate for everytime I overspend. So whereas my checking and savings account balances at my main bank are probably quite laughable by whoever views my statements, my other balances are far less as embarrassing b/c I refuse to pull from them. I am trying to train myself to live within my means and if that MEANS I'm down to $5.00 on the 20th and don't expect to see a check until the 1st, then it's time to get creative. That other money is only intended for emergency purposes.

'Tis also the season to hustle and flow. I had been debating making this new investment for a couple of months now and so I finally bit the bullet and entered into a contract with my cuz. We'll see how this plays out. For a second, my 401K was giving me heartburn after I decided to make 3 major trades. I got slapped with some market timing warning...I'm not sure what that means besides "chill." My mutual funds are pretty steady since they are far less aggressive. Real estate is another attempt at diversification and higher returns, I guess. I'm no shrewd business woman but I got to learn something, somehow. For now, my goal is to keep reinvesting for a whole year, so that by this time next year, I can pay off my student loans. Again, we'll see.

So maybe I need this break from a man in order for me to focus on streams of income. Lord knows that when my attention is divided, I'm less calculating and more cuddly but cuddling ain't never paid no bills.

what's your net worth?

So, I've been suffering from ADD and narcilepsy lately b/c everytime I sat down to blog, over the past 2 weeks, one or the other would take over. In fact, if I weren't currently sitting under the dryer after freshly relaxing my hair (yes, at 4 in the morning), I would be watching the back of my eyelids, tucked in comfortably on my sofa with my son's feet in my chest. (I have yet to understand why it is that my son chooses to snuggle under me sometimes when he has 2 beds in his room to choose from...I'm STILL trying to understand why I've preferred to limit my night movements to my sofa for the past month).

Anyway...

I've noticed that normal people actually take lunches during their lunch break. Come 11:55AM, people are scrambling in either the halls or on email threads to see who is lunching with who and where. When I first started working at the J.O.B., I was heavily involved in the lunch rotation, b/c I thought that it would help me to get to know my coworkers better (i.e. promote assimilation with the male engi.neers)...and plus, A LOT gets said at the lunch table that doesn't get said at the office. Lately, I have been slacking...perhaps that's a good thing b/c I am neither Sam.antha, Car.rie, Mir.anda, or Char.lotte, so all of these $ex In The Ci.ty dining out episodes are not-so-fabulous for my budget (I believe that that is the second time that I used the word "fabulous" on this hea blog...5 is my limit). But in my break away from the previous lunch norm, I noticed that I was 29 y/o, lol. Not the "young and hip 30 is the new 20 so 29 makes me 19" 29, but the "I just read the consumer reports reviews for a vacuum cleaner and I'm heavily concerned about the quality of the product that I'm getting for the money" 29...that "disputing with the local Low.e's paint guy over the correct paint chip that matches the blue stripe in my shower curtain" 29...that "I think that I'll invest in a good drill in case of emergencies" 29...that "I will continue to buy these $7.99 perms and b/c of my 9 'o clock narcileptic episodes I'll relax my hair at 4 in the morning" 29 (...all of these debates and purchases occuring during my lunch break...29).

Doesn't sound terribly exciting to many, but suits me just fine.

Age Wisdom has made me increasingly aware of a great many things...one being my financial outlook. After I wrote THIS post, I kept tripping up on two words, net worth. For a couple of weeks now, I have been setting up an Excel spreadsheet in my mind that would subtract my liabilities from my assets and force me to come to grips with how non-rich I am. I actually did a quick calculation and was somewhat pleased with the outcome, but I wanted to track it on a month to month basis and THEN do a thorough check-up from year end to year end. I kept procrastinating with this spreadsheet, b/c I started to get too engrossed in particulars...should I REALLY count my car as an asset (even though its paid off) when I have no intention on selling it and would prefer to ride it until I HAVE to get my Fred Flint.stone "yabadabadoo" on and start running with it. How many days after I get paid should I input my current checking account balance when it fluctuates worse than the sine curve? I start thinking about my student loans and how much of a dent I would like to put in them during tax time, but I sure could use another sidewalk which would improve the curb appeal and value of my home.

But somewhere during one of my ADD episodes, I started thinking of my "well-being" net worth, taking into account my standings emotionally, spiritually, physically, and mentally. I'm sure that financial stability plays a part in every aspect of my "well-being" net worth, but if I don't devote the same time and attention as I do to financial matters, I won't be worth anything to anybody...more importantly, myself.

Forget being the "young and hip 30 is the new 20, so 29 makes me 19" 29 when you don't take control over what enters your eyegate or eargate and what exits your mouthgate. "You are what you eat" is the cliche that holds true across the board. If I constantly take in negativity, I will spit back negativity. There's certain music that I can't vibe to like I used to...certain lyrics that I can't even meditate on, let alone recite aloud. There are Psalms that will feed me more than anything Tu.pac or Bigg.ie cleverly penned...may they rest in peace as I am still a fan of both, but I'm wiser now. I COULD get my rocks off reading Za.ne (although I respect her hustle), but I find that Miche.lle Single.tary speaks to the woman that I want to be. "Who do you surround yourself with?" is a constant echo. I was once told that if you want to be a lawyer, you surround yourself with lawyers....if you want to be a doctor, you surround yourself with doctors...well, I want to be a strong and successful woman that relies on God but understands that her first ministry is home, so who do I surround myself with? Who do I look up to? Those that have overcome adversity and have a positive outlook on life despite day-to-day challenges...those that encourage and uplift others...those with a mission...those that stay hungry...those that reject immediate gratification for long-term security. If I'm not of value to someone else then I emplore them to part ways with me b/c if someone is a hindrance to my progress, I will have to do the same. I'm trying to make the For.be's list for "well-being" net worth and I can't get there with marshmallow pies in my pantry, a lazy man, jealous friends, smut mags, a subscription to a highly controversial blog, and Sol.dier Boy's latest CD, while sweating the small stuff. Without self-control, I'd soon fall victim to an emotional rollercoaster that dictates my mood and alters my esteem. I'm worth A LOT more than that...and my actions as a "young and hip 30 is the new 20, so 29 makes me 19" 29 should reflect that.

Hmmmmm....I'm thinking that I will spend this wealth with a lunch crew tomorrow. After all, a new drill can wait...a couple of days, at least, lol.

c.r.e.a.m.

Cash Rulez Every.thing Aro.und Me, C.R.E.A.M. get the money, dolla dolla bill ya'll...


**LB raising fists to the sky**


WU TA.NG...WU TA.NG FOREVA!!!

Sorry, I guess that I got a bit crunk and carried away...I loved me some Wu Tang...well Meth, actually. And how could you not? After all, he came to bring the pain, hard.core to the brain...and we went inside his as.tral plane. Aiight, I think that I got that out of my system.

I'm really trying NOT to write only once a week, but I had some thangs going on and well, I hadn't been bitten with the blogging bug like before. But I was sitting here...about to complete this tag by the infamous Leezarus and as I was thinking about 3 things that I like to do aside from blogging, in my peripheral vision, I saw this paper tacked up on the board above my desk. I know, I know...attention deficit and whatnot. Funny thing is...on this board, I have pictures of my baby, random business cards, a blue school calendar, a yellow class schedule for JJ, and a green school booklet. But what stuck out was this stark white paper that I had printed out over a year ago...the day after my bday in 2006, to be exact. It's a "Declar.ation of Fin.ancial Empower.ment" that I retrieved from the Black Enterprise website. Honestly, I look up at it probably once a month and examine it only once a quarter. But I decided to take it down and review my year-old pledge and track my progress. Thought I'd share...like to hear it, here it go:

I, LB, from this day forward, declare my vigilant and life-long commitment to financial empowerment. I pledge the following:

1. To use homeownership to build wealth.

Well, I'm proud to say that I bought my house and moved in 2 weeks before my bday this year. Certainly a challenging process, but one of the more rewarding ones. While visiting for the first time the other day, Choir Boy said, "Mayne, do you ever just look at your skylights and feel accomplished?!" I never thought of it that way, but I guess so. Shortly after he left, I started digging through my huge plastic container full of photo albums and stacks of memories. I came across the pictures that me and Old Dude took of my house in the N.O. after the storm. I remember standing in the midst of all of that and wondering, "Where in the hell do I go from here?" My answer NOW: With the grace and favor of God, I can go anywhere.

2. To save and invest 10% to 15% of my after-tax income.

THIS.IS.HARD!!! I created a budget sheet in Excel that accounts for this, but my level of comfort hasn't reached that yet. I've heard several times from financial professionals and preachers alike that the key to financial prosperity is to tithe 10% and save 10%, at minimum. Strangely, I find it easier to tithe (which is at the absolute TOP of my budget sheet). I HAVE to have my savings debited from my checking account or else it'll be burned up at Son.ic or a Pop.eye's (if I can ever find one of these gold mines 'round these parts, I might have to be hospitalized...I swear the last time that I saw a spicy white breast was on a Gi.rls Go.ne Wi.ld commercial), lol. But I digress...so as of today, I invest:

$50/month to my Mon.ey Mar.ket Acc.ount (my money NOW fund)

$50/month to a Mutual Fund (JJ's education fund...on a slow build)

$50/month to a Mutual Fund (have no idea fund...on a slow build)

3. To commit to a program of retirement planning and investing.

Recently, I became eligible to invest in my 401K at my not-so-new-anymore J.O.B. So, as soon as open enrollment was announced, a sista was on the phone with a financial advisor trying to get some hot tips, right? LOL. The hottest tip I got...max out your percentage, if you can. Well, that ain't happenin' b/c you can transfer your whole daggone check to your retirement plan. Once I found out that the company will match half of your investment up to 4%, I decided to fold at a cool 8%. It's been a little rough, but I figure that if I adjust my living to it now, then once I get my annual increases, I'll be an old pro and won't even feel my tummy tickled.

4. To engage in sound budget, credit, and tax managment practices.

So, I DO have this nifty Excel spreadsheet, but I can't lie...I deviate from it...especially when it comes to eating. I NEED to brown bag it and put my acquired Rach.ael Ray knowledge to use but I gets lazy, lol. I have everything in this spreadsheet including JJ's monthly haircut expense, his kar.ate classes, and even my tolls...but that dayum food budget gets busted everytime.

On a grander note, my credit is looking much better. When I think of where it was 2 years ago...heck, LAST YEAR, I shudder. But I patiently watch it climb and have decided that when I enter into my desired range, I might have to have a backyard BBQ.

As far as tax management is concerned...I can't wait to manage my tax returns next year, b/c I KNOW that they will be a beast, lol.

5. To measure my personal wealth by net worth, not income.

Assets and liabilities...

I think that this ia a part of the reason why I don't save as much as I should...I'm so busy trying to pay down debt. As it stands, I have no credit card balances but I have some student loans that threaten to NOT disappear until 2018. I JUST worked out a 4-year plan to make those monsters vanish. After that, I can increase my investments and become the neighborhood 50-Ce.nt. Net worth = a helluva lot more than 50 cents!

6. To be proactive and knowledgeable about investing, money management, and consumer issues.

I have about 5-6 finance books, including a thick hardback about the stock market. The latter may collect more dust than my blinds, but the others have certainly planted some seeds. I think that the most helpful book that I own is prolly Dav.id Bach's, "Sma.rt Women Fin.ish Rich."

7. To provide access to programs that will educate my children about business and finance.

I eventually want to get into the allowance stage, but J AND I are not there yet. As it stands, he always does odd jobs around my father's church when he goes back home...and he seems to make good ends there! Plus, my dad's friends just peel off 10-dollar bills just b/c J is in the room! So, he needs to learn good, solid money management practices NOW! Especially since the "regional tooth fairy" in the N.O. likes to drop off $5 per tooth. I remember when I gave this boy one dollar for a tooth, he said, "Here you go, mommy. You can have it." Mayne, I was ready to tear up...until he said, "...keep it with your money b/c I have some games that I want to get." He's been on a tight money program ever since!

8. To support the creation and growth of profitable, competitive black-owned enterprises.

My church is actually starting this magazine that offers free advertisements (temporarily, of course) for members that are business owners. If I'm ever in need, I may do some more research on those companies. Until then, I'll keep giving Brutha Master G, J's karate teacher, my monthly payments, lol.

9. To use a portion of my wealth to strengthen my community.

I'm in the planning stages on this one. There are things that I would like to become involved with back home, but I'm trying to develop a solid foundation while up here. I keep bouncing this idea around with regard to hooking up young women with successful sista mentors of various professional backgrounds, but then I draw a blank. One day...

10. To ensure that my wealth is passed on to future generations.

Slacker, I am. I keep visiting Legal Zoom from time to time and I even invested in computer software that creates thousands of legal documents, but I just haven't taken the leap towards a will. I don't know what's up with my lead foot on this matter, b/c after the legal mumbo jumbo that I had to go through with my dad after my mom passed, I should be eager to set matters right. I have my insurance policies in place, but there's nothing like a directive that can ensure that my JJ benefits, if something happens. I DO have specific instructions on some matters, so I may just bite the bullet and consult an attorney, in the flesh...prayerfully, before this time next year.

And there it is...my financial assessment, folks...

**LB throws arms in the air in a hard and swift knife-like motion**

AND IT'S GOOD!

I encourage anyone that may happen upon this blog to print this (yep, it's a link), sign and date it. MAKE IT VISIBLE and take control of your financial destiny.