Families and Former Friends in Conflict Over Land and Resources

Anticipating Economic Decline; Safeguarding Finances and Making Informed Choices

In our evolving landscape it's crucial to predict and prepare for possible economic decline. Whether it is on a global scale or locally, understanding the signs and taking proactive steps can help protect your finances and enable you to make informed decisions. This article explores indicators of collapse emphasizing the significance of transparency and communication in relationships as well as shedding light on the historical and biblical context. By delving into these topics related to finances we gain insights on developing strategies to navigate the uncertain future of our economy.

Indicators of Economic Decline

The first step in predicting decline involves recognizing indicators. As the saying goes "what goes up must come down." It is crucial to remain aware of trends and developments that may signify a downturn. In the economy, red flags include interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve, large amounts of money being shifted within the stock market, job loss, a slowdown in consumer spending as well as global economic risks like the conflict in Ukraine and rising interest rates. These indicators and more underscore the need for measures and proactive financial planning.

Transparency and Communication in Relationships

While the main focus of this message centers around predicting financial decline, it's essential to recognize the impact that financial decisions have on relationships. Whether you're single living with a family member or close friend or married, understanding your or a loved one's future is crucial. Engaging in honest conversations about money matters, debts, spending habits, and future plans is vital for building trust and making informed choices. By addressing these topics you can prevent potential conflicts and ensure compatibility when it comes to finances.

The Historical and Biblical Context

To gain further comprehension of how desperate one might be for financial gain, consider the following historical events and biblical narratives. Take the story of Ahab and Naboth's vineyard as an example; it showcases the repercussions of corruption. Pursuing wealth at the expense of others. This cautionary tale serves as a reminder of the significance of decision-making while highlighting the consequences of greed. Similarly, consider the parable of the fool that emphasizes how futile it is to chase material possessions without considering spiritual growth and maturity or being prepared for life's inevitable end. These stories act as reminders for us to prioritize our values and integrity over pursuits.

Implications and Potential Impact

The frustrations and challenges we encounter in today's climate have far-reaching implications.

From taxation and inefficient use of funds to disparity and governmental misconduct, these issues undermine trust and instill a sense of powerlessness among the general population. Many people feel like the system is stacked against them resulting in unrest and potential conflicts within society. It is vital to tackle these concerns head-on and strive for transparency, accountability, and fairness in both political systems.

In summary, accurately predicting an economic downturn necessitates a grasp of indicators and open lines of communication in relationships as well as a historical and moral perspective rooted in biblical teachings. By being able to identify the warning signs of fragility we can take steps to safeguard our financial well-being and make informed choices. Transparency and effective communication within relationships play a role in establishing harmony and building trust. Historical events along with references serve as reminders of the consequences that arise from corruption while highlighting the significance of decision making. As we navigate through the future we must address the frustrations and challenges we encounter while working towards a more just system that embraces fairness alongside transparency. In doing so, we can shape a future that's both financially secure and morally principled.

Check out Nicholl's inspirational YouTube channel nmenterprise7.com for more insightful information.

What to do when you Overspend? | Busting your Budget | Debt Free Friday

Viewer Request - People Who Manipulate to Get Close to Money

Are You Making This Million Dollar Mistake?

Work Too Much, Wife or Girlfriend Complaining?

One of many ways to destroy the African American family unit is to encourage men and women to love money. The love of money is the root of all evil and one will do almost anything to make and protect it. The constant push from the time a child is young to "earn money," "save money" and "spend your own money" produces an adult whose main focus is to center his or her life on money. Rather than focus on using it as a tool to strengthen the family, it becomes an evil family member waiting in the shadows to kill, steal, and destroy!  Balance your life as best you can and put emotions like greed, love, confusion and other similar things in check when it comes to money.

The Ones that Cry Broke the Loudest Got Money - The Deception of Rich Black Folks

I knew deep down inside that certain relatives were doing much better in life than others despite the cries I heard from the wealthy ones about being broke.  These rich people had money--lots of it.  Some obtained it legally, others illegally, and still others were gifted with the wealth from deceased loved ones.

Don't be deceived, many blacks who cry, "I don't have any money...I spent it all up.  I can't help you. If I had the money..." really have it, they just aren't willing to share any with you!  I was angered when I realized just how many prosperous/well-off black folks or those with a "decent" income got money from me over the years under the guise, "I don' have much, but could you help..."  These people weren't poor, broke or disgusted, they were doing just fine!

I should have known better when I saw one changing cars every year, paying off his house, and shopping for himself quite often like it was Christmas.  But I talked myself into believing I was just being helpful and that I would get my blessings.  Later, I found out that this property owner had sold land he had in another state for almost a million!  If I had been paying close attention to another person, I would have known that his house had long been paid for and he too always had nice cars.  This one had won the lottery for six figures. Then there were male relatives and some women too, who had a way of looking quite humble most of the time, but if there was a special event, the jewelry and clothing would come out that would cost far more than a monthly grocery bill.  I was forewarned by my discerning grandmother about these folks, "They got money.  Don't let them tell you any different."

These Negroes and N*ggas had somewhere to lay their heads without worry.  They had cars they drove without worrying about gas money and maintenance.  These were black folks who had full bellies and whenever they needed something they got it.  Meanwhile, I struggled with my finances and wondered why.  God himself said, "You emotionally spend your money.  You let your feelings get in the way of spending, saving, investing etc."  As I got older, I struggled with college student loans, you would think that black parents who claimed they didn't have any money wouldn't bother encouraging their children to attend college.  But if they can borrow, beg or steal for money, they will.  Now think about the many student loans that the children can get if the parents co-sign on them while threatening children heavily about messing up their good names.  If the bills aren't being paid until after college, which is highly recommended to put them off by many black parents because "I don't have the money!" the rich black parent can take a deep sigh of relief, because he or she won't have to pay anything but basic essentials for the child they like to brag about having to pay this bill and that one while he or she is in college.  But what about that hefty student loan you told them to not worry about?  Whether completed studies or not, the student loans will be left up to their sons and daughters to pay while mom and dad's credit remains intact, they own their house, save their money, buy their vehicles etc.

These wealthy black folks who have received cheap labor from sisters, brothers, cousins, and others in order to protect their wealth and retire comfortably are no different than a slave master!  They take what they can get from anyone who will listen to and obey them, pity, or believe their lies of a big payoff later for helping them that never comes.  Meanwhile, they have obtained riches off of using relatives, lying on applications, faking injuries, exaggerating stories, and more.  Pimping their own relatives like a pimp does his hos!

Greedy black folks know how to swindle their way out of paying full price for something, obtaining much for little, using, and abusing others while pretending to "help" those in need.  The next time you feel tempted to take your hard-earned money and help that relative who has some idea that requires a donation of time or service, think again!  Get them to pay you close to what they would pay the white man or woman.  Pay attention to how they spend and how they save.  Don't assume that what wise relatives tell you is a lie, ignorant, or they don't know what they are talking about when it comes to those closest to you.  And most of all, don't sleep on those who like to advise/teach/brag about their spending and saving habits and what all someone or a group gave them, most likely they are misers, stingy people who know how to protect their assets. Are you protecting yours?  For those of you who are coming into some money, for God sake, get a financial planner!  Broke black folks who never had anything worthwhile don't know anything about saving and investing!

Nicholl McGuire shares spiritual insight on daily living at http://www.youtube.com/nmenterprise7

Anderson Live - Practical Ways to Save Money

Start Thinking about Making Passive Income for the New Year

You never know what a day might bring, this is why one must be prepared.  With financial times changing like the wind, you will want to consider having extra money somewhere just in case you might need it.


Most people go online and do the typical things: check email, visit a social networking page, view an online banking account, watch some videos, and research a few things.  However, one can best use his or her time, especially when bored, to make money.  There are so many ways to do it from marketing your own services via ads to participating in surveys and online games.  See the following link for many legitimate sites that have cut their overhead costs and choose to do business online.  These companies are willing to pay you to work from home.  Click here for a recent list: Supplemental Income

What More Do You Need Besides Money?

If you ask most people around you what they need, they would say, "More money."  But can I tell you from personal experience, when the money comes, it goes and you only end up wishing for more.


Some years back an opportunity came to my household that our family was ecstatic about.  It required relocating and settling in an area that was laid back, rarely any traffic, no major stores within walking distance, and no buses or taxi cabs nearby.  Police and fire vehicles were hardly ever seen or heard.  It was a nice suburban environment with rural surroundings nearby (i.e.) fields, cattle and a lake.  The draw for us city folks, from Los Angeles County, going there, money!


Now we were not exactly comfortable with such simple living in a small town in Georgia, and we also weren't use to having to rely on a vehicle to go to most places either.  There was an unspoken objection about being there, but no one in the family said anything initially even though mannerisms said otherwise.  As challenges increased what appeared to be a good opportunity was turning into a wilderness experience.  We dealt with insects of all shapes and sizes that liked to come and visit us every time a door or window was opened.  We were often exhausted from the heat.  We noticed people ate and drank too much and we became fearful that their laziness was rubbing off on us.  Irritability, boredom, and other issues increased, but we rejected the red alert signs that told us, "This atmosphere really isn't for you, go back to what you are used to."  Rather, we focused on the money, the spacious house, and a huge backyard for the kids--simple living...that was our motivation for coping. 


Less than three years later, the opportunity turned sour and we headed back to where we started out, back to our beloved busy town in So-Cal with many apartment buildings, small homes and laughable so-called backyards.  It was home, we had no business leaving in the first place.  Looking back, I realized that our wilderness experience was not one we really needed, but it did teach us a simple lesson from simple living, "Be appreciative of what you already got."   Having more money, a house and new gadgets didn't make us feel any better in the long term.  We didn't treat one another any better, we didn't act grateful for anything before we were buying something else, and we found ourselves shopping more because we could.  What little money we did manage to save was ate up by moving expenses.


There sincerely is more to life then getting more money for more things.  What I have found is it really isn't more money that one needs, but more education on how to manage what you already have.  Learning doesn't stop after you graduate from school.  I also find that the more we buy, the more we try to ignore what is really wrong within.  A mother is unhappy with having to spend much time with children or too little time.  A husband is disappointed in his partner and regrets past decisions he has made.  Relatives can be emotionally and physically draining.  Therefore, one reasons buying stuff will shut up everyone and make them happy.  Putting money in someone's hand will do nothing more than place you on their list of potential givers.  When that person needs something, he or she knows you got money and will expect you to come to his or her aid.


What more do we need besides money?   The answer is life-changing gifts that have no dollar sign.  Things like:  more love, peace, free time to think deeply, and patience for starters.  Our focus should not be inundated with obtaining material things when a relationship is dying, there is war at home or elsewhere, children are doing poorly, and one's mind is often confused or emotionally upset.  Money will pay for things, but it can't heal a broken spirit.


Nicholl McGuire, see more of the writer's work on video here.  

The Black Man with Money: one of the most coveted men on the face of the earth

We have seen all-too-frequently in the American media successful rich, black males walking and talking with non-black women and appearing to get along with them too.  It's as if the media is telling the world, "Black women are not the women you want to be seen with once you are making a six figure salary."  Thank God for a positive impression of the first family over the years!  A man with money is in demand in a down economy, and for the black man, he is a diamond in the rough.  So he knows that it isn't difficult to find a replacement when a black or non-black woman just isn't liking or loving him like she should.

Could it be that many women, black and otherwise, are told from the time they are able to understand the difference between a boy and a man that, "A man with money is what you want in this life not a poor, broke boy."  So these poor girls grow up to become money hungry women who seek after men who are wealthy, so much in fact, that it puts off rich men?  But a woman who is use to being around the Haves rather than the Have-nots knows how to put her greed for money in check.  The black man who has already been programmed to believe that having a non-black woman on his arm is the way to go will believe that she is looking out for his best interests when in fact she is looking out for her own while his black woman from yesteryear stands afar wishing she had that man with money.  Does love really have anything to do with financially wealthy relationships?

The way I see it, black or non-black, a woman who loves money more than sex is a head case waiting to erupt once the money is no more.  She is ready for separation then divorce.  The black man with what little money is left from his fortune is going to pay for his freedom while his people will be whispering, "He should have left that money hungry woman alone."  He may start dating his own kind for awhile, but then when the time comes that he is after more financial gain he will partner with those who he thinks can help him--those who happen to be everything but black.  This man with money, that some black women just pray to their gods for, doesn't come into their lives without a price. The women have to give up something to get something. The men may not be interested in loving these women, but more concerned about getting from them. She may be a good helpmate to him--doing everything he asks, very attractive--fulfilling his sexual fantasies, and come from wealth as well, but she must also be the submissive type and know when to fall back and let her man shine. Most people know that in the black community outspoken, independent types are not going to sit in the back of anywhere without much coaxing, swindling, and of course money talk! The man with money knows how to pay off his women to keep quiet at least for a time.

There are many, many blacks making less than six figures in our society which means it is less likely that wealthy blacks will entrust their finances to those who look like them. Even if there were many more rich blacks than impoverished ones, the majority of wealthy, educated blacks wouldn't stick it out with one another. Why?  Because as long as there are susceptible minds to media brainwashing and educational studies that persuade blacks to try something different along with an innate desire to date interracially--thanks to all the intermixing between ethnicities, there will always be someone, somewhere in love with someone else who doesn't have a similar skin tone.  Now if the black man is distracted with someone who isn't from his neighborhood, reminds him of no one in his family, and knows how to spend up his money better than he, then this man is less likely to want to go back to his hometown and partner with fellow businessmen and women to build up the community and his childhood family.  White power structures know this and that's why they don't mind sacrificing their sex kittens who are at the bottom of their pyramid structures.  Just imagine what the world might look like with many more rich, selfish black men?  Now imagine what the world would look like with more generous, wealthy African American men?  It even sounds different, now doesn't it?

Oh, the black man with money is a man that is needed everywhere, but he isn't permitted to go everywhere.  His allegiance to his fraternal and civic groups won't let him give back to any association of his choosing--notice another distraction.  His dues, tithes, donations, and bills must stay loyal even when his feet have done some walking.  Even his own relatives and friends can tie his money up in such a way that he doesn't bother to give to any extended loved ones no matter how much they could use the assistance. 

The powers that be know how to get him and his family to stay committed--now don't they?  The rich, black man has very little time to help those who are truly in need.  There is no 1% donation given to the real needy people and the rest to administrative costs when they are standing right in front of his face.  But those around him, will strategically move him away from those who really need him.  "You have this project to do...you need to be at this event...we need for you to be at your photo shoot...there is a talk show host who is interested in interviewing  you..."  When is enough, enough!  Book him, poke him, prod him, and then fork him when he can't deliver anymore!  Meanwhile, tell him where he should spend his money on yet more overpriced, overhyped, designer products so that he uses them all up and has no choice but to continue to work long hours to maintain an A-list lifestyle that will soon come to an end when he is no longer hot. 

An idle mind coupled with an aging body might start exposing secrets, so his handlers want this rich, black man to keep working until he dies, get married for a time, have a baby, and then lose it all when he is hot again. No time for a family when he is a man with money!  So for those who hope to land "a good man with money" one day, recognize that he had to give up a lot to get what he has and the wife who enjoys the fruits of his labor had to earn every penny--she had to put up, put out, put off, and do some things that most so-called strong black women wouldn't do. And one final note, just because you might have someone in your circle with money doesn't mean that they will love or even like you as you may have already discovered--money has a way of changing people.

Nicholl McGuire also maintains a blog about various dating and relationship trials and triumphs here.

Nicholl has authored the following books:
Know Your Enemy: The Christian's Critic https://www.createspace.com/3437273
When Mothers Cry https://www.createspace.com/3393499
Laboring to Love Myself https://www.createspace.com/3401526
Laboring to Love an Abusive Mate https://www.createspace.com/3332346
Floral Beauty on a Dead End Street http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/904839
Spiritual Poems By Nicholl http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/3113926

    

Negative, Broke People will Recruit Negative, Broke People

I know so many blacks who hate it when their own people (aunts, cousins, nieces, daughters, sons, etc.) do well in life!  For years, they had secretly or openly wished evil on others and now they can't even smile right when something good happens to their own bloodline.  I realized just what was keeping the haters hatin' and not prayin' and that was they refused to think positively, they didn't want to change the way they thought about this one and that one!  Sad, but true.  They rather work hard to be negative and focus on what So and So has; rather than try to fulfill their own dreams.  It was far easier for some of these people to sit back and run their mouths, then get off the couch and lose weight that they had been saying they were going to lose, fix up their homes, change jobs, stay out of jail, stop lying and cheating, and a whole host of other things!

It seems simple, right?  Just start thinking positive and your life will surely change.  It is that simple! However, the more a person holds on to the same broke, negative people around him or her just because they are familiar, have titles, did one or two favors from way back in the day, they permit these people to keep feeding them a toxic diet of negativity!  It isn't any wonder that people remain where they live, do what they do, and never fully enjoy life.  "Well, I like my life, I don't bother nobody.  I think its crazy to be going off with some white folks somewhere...what kind of mess are you getting into now?  You going to keep messing around doing all of what you are doing and they going to get you..."  Oh yes, that is what negativity sounds like and then some wonder why are our people getting hooked up with everyone, but their own race?  I will tell you because there is a breed of people within the black community that isn't limited by skin color, ignorance, gender, an impoverished mentality, old wise tales, stereotypes, and twisted ideologies designed to keep them oppressed.  Intelligent people seek truth outside a box of skin tones, regular church attendance, over-priced education, and immature, unwise relatives.  There are smart blacks that can be trusted and you don't have to take the white man's word for it!

For instance, think of those individuals who left the hood and left everyone behind in the dust and went on and became successes in life and I'm not just talking about fame, power, and money either.  I am talking about individuals who live in contentment and their exterior proves it!  Mind, body and spirit reflects success--the kind you can't put a price tag on or check online to see if they have a bunch of "likes."  

Why didn't the most successful in your family come back to your holiday celebrations, funerals, or visit grandma in the hood?  Because they remembered the last time--they recalled the negative vibe.  The successful didn't want to come back to a majority of unwilling, negative people who refuse to work/pray/build/grow or do anything else for self or others!  You know the type, "I don't speak to him...I don't deal with her...he did me wrong he didn't come to my son's game...I needed some money and bruh gave me an empty card, he should have helped me, all I did for him...I don't understand why people don't come and see me!" 

Successful people have learned that where they are being physically, mentally and spiritually fed the most, they can see the fruits of their service and money, these people are going to stay, they don't come back to lack!  An ex doesn't come back to cursing and cheating when she is doing well in her personal life.  A daughter doesn't bother with parents who often badmouth.  A son will forget his mother exists if she keeps berating him.  An employee isn't going back to a place he doesn't feel he is appreciated.  So why would you expect someone to come back just because of one thing or another--the kind of things that don't help people come up higher!  Having the same name, a title, or even a brotherhood or sisterhood association doesn't make anyone special in the eyes of a person who is focused on getting ahead-- so what?  How long does someone have to wait to get some help when he or she has a family in need? Energy sappers know how to take and take until they kill their loved ones.  How much time and money does one has to invest in a loveless relationship, weak business, or tired friendship before one day throwing up his or her hands and saying, "I give up!  You just aren't going to change, are you?  You are bringing me down with all your negative talk!"

No amount of guilt-tripping, story-telling, hoping, wishing, praying, or anything else is going to call the successful back when they are at the top of their games!  If anything, content people who care about you are going to try to get you in on their success--that is if you show any interest or they notice that you are one of those people who is making some effort to change your mindset--grow independently from the family's views.  However, the minute a focused person hears, "I can't...I don't know...I don't think...what about..." statements come out of your mouth, they leave you alone.  They stop calling, texting, emailing, or visiting broke folks--I kid you not!

Every person that I have met this past summer in various circles where they were either starting a project, joining others to complete a project, or were currently marketing existing projects, they had no time for broke, negative people and it didn't matter what civic group they belonged to, who they knew, and if they were family, "No time."  I had one tell me, "Don't even give my phone number out to relatives--I don't deal with them!"  Unless someone was genuinely interested in assisting these hardworkers out in some way, they had no time to take anyone by the hand and show them anything!  Either you observed what you could over their shoulders, caught them when they weren't on fire with their own projects, or sat with them at a related business event, "...they couldn't talk, had to go, got things to do, but love you!"

Of course, mean-spirited people would complain, "Oh, so you can't call me back...I don't understand why our people is always...I mean why can't they reach back and help...Just going to forget about us...!"  Yes, that is what I heard the haters say about the star players seated outside of their circles.  And I will tell you that when you shake those negative voices and stop holding yourself back from moving to a different state, getting a better job, building a business, learning new things, visiting new places, trying new foods, marrying someone you truly love, having a baby, or whatever else you want to do, people will just look at you while trying real hard to find fault with you.  Even the talented children caught some of the evil-speaking, staring or the silent treatment too, because So and So's child wasn't a part of this or that, did one take up time with their children so that they can do well?  Haters even blocked their own children from being a part of quality programs and experiences, because they couldn't stand the fact that someone they didn't like was involved, they didn't have the money, they didn't want to shuttle their children around...they had things to do!  Haters who refused to do nothing more than act below average and recruit their innocent children to act the same.

The same people who might have told you, "I know you are going to be someone in this world!  I believe in you!" are also the same people who broke you down and even attempted to recruit you to be as broke and negative as them!

If you have been struggling for days, weeks, months, even years trying to make something happen in your life, don't worry anymore!  Get yourself around people who can help you, fill your mind up with, "I can do, I will do...I will be the head and not the tail!  And I don't need my own people to validate me either!"

Until a man, woman or child makes up in his or her mind to stop thinking negatively and focusing his or her attention on "What might happen, what could be, what if, what they think," he or she will be left behind by those people who move far away and say, "It's my time to shine!"  Is it really?  "Yes, it is!"

Nicholl McGuire

Poverty in America: Millions of families too broke for bank accounts

Poverty in America: Millions of families too broke for bank accounts

17 Tips to Help You Take Better Control of Your Finances

You really don't want to go through the red tape of bankruptcy; the lawyer fees and the further scarred credit rating. And, if your one to put yourself in the entrepreneurs' shoes, bankruptcy would hurt your business if everyone filed because they didn't want the hassle of paying bills. Morally, bankruptcy is the wrong way to go, but trials and tribulations have caused you to consider this "way out." Maybe it isn't too late to avoid bankruptcy and get out of debt in other ways. So here are some examples to assist you with your financial burdens:

Debt Consolidation/Debt Management Programs

There are many companies who will assist you with consolidating your debts, but you must be careful there are some scams out there too. Most of these companies charge fees. Ask someone who has used a consolidation program other than a credit counseling service. These companies generally do not stop the interest, thus it takes longer to pay bills off.

Cut up Credit Cards, particularly those high interest ones.

Forget what you heard about keeping one credit card in case of emergencies. Most people max out the one credit card they have left; therefore they still need monies in a crunch. Learn to save money. Discipline yourself to take a portion of monies from each paycheck and put into a savings account. If you can’t set aside the money, you may want to consider finding a company that will automatically deduct monies and put them into a savings account for you.

Stop leasing cars, televisions, computers and entertainment systems.

There has been many news shows that have shown leasing companies charging more for products than what they are worth. They do this by allowing you to pay a very low monthly fee to own products such as a living room set. It is more sensible to save for the item that you need, rather than paying a company monthly and risk being charged additional fees when you are late. In some cases, customers have found they don’t need the furniture and will send it back to the company after paying on it for some time. Now they have wasted money, because the company will not allow them to take the money they paid for one item and transfer those payments on something else.

Forget using your checkbook.

If you find yourself often bouncing checks, the best way to begin a new habit is to break an old one. Don’t bother writing checks; instead use money orders. This way you have the money in hand and will not have to be concerned with the worry of wondering when someone will cash your check.

Avoid unnecessary insurance plans.

Are you transitioning a lot between jobs, living arrangements and have other personal changes? Then you don’t need to spend money on insurance plans until you are more stable in your life. Otherwise, you will find yourself making commitments, then breaking them and eventually losing money. Get stable in your life first. Then consider a whole life insurance plan that you can borrow money from in the future if you are ever in a financial crisis. If you know you will be settling down in one location for a period of time, then consider renter’s insurance.

Manage money with PC software.

Sometimes people do well when they are in complete control of their finances. Consider purchasing a software program that will alert you to when bills are due, assist you with managing your bills, and help you with savings.

Don't convince your child to go to college if you can't afford to help them.

Too many parents are not able to assist their children with college expenses and as a result many children are in debt before they graduate and can’t keep up with the student loans. Instead, explain to the potential college student that the loan he or she takes out for school must be paid back. Be honest with your child about your money troubles, so that they aren’t anticipating your financial assistance. If the student plans on studying something such as acting, and the future salary attained is not the equivalent of what the loan is worth in the future, he or she may want to consider another career.

Avoid eating out at restaurants.

If you must go out to eat, research which ones are the least expensive and use coupons whenever possible.

Search for cheaper gasoline service stations.

Pay attention to special rates. Avoid gasoline credit cards--they have very high interest rates.

Break from the holiday hustle and bustle.

There is no rule that says you have to buy someone something every year. Take a break from the holidays and when you are ready to start again, have a spending plan. Don’t try to buy gifts for people who have everything, sometimes doing something simple is better such as buying a card and putting some money in it. You can also avoid feeling obligated to buy for family and friends by staying home for the holidays.

Watch cable rather than visit the movie theater or video store.

Avid movie watchers will want to take out their calculators on this one. If you are spending more a month on video rental then what a cable monthly bill costs, then you may want to become a subscriber.

Cancel all membership to music clubs and book clubs.

Make the time to read what you already have. Most companies are charging you more than what the books and CDs are worth (add shipping and handling costs as well.) If you must have a certain artist or author, shop around for the cheapest price rather than joining a club.

Utilize your existing job to increase your wages

Offer to work additional hours, ask for more responsibilities, and request to be placed on projects to get your manager’s attention. When you make efforts like these, you will put yourself in a position to make more money.

Get a second job part-time

This will put you on the fast track to achieving your goals as long as you plan to use the extra money for your intended goals.

Advice for parents: Stop buying for your 16 year old!

Tell your child to get a job. If you stop buying, they will start working.

Make a plan for your finances before you spend it

Each time you receive money you know what bills are due and what money you will need to pay for groceries, transportation, childcare, lunch, etc. With a plan, you will know exactly how much money you can spend on each responsibility on your list. You will also know how to best curb your finances in the short term and how to better save in the long term.

Use every opportunity to save money

Coupons, store points, product offers, sales, etc. There are plenty of opportunities to save money. Use them! When you know you buy a lot of a certain product each month, then buy it in bulk when it’s on sale. Go to stores that double coupons or provide bargains to consumers for visiting. Don’t waste time shopping at stores that rarely have “real” sales. You will know how “real” those sales are when you comparison-shop. Find similar stores offering the same items and see how their prices compare with the others. 

The more you know about money management, the better you will be able to handle your financial woes.  Also, consider software programs, television programs that provide tips on saving and spending money and offline and online business seminars as well.

Nicholl McGuire

5 Reasons Black Women Can't Save Money | Celebrity News & Style for Black Women

I had to share this article with my readers, because there are many valid points.  We may appear like we are strong women, but I can assure you that behind every black woman she has a weakness whether it is her man, children or both.  Sometimes she is weak to her relatives and best friends requests like help with education, event planning, money management, or some "hook up" that might put her job on the line.  Then when favors are completed, money is spent, family events are over, and dreams fulfilled, she is complaining, got an attitude, just mad because she knows she really should have thought twice before putting herself out there to help someone.

God doesn't put no more on us than we can bear and some of us are walking around with the weight of the world on our shoulders!  Let God take up some of those burdens.  Read the following article, and check yourself before you wreck yourself like a rapper back in the day said once!  God bless!

5 Reasons Black Women Can't Save Money | Celebrity News & Style for Black Women

Is The Black Church A Financial Scam? | Celebrity News & Style for Black Women

I have been attending church for years.  I have given to many different funds.  Some ministries did what they were supposed to do with the money they asked for, but others didn't.  Pastor didn't cut out his salary so that the building could be repaired.  His wife didn't stop dressing up to get programs started that she claimed, "God told her to begin."  Staff in some cases wasn't getting paid, yet leadership wants a new church!?  So then I had no choice but to ask this question, "Where is the $$$ going?"  Needless to say, God would raise the red flag about certain groups and out I would go.

I love our people, don't get me wrong!  But many of our people are hustlers!!  Old school watched too much Amos and Andy shows and took notes.  From Grandma and Grandpa lying and saying they need money for bills when in all actuality, they just want money to gamble.  "Baby, you know I will give you something when I win..."  Yeah right.  Look I don't work or save my money to fund hustlers and you shouldn't either!  Drill your relatives, church leaders, and others when they come looking for some money.  Then take a couple days and pray about it.  And whatever you do, don't co-sign on no one's loan!   "Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts..." Proverbs 22:26

Is The Black Church A Financial Scam? | Celebrity News & Style for Black Women

Waste the Blessing: Borrow and Get Cursed

Our people...why is it when we get money the first thing we want to do with it is the following: spend it on "wants" and not needs, give just about all of it away, and/or risk it on frivolous things or habits? Meanwhile, we are upset over past due bills and relatives and children asking us for help. That attitude pops on our faces so fast when someone tries to advise us about our spending money, doesn't it? "She just jealous I got something...He's not going to tell me what to do with MY MONEY!...Who does she think she is advising me on spending, look at her bank account?"

I think of what I heard a relative say back in the day after receiving some unexpected money, "I don't know when this money will come back around again, so I'm going to get what I always wanted." There isn't anything wrong with getting the things you always wanted, just so long as your priorities are handled.

Income tax season came and went. Some folks who was behind on child support didn't catch up, but made sure they got what they wanted for their house, car, woman and everything else! Others bought more furniture, electronics, clothes, shoes, and food then they needed or could afford. When all was said and done, what do you think came out of their mouths? "I'm broke." I'm thinking, "What else is new?"

The heavenly Father of the big spenders and borrowers that claim they "love so much made a way out of no way" and all these people can do is waste the blessing. Later, they borrow and get cursed. The creditors on the phone want to know, "When do you plan on making payments, Mister...Miss...?"

The loudest voices who cry broke are usually the ones who got good jobs, may have the degree, live in a nice house, and drive a car. They don't know when to quit buying for self. Once the "lottery" money, tax refund, bonus check, or other money is spent some want sympathy or even worse want you to help them with the bills. Huh!? I can't empathize for a single person who has a salary that can employ five people and still run a business successfully.

There comes a point that we should all learn from history such as: the unexpected bills will come through the mail, the children will need something, jobs come to an end, you become ill, health insurance doesn't cover everything, events come up that you will need to dress to impress, and on and on--save your money.

Nicholl McGuire