HOW TO SELECT THE PERFECT POWER WORD OF THE YEAR

Published on December 28, 2020 by Danielle YB VasonLeave a comment

Oh…My….Goodness. We did it. We survived 2020 (assuming we make it the next few days) and that is not to be taken lightly. So now that you survived let’s get 2021 in order. If you are a long time follower of She Makes Cents, you know that we start every new year with a power word/ word of the year to help set our intention. So let’s get started.

HOW TO SELECT THE PERFECT POWER WORD OF THE YEAR

When choosing a word of the year it is important to select a word that is both inspirational and aspirational. Power words are often verbs because they require action on your part to fully integrate them into your life. That’s right, it is time to be intentional with our actions. Ask yourself, what doesn’t feel like [your power word] in your life right now? Think about how you could apply your word to your goals for yourself. For example, the team from Dave Ramsey.com shares 7 areas in your life for S.M.A.R.T. goals. The goal categories are financial goals, spiritual goals, educational goals, career goals, family goals, fitness goals, and social goals. Does your word of the year apply to any, if not all, of the S.M.A.R.T. goal categories? If so, keep reading.

WHY POWER WORDS ARE EFFECTIVE

A power word is like a New Year’s resolution but so much better. When used correctly, it guides the intentions and goals that one sets for oneself. Since 2013, I have asked She Makes Cents readers to share one word to reflect their personal goals/resolutions/vision for the year ahead and the response every year is inspiring. I love doing this because with every 365 days that go by, we evolve and our needs, wants, and aspirations change. I am not the same person I was at the beginning of 2020 and my mental, physical, financial, and emotional evolution this year has inspired my power word for 2021.

Unlike in previous years, my 2021 power word works for every aspect of my life: financial, personal development, career, lifestyle, and quarantine life.

Looking back at my earlier power words, I remember where I was in my life, what was important, and what I needed to work on. In 2013 my word was balance. Then came focus (2014), passion (2015), bravery (2016), intention (2017), declutter (2018), bloom (2019) – fun fact, my daughter was born in 2019 and her name, Chloe, means “to bloom” – and discipline (2020). This year, I am very proud to share that my word of the year is SIMPLIFY.

Power Word of the Year 2021 by Top Personal Finance and Lifestyle Blogger, Danielle YB Vason, of She Makes Cents.

By definition, simplify is a verb that means to make [something] less complex or complicated; make plainer or easier. For the year 2021, I challenge myself to simplify my financial goals, family goals, fitness goals, personal development goals, and every other area of my life. I am looking forward to uncomplicating my life, goals, and actions and I look forward to seeing how much has changed one year from now.

I would love to hear your POWER Word of the Year. Please share your 2021 Word of the Year in the comments below, or hop over to the SMC Instagram to share your word there!

She Makes Cents Blog Named in the Top 40 Women Financial Blogs on the Web

Published on January 22, 2018January 22, 2018 by Danielle YB Vason3 Comments

The future is FEMALE and that future is NOW! In the past year, I have seen an increase of women taking the reigns over their money and careers with a never seen gusto…at least since I have been an adult. Women are investing in themselves, their money, their careers and their lifestyles and are encouraging other like-minded women to do the same. Last week we learned that She Makes Cents, the premier money and career blog for goal-setting millennial women, was selected by Feedspot as one of the Top 40 Women Financial Blogs on the web. The list, which was announced early January of 2018, features a mix of content producers who share similar goals- bringing personal finance to a female audience. She Makes Cents Founder, Danielle YB Vason shared her experience with her #SMCmoneytribe. “I am thrilled to be recognized amongst the list of well-known financial influencers and brands that I both follow and admire,” Vason admits. “As a blogger, it is easy to feel like you are talking to yourself out there on the web, so when you have your hard work recognized, it’s a very humbling feeling”. So where did She Makes Cents rank? Well, we are pleased to announce that She Makes Cents the blog came in the top 20 ranking at #19.

Other bloggers included on the list were some of our favorite reads such as City Girl Savings, My Fab Finance, and the brand Daily Worth, which topped the list at number one. According to Feedspot, “This is the most comprehensive list of best Women Financial blogs on the internet” and the blogs that made the list were reviewed under these criteria of Google reputation/search ranking, influence on social media, quality of posts, and Feedspot’s editorial team and expert review.

A word from our founder

I am so thankful for the SMC Money Tribe for joining me on a shared financial journey. Your stories and questions have helped to shape the content that is created for this blog. When I created She Makes Cents, my goal was to help millennial women become more financially literate. I wanted to inform and inspire readers to use their “cents” to live the fab life. I wanted to encourage the community of goal setting women to define what the fab life means to them. I hope that I have done that and I will continue to do just that… inform, inspire, and encourage. Congratulations to the SMC Money Tribe because this recognition is a reflection of your debt free journey too.

MLK Quote to Inspire You to Keep Moving Forward Through Any Situation

Published on January 15, 2018January 14, 2018 by Danielle YB VasonLeave a comment

Sometimes unexpected things happen…the past two years have been proof of that. The thing is, we cannot give anything the power to paralyze us in a state of anger, fear, grief, complacency, etc. Today I wanted to share one of my favorite quotes from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I like this quote because it reminds us that there will be things in life that will attempt to block your path to greatness. Sometimes we can even block our own blessings. Instead of giving up when there is a roadblock find another way to get to your goals.

If you can’t fly then don’t shrug your shoulders and throw in the towel. It’s so much easier to give up after the first roadblock (See “How To Come Back from A Setback”). Lace up your favorite pair of sneakers and get to running, girlfriend. You might not get to your greatness quickly, but as long as you keep moving forward you are taking the necessary moves to get you one step closer than you were when you realized that flying was not an option.

Inspiration to Take a Step Toward Your Purpose & Reaching Your Goals via personal finance blogger, Danielle YB Vason of She Makes Cents | Monday Motivation

Monday Motivation | Take a Step Toward Your Purpose

Published on August 7, 2017August 7, 2017 by Danielle YB VasonLeave a comment

As you are getting back into the groove of the work week, I want you to take a moment to think about this. Every step you take counts, no matter how big or small. When you take a step forward, you are one step closer to reaching your goals and understanding your purpose. Sometimes our actions stop reflecting our goals, and whether we recognize it or not, it becomes a step back…putting us further away from our purpose Think about everyone who talks about how they are going to get out of debt but continue to spend. They say we are the sum of what we repeatedly do, so let’s make excellence a habit…starting today!

Why is it so hard to take the first step? We let fear paralyze us. Or we tell ourselves that it’s not worth the effort until you are able to make one huge step toward your goals. We tell ourselves that our dreams and goals are too lofty. We sell ourselves the idea that it will never happen for us. The lines between one day and day one blur. If this sounds familiar, let today’s motivational post shift your mindset.

You Are Greatness in the Making

If you are comfortable with your money and career, then it is time to do something that pushes you outside your comfort zone to a level of greatness you have yet to meet. If you are saving money for something specific, push your goal date up by a few months. If you are comfortable in your career, find a way to expand your value with the company. Join a professional organization and expand your network. Whatever your goals are, do not stand still or fall behind. Some of the scariest things garner the most delicious rewards. You can do it. You are greatness in the making. You can be the woman you always wanted to be. Oprah Winfrey once said to you should “create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life because you become what you believe”. I believe I will be debt free. I believe that with hard work and consistency I can get and give everything from my dream career that I have envisioned for myself. I believe I will travel the world. I believe that I deserve financial security. I believe I have the right to change my mind. I believe I am worth it and then I add tax. I also believe these things for you.

My Baby Step to Becoming Debt Free

Every year, I challenge myself to use the money saved from the She Makes Cents BINGO Money Challenge, an easier and more lucrative version of the 52-week money challenge, to help me snowball my debt. Just recently, I have shared my experience with my inner circle in hopes that it would also inspire them to take control of their finances. For me, the She Makes Cents BINGO Money Challenge represents a step in the right direction. It is a step that is creating better saving habits for me and gets me one step closer to eliminating my student loan debt faster. It is a step that is not tiring nor leaves me feeling financially stretched to the max. If I had waited until I was in a place to throw a major lump sum amount at my debt, I might still be waiting. No matter what, every week I cross off one number on my money challenge card and I don’t judge myself if the number is low. Every dollar counts the same way that every step counts which is how I have saved an extra $1,117.00 as of the first Friday in August. The first Friday in January I took a step and started the challenge. What step will you take today? Do something today that your future self will thank you for.

The Impact of Giving from Top Personal Finance Blogger, Danielle YB Vason of She Makes Cents

Monday Motivation | The Impact of Blessing Others

Published on July 17, 2017July 18, 2017 by Danielle YB Vason4 Comments

I was in the middle of writing a post to tell you all about the car that I bought last week when my doorbell rang. Oh well, you will have to wait to hear that story. I left my office and peeked out the door. You see, I normally will not open the door when I am not expecting clients nor guests during daytime hours. For whatever reason, I did and what happened after that inspired today’s motivational post to you.

I opened the door to see a woman carrying an apple and a back of books. She told me that she left a domestic violence situation today and that she would appreciate any help she could get. Instead of standing on a corner begging, she thought it would be safer to go door to door and ask people for a little help. I could barely hear her as she was sharing her story, over the loud barks of my rumbustious four legged office assistants. Apparently, neighbors of mine, many of whom also work from home, sent her on her way with fruit, granola bars, and change to help her eat later that evening. The woman said while she appreciated the kindness of people to share food from their own home, she was hoping to have enough money to eat at a place of her own choosing. I asked her where she would go if she had enough money. Her answer- McDonald’s. I asked her to hold on a second, closed the door, and prayed that I had one last blessing bag left.

What is a blessing bag?

Last year, with the help of a few friends, I went out and bought a collection of personal care items that I hand out to Atlanta’s homeless community. Last year’s bag included a toothbrush, toothbrush holder, toothpaste, tissue, mini hand sanitizer, deodorant, lip balm, a $5.00 McDonald’s gift card, and other items like a hat and hand warmers for the colder months.

You can call it luck or a God send, but I did have one more bag left. I usually keep them in my car but because I just got a new car, the very last bag was sitting in my living room waiting to go into my new car. In addition to the personal care items, I went to my pantry and added an apple and a bottled water. I then went to my linen closet and loaded her up on travel size face wash, shampoo, conditioner, and most importantly feminine hygiene products. Can you imagine not being able to afford personal care items when you are on your cycle? It took me a couple of minutes to upgrade her bag, but I knew it would be worth the wait for her. She was just hoping for a bottled water or some change…like she actually asked if I had pennies I could spare. When she saw what I put together for her, she started to tear up.

One Bag, Many Blessings

I know there are pessimists out there who would say that it was probably a con but if so, I don’t care. For whatever reason, a series of events caused me to have one last bag, be in my home office today, and actually open the door to show compassion to a total stranger. Imagine what kind of world we could live in if more people had more compassion for others. How can I, who talks constantly about empowering women not stop to help a fellow woman who is humbly asking for help?

I shared this as today’s motivational post to charge you to be a blessing and do something kind for someone else today. That could include calling someone to tell them you love them, visiting an elderly relative or neighbor, or encouraging someone who is unsure about their path. The beautiful thing about it is your options for blessing someone else are endless. I felt energized and she left feeling hopeful and I can’t think of anything more fabulous. Today’s interaction has inspired me to do another round of blessing bags. In fact, I think I will add that to my goals for next month…aka my birthday month!

If you would like to help or want ideas on how you can make your own version of a blessing bag, please leave a comment below.

Money Affirmations That Work to Bring Wealth & Abundance | From Money Saving Blogger, Danielle YB Vason of She Makes Cents

How to Apply Money Affirmations To Make Your Goals A Reality

Published on July 6, 2017 by Danielle YB Vason3 Comments

An affirmation is a strong, positive statement that something is already so. It is a way of “making firm” that which you are imagining. So I ask you this, when you think about your goals and desires for yourself, is it a negative or positive experience for you? If you visualize your goals in a positive way, you affirm the presence of positivity in that area of your life. For you, that change is already in motion because you are attracting that abundant energy into your life. The same can be said for negative thoughts. According to personal development author, Shakti Gawain, “When we create something, we always create it first in thought form. A thought or idea always precedes manifestation”. Think about what greatness we can bring to our goals and desires if we affirmed them in success. In this post, Money Affirmations to Attract Financial Abundance I shared some techniques that will help you release your negative mindset with money so you can approach your finances from a mental state of confidence, pride, and positivity. Today I am here to share some new financial affirmations that can help you take back control over your financial goals.

Money Affirmations To Attract Wealth

When we form positive associations with money we give ourselves permission to prepare ourselves to receive it. We no longer fear it or fear what it would be like to not have it. I invite you to start in inspiration pinboard and pin the below affirmations them there. Then print them, share them, and/or place them in various places so that you can have reminders of the desires you are affirming for yourself. Add them to your vision board, your bathroom mirror, your refrigerator, your Instagram account (seriously, think about how often you check your IG account in a day), or your desk. Speak them aloud and add your own name to give it more power. Instead of saying, “I attract wealth and abundance” try saying “[Insert your name] attracts wealth and abundance”. Why, you ask? Well studies show that the adult brain activates, when one hears, their own name. Below are some of the newer affirmations I have added to my practice and I hope you add them to yours to attract a more positive experience with money.

Money Affirmations to Manifest Abundance from Personal Finance Blog for Women, She Makes Cents | Law of Attraction

Monday Motivation from Top Millennial Money Blogger, Danielle YB Vason, of She Makes Cents | Cultivate Good Habits

Monday Motivation | Cultivate Better Habits

Published on June 19, 2017July 2, 2020 by Danielle YB Vason1 Comment

Not too long ago I read this quote from the top financial expert, Dave Ramsey, and I knew it was too good not to share. “You can’t get out of debt while keeping the same lifestyle”. Often times we want results for our lives that’s different from our current situation. The thing is, you have got to change your habits if you desire a different outcome. If your goal is to upgrade your financial situation, you have to upgrade the effort you put into your goals to see the results. Increase your income + reduce your spending = the start to a great plan. Last Friday, I had a three-week profit from our BINGO Money Challenge of $383.00 that could have easily paid for a pair of shoes. Instead of living the lifestyle that is keeping me in a stagnant financial situation, I snowballed that $383.00 and threw it directly at my student loans. The gratification I get from a new pair of shoes is nothing compared to the natural high I get from getting closer to my debt free goal.

Today, I encourage you to use this week as a week of self-reflection. What habits do you want to cultivate? What habits do you want to quit? We know what each of our end goals are but we often are blind to the things we do to ourselves that sabotage those goals Start thinking about the things you do every day and how they affect your money goals. Yes, you can upgrade your financial situation, but you have to upgrade your actions first because your actions become habits… good or bad.

Monday Motivation from Money, Career, & Lifestyle Blog, She Makes Cents

Inspire | One Day or Day One?

Published on April 24, 2017February 6, 2020 by Danielle YB Vason4 Comments

The difference between one day and day one is HUGE! One day I will buy my first house. One day I will apply for a job at my dream company. One day I will lose weight. One day I will take that trip I have always dreamed of. You see, the notion of “one day” allows your dreams and goals for yourself to stay in a constant state of delays and may never happen. Sure, one day you may accomplish them but who knows when one day will come. By comparison, “day one” creates a start date of action to get you working toward your goals. Want to buy your first home? Your day one should include checking your credit report and score. Want to work for another company? Cleaning up your LinkedIn page should then become your first micro-goal. Want to lose weight? Start by researching which foods are best for your goals and what foods to cut from your diet. Want to go on a trip, start putting money aside every check.

Day one doesn’t have to be dramatic, but it is a necessary step in getting where you want to be. Once you get day one out-of-the-way, keep chipping at each of your goals until you accomplish your purpose. Doing so will make sure that it will be the last time you have to think about one day because once you start, you should be able to set a date of accomplish goal. I could say, “one day my student loans will be under the $15,000.00 mark, but instead I know that by my birthday in August, my student loans will break the $15,000.00 mark! See the difference?

How to Have the Best Monday Ever!

Published on March 6, 2017April 12, 2017 by Danielle YB VasonLeave a comment

{2017 Word of the Year} How One Word Will Guide My Entire Year

Published on January 1, 2017January 22, 2017 by Danielle YB Vason5 Comments

fb-qotd-template I pose this question every year and 2017 is no different. What one word reflects your vision for 2017? So many of you submitted thoughtful responses via the SMC Facebook group and Instagram such as “gentleness”, “perseverance”, “do”, and “focus”. I even had one response that was in line with my word of the year…INTENTION from the Instagram handle @yourlifefinance. By definition, intention is a determination to act in a certain way. I chose “intention” to reflect my vision for 2017 because it adds purpose to all thoughts, words, and actions. To be honest, I have found that haphazard thoughts, words, and actions tend to get me into trouble. Toward the end of the year, I started asking God to guide my words so that I speak with intention and not for the sake of attention. This past year was my year of BRAVERY and even though it started out shaky, I ended the year with one of my bravest moves yet (post to come later on that one…). intention-adds-purpose-to-all-thoughts-words-and-actions Four years ago was my year of BALANCE, 2014 was my year of FOCUS, 2015 was my year of PASSION, 2016 was my year of BRAVERY, and I welcome my year of INTENTION. I am working very hard to make sure that my words and actions are in line with the following criteria: Is it kind? Is it necessary? Is it truthful? As each year passes, I take a moment and reflect on why I chose my earlier words, where I was in my personal development for that to be a necessary focus, and how I incorporated the meaning of those words in my life.