She Makes Cents 52 Week Money Challenge | Success Story

52 Week BINGO Money Challenge | October Recap & End of the Year Money Goals

Published on November 11, 2017 by Danielle YB VasonLeave a comment

This morning, I took out my shemakescents 52 Week BINGO Money Challenge card to forecast what the next seven weeks of the year will be like, from a money savings goal perspective. Since January, I have saved money every week with the challenge and in doing so; I have cultivated a habit of saving. Financial guru, Dave Ramsey says that “personal finance is 80% behavior and 20″ head knowledge” and I am very inclined to agree. If you are a new reader and have no idea what the 52 Week BINGO Money Challenge is, click here to catch up. After forecasting the rest of the year to see whether I would be able to hit my latest money goal, getting my student loans to $12,500 or under by December 31, 2017, I started doing money projections for 2018.

First, I calculated how much and how quickly my debt would decrease if I made the same amount of money and repeated my most success money moves as I did this year. I then upped the ante to see how adding another $100 per month or $200 per month would get me closer to my goal of eliminating my student loan debt altogether. Finally, I increased my snowball calculations to see how quickly my debt would decrease if my income increased to match what I put on my vision board. Looking at debt from these three different perspectives shows me the true cost of making different and better money moves, as well as, how quickly I can dump my debt.Why do I do this, you ask? Sometimes I need a visual reminder of my goal at hand. I hear so many people say that they will never pay their debt off or that they are so overwhelmed by their debt that they choose not to even think about it, let alone to look at it. Do you remember that time, I broke down the difference between one day versus day one? If I waited years ago to get serious about tackling my debt, especially my student loans, I would never have been projected to hit my goal date by 2020, eleven years ahead of Sallie’s Mae schedule. The visual of saving eleven years of interest is enough to keep me motivated for these next three years. That is because when you visualize something, especially positive associations with money, you give yourselves permission to prepare yourself to receive it.

You don’t have to make a lot of money to get back on course with your money savings goals, nor do you have to be a personal finance guru. In the past two years, I have thrown an extra $5,550.00+ toward this debt (on top of my monthly payment) by chipping away at it piece by piece. In order to crush your savings goals, you first must change your mindset about your ability to succeed. Then you change your bad money habits and replace them with great money habits that honor your money goals. You see, it is not what we do every once in a while that makes us successful. Success is gained in our daily habits.

As we approach the end of one year and the beginning of a new one, I look forward to making new and fresh goals for myself. I look forward to not repeating my mistakes of the past and being willing to step out on faith when it comes to opportunities that come my way. Today, I affirm my success with my money goals for myself and for you too.

This Book Is Your Next Book Club Read - Boss Women Pray- She Makes Cents Book Club

SMC Book Club: Boss Women Pray-31 Prayers to Increase Your Success & Spirit

Published on October 30, 2017October 30, 2017 by Danielle YB Vason1 Comment

Inspiration comes from many places. In my case, the inspiration for our next book club choice came from an Instagram story where another influencer, @theemmaroseagency, shared a screenshot of a page from a book she was reading. After reading the page for myself, I had to find out more information about that book that appeared to encompass money, career, and lifestyle from a woman’s point of view. This month’s She Makes Cents Book Club selection is from author and founder of the small business empowerment-coaching firm, Kachelle Kelly. Kelly coaches career-driven women to activate their hustle and their faith by providing innovative strategies to achieve authentic success and happiness in one’s business and life and I invite you to join the SMCmoneytribe as we dive into her book, Boss Women Pray: 31 Prayer to Increase Your Success & Spirit: The Comprehensive Prayer Guide for Entrepreneurs & Women in Business .

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. While clicking these links won’t cost you any extra money, they will help us keep this site up and running.

Boss Women Pray

The book Boss Women Pray will take us on a 31-day journey that is slated to inspire us to go after our dreams and visions by eliminating distractions. Who doesn’t love a good inspirational read? It comes from a faith over fear approach to business and life and is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars on Amazon and 4.5/ 5 on Good Reads. The prayers on each page will ignite something inside of you and make you feel like you were right there as these prayers were written. According to those who have already taken this 31-day journey, you no longer have to feel alone in your business endeavors. You will walk away from this book empowered out of your mind to reach your full potential in business and in life! I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to dive into this book with the read of the SMCmoneytribe.

How Our Book Club Works

We select a new book from a mix of editor and reader’s suggestions. For reader suggestions, we ask that selections embrace powerful women, business “cents”, fictional favorites, and anything that informs and inspires us. We then announce that selection before the start of the month to give you time to opt in and go get the book. Since the paper copy is just about sold out everywhere, you can order a digital copy here. As you read the book, please leave your questions or comments for the book club in the comment section below. We will begin discussions for this book on November 1^st on Instagram and our Facebook group.

First Time Millennial Home Buyers - Get Your Questions Answered About the Home Buying Process on She Makes Cents

Millennial First Time Homebuyers: Send Me Your Questions

Published on October 13, 2017October 13, 2017 by Danielle YB VasonLeave a comment

Millennials are breaking into the housing market with great force with hopes of attaining one of the biggest stepping-stones to the American Dream- homeownership. Whether or not the American Dream still exists is questionable, but one thing that is certain is that as the largest active generation in the housing market at 34%, millennials are making lemonade out of lemons and turning the boomerang generation into homeowners.

Millennial First Time Home Buyers | Get Your Questions Answered on She Makes Cents

Buying a house is the largest financial investment that most people make in their lifetime. Its benefits, especially if the path to homeownership is achieved by establishing better money habits before buying, result in financial rewards throughout the year.

Before buying a home, first-time buyers should save for a down payment, raise one’s credit score, and figure out how much house they can actually afford. To take the savings benefits one step further, first-time millennial buyers are urged to do a little research of their own to see what tax breaks are available that makes the home buying process a little more affordable.

Keeping affordability in mind, the housing and financial industries have teamed up to offer resources that make the transition of renting to owning easier for first-time and millennial buyers. By anticipating some of the financial setbacks plaguing millennials, such as staggering student loan debt, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) have changed the amount allowed to be financed and lowered some of the qualifications to attract young buyers. I bought my house five days after my 24th birthday with an FHA loan. This was the best move for me at that time because I was looking for a nice apartment when I came across a property that was priced so well I couldn’t miss out on the opportunity. I hadn’t saved specifically for a home or better yet a traditional 20% down payment, but I did have enough to put down to secure an FHA loan and become a homeowner by age 24.

Homeownership is affordable, attainable, and provides financial advantages for those who choose this path over renting. While millennials are changing the narrative of the American Dream, one thing still rings true. Homeownership is still a good way to achieve wealth in the United States and thanks to the financial advantages of homeownership, the dream is so much sweeter.

Are you thinking about buying your first home and have questions about the homebuying process? Leave your comment or question below and/or tweet me @shemakescents to have your question answered.

{Money & Relationships} 5 Reasons to Have the “Money Talk” with Your Partner

Published on September 26, 2017February 16, 2018 by Danielle YB Vason3 Comments

You and your significant other have been together for a while. You have met the parents (and they like you…hopefully), you leave stuff at each other’s homes, and you’ve even claimed each other on social media! Sure, you have done all of the public things to show your significant other and the world that you care about your relationship but have you taken the necessary steps to reduce stress and drama in your relationship from a financial standpoint? I will be honest with you; having the money talk isn’t fun or comfortable, but it is enlightening and crucial to all serious relationships.

I bet you searched him on Google and scoped his Instagram page when you were first getting to know him. Outside of being curious, you wanted to protect yourself by getting a head start to any red flags. Simply put, you wanted to figure out what you may be getting yourself into. No judgment, it’s smart and we all do it. If you protected yourself in the beginning, why wouldn’t you protect yourself now that things are getting serious? Starting the conversation does not make you greedy or look like a gold digger. In fact, it shows that you are looking at this relationship for the long-term. Former Secret Service agent and Cosmo contributor, Evy Pompouras’ gives advice about reading people in any situation, which will come in handy when you have the conversation with your beaux. Pompouras says, “don’t openly judge, even if you don’t like what they have to say. When people feel your disapproval, they will filter themselves, hold back information, or shut down”. Remember you both had a life before your relationship and both of your financial decisions up until now will reveal that. If you are ready to get serious about your relationship you should also be ready to get serious about your finances if you haven’t done so already.

FIND OUT EACH OTHER’S SPENDING & SAVING STYLE

This makes sense on so many levels. This is not a situation where you are trying to figure out if he is a spender or a saver, but more so how he spends and how he saves. This may be an eye-opening revelation for you as well since most people do not generally look at money and relationships in those terms. Are you financially compatible? Does your super saver style clash with his overspending?

KNOW THINE SELF

In the midst of “The Talk” you may start to learn things about yourself that you didn’t know before. It is easier to see red flags in others than it is to see in ourselves. You may find areas of yourself and your financial situation that need to be cleaned up… not for him or a relationship, but for your own financial security. This is the time for you to take some responsibility for yourself, review your debts and assets, and come up with a personalized financial plan.

HELPS YOU PLAN FOR A SHARED FUTURE

Let me first say that a shared future does not necessarily imply marriage. A shared future looks like whatever you want it to look like as long as you two are in it together. Some couples will move in together and will have to decide who will pay what. Others may continue to live separately and your money talk for the future may include more social decisions. How often will we go to restaurants, movies, concerts, on vacations? Who will pay for what? Or for those who see wedding bells in their future, well you should get in the habit of having weekly money talks and a review of how finances coming in and going out are affecting the household dynamic. You don’t want to be the woman who hides shopping bags in the trunk of her car, but rather a woman who proudly shows off the goodies that she bought with financial confidence.

PREVENTIVE CARE FOR YOUR RELATIONSHIP

If I told you that you could reduce the chance of burning yourself using a curling wand while creating date night hair just by using the little black gloves that come with it, would you use them? How about if I showed you the hands of someone who burned themselves because they didn’t use a glove? Would you be more likely to use a glove then? Probably, even if it was just for a short time. Well, what if I told you that having the “money talk” and the subsequent follow-up talks with your significant other will reduce the chance of financial stress and lessen the risk of break up? How about if I followed up stories about real relationships that burned because of money issues? Would you have the talk, then? Think about it like this, taking these steps becomes preventive care for your relationship. Beyoncé said if you like it then you shoulda put a ring on it. I’m telling you if you like it then you should put the black gloves of your relationship on and have the talk! Save your relationship before it needs saving.

So you now have an idea of what you are getting yourself into… remember this is just the start and you should have several follow-up conversations. It may be uncomfortable at first, but it will be well worth the effort in the end. We were seriously dating the first time the Mr. and I discussed money in detail. It was slightly difficult to start the conversation because I didn’t want him to think that I was only after him for this money. I explained to him that I was needing reassurance that we were financially compatible and I wanted to introduce a sort of financial intimacy into our relationship. He was open to it and so was I. If you have never discussed personal finance with your partner, I encourage you to not let another day go by. If you are starting the conversation TODAY and don’t know how to start, check out this list of questions that I reference every time the Mr. and I have “the talk”.

Data Breach: What To Do If You Are a Victim of Identity Theft via Millennial Personal Finance Blog, She Makes Cents

Equifax Data Breach: How To Find Out If Your Personal Information Was Stolen

Published on September 8, 2017September 8, 2017 by Danielle YB VasonLeave a comment

Equifax, one of the three largest US consumer credit reporting agencies, announced this week that they were victims of a cyber-security data breach that will potentially affect 143 million U.S. consumers. The cyber hackers got access to names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses, and driver’s license numbers to nearly half of the U.S. population, with potential breaches also affecting consumers in Canada and the United Kingdom. Although the official statement from Equifax was released this week, the unauthorized access occurred from mid-May through July 2017. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Richard F. Smith maintains, “We pride ourselves on being a leader in managing and protecting data, and we are conducting a thorough review of our overall security operations. We also are focused on consumer protection and have developed a comprehensive portfolio of services to support all U.S. consumers, regardless of whether they were impacted by this incident.” Just because you are not a consumer of Equifax doesn’t mean that this breach won’t directly affect you. According to CNN, Equifax gets its data from credit card companies, banks, retailers, and lenders who report on the credit activity of individuals to credit reporting agencies, as well as by purchasing public records.

How Can You Find Out If You Were Affected By the Equifax Data Breach?

Equifax will send direct mail notices to consumers whose credit card numbers or dispute documents with personal identifying information were impacted. Additionally, Equifax has established a dedicated website, http://www.equifaxsecurity2017.com, to help consumers determine if their information has been potentially affected. As a consolation, Equifax is offering one year of credit file monitoring and identity theft protection, copies of Equifax credit reports, the ability to lock and unlock Equifax credit reports, identity theft insurance, and internet scanning for Social Security numbers for all U.S. consumers.

Equifax Data Breach: How Can You Find Out If You Were Affected By the Equifax Data Breach?

What You Should Do In the Event of Identity Theft

1. Review your financial accounts daily
2. Check your credit history at least twice a year
3. Immediately report any errors or disputes (click here to see how to get the process started)
4. Destroy all inactive and expired credit cards
5. Contact your bank and/or credit card company to set up fraud alerts
6. Change your passwords
7. File a formal report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Monday Motivation | Measure Your Progress Not Your To Do List

Published on August 28, 2017August 28, 2017 by Danielle YB Vason2 Comments

The other day I was thinking about all the things I still want to do this year and started to get a little overwhelmed. As someone who is always looking forward and setting new goals, it is easy to get lost in what is left on the rolling to do list. Raise your hand if you can relate. By spending energy constantly thinking about how much we still have to do, we lose focus on what we have done already. One of my personal goals at the beginning of the year was to celebrate my successes, big and small, which to be frank; I have not really kept up with.

So today, I am encouraging everyone, myself especially, to review how we measure success and progress. Instead of focusing on how much you have left to do on a goal or project, measure your progress by much you have done already. Success Magazine backs up this paradigm with research. According to an article by Mel Robbins, a motivational speaker and entrepreneur, “research proves that seeing your progress and how much you have completed will inspire you to keep pushing”. I will celebrate the fact that I hit my money milestone with my student loans and not on the fact that I have a way to go before I can eliminate my student loan debt altogether. Reaching that milestone was not easy so I have to take a moment and appreciate how far I have come on that path to financial freedom. In addition to keeping a rolling to do list, start a “did it” list that you can go back and refer to when you need a motivational push to keep going. As I said, it is easy to get overwhelmed and forget all the great things you have accomplished. Measuring your progress by what you have accomplished and keeping a rolling list of things that you have completed so far will help each action, big so small, feel more impactful.

How to Make Money from Cash Back Apps | Ibotta Hacks

Ibotta Review | How To Make Money with Cash Back Apps

Published on August 27, 2017September 9, 2017 by Danielle YB Vason3 Comments

I am always researching ways to save more money and I kept coming across this app called Ibotta. I would see it most on blogs where bloggers shared their income reports and I noticed that they were getting more money from cash back apps than they were with some of the sources of income associated with their respective blogs. I thought it was interesting, but I put it on the back burner… something to check out for another day. Well, that day came last month when I was researching ways to save more money on the category that I spend the most frequently- groceries. So what did I do? I decided to give it a try for a month and share my review with you. So sit back, grab your cell phone because you are going to need it and get ready to save.

This post may contain affiliate links at no cost to you. This keeps our lights on. See our disclosure policy for more info.

So What is Ibotta Anyway?

Ibotta is a free app that you can download on apple and android that pays you for everyday purchases. It collects rebates from grocers, retailers, and experience brands like Uber, Groupon, and Amazon and pays you according to the rebate terms. It’s all in one place so no need to spend time searching around for coupons and discount codes. Since downloading the app, I have a balance of $22.87 that can be redeemed via Paypal, Venmo, and gift cards. The first $10.00 came from the welcome bonus for signing up (get your $10.00 welcome link here). I was so excited about how easy it was that I even got hubby on board to try it out.

How Does Ibotta Work?

Before I go shopping, I check out the app and add rebates on the brands and items that usually make it onto my shopping list. I shop as I normally would and then scan my receipt(s) to redeem the cash, which usually shows up on my account after about 48 hours. After about 2 weeks of doing it this way, I found it easier to scan my items as I shop instead of after I have made my purchases. PRO TIP: Do not buy things that are not on your list just to get the cash back. You will not save or make money by doing it.

How Do You Join Ibotta?

1. Create an Ibotta account using this referral code. This will allow us to be teammates so we can earn bonus cash together.
2. Log in on a unique mobile device that has not been associated with another Ibotta account.
3. Redeem your first rebate. (Any Brand and Any Item rebates do not qualify for the referral bonus.)

Things You Should Know About The Cash Back App

To redeem the $10.00 welcome, you must download the app and use my promo code tahbinu. Once you claim your first rebate (any brand and any receipt offers excluded) you will get $10.00 added to your account.
You can start redeeming your money after you have $20.00 on your account (which is super easy to do).
The highest paying opportunities that I have seen come from beer, wine, and liquor sales. Think $3.00 – $5.00 per bottle. So, if you need to stock your bar, this is a good time to get paid to do so.
You can use Ibotta along with your store rewards cards.
Teams are utilized to complete teamwork bonuses, of which there is a new teamwork program each month. By working as a team, we can all earn more cash back together!!

Long gone are the days where you sit around and cut coupons to save money. Now are the days for cash back apps, digital coupons, and automatic promo codes that make the things we buy every day, more affordable. If you are not saving a little money on your everyday purchases, you are missing out. Last month, I was trying to think of ways to save some extra money in on groceries. This month, I have created a new habit of redeeming money by scanning my receipts. I’m not really the coupon cutting type but when technology makes things so darn easy, I’d be crazy not to use money saving apps like Ibotta.

5 Things Every Millennial Should Know About Life Insurance

Published on August 22, 2017July 30, 2018 by Danielle YB Vason9 Comments

A few weeks ago, a company called HealthIQ that celebrates health-conscious people with social and financial rewards, contacted me to create a quiz about millennials and life insurance. Yes, I can now add professional quiz writer to my resume! Since then, I have been reflecting on what happens to our loved ones financially when we pass on. This also came around the time a classmate of mine from high school passed away suddenly from a random heart complication leaving his fiancé and young daughter to pick up the pieces. One day you are living life and YOLOing and the next moment….well, you know how that goes. I am no longer in the headspace of thinking I am invincible, which means it is time for me to get a plan for my family in case the worst happens. Apparently, that means I’m growing up. While doing my research for my quiz, which you can take here, I realized there are several benefits to buying life insurance at an early age and right now millennials are in the best position to take advantage. While it is not a cheerful conversation to have, it is a necessary one and one that can protect those who depend on you and your income should the worst-case scenario happen. Since many millennials are delaying marriage and children, it is easy to say that there is no benefit of buying life insurance; however, that is not the case. Other dependents such as parents who co-signed a loan or business partners for the millennial entrepreneurs out there also depend on you and your income and will be left with a great financial burden of debt, your funeral expenses, and trouble covering living expenses if proper measures are not in place.

What Is Life Insurance?

If you ask my new insurance agent, he would tell you that life insurance is a “love policy”. I, however, prefer the explanation from Fidelity, which explains that, a life insurance policy as “a contract with an insurance company. In exchange for premium payments, the insurance company provides a lump-sum payment, known as a death benefit, to beneficiaries upon the insured’s death”. To bring it to terms that we can all understand, it is what GoFundMe has become when loved ones pass. I have to say this, but GoFundMe should not be your go-to plan to cover the funeral expenses of a loved one or to cover the financial burden that you may leave to your family.

Do Millennials Need Life Insurance?

Yes and yes. It will be easier to understand once you break things down into life stages. Millennials make up the awesome generation of people who are born between 1982-2002 which means that older millennials could be in the home buying, marriage, and kids stage while younger millennials are in the college life and first real job stage. So do all millennials need life insurance? The answer to that will depend on whom you ask. I believe everyone should have life insurance that at least covers one’s funeral expenses. Now in terms of a larger payout, known as a death benefit, I think that depends on who relies your income. To determine if you need life insurance, financial expert, Suze Orman, presents this question for you to ask yourself: “If I were to die today (or if my spouse/partner were to die today), will those I/we support be able to take care of themselves? If the answer is no, then you need life insurance”. Let’s be honest here, the subject of life insurance is morbid, boring, and a bit off-putting, but it is a necessary conversation that needs to be had by all.

5 Things Every Millennial Should Know About Life Insurance

If Your Parent Is a Cosigner On Your Student Loans. A few years back, I remembered hearing a story about a grieving father who was struggling to pay his dead son’s student loan debt. During the height of his grief and after paying for funeral expenses, debt collectors began to harass him regarding his son’s missed student loan payment. That was the first time I remember learning that your debts don’t always go away when you pass. I thought about that Dad and then I thought about my own. So what happens to your student loan debt if you pass away? If you have Federal student loans, your loans will be discharged and your family will not be responsible for your debt. Parents with Parent PLUS loan borrowers are also eligible loans to have their loans discharged in the event of the student’s death since it is also a Federal loan. To receive the discharge, the surviving cosigner must submit a copy of the death certificate to their loan provider. However, if you have private loans, your family may inherit your debt, which for the class of 2016 is an estimated $37,172 and growing. According to this article from CNBC, “Even if your spouse doesn’t co-sign for you, he or she can also be held liable for a private student loan if you borrow while married and you reside in a community property state”.
If You Are a Single Parent.
While millennials are delaying getting married, a recent poll from Gallup reveals that almost half of surveyed millennials age 34 have children although they have never been married. Because of their single status, many parents elect their minor children to receive the death benefit to financial protect their children if something were to happen. Making a minor a beneficiary will cause major problems since life insurance companies do not payouts to children under the age of 18 or their guardians. If you are a single parent, you should consider setting up a trust to benefit the child and naming that trust as the beneficiary. This way, you can avoid costly court fees and you can have things managed based on the directions you have left in your trust.
If You Have Life Insurance Through Your Employer.
Congratulations, you have a real job with real benefits! I am so proud of you. Now it is time to go through and fully understand the scope of your benefits package. Many employers offer life insurance as a part of their benefits package, but is that enough? Something else, I would like you to consider is how long you plan to stay with your current company. According to a Gallup report, 21% of millennials have changed jobs within the past year. Employee life insurance is provided as a group life plan and when you leave your job, you are no longer a member of the “group”. Your former employer is no longer obligated to pay the premium; therefore, your coverage is terminated unless you convert your policy to an individual plan, often at a higher rate. Your best bet is to get an individual term policy in addition to your employer-based policy so that you will be covered.
If You Think Life Insurance is a Financial Investment.
Life insurance is NOT a financial investment. Let me say that again. Life insurance is NOT a financial investment But what about cash value life insurance, you ask?
That’s not what your agent told you, is it? The good folks over at Investopedia define cash life insurance as “a type of life insurance policy that pays out upon the policyholder’s death, and also accumulates value during the policyholder’s lifetime”. Sounds good, right?
Well not so fast… The idea of investing is appealing… even sexy to most millennials (or is that just me?) but insurance as an investment is a terrible idea that yields a very low return. If you are looking to invest your money or save your money, there are much better options out there like mutual funds, Roth IRAs, stocks, and bonds. Suze Orman maintains, “Under no circumstances do you want ‘cash-value insurance’ no matter how fabulous the agent makes it sound”. My financial guru, Dave Ramsey, agrees. Ramsey argues, “It is a horrible product that makes insurance companies the most money, which means insurance salespeople get the best commission on this trash”. I am inclined to agree with them both. Insurance is insurance and your investments are investments. Does life insurance provide financial protection for your family? Yes. Is the “investment” component of a cash life policy, also referred to as whole life, universal life, and variable life, a good investment? Absolutely not. If you have this type of policy, you should cancel it and thank me later.
If You Don’t Know Where to Start.
Many people know the importance of life insurance but have not taken the plunge. For the millennials out there, you will never be as young as you are right now in this moment. Why not take advantage of the financial benefits of buying life insurance while you are young and in presumably good health. Millennials with a clean bill of health will find qualifying for coverage easier and more affordable, think less than $300.00 for the year for a $500,000 policy. So what type of policy do you recommend? Millennials looking to buy into a life insurance policy should consider a term insurance policy because the policy length can be tailored to your needs, it’s affordable, and you can lock in your rate while you are young. The maximum term for a life insurance policy is generally 30 years. Since premiums never get cheaper, millennials can get an upper hand on their finances by locking in a lower rate for the maximum term.

I recently read something from Dave Ramsey that completely changed how I think of all of this… adulting. “The death rate for human beings is 100 percent. You are going to dies someday! None of us know when that’s going to happen, but that doesn’t mean it should catch us totally unprepared”. Yes, you can still enjoy your youth while protecting your future. That’s why I have recently jumped on the life insurance bandwagon and you should too. Last week the Mr. and I met our agent in person to talk about our options and I encourage you to do the same. In fact, through a collaboration with Health IQ, I am now able to offer readers of She Makes Cents and exclusive discounted rate for life insurance (for more information, click here).

Do you have life insurance questions or want to tell me about your experience with life insurance, please comment below or leave me a message via Twitter or Facebook.

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.

Romantic Couple's Trip Tips That Your Wallet Will Love from Millennial Finance Blog, She Makes Cents

How to Create A Romantic Couple’s Trip That Works for Your Budget

Published on July 25, 2017October 22, 2018 by Danielle YB VasonLeave a comment

Have you ever been on a group trip where everyone’s budget wasn’t aligned? For example, when one friend is suggesting a luxury villa experience when the group’s median budget for this trip is a 4-star hotel? Or when no one can agree on activities so you end up doing everything just to keep the peace? What’s that sound? Oh…it’s your credit card being swiped for something you probably can’t afford to pay for in cash and something you probably didn’t want to experience in the first place. Unlike any other type a trip you take, a couple’s trip can be one of the best ones for your budget. This is true if you and your partner are pulling your money together, have shared money goals, and agree on a budget even before planning your vacation.

Selecting Your Travel Destination

It’s time for a romantic getaway but you have no idea where to go. First, you and bae should figure out what type of experience you want. Are you looking to be adventurous? Do you want to relax and decompress under palm trees and listen to the ocean? Are you even planning to leave the room? You have to consider the experience and then pick a location accordingly. If you never plan on leaving the room, then you should consider splurging on your accommodations and try to save on getting there. Think about where your money will go the furthest to giving you the travel vibes you are seeking.

Another thing to consider is the season. Sure, that Groupon vacation deal to the Caribbean looks great in October. You think to yourself how great it would be to have one last beach vacay before the end of the year. Well, the Caribbean is super cheap in the fall because it’s hurricane season and their bookings are sparse. You may be getting a great deal, but if you are planning to lounge on the beach and soak up some sun, you will be there in the wrong season. Moral of the story- do your research before settling on a location. It will save you money, time, and frustrations. Another thing to consider when traveling the world is to consider the regional and religious seasons of your destination. Channeling your inner Carrie Bradshaw and tripping to the UAE for a luxury vacay will not give you the same experience if you travel during the religious season of Ramadan. Learn your seasons and travel accordingly.

Finally, while you are doing your research, take a moment to learn about the culture. Want to frolic around in a sexy bikini on the beaches of Dubai? Well, good luck with that. While women aren’t expected to wear a hijab, you are expected to respect their culture and cover up. Your sexy bikini just turned into a one-piece swimsuit…and not those high French cut ones that the Kardashians have been rocking lately.

Getting There. Drive or Fly

Driving: I like a good road trip, especially when the Mr. and I let the top down, have a great playlist going, and only are traveling to a destination that we can get to in 4 hours or less. Apparently, for road trips, 4 hours is the magic number. According to personal finance site Mint, car drives that are four hours or under in length are usually more cost-effective than flying. If you are ever trying to figure out which option is best for your budget, try googling “Fly or Drive Calculators”. There you will find a few options that will help you determine how you will get there for the least amount of money. Related Post: Lyft Riders Earn Free Skymiles

Flying: A few years back we researched the best day to buy plane tickets and that information still rings true. Every time we buy plane tickets, I stalk Delta and watch the rates for about 2 weeks. The Mr. and I rarely will fly other airlines, because our goal is to bank as many Skymiles as possible so that when the time is right, we can use Skymiles to pay for our tickets. A few years ago when we were dating, I flew roundtrip FREE because my ticket was paid for entirely out of his Skymiles. Last month, I was able to fly to from Atlanta to St. Lucia by combining both of our Skymiles to get one FREE roundtrip ticket to our international destination.