Fabulous Financials

*raising my hand* My name is Single Ma and I’m an internet junkie. LOL!

My laptop and I are best friends. She’s the first thing I see when I wake up in the morning and the last thing I see when I go to bed at night. I aint lying!

I use my laptop to look up the weather before deciding what to wear.

I use my laptop to track my ‘things to do’ on Google calendar.

I use my laptop to write blog posts and read your fabulous blogs.

I use my laptop for ALL of my banking needs.

I have 8 credit cards and I peak at all of their balances everyday using the Yodlee aggregator.

I login to my personal checking account at least 2x per day and my business checking once per day, peak at my saving(s) and investment balances at least once per week, confirm my 401k and Roth contributions bi-weekly, gather all financials for a net worth update at least once per month, pay bills, shop, and make manual transfers as the need arise.

I do all of these things (and more) using my laptop, which by the way, is connected to the internet 24 hours per day. My entire life would be a big free for all if I didn’t take the proper precautions to protect my computer from malicious online activity. So when I was asked to accept a courtesy copy and review the Norton 360 PC security software from symantec, I jumped at the opportunity.

Norton 360 All-In-One Security v2.0 provides a year of automated protection for up to 3 PCs and includes the following features:

• PC Security - such as antivirus, antispyware, antiphising and scans your pc for the latest threats
• PC Tuneup - automatically tune up your pc in the background
• Automatic Backup and Restore - protects your files from loss or damage
• Identity Protection - secured for online shopping and banking with features like ‘identity safe’ to manage your online identity and transaction data and ‘eavesdrop protection’ to block suspicious programs that present a threat to your identity
• Online Protection - such as firewall protection, network protection, and advanced browser protection

It took me about 15 minutes to complete the installation and setup. Afterwards, I was able to create a Norton account. So if I ever lose my product key or want to download the latest software updates, I can login with my email/password and it will recognize my usage history.

After everything was setup, this is (sorta) what the main screen looks like…

It’s a status of all the primary features: PC Security, Identity Protection, Backup, and PC Tuneup. It’s a pretty simple report. Green means everything is protected and good to go. Yellow is a warning for your attention. The software will provide an explanation with a link if you want to take action. As you can see, I need to configure my backup files. And finally, red means there’s a threat with specific instructions for immediate action. Can’t get any easier than that.

There are also links across the top for tasks, settings, my account, product feedback, and help/support. Self explanatory. But the small ‘my network’ link in the bottom left hand corner helps you configure your wireless network. It will tell you if your network is secure, and if not, how many other computers are connected to it AND the IP address for each computer. Don’t ask me how I know. Learn something new everyday. LOL!

It also allows you to monitor the status of your network remotely. And the best thing about the network feature is that you can protect your computer from threats even when you’re on an unsecured public wireless network - you know, like Starbucks, a hotel lobby, or a bootleg connection from your neighbor. LOL! All you have to do is select the ‘trust control’ function to restrict the questionable computers OR restrict the entire network. One click and you’re done.

Either I’m a serious novice or I’m easily fascinated by the smallest things. Somehow, I think it might be both. LOL Good thing I have another 300+ days to play around with it.

Now I’m curious. What are YOU using for PC protection?

If you’re interested in Norton 360, leave a comment (one time please) and I’ll select ONE person (US only) to receive the extra copy pictured above.

ETA: Sorry, I forgot to tell you all. Norton 360 only works on PCs. I’m not sure when the MAC version will be available.

Also, I’ll leave the comments open through midnight on Sunday and use the random number generator to select a winner on Monday.

A Soft & Beautiful marketing rep contacted me a few weeks ago. They wanted me to try two of their new Just For Me products that haven’t reached stores yet - Curl Smoother Creme and Smoothing Gel. At first, I was going to decline because my hair has been addicted to the creamy crack for over 20 years and there aint a thang I can do with some “smoother creme” and “smoothing gel.” LOL

But then it dawned on me, the marketing rep had obviously read my blog and knew that my BabyGirl sported a short ‘do. So I asked a few questions about the products to make sure I understood what they were, then I mentioned the idea to her to see if she was interested. For someone who’s a hair snob, she’s extremely loyal to her products, I was surprised that she agreed to try them out.

As promised, she did and here is her [unedited by Single Ma] review.

According to the box, the smoothing gel is made with Keratin Proteins to strengthen hair and it’s supposed to “smooth straight hair and edges” and “gently hold hair in place.” The curl smoother creme is made with Aloe Vera extracts to condition the hair and it’s supposed to prevent “poofy hair,” control “frizz,” and “shield against breakage.” Both are made for natural or relaxed hair.

Since my hair is very short (by choice), I used the smoothing gel first. When I styled my hair, I used the gel to lay down my edges and brushed with a bristle brush as instructed on the box. I was disappointed to find that it made my hair hard and did not smooth my edges at all. In fact, the gel made my hair more curly than it was. Before writing the review, I wanted to give it another try. So I waited until my mom took me to the hairdresser for a fresh relaxer. About a week later when it was time for me to wash my hair, I used the smoothing gel again. To make sure I was doing everything right, this time, I used a different brush. A softer wrap brush. The results were no different. Instead of “straight hair and edges,” the gel made my hair curl again. And when it dried, my hair was hard. As soon as I got home from school, I washed it out.

After my second try, I did not want to use the gel anymore. I didn’t like the way it made my hair feel, plus, the smell was unpleasant. I think all Just For Me products smell bad, so it could be a personal preference. Since I didn’t like the gel, I was afraid to try the smoother creme. I prefer the creme that my hairdresser gives me anyway. It’s called Threads by Sebastian Professional. It let’s me spike my hair on top or make it look curly, so I’m going to stick with what I know.

Although I didn’t like the Just For Me products, the bright package and colorful logo caught my eye. If my mom and I were in a store, I would have asked her to buy it for me. But I’m glad she didn’t have to pay for this. Maybe it will work better on a little girl’s hair or even another teenage girl who doesn’t have a relaxer, but I didn’t like the results on my own hair.

Full Disclosure: this was not a paid review, but the products were provided for free.

Embracing the Real World: The Black Woman’s Guide to Life After College
- by Chaz Kyser

From the back cover:

Chaz Kyser provides candid, witty and inspirational advice to help you navigate the often challenging transition from college to the real world. You will be coached on how to create the career and life you envision in chapters such as:

• Handling Self-doubt & the Fear of Failure
• Preparing for the Interview
• Building & Maintaining a Positive Image
• Managing Your Boss
• Working in Corporate America

Other chapters and personal stories from successful black women cover nearly every issue you may face as you strive to make a name for yourself in your chosen field.

I think this is a very accurate description.

What Did I Like?

The book is divided into six manageable sections:

Part 1: Preparing for the Real World
Part 2: Succeeding in the Real World
Part 3: Real World Questions
Part 4: Handling Real World Barriers
Part 5: Banking in the Real World
Part 6: Real World Stories

Of the six parts, I must say part 4 and 6 were my favorites. A book that can address sensitive issues (i.e. sexual harassment, racism, fear of failure, and naysayers), then use real life testimonials to demonstrate how they can be overcome deserves to be recognized and rewarded.

Further, I think Kyser does a really good job touching on almost everything a college graduate needs to know when establishing a new career. Readers can learn about goal setting, career planning, job search strategies, applying for a job and preparing for the interview. I found the common interview Q&A to be very helpful, as well as sample questions to ask the interviewer.

If you’re lucky, you may be presented with multiple job offers, so Kyser created a list of “features” to consider and a rating system to evaluate the offers. There are also useful tips on how to accept an offer, negotiate a fair salary, and reject the others. But unfortunately, all of us aren’t that lucky. If you’re having trouble landing a job, Kyser shares tips on how to learn from rejection.

Other sections I found very useful were:

• How to find a mentor. Many readers have asked me how to find a mentor, but I struggle with preparing a useful answer. Throughout my career, all of my mentor/protégé relationships have developed naturally over time. Kyser provides strategies on how to seek out a mentor and shares a sample letter if you want to ask someone to be your mentor.

• How to fit in as the new girl and working with difficult co-workers. We’ve all been there before. The newbie on the job trying to prove yourself without overstepping boundaries. Kysar shares how to balance being a team player with exceeding employer’s expectations, how to avoid becoming “that” girl (this is particularly helpful for black women), how to manage a difficult boss (due to a recent experience, I had read this section at least 10 times), and five simple steps to resolve tension with a co-worker who makes your life miserable.

• How to deal with a job loss and when to quit a job. I’ve been fired before, but it wasn’t the end of the world. Kyser shares a personal experience of working with a wacky boss who praised her work ethic one minute and gave her a pink slip the next. She uses the experience to teach readers how to manage emotions and bounce back as quickly as possible. However, there are times when you’re making the decision to leave. In that case, Kyser helps you weigh the pros/cons and how to quit professionally.

This is getting too long, so I’ll stop here. I guess it would have been easier to say I loved almost everything about the book. It is, by far, one of the most useful guides to help young adults navigate their way through real world challenges. Since it is specifically tailored for college educated black women, there’s an extra layer to address the more personal issues that affect a very large (and growing) demographic.

What Did I NOT Like?

Although the book was a pleasure to read, I wish there was more discussion related to personal finance. For a book that’s an introduction to “the real world,” I was a bit disappointed that it glossed over such an important subject. In less than 10 pages, the author quickly addressed budgeting and post college debt. Granted, these are the two most common personal finance topics that affect recent college graduates, I was still expecting a little more detail. Then again, most young people lose interest when it comes to matters of saving and growing money, so the length was probably just enough for the intended target audience.

Fabulous Financial Rating

4 out of 5 - Fabulous

Would I recommend it? Yes, this book is a valuable resource for all young adults entering the real world. After earning a college degree, we all thought we knew it all, but boy were we wrong. Embracing the Real World is that book I wish some had given me for a graduation present. It sure would have saved me from a lot of frustration. Although I’m nearly 10 years into my career, I still picked up a few pointers to make life more bearable.

If you’re interested, read more about the author or buy the book.

Next Sunday, I’ll publish my review of Moving Up to Millions by Kathleen Connell.

Ed. Note: This article contains affiliate links.

Although this is a personal finance blog, I am also a mother with a teenage daughter — and teenage issues. I don’t usually discuss those issues online unless they are finance related, but body image and self esteem (or lack thereof) can significantly impact a person’s career and financial decisions. So for multiple reasons, I allowed my BabyGirl to accept the following book and this is her review.

Body Drama: Real Girls, Real Bodies, Real Issues, Real Answers
– by Nancy Amanda ReddThis book is filled with valuable information that answers common questions many teenage girls have about their bodies. The pictures show REAL girls with NORMAL bodies and they help you accept things you thought were weird about yourself. You’ll find tips for healthy skin and proper hygiene, as well as helpful techniques on how to handle your self like a lady in difficult situations. It also gives you a sneak peek into the world of media and models where you learn how technology is used to make a woman look “flawless” and so called “beautiful.”

Before I began reading the book, I was drawn by the cover because it has pictures of different size women that look normal and it made me curious to know what the author had to say about body image. I assumed it would be full of baby talk and sugar coated details, but I was wrong. To my surprise, the author states the real facts and makes you face the reality that media tries to shelter from the world. The author even shares pictures of herself when she didn’t look so hot. Although she’s very beautiful and accomplished, after reading this book, it’s obvious that she’s been through it all. She knows first hand what it’s like to have Body Drama.

Over all, the book is a great confidence booster. My mother raises me to have self-love and respect, but even I need to be reminded that my Body Drama is normal. Some teenage girls don’t love themselves and many don’t have mothers to remind them of how beautiful they are, so I would definitely recommend this book. I already plan to share it with my friends.

Fabulous Financial Rating

4.5 out of 5 - FABULOUS!!

Would I recommend it? Absolutely! Anyone who has a teenage daughter, granddaughter, niece, cousin, or friend should get this book. [-- Single Ma]

More information about the author:

She’s a former Miss Virginia, winner of the 2004 Miss America swimsuit competition, and a Harvard graduate. Read more about her LIFE feature in USA Today.

She was nominated for a 2008 NAACP Image Award, best in Literary Work for Youth/Teens.

She was recently featured on ABC Good Morning America. Read the article and check out the video to find out what a panel of teenagers had to say about Body Drama.

If you want to know more, read about the author on her site. And of course, purchase the book!

Next Sunday, I’ll publish my review on Embracing the Real World.

Getting Started: The Financial Guide for a Younger Generation
– by Brian T. JonesThis book is 10 chapters of standard financial guidance written specifically for the 20-something crowd. In less than 200 pages, it covers cash flow and debt management, marriage and children, buying a home, insurance coverage, retirement and estate planning, and wrap up with divorce and inheritance.

Like most personal finance books, it includes worksheets to use for your personal situation. But unlike most personal finance books, it also provides case studies of real life people who have made decisions (good or bad) that you can learn from.

What Did I Like?

I get a kick out of peeking into other people’s finances, so I really enjoyed the case studies. Assuming the case studies were true stories, they reinforced the intended message in each chapter. Even though the families weren’t perfect, their decisions often showed you what NOT to do.

I also enjoyed the author’s tone and his attempt to connect with his readers. For example, he wants the younger generation to think of retirement as two 6-month vacations. Jones states, “Imagine sleeping until 10am, then eating a big bowl of Lucky Charms before heading to the golf course”. For young adults who think retirement planning is for old people, that’s an interesting way to paint a picture. Then Jones provides 4 rules to prepare for retirement that’s 20-30 years away:

Rule #1: Max out contributions
Rule #2: Invest for the long haul
Rule #3: Rollover retirement plans when changing employers
Rule #4: Don’t compare yourself to others

Solid advice. I can dig it.

What Did I NOT Like?

Obviously, I didn’t fit the intended target audience, so I tried to keep that in mind while reading - it didn’t work. I was immediately turned off. The very first chapter feeds into the notion that financial responsibility means depriving yourself of things you want. You’re given “Six Keys to Positive Cash Flow”such as: control your lifestyle, clip coupons, don’t buy xyz, don’t eat out, set limits on your vacations, etc, etc. I was thinking to myself “well dang, if that’s the FIRST thing you’re going to hit me with, then what CAN I do!?”

I think the “deprivation” mentality is what drives a person to incur debt. If you’re forced to live a life pinching pennies and clipping coupons, eventually you will reach a threshold and feel compelled to spend - A LOT. In my opinion, the FIRST key to positive cash flow is MAXIMIZING INCOME. I mean, isn’t that why young adults compete for entrance into those hifalutin schools and graduate with tens of thousands in student loan debt? If you’re going to get what is presumed to be a top notch education, then use it to earn a top notch salary and create multiple streams of income. Hmm…what a novel idea!

But who am I to say? I’m no financial expert. I don’t even work in the financial industry. I’m only an early 30s single mom with an MBA from an average school, debt free with a six figure salary and a six figure net worth, a home owner who contributes the max to her retirement accounts, shops too much, hates clipping coupons, dine out often, and planning a trip to Paris this summer. *shrug*

The following chapters came across as more of the same old run of the mill advice, so I put the book down and forgot all about it. That is, until I received a gentle email reminder that I promised to write a book review. Oops! So I forced myself to read the remainder of the book. Unfortunately, my opinion didn’t change.

Also, maybe it’s just me, but the book doesn’t “look” very appealing either. I found it odd that the target audience is Gen X and Y because it doesn’t ring “young” in my opinion. As I read each chapter, it made me think of an old, worn out copy of the Wall Street Journal. I know, I know…you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but all writers know this a risk. Whoever designed the illustrations dropped the ball. Even a book should make a first impression.

Fabulous Financial Rating

2 out of 5, not quite fab. Standard financial information, interesting delivery, but lacks substance. Like a jack of all trades but master of none, “Getting Started” tried to pack in too many topics but failed to hit the mark on any of them.

Would I recommend it? No. If you’re still interested, read about the author or purchase the book. Better yet, check it out from the library.

Next Sunday, I’ll discuss Body Drama - book review written by BabyGirl.