Dollar$ & $en$e – Entering Week #5: Status Update

Well, I must say I’m shocking myself.  It dawned on me that I am closer to completing step 1 (having a $1000 in an emergency fund) than I thought.  Initially I said that I would save $10.00/day starting with November 1 until the end of the course and still doing just that.  But when I looked at my accounts in the credit union, to my surprise, I’m almost at the goal of a $1000 dollars…. YES!!!  Also, because I am in the waiting stage on the settlement date, I’ve been careful to watch how I spent the mullah, so the checking account is looking pretty good.  I believe that a good foundation is being created and I’m excited about that.  There are still several goals that I have in mind and the only way they will come to pass is that I make sure these are goals line up with God’s work and if so, that I write them down so I can be accountable.

1.        Pay off the Navy Federal Card… So far I owe about $6000 and I actually see the light at the end.  The issue is should I pay this first or second.  This leads to #2.

2.       Pay off the Acura… I owe roughly about $6,000 and I could see myself aggressively paying this off by June 2011.  The catch to that is I would have to double up on a few payments and with the budget in place, I gotta be mindful of the necessities.  However, if I did pay it off, that’s $500.00 that can be diverted to the credit card or a portion to the card and a portion to the savings.

3.       Change over to Boost Mobile… Self explanatory… NO ANNUAL CONTRACTS… UNLIMITED TEXT & TALK… ALL FOR $50.00 A MONTH… I sound like the commercial…. But I like that… but this will happen in a phase over time.

4.       Decide if I should allow the job to pay the student loans or make the effort to do myself.  Sigh… now it would seem like this should be an easy answer, but the sacrifice is, “do I allow them to pay off the loan, at the sake of staying here for additional years?”  Hmmmm…

5.       And finally… pay off the house.  Well, first… I guess I need to move into it lol!!!  But most would argue that the house is your way not to owe in taxes, but at the same token…there’s a lot you can do when you don’t have a mortgage. 

There was a question that discussed on last night.  “What would if feel like to be completely debt free?”  The last time I was debt free was when I 18 years old.  I was crossing the stage at I.C. Norcom High School.  I think 11 years is long enough to be slave to the lender and not have the knowledge to come out.  What’s funny is that like most kids, I didn’t understand what it meant to be debt free.  I was kid.  Now, when I look back, I realize I had it made…. But I will again lol…  I think there are a mess of feelings that come to mind when I think of the day I will be debt free.  Notice I said, “WHEN” because it’s going to happen.  And because of that, I take a page out of Brother Marvin Sapp’s book… PRAISE HIM ADVANCE!

THOUGHT:  I think the ultimate goal that any of us can set is to make a better effort to serve God.  There are so many goals that we all have.  School, marriage, family, financial freedom, ministry… and so on and so on… But with all these length and lofty goals… make sure that the ultimate goal you have in mind, spirit, and heart… to live for God… then and only then can you live like no one else…   Keep pressing forward all and know that I am praying and praising God for your deliverance, healing, and your freedom… most of all your continuous growing relationship with God.

Day 30 down… 61 days to go… and a lifetime of prosperity in God

Lil’ Son Chronicles ~ Thanks “Giving”

This morning I read an article on how 29 lives are now gone.  A mine blast occurred in New Zealand, trapping the 29 miners.  A second blast within the mine has more than likely erased hopes of rescuing them.  I read another article on the growing danger of cholera spreading in Haiti.  And of course, there is the situation in Korea.  So much is going on…

Living in America, I am realizing we are truly spoiled jackasses and we take so much for granted.  We have the high 5 and 6 figure jobs… the big houses and cars… we have the capacity to be “grown & sexy”.  Yet, when I hear about the peril throughout the world, I become concerned.  Have we as Americans; that up in the air to the point we don’t stop and be grateful.  As children of God, do we not take the time to simply say Thank You God and mean it?

On last night, a display of this good heart gesture was shown through my Fraternity.  The Fort Washington (MD) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated decided to do our part and give back to the community.  It did my heart joy to see the smiles on the families’ face that someone thought about them.  As men of Kappa, we are Achievers in every right.  But more so we, Men of Kappa, know that our blessings and who we are is due to God. 

Take it a step further though.  As children of God in general… what are we doing to give back?  We have so much to be thankful for… and we celebrate that on Thanksgiving Day, but shouldn’t that be everyday?  And yes, any of us can lift our hands and open our mouths in thanks to God, but can’t we also show our appreciation by giving back?  By praying… making a sacrifice for others in need… depositing God-filled guidance into the children or others?

THOUGHT:  This thanksgiving season should not be a season, but a daily part of who we are.  Think about it… the simple/small things we have… many in this world don’t have.  The gifts, talents, the very knowledge God gives us and can be shared with so many.  Guess that’s why I like to write.  As we sit down with family, friends, and loved ones… take the time to reflect over your life.  When you were down, thought you would lose it all… the death of that love one seem too much… when you got that promotion… when that lady came into your life fellas (J)… when that man came into your life ladies… Think on the intangible that God gives us… and give Him thanks… but you can also give Him thanks, by serving others.

Happy Thanksgiving and Be blessed All…

Love of Christ…

Vince

Dollar$ & $en$e –Wait, V… Domesticatedededed … Oh Lawd!!!

(Yes, I meant to spell it like that lol)

At the age of 29…. Can it be? Is it possible? Is Vincent Augustus Davis Junior becoming….dare I say it…. Domesticatedededed? Oh God, now I really feel like my parents LOL!  Well that ain’t such a bad thing… I mean I get such good looks from Vinnie Sr and Rosie!  Thank ya Lawd for GOOD GENETICS!!! AND IF YOU GOT GUD GENETICS, YOU BETTA PRAISE HIM!!!! *Ahem*, my bad…lol.

Ight enough of that lol (I know y’all just pray lol).  But I’m excited, because I actually set my budget with assistance from one of my friends and of course with God leading.  To much surprise, I actually had money left over.  Well not really.  The money left over will go to my emergency fund and credit card.  But it’s really a good feeling because now I can see where the money is going.  Also, there are funds that are allocated to pay my tithes which I’m thankful for and also for entertainment which is pretty cool.  But with this comes a few thoughts:

#1.  Not every month’s budget will be the same; therefore, I must set the budget every month.  Sounds like a lot of work, but at least the mindset gets yet another chance to make a change… yes, I am ridding myself of my weekly/daily caramel mocha with whip cream and caramel drizzle (GLORY!!!!!) *ahem*, my bad lost track for a second lol. 

#2.  I’ve decided that it’s time to take some authority over the career.  Therefore, I’ll be looking into some training at the office, as well as graduate studies in Statistics… yeah; I’m a nerd and whut??? To let my nieces tell it, Veeg got swag… ummmm I guess… but naw, its time.  All apart of some goals in 2011 starting now.

#3.  Most important… that the lessons that I am learning will be a benefit for others; like my nieces… godsons… and people in general… This information that I am learning in Financial Peace is such a blessing.  Amazing how I am in this class now; right when I’m about to embark on homeownership… God, You truly amaze me how You orchestrate everything…

THOUGHT:  This life is interesting.  You ever stopped and thought about how God just connects the pieces?  A huge jig saw puzzle… or a statistics problem… or a computer program that needs to be solve.  And yet when we doubt how it will come together… God has already worked it out… Instead of worrying… we must believe God and be obedient unto Him.  As it was taught in the Living Purpose Entries… “Don’t focus on the circumstances… focus on the Truth.  Jesus Christ is Truth…”  Don’t believe me… live long enough and go through a trial… I guarantee you; you will experience the Truth…

Dollar$ & $en$e – Reality… Check, Please…

Inspiration: April 2011… Growing Up… Financial Peace University

Finally, I have the time to write again.  Last week I was away from the office on training.  The training was New Employee Orientation.  Initially I assumed that this course would be boring, but in actuality, it has cause me to think of the next step in my life as it involves my career, my personal life… my relationship with God.

I work for an agency that supports its employees in an educational and professional environment.  The concern is that with that support comes the sacrifice of the huge check that I could get by going to another agency.  Working in the Federal Government is a game sometimes.  Either you find the right person so that you can kiss their butt to move up, or you keep it real with whom you are and get push off to the side… or you take the bull by the horns and plant out your path.  Of course then there’s the other option… to seek God and be obedient unto Him. 

I spoke with a couple friends of mines.  One feels that I could hold myself back by staying with this agency.  The other feels that I should weigh all options, be prepared and seek God on His direction.  I guess I’m concerned because the reality of homeownership is sinking in more and to comfortably handle this new pending expense, I must be willing to make some sacrifices, and make a few decisions that… well, won’t be popular… of course always weigh my options on this agency or another one. 

On top of the orientation, I also am looking at my cash flow plan… and the cash flow is plentiful until that mortgage hits lol.  But it’s good that I am looking at this.

1.        Knowing what I am working with. 

a.       Knowing that I get paid a certain amount a month let’s me know what I am working with.  My goal is to set up an account, once I close on the house, for mortgage, HOA, and utilities.  I believe I would like to have a buffer in this account, starting off with 500.00 and slowly work my way up to $1000 this time in 2011.  Now, that may seem really small, but I think if I start small then I can work my up slowly.

2.       I see areas when I can cut back.

a.       As I was working on my cash flow plan, I noticed there are some areas that I can cut back on or eliminate all together.  The goal here is to examine my checking account.  See where money is being spent on trivial things and redirect that money to important things such as charitable giving, emergency fund, and bills.

3.       Verizon wireless either will have to go or one person will have to come off.

a.       This has been more than just financial issue, but a heart issue.  I love my family… really I do.  And like most, want to be there for them.  And I thank God for that opportunity and thank Him for the opportunity to come again.  However, soon I won’t be in position to pay a $300.00 cell phone bill.  Therefore, I am going to have to weigh the cost; to end my account with Verizon wireless all together and go with some carrier inexpensive like Boost mobile or keep Verizon and get rid of one of the lines.  A part of me does feel bad; yet the book I am reading for financial peace asked the question, “Are you helping or enabling? If you are enabling, then you are hindering yourself and any other party that is connected.” 

4.       Really examine my budget monthly.

a.       This will not be an easy task, but I’m going to have to examine this budget monthly to make sure I stay to it.  Plan it out for each month and take it from there.  Sort of accountability self check.

Lastly, I realize that the first year will be challenging.  But also 2011 will be a year that I can definitely see a couple goals accomplished.  I believe that by the end of 2011, I will own my car officially lol… and that I will be credit card debt free… and my emergency fund will be in full effect.  But none of that will happen if I don’t do the following:

·         Seek God…

·         Be obedient to God...

·         Be proactive…

I believe that with a plan now, with God leading and me being obedient… I will make it.

Father God:

Thank You.  I am realizing now that as I embrace 30 years of life in April 2011, that You are challenging me to mature in my financial stability, but more so in spiritual stability.  Lord, I can not obtain any goals, if I don’t first give You my all.  I must increase my time with You God, through Your Word, prayer, and obedience unto You.  If I hold on, I know You will be there… but I must do my part in relationship with You as well.  I thank You God for the strength that You will supply me as I embark on this journey.  I know as long as You leading me, I must follow You in order to retain, Love, Joy, and Peace… Father God, for a moment I must be selfless and ask that You be with Your Children.  You know all of what we stand in need of.  You know our potential.  Help us to see what You see, so that we can be effective in this walk with You.

In Jesus Name… Amen

Day #22 down, 69 days to go and a lifetime of prosperity in God.

Dollar$ & $en$e – The Real Things: The Battle of the Tangibles

Inspiration:  Faith Evans – Real Things…

Okay so as of lately, I’ve been stuck on the new album from Faith Evans.   A solid artist indeed…  As I was listening, there’s a song that kind of reminds me of some of the things we discussed in last class…  The Real Things…

Many of us feel that if we are wealthy then we can be happy… And yes I agree with that.  But (cause you know there’s a but), what makes you wealthy?  Is your wealth defined by your bank account?  The zip code you live in?  The name brand clothing you wear?  Is it the Moet?  All of this and more is tangible… 

Tangible - an asset capable of being appraised at an actual or approximate value

It is amazing that we value our wealth; rather, who we are on an asset capable of being appraised at an actual or approximate value.  We choose to limit ourselves when we base our wealth on worldly stuff.  Why is that?  How come we don’t value who we are based on the intangible?

Intangible - an abstract quality or attribute (as loyalty or creativity).

There’s so much more to the individual then what he/she can buy.  God has blessed you with the income, but are you good steward?  You have the house, but do you have a warm God filled spirit?  Fellas, you can flash some cash at a female, but are you compassionate to her hidden pains.  Ladies, you probably gotta phatty and a lil waist, but do you possess the class of Queen Esther? 

THOUGHT:  We are quick to say that our riches reside in the Lord, but we cry wolf when we are broke in the natural.  We drown in complaints, when we should swim in His Blessings.  Maybe you are broke spiritually.  And if that’s the case… you might want to take an assessment of your assets.  God has blessed us tremendously with stuff, but He also blessed with security, serenity, stability… Ask yourself, what do you consider “The Real Things”? 

Let Faith tell ya bout it… (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKhCoHkXM2E )

Day #15 down, 76 days to go and a lifetime of prosperity in God...

Lil’ Son Chronicles ~ Gone Already…

Inspiration:  The inspiration for this entry comes from those that suggested some ideas on things to write about.  As well as a past relationship that I let go of and a friendship that I wonder if it’s worth holding onto.

Faith Evans, once again, comes out with a song that has me thinking.  Gone already… (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8N7zy8GUgs )

We all have been there.  Fellas dealing with that special lady… Ladies… feel they have found Mr. Right… Others are struggling with a parent that wasn’t there… And I think we all have a friend that “means” well, but is simply “mean”.  Well here’s my way of summing it all up…

Funny, people can be in the room…

Yet, people are hurting, lonely… full of gloom…

It should be easy to lean on one another…

Yet, sometimes his/her/their sight despairs the other…

Shame… shame… shame…

Another argument… now who’s the blame…

You are happy that once again your words bring fame…

That you are right; point proven…

Yet you don’t see… you make a spirit broken…

Or do you know and it makes you somebody…

Hmmm… what about His Love… Christ’s body…

Remember, that body we are to be on accord one with…

Yet our words, like the devil, just sift…

When do we see the error of our choices…

When do obey God and silence our voices…

Fall on our knees to thank and pray…

That we can lift one another up day by day…

But we stay in this cycle of strife that is steady…

Maybe from the beginning… we were gone already…

Maybe… it’s time to spread the wings and fly…

Maybe it is time to say goodbye.

THOUGHT:  Sometimes if you love somebody, the best thing you can do is let them go.  You could be a hindrance to them from hearing clearly from God.  In turn they could be holding you back from hearing from God as well.  Everything has a season and well… sometimes, it hurts when you have to end a season of friendships or relationships… or distance yourself from loved ones… but know that God is in control.  Who knows… your paths may cross again. 

Father God:

Thank You.  I think each of us have been at this junction in our lives when we had to cut off loved ones, friends, and so forth.  But, I thank You for giving me the strength to do that when needed.  Lord, I feel that some will once again have to do that.  Lord if that is the case, first I ask that You clearly speak on this matter and if it is so, give the necessary strength to follow through and be obedient to you.  Lord, as humans we want to please everyone, but as Your Children… we are commission live for You…  Father God, have Your Way…

In Jesus Christ,

Amen

Dollar$ & $en$e – Being Single with Singles…

Well, I made through class #2.  So far… all is good.  The most exciting thing from class #2 were the testimonies that others were starting their emergency funds and excited about actually saving money.  Praise God!!!  Today, I was thinking… how should I?  And then it hit me.  

In this 13-week course, we will cover 91 days which get us on the right track to ending debt and building wealth… and so, since we have 91 days, I’ve decided for each day, I will set aside $10.00 to a special account.  When I think of it, I can easily spend 10 bucks on coffee, food at work and so forth.  It would always bother me that I would look at my checking account and wonder, where that extra $200 go?  Well, prayfully by the end of class, I will be at a little over 900 dollars into my emergency fund…  

Which means the following will NOT be allow:

1.       Caramel Mochas… (I won’t go into details… sigh)
2.       My usual doughnut with the caramel mocha (NOT FAIR!!!!!!)
3.       The happy hours with my friends (well at least for a while, until I get the priorities straight)
4.       Eating out (WAIT… NO FAMOUS DAVES… NO MORE OF THE SWEET POTATOES WITH CINNAMON from Longhorn… NO LASANGA FROM BUCA’s... Lord, I guess this begins one of the fruits of the spirit… LONGsuffering LOL!!!)
5.       Shopping (not a major issue until the holidays)

Yes, I am foregoing my wants for an investment people… you should try it too… I dare you… go for 7 days without eating out… or a month without shopping… or try going 30 days with saving $5/day.  Think of the goals you will achieve… 

Nonetheless, class #2 dealt with “Relating With Money”.  It touched on money in the marriage and money and kids.  However, there’s one subject that relates to me… Singles & Money… The book shares 3 points and a fourth point, I’ll speak on in another entry…

·         Time poverty and fatigue can lead to poor money management. Okay that stings, but very true.  This is a rule of thumb that could be applied across the board, definitely with money.  How many opportunities did I miss before to better my credit simply because I would pay the bills?  I can recall in 2003 when I had two credit cards with CITIBANK( OF WHOM I WILL NEVER DO BUSINESS WITH AGAIN!) with a combine credit debt of $3000.  Doesn’t seem like a lot, but tell that to a 22 year old fresh out of college with no driver’s license, and oh yeah,  a student loan.  But because I didn’t make a better effort then to pay the credit cards, they got sent to collections and it was big ole’ mess.  But thankfully almost 8 years later, I’ve learned… PAY YO BILLS ON TIME FOO!

·         Beware of impulse buying, which can be brought on by stress or even by the “I owe it to myself” syndrome.  How many of us have been here?  Just gotta have it.  Especially if the emotions are all over the place.  Knowing that later on, you will regret it.  Here’s a thought… I have a job that at times can be a bit stressful… so instead of going to the mall or out to eat… I decided to spend my money on a fairly inexpensive gym membership.  And so, I manage my stress via the gym, which helps to keep the excessive spending down some.  Granted I still gotta few lessons to learn, but with God leading… I’m going to make it.

·         A written plan gives the single person empowerment, self-accountability, and control.  And this is why I will make it… a written plan.  Granted this is so hard to do, because basically you have to be honest and real with yourself.  For a good part of my finances, I know when something is worth buying and something is not.  Yet those rules will go out the window.  But if I commit to a pen and paper… or in this case… Microsoft Word and save… then I just might think twice, because I decide on that White Chocolate Peppermint Mocha… (OK, SO MAYBE I SHOULD GET SOME STOCK IN STARBUCKS… MAYBE I NEED AN INTERVENTION… LOL.)  

And they say being single is easy… Hmmmm… well… lol.  Seriously, I don’t envy the married folks.  A beautiful institution, and for some reason… I have a feeling that the Lord will be pulling me on this in time.  But being single can be a challenge that isn’t always recognized.  I mean it’s me and I get to control how my money is managed… not a bad jig.. But even with the single life… still lies responsibilities that will lead into a marriage.  So those responsibilities might as well be healthy and God fearing…

THOUGHT:  “Accountability and support are the ladders that lift us up from life’s pits.” – Financial Peace University (Workbook).  To all my single people, let’s challenge ourselves to watch our pennies a bit more.  Take a challenge with me… be it’s give up Starbucks for a week… or bringing in your lunch, or using cash to make purchases versus the credit card.  Know that in every challenge you face… you can conquer… Just trust in Him…

Day #9 down… 82 days to go and a lifetime of prosperity in God…