Financial freedom

​In my last article, Financial stability, I mentioned taking control of my debt.

I would have never been financially stable without learning how to manage my budget from StepUp Ministry’s Life Skills Program.

My current credit score is above 600. I’m so close to meeting my goal!

I was invited to Dow Janes’ webinar on how to multiply your income. 

They made it pretty clear that their information is copyright protected. I’m going to only share their website URL address: How to Master Your Money!

Britt Baker, the founder of Dow Janes mentioned that her father taught her about compound investments when she was 7 years old. 

I remember teaching my child how to budget her money since she was 4 years old. Unfortunately, her childhood investments were depleted due to my marital abusive relationship. I could have stopped it and said, “No,” but my death would not have helped my child’s chances of survival. 

Even though the divorce was devastating, I managed to find help from several people in my life to help me get through the loss. 

Based on Britt’s presentation, I’m on the right track to financial freedom. I asked my current husband how he would feel if I was able to gain a passive income. 

The natural response was happiness. For me, it would mean I could finally help others I care about. I don’t have to feel guilty of being indifferent or apathetic towards another human being. 

There are plenty of scammers out there. Honestly, the first time I genuinely gave an orphan money to buy food, I felt a sense of purpose. It didn’t matter to me if he was swindling me for a $5 bag of candy. I bought the bag of candy because he was hungry. 

The second time I met him, he was with a friend. I offered to buy them food. The food vendor said that I was very stupid for doing so. A man at the table overheard the food vendor mocking me. The man suggested that I give him money too. I told the man that he was old enough to find a job. If I didn’t know any better, I believe he was the orphan’s master. I just couldn’t prove it was the case.

Needless to say, I protected the orphan boys from being bullied by the man. When the man left, the food vendor was ashamed and apologized to me for being cynical towards me. She had never seen anyone stand up to a creepy man before. I told her that I was a Christian. God has always protected me from harm. If we don’t stand up for feeding or supporting starving children, no one will. 

I have since deconstructed and redefined my faith. I consider myself a Nazarene. It wasn’t a coincidence that I was invited to Dow Janes’ free webinar. I believe there was a purpose for me to learn how to be financially independent. 

Even though I don’t have the financial means to attend Britt’s class event, “The Million Dollar Year,” I know enough to continue building my financial portfolio where I am financially at currently. 

It’s in line with StepUp Ministry’s financial goals:

  • Setup a budget for each goal
    • Vacation 
    • Emergency 
    • Personal Savings
  • Pay off the rolling debt diligently 
    • Pay the minimum amount plus the interest in advance 
  • Research which assets are worth investing 
    • High-Yield Savings Accounts & CDs: Ideal for low-risk, short-term liquidity (1-5 year goals).
    • Use IRA or 401k to utilize Tax-Advantaged Accounts
  • Find a financial advisor 

  • Shop around for a financial institution that allows you to minimize costs and maximize convenience. 
    • The best checking accounts help you avoid unnecessary costs such as, maintenance fees, overdraft and NSF fees, wire transfers — foreign and domestic,⊼ paper statements.
  • Only consider purchases worthy of celebration 
    • Going out to eat for celebrating birthdays or anniversaries 
    • Treat yourself after an accomplishment or promotion 
  • Prioritize needs versus wants 
    • Pay bills in advance 
    • Buy what’s on the grocery or shopping list 
    • Request for a payment plan, especially when your employer changes payroll period 

Britt and her partner, Laurie-Anne King, mentioned a financial system that works for you. In their class, “The Million Dollar Year,” they will teach you the tools and resources to use to achieve the financial freedom you want for your future.

I believe that what they’re offering is a good investment. I just don’t have the funds right now to attend the class. 

If you’re able to do so, I highly recommend it. 

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