Fabulous Financials

I want to thank you all for following and participating in the Professional Woman series. I’d also like to thank you for your support as I close another chapter in my professional career. Ironic, huh? This has been a unique experience for me and it’s definitely going down in the history books. What’s interesting about it all is that I have no regrets. I’ve been stretched beyond measure, in more ways than one, but I’m better today than I was one year ago.

Although I don’t have another job “confirmed” yet, I’m leaving anyway. My ability to take this leap of faith is due to the financial decisions I’ve made and the freedom it allows. As you all read about the minute details of my life, I hope you keep that in mind. I wouldn’t have the freedom - OR - the courage to do half the things I do if I 1) did not have a emergency fund, 2) were not debt free, and 3) did not already live beneath my means. Your financial decisions today can determine your future in more ways than you can imagine. Thank you for sharing my journey.

Ok, enough about me. Now I want to share some other things going on in the PF blogosphere. After all, these are the people who have helped me on the journey to financial freedom. So without further ado, here are my favorite PF articles over the past few weeks:

To Save or Not To Save [Meg @ All Financial Matters]

Meg compares savers to non-savers. She says “The difference between these two types is not based on personality, education level, job satisfaction, or the ability to understand compound interest. It’s this: Savers value freedom of choice more than toys.” Aint that the truth!

How to Conquer Your Fear of Investing [JD @ Get Rich Slowly]

JD reviews a Kiplinger article that lists “five common fears of first-time investors and explains how to conquer them.” Good stuff!

Trimming the Fat Off Your Monthly Bills [Dimples @ Her Divine Domain]

Dimples shares how she reduced her monthly obligations from $2,222 to $1,492. It wasn’t easy and she had to make many sacrifices, but that’s what financial freedom is all about.

Leaving Your Job vs. Leaving Your Manager [Banker Girl]

Banker Girl says “people don’t leave jobs, they leave bosses” and she shares 5 reasons that led to her decision to move on. It may be a little of both, but based on my most recent experience, I can relate to what she went through and agree 1,001%!

Individual Development Accounts [Moneymonk]

No, this is not another type of retirement account. According to Moneymonk, it’s a “matched savings account that enables low-income American families to save, build assets, and enter the financial mainstream.” I appreciate Moneymonk for sharing this nicely hidden benefit. More people should be made aware that it exists. Read the article for more details.

Matri-money [$1 out of 15 cents]

“Why are black woman overwhelmingly single?” asked Keith Reed as he discussed the phenomenon between the low marriage rate in the black community and its impact on our finances, or lack thereof. Although the saying goes “two is always better than one” - I understand and agree, actually - but Single Ma also knows that “I can do bad by myself!” Until I find a partner (of any race because I’m an Equal Opportunity Employer lol) who complements my drive, enthusiasm, and dedication to financial freedom - oh and he MUST have the potential to match or exceed what I bring to the table - I prefer to stay single.

Check out the links and have a great weekend!