FINANCIAL DEPRESSION CONFESSION: Why My Money Woes Were The End of The World!

Have you (or someone you know) ever thought that your money or credit woes were the end of the world? I have.

 

Many of my private clients dealing with money or credit woes were also dealing with major depression as a result of their financial situation. Whether their challenging financial situation was due to a job loss, excessive debt, unexpected financial expense, or lack of money management skills and knowledge; the emotional stress caused significant mental and physical illnesses like high blood pressure, anxiety attacks, etc. 

I can absolutely relate. So, I am sharing my Financial Depression Confession of how my money woes made me feel like it was the end of the world and what I did to help myself get better. My hope is that my transparency with this experience will help someone get through their extremely sensitive and painful period of financial depression. 
  

IT WAS THE END OF THE WORLD!
  
I dealt with major depression. I didn’t want to get out of bed, wasn’t motivated to clean my house, didn’t want to talk or see anyone, and I cried … A LOT! I suffered from insomnia and exhaustion. I over ate and didn’t exercise, so of course I gained lots of weight, which killed my self-esteem. This vicious cycle made me feel like it was the end of the world! I even contemplated suicide, but honestly … I couldn’t even “financially” afford to kill myself. Wait! Before you judge … depression is a severe psychological illness and if not treated, it can cause the sanest person to consider or do insane things.

  
WHAT I DID: I got help! I went to clinical counselor to talk about my feelings. I know what you maybe thinking, but talking out some major emotional insecurities and feelings with a qualified third party helped me to deal with those emotions. It also gave me an unbiased support system. I was reminded that my emotions were normal, which helped me to realize that what I was going through was NOT the end of the world. By purging my private pain, I was able to free my mind to think more logically.

  
NO ONE UNDERSTANDS!

  
I didn't believe that anyone would understand what I was going through. I’m Madam Money! How could anyone understand how or why I was dealing with Money Woes? I didn't think that anyone would understand, so I isolated myself. It was a very lonely place to not have anyone I could trust to share that I was dealing with my deepest and darkest fears of about money.
  
WHAT I DID: Once I realized that this "lie" I was telling myself was bred from my PRIDE. I was too proud to ask for help. So, I had to humble myself and ask my a core circle of family and friends for help. I established specific roles for each of them to help me. For example, I had friends that helped me and held me accountable for eating better and exercising, friends that made me get out of the house to avoid isolation, and a family member that helped me financially when I absolutely needed. Asking for help was the hardest thing for me to do, but it was the best thing I could have ever done. And guess what, they understood because they experienced what I was going through.

I WAS EMOTIONALLY PARALYZED

  
Emotionally and mentally, I was paralyzed. I just couldn't move past what I was going through. Yes, I prayed and did my best to trust that God would get me through it, but I just couldn't do what was necessary to allow God to move. “Faith without Works is dead!” I knew that Bible verse and said it to myself every day. But … I felt helpless and hopeless which kept me paralyzed.
  
WHAT I DID: I changed my MIND! I realized that the eyes may be the strongest muscles in the body, but the Mind (brain) is the hardest muscle to change. So, I worked at it everyday. I changed what I watched, read and listened to. I became extremely protective about what I allowed to enter my mind because Thoughts turn into Words, Words turn into more Thoughts and those Thoughts turn into Actions or Non-Actions. What we visualize will actualize (positive or negative) so I only allowed positive and actionable thoughts, through affirmations, songs, books, etc.

  
OPERATION: FINANCIAL SELF-SABOTAGE

  
I medicated my pain through spending money on eating out every day, drinking and shopping. Oh yes I did! Dealing with the pain was too painful. So I tried to numb the pain by doing the opposite of was I know to do. Knowing what to do and how to do it but doing the opposite is “self-sabotage.” I become my own worst enemy. I became my most challenging client.

WHAT I DID: I got help from another financial coach. Yup! Coaches need coaching too. Even though I didn’t need my coach to tell me what to do; I needed my coach to hold me accountable to do what I know I’m supposed to do. My coach guided me through the process as a support system to stop my financial hemorrhaging caused by my financial self-sabotage. 

  
SELF DOUBT DESTROYED ME!

Everything I did to try to improve my situation, just didn't work. The more my attempts failed the more I doubted myself and my ability to fix my situation. How do you destroy the most confident person in the world … DOUBT! Doubt is the direct result of Fear, which is “False Evidence Appearing Real.” Bottom line … I was afraid to fail and because my attempts weren't working, this failure made me doubt everything.

  
WHAT I DID: Believe it or not … I connected with others! By connecting and networking with other people and professionals, I had intellectually stimulating conversations. Those conversations helped me build new relationships and networks. Those new relationships and networks valued my connection because of my personality, expertise or passion. This built up my confidence. Not only that, I connected with people who experienced my challenges, or knew someone who could assist me with my some of my challenges. This built up my confidence and reduced my doubt. 

 I’m not saying that everything that I did to help me will help you. But I am saying that there is HOPE and HELP for anything that you may be going through. 
  
Whatever you are going through, even though it may feel like it … it is NOT the end of the world.  It is the beginning of a new opportunity to make you stronger than ever to improve your current financial situation. 

  
I look forward to being a resource to help you through my pain, passion and purpose.

Making Money Matters Manageable,

Tarra Jackson

Madam Money's Q & A: Will Rent Reference Help Mortgage Application

Have you (or someone you know) ever wondered if a reference letter from a landlord would help with showing payment history for a mortgage application? 

Great Question!  Here the answer ... 



Do you have a personal finance or credit questions?  

Ask me and get answers! 

Just email your question to Tarra@TarraJackson.com. 

Making Money Matters Manageable, 

Tarra Jackson

Madam Money's Q & A: Is Race Considered in the Credit Score?

Have you (or someone you know) ever wondered if a person's race for financial situation affects or is considered in the calculation of their Credit Score?

Great Question!  Here the answer ...

Do you have a personal finance or credit questions?  Ask me and get answers!

Just email your question to Tarra@TarraJackson.com.

Making Money Matters Manageable,

Tarra Jackson

5 Quick Tips to Divorce Finances Through A Divorce

Do you (or someone you know) know someone who is going through a divorce that needs a few financial preservation tips?  I do!

Even though I have never had the unfortunate experience of a divorce, I have helped several of my clients through the financial transition from joint to individual finances.  When couples go through a divorce, they are not only divorcing each other; they are also divorcing their finances as well.  Financial Divorce can be just as, if not more, emotionally draining and frustrating.  Depending on how amicable the separation is, may determine the ease or complexity of the separation of finances.

Regardless of where a person is in the separation, here are 5 quick tips about How to Divorce Finances through a Divorce.

  

Get Organized!

Gather as many financial documents as possible. Financial statements and documents will be requested and may be required during the separation process.  Here is a Divorce Financial Checklist of documents that may need to be gathered. Consult with a divorce attorney for all of the documents that will be asked for and required to remit to the court.

  

Separate Bank Accounts

Make sure to open separate individual savings and checking accounts.  Don’t just open an account in desperation … rather; make sure to open up an account at a financial institution that is conducive to the financial needs and usage. Open an account with great customer service because they may be needed for assistance through the financial transition.  Avoid accounts or financial institutions with excessive fees.

  

Update Direct Deposit

Don’t forget to update direct deposit or payroll deductions through the employer from the joint account to the new individual bank account(s) established.  If the joint account is responsible for paying bills that may affect the credit reports, continue to make deposits just enough to pay those bills OR stop the bill payment or payroll deduction from that joint account and set it up in the individual account to maintain a positive credit history.

  

Do a “Clean Break” with Loans

Having joint debt is like having a child together.  Regardless of the status of the relationship, both borrowers are equally responsible to pay the debt until it is paid in full despite what the judge or divorce decree says.  So, first things first … get copies of all three credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union from www.annualcreditreport.com.  The best way to preserve credit history during a divorce is to do a “Clean Break.” Identify all credit accounts, and then try to negotiate who will take on what debt. Once that is agreed upon, each should try to get an individual loan to pay of the joint loan.  If either person does not qualify for an individual loan to do a “Clean Break,” try to agree that the other person will make timely payments on the joint loan. This is important because if the one person pays late or not at all, it will negatively affect the other person’s credit and ability to obtain the credit that may be needed after the divorce.  This is especially critical with credit cards.  Make sure to block the credit card lost/stolen and request a new card number to avoid future usage from the other part.

  

Update Beneficiaries

Don’t forget to update all financial documents! Update the beneficiary on your retirement savings account, insurance policies, bank accounts, etc.  Also, don’t forget to update the W-4 once the separation is final. During the divorce, many people forget to update this important information.

  

  

The best way to get through this tough situation is to try to think of the financial side as a business matter.  However, if the separation is not amicable, it may be best to have the divorce attorneys to discuss and negotiate these and other matters.

It is also a good idea to work with a financial professional or counselor for guidance during the financial divorce. Best wishes and contact us for further assistance.

  

  

Making Money Matters Manageable,

Tarra Jackson    

Top 10 Things You Need to Know about Healthcare Reform

Are you (or someone you know) worried about how the upcoming Healthcare Reform will affect you?  I am!

 

Many people, especially entrepreneurs and those are that currently uninsured, are concerned about the upcoming Healthcare Reform. So to simplify the new requirements, Sherri Kindlmann of Inshpere Insurance Solutions gives 10 quick Tips about what you need to know about Healthcare Reform.

 

Tip 1:  Children may remain on their parent’s insurance policy up to age 26.

 

Tip 2:  2014 health plans cannot impose pre-existing condition exclusions.  

                       

Tip 3:  Annual limits on essential health benefits are prohibited.

 

Tip 4:  Premiums cannot be based on health status, claims experience, or gender.

 

Tip 5:  Insurers must accept everyone who applies for coverage during the 2014 ACA enrollment period.

 

Tip 6:  All private health insurance plans offered in the Marketplace will offer the same set of essential health benefits which include  emergency services, maternity and newborn care, mental health; prescription drugs, laboratory services, preventive and wellness services, Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices, and pediatric services.

 

Tip 7:  Individuals must have health insurance coverage in 2014 or may have to pay a penalty.

 

Tip 8:  Private health insurance can be purchased on state-based insurance exchanges administered by a governmental agency or non-profit organization.

 

Tip 9:  Open enrollment begins on the Health Insurance Marketplace in October 2013for coverage beginning January 1, 2014.  The initial open enrollment period ends in March 2014.

 

Tip 10:  Middle-income people under age 65, who are not eligible for coverage through their employer, Medicaid, or Medicare, can apply for tax credit subsidies available through state-based exchanges. 

 

For more information about the Healthcare Reform, contact your local insurance agent or go to http://www.insphereis.com/skindlmann.

_________________________________________________________ 

Contributing author, Sherri Kindlmann, is a licensed insurance agent in the state of Georgia, representing Insphere Insurance Solutions.  For questions and complimentary health insurance consultation, contact Sherri at skindlmann@InsphereIS.com or 678-226-9266. IIS001391

Characteristics of a "Financially" Virtuous Woman

Do you (or someone you know) want to be a "Financially" Virtuous Woman? I DO!

   

I've seen many articles about the characteristics of the Proverbs “Virtuous Woman.”  But, I haven't really found too many about how to be a "Financially" Virtuous Woman.  I not only strive to be a Proverbs Virtuous Woman, but I also strive to be a "Financially" Virtuous Woman as well.    

 

So, here are my interpretations of the Characteristics of a "Financially" Virtuous Woman based on Proverbs 31:10-31 (KJV). 

 

She knows her value.

“¹⁰ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.”

 

Like an authentic and priceless gem, she knows her value and doesn't settle. When a woman knows her value to an organization that she is working for, she will not settle for low pay or abusive working conditions. She knows that she is worth more and deserves better.

  

She is trusted by her spouse (or God).

“¹¹ The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. ¹² She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.”

 

She protects the financial security of her family and is fiscally responsible. She only has the best intentions and helps to reach her family's financial goals. Therefore, her spouse “safely” trusts her and in her personal financial management. If she is single, she is trusted by God.

 

She will work to provide for her household.

“¹³ She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. ¹⁴ She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. ¹⁵  She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.”

 

Whether it is going to work or getting another job, she will do whatever it takes to financially provide for her family, when and if necessary.

 

She is a homeowner or owns real estate.

“¹⁶ She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.”

 

She owns or has owned real estate as a homeowner or as an investor. This not only shows that she is financially self-sufficient, but it also shows that she is responsible with her finances and credit to be able to qualify and afford real estate.

    

She is fit.

“¹⁷ She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.”

 

She is not only physically fit with strength to handle the demands and responsibilities placed upon her; she financially fit with the strength of personal financial knowledge to handle or assist with the financial demands and responsibilities of the household.

 

She is disciplined.

“¹⁸  She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. ¹⁹ She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.”

 

Even when she doesn't feel like it or want to do it, she is disciplined enough to do what is necessary to do whatever needs to be done for the betterment of herself and her family.

She volunteers to help others.

“²⁰ She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.”

 

Whether it is at church, for a non-profit organization, or in her community; she gives her money, resources and time to help others who are less fortunate than she is. She understands that the Power of Prosperity lies in her Gift of Giving.

 

She is proactive and saves.

“²¹ She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. ²² She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.”

 

She plans for what is to come as well as prepares for what could happen. She saves for emergencies, establishes a budget, and ensures her household has what is needed at all times.

She respects her spouse.

“²³ Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.”

 

She creates a strong financial foundation with her spouse for their family.  She may not agree with her spouse all of time but she respects him and his financial decisions.  Because of her power of influence, her spouse is respected within the community. 

   

She is an entrepreneur.

“²⁴ She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.”

  

She is a business owner or has an entrepreneurial mind and spirit. She is able to create a product or service that creates an income source to provide for her family.

 

She is respectful and respected.

“²⁵ Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. ²⁶ She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.”

 

She respects others and commands respect from others. She helps to educate those around her about finances with honesty and love. This is why people appreciate her advice.                                                                      

 

She is NOT lazy.

“²⁷ She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.”

 

She understand when it is time to rest and when it is time to get up and make it happen.  She is not lazy and idle with her thinking or her ways.

  

She is loved and respected by her family.

“²⁸ Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.”

 

She is loved and adored by her children and her husband and they appreciate everything she does to protect, defend, support and take care of the family. They know that the love she has for her family is her driving force to do what she does, only the way she can do it for them.

  

She is competitive.

“²⁹ Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.”

 

She is driven to do her best. She may not be competing with others. Rather, she is usually competing against herself with a goal to be financially better off than she was a month or year before. She reads books and seeks information and assistance to improve her personal financial management skills.

She is humble & loves the Lord.

“³⁰ Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.”

 

Although she is beautiful and has nice things, she remains humble and does not boast. She also has a relationship with God and understands that all that she has is a gift from God. She tithes because she believes that "You can't beat God's Giving!"

She is a Role Model.

“³¹ Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.”

 

She is admired by others by the way she carries herself in public and at home. She doesn't take this responsibility lightly and understands her impact on her family and her community. Her financial success and freedom are her fruit she bears and shares.

   

  

How many characteristics do you possess? ;-)

  

Financially True,

Tarra Jackson
  

6 Strategies to Pay for College Without Going Broke

Are you (or someone you know) looking or ways to pay for College for you or your child without going broke? I am!!!  

   

Tameka Williamson, Your Own College Coach, shares 6 Strategies for Paying for College Without Going Broke!

    

We have watched the news and the trends of how student loan debt continues to surpass consumer debt, cost of tuition continues to rise, scholarship funding is more competitive and state incentive aid such as HOPE scholarships are no longer options that yield hope.  So, what is a parent to do?  This information is to help you think outside of the normal paradigm and look at strategies that can bring about viable college options.  We encourage you to have an open mind about your options and focus on making smart decisions not costly decisions.  It’s all about the end goal, and that is a competitive college education at the lowest cost possible.

   

The goal is to equip you with tools that will keep you from making the same mistakes many parents make. This is the only way we can change the landscape for our future generation. So, I hope you are ready to learn and take action based on what you’ve learned. Our mission is for you to obtain the maximum amount of money possible for child applies.

  

Strategy #1: Send Your Child To A Community College For His/Her First Two Years Of School. If your child works hard and gets good grades, they can usually transfer to a top private university. This way, they can get a diploma from a prestigious school for half the cost!

 

Strategy #2: Pick Colleges focused on Minimizing Student Loan Debt. The Project on Student Debt is an initiative of the Institute for College Access & Success, a nonprofit independent research and policy organization dedicated to making college more available and affordable to people of all backgrounds.  As a result, the colleges on their approved list have developed financial aid policies that limit or eliminate student loans from financial aid packages, reducing costs for students and families.

 

You also have National Association of System Heads (NASH) Access to Success Initiative project with The Education Trust. A2S works with 22 public higher education systems that have pledged to cut the college-going and graduation gaps for low-income and minority students in half by 2015. Together, these institutions serve more than 3.5 million students. They Meet 100 percent of their admitted full-time undergraduate students’ financial need for fall 2010. That means the average gaps between a school’s total cost of attendance—tuition, fees, room and board, books, travel, and other expenses—and every student’s EFC – Expected Financial Contribution was filled with some combination of aid.

 

Getting accepted into any of the schools on this list will almost guarantee your child will graduate with little to no student loan debt.  But please know that your child must be competitive and yet again, produce good grades and high test scores.

  

Strategy #3: Understand and Maximize the FAFSA Form.  By understanding the formula, you will start to see how different factors will affect your eligibility for financial aid. For example, “Should you move the assets out of your child’s name?” or “Should Mom or Dad take two courses at a local community college to qualify as a part-time student?” By knowing the formula in advance of applying, you can legally set up your personal and financial situation to maximize your eligibility for financial aid. Your bottom line goal is to minimize your EFC – this is what the government feel you can afford to contribute.

  

File Your Financial Aid Forms Accurately And On Time. Remember, financial aid is awarded on a first come, first served basis. 66% of the forms submitted have an error on it. If you submit your forms with errors or omissions, it will probably “bump” the financial aid forms, and you will have to resubmit them at a later time. If this happens, you will probably lose aid since they award money on a first come, first served basis. Most schools have different deadlines, and if you miss their deadline, you will almost definitely get less funding.

     

Strategy #4: Pick Colleges That Have The Best Histories Of Giving Good Financial Aid Packages. Many schools publish statistics on how much “need” they meet and how much FREE money and loans they give out. Know these numbers before you apply, so you don’t waste time and money applying to schools you’ll never be able to afford. If they offer loans, determine how many subsidized vs. unsubsidized loans are awarded. When loans become part of the equation, do your best to qualify for federally subsidized loans, which are interest-free and principal free until your child graduates.

  

If you still need to borrow more money, try borrowing from your 401k plan or a pension plan. Many plans will allow you to borrow up to 50% of the value of the plan or up to $50,000 interest-free. You can also think about refinancing your current mortgage (not a home equity loan) because long-term rates are typically low during these times, much lower than student loan rates and, under most circumstances, tax deductible (but consult your tax advisor, of course.)

  

Strategy #5: Don’t Be Afraid To Negotiate For A Better Financial Aid Package. Always Apply To, At Least, Two Or Three Schools That Are Rated Equally. This way, if your child gets accepted to all of them, you may be able to play one against the other when negotiating to get a better financial aid package.

 

A school’s financial aid package is NOT fixed in stone. Just because they offer you a certain package, doesn’t mean you have to accept it. If you know how to calculate your “expected family contribution” and you find out what the school’s history of giving out financial aid is, you can usually get a pretty accurate idea of what you should have received. If the school’s offer is way off – write a letter to negotiate. I have seen many cases where schools gave $2,000… $3,000… even $6,000 more than they originally offered just because the family asked. The moral is – Don’t Be Afraid To Negotiate!

  

Strategy #6: Have Your Child Enroll In Advanced Placement Classes And College Level Courses While Still In High School. Every college level course they place out of is money you won’t have to pay when they go to college. Considering college credits can cost as much as $300 each, having your child place out of these courses can save you a lot of money. This happens when AP classes are successfully completed and the subject tests passed when taken in May. By taking foundational core classes at a local college/university while in high school, will decrease the amount of classes a student take once enrolled on a full-time basis, could be covered through a high school – university collaborative and it proves to admission representatives your child is college ready.

  

There are many more strategies for you to implement. Hopefully, these 6 strategies will motivate you to get started and take action in looking at how to create a plan of action that will facilitate your child’s dream and future so they can achieve college success.

___________________________________________________________________

Tameka Williamson is a Six Sigma Blackbelt in Lean and Process Improvement that analyzes and creates systems for change.  Being a certified speaker and coach for the John Maxwell Team, Tameka developed her signature programs around the 6 WILLs that help students Get Noticed, Get Admitted, Get Funded and Get Hired so they WIN in life, bringing about positive and sustainable change.  Winning Intentionally at Leading Life (WILL) is modeled around Standing out, Reliving your dreams and Removing the limits. Having successfully overcome several life changing events and a successful corporate career of driving change for over 15 years in Fortune 100 Companies, Tameka is maximizing her experiences to equip others with the tools to either avoid the same mistakes or bounce back quicker and stronger on their journey to fulfill their purpose. For more information about Tameka Williamson, Your Own College Coach, go to www.TamekaWilliamson.com.

5 Car Buying Tips for Women

Do you (or someone you know) want to avoid paying more than you have to when buying a car? I do!

If you are in the market for a new car now or in the near future, here are 5 Car Buying Tips to help save money when shopping for your next car.

   

KNOW YOUR BUDGET

The first and most important tip is to know "How much you can afford!" Do NOT let a car dealer's finance department or bank tell you how much you can afford.  Both essentially want to ensure that you borrow as much as possible so they can make more money off of you. The more they can make you believe that you can afford, the more the car dealership will make on the car and the more loan interest income the bank will earn on your loan.

   

GET PRE-QUALIFIED

The best way to avoid unpleasant surprises; like, not qualifying for the amount wanted, needing a cosigner or getting a ridiculously high interest rate, is to get Pre-Qualified or Pre-Approved for an auto loan. Go to your bank or credit union to apply for the auto loan. Tell them the payment amount you can afford to pay so they can determine the total loan amount based on the interest rate and term you qualify for based on your credit. Remember, the Higher your Credit Score, the Lower your interest rate and the More loan amount you will qualify for.  Adversely, the Lower your Credit Score, the Higher your interest rate and the Less loan amount you may qualify for or a down payment will be required.

    

RESEARCH BEFORE YOU CAR SHOP

Now it's time to have some fun going online to search for a vehicle in your price range. Dealers with No Haggle Deals are really good because they usually sell their vehicles below NADA or KBB value.  Next go to NADA or KBB website to find out and print the Trade In and Retail Values to take when you go shopping.

    

TAKE A MAN WITH YOU

Take your husband, boyfriend, father, brother, uncle, male coworker or that dude from down the street. Even if he knows nothing about cars or negotiating, take a man with you when you go car shopping. If the sales person begins speaking directly to the man, play along and coach your escort in what to say or not say. You are in control of the transaction; he is just the figure head.  Unfortunately, women are sometimes taken advantage of during the car sales process.

     

NEGOTIATE BEFORE THE TEST DRIVE

Sometimes we absolutely lose our mind after we get intoxicated by that "New Car" smell during the test drive. My advice is to negotiate before you test drive to have a clear mind during the negotiation process.

    

Here are a few things to do when you get to the car dealer: 

1. Tell the sales person that you are doing a cash purchase. (Because you have already been pre-approved!) 
2. Do NOT give your personal information or allow them to run your credit. (Again, you are already pre-approved.) 
3. Tell the sales person what type of car and the price you are looking for. 
4. Ask if the car has any rebates or if the dealership has any incentives. 
5. Ask to see the buyers order with options to see the breakdown of all expenses and fees to help you with negotiating. 

Use your NADA or KBB value to negotiate the price as close to the Trade In value as possible. Negotiating the price as close to the Trade In value will give you equity in your car, as well as help you when you decide to trade in the car later.

     

You may not be able to get the car of your dreams today, but by getting a reasonably priced vehicle within your budget, you will be able to save money and get that dream car in your near future. Happy Shopping!

   

Financially True,

   

Tarra Jackson, Making Money Matters Manageable

5 Signs You're Ready for Financial Coaching

Have you (or someone you know) ever thought about hiring a Financial Coach to help you create and accomplish your financial goals? Check this out ... 

The sense of frustration has become epidemic with today's economy, challenges are becoming more prevalent with personal financial matters. Building financial stability and wealth can be a confusing and complex huge pill to swallow. So, where is a person supposed to find the time to become a financial expert and learn what is necessary to build the financial stability desired?
  

Are You Ready for ...

  

Hiring a financial coach provides a competitive advantage by leveraging the person's time with specialized financial expertise that cuts through the clutter, confusion and contradictory information by teaching them what is relevant - efficiently and with minimal hassle.
  
Here are 5 Signs that You may be Ready Financial Coaching.

1. You're tired of procrastinating and ready to start building wealth and living your dreams.
2. You want to develop your own personalized action plan for building financial security based on principles that are custom designed to fit your specific situation - not a cookie-cutter or generic plan.
3. You want an accountability partner to help you maintain focus on your financial goals.
4. You're just "not interested" with traditional financial planning where all they want to do is sell you investment products. Instead, you want straightforward advice without all the sales pitches.
5. You realize that "true wealth" is not just about more money ... you want to balance your life while working toward financial freedom so that you don't make the mistake of sacrificing your family, health, or a fulfilling life in pursuit of money.

So, if you're ready to start working with a financial coach, feel free to contact me at Prosperity Now Financial Management Services.

  

Financially True,

  

Tarra Jackson, Making Money Sexy!