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The article presents a brief profile of John Hope Bryant, American financial literacy entrepreneur and businessman, and his financial literacy powerhouse nonprofit, Operation HOPE. Bryant realized early that one's emotional well-being must be nurtured along with one's financial plan. He witnessed that a large numbers of African Americans engage in financially destructive behavior.

The article offers tips on how women can negotiate on her own behalf or assert herself financially and tap her inner alpha female to meet the challenges head-on. It points out that one should first remove the emotion and any personal words to become a woman who makes sure that she gets what she wants. It suggests for women do their homework and come into the situation prepared and educated. It recommends demanding to be included in meetings with financial planners and ask questions.

The article discusses how women develop a money management plan while dealing with life challenges and stages. It features resources and a list of steps in developing financial action plan and building wealth that will last for generations to come. It tells about money management, investing, and tax and estate planning.

The article presets personal finance management tips from several African American financial planners, investment gurus, realtors and tax advisers. Chris Long, president and owner of Long & Associates, suggests rebalancing one's portfolio while sticking with long-term investing plan. Dorethia Conner, president of Conner Coaching, recommends consulting to generate income after a layoff.

The article presents guideline showing women how to take control of their financial future. It focuses on wealth preservation, such as how to protect one's hard-earned nest egg through estate planning and obtaining the right insurance. The package provides a financial blueprint for women according to life stage to help them make sound decisions.

The article presents pieces of advice related to retirement planning. It is important to determine the amount of money needed to maintain one's lifestyle in retirement. The author states that planning early may have an advantage if a person works for an employer that not only offers a 401(k) but also provides a company pension.

The article offers tips on educating children about money and financial planning. Parents can open a savings account to show children how to save. Parents are advised to include a lesson at home that teaches children about the value of money. Parents should encourage children to create a small budget to track income and expenses.

This article offers advice on retirement planning. One must start planning for his retirement at an early age. Create a budget plan to set parameters on spending. It is important to save some money and limit the use of credit card. Bad spending habits must be eliminated. An opportunity fund must be established and maintained.

Offers tips on managing financial plans. Suggested contribution value for retirement savings; Benefits of using alternative minimum tax; Importance of asset allocation.

Offers financial advice for people looking to take control of their money. Definition of asset; Maintenance of a good debt-to-income ratio; Tips on avoiding the advertising hype.

Offers tips on using real estate to build wealth. Advantages of home refinancing; Information on the trading up strategy in real estate; Tax advantages of owning a real estate.

The article offers suggestions on how to prepare for spending after retirement in case of an unexpected layoff. The author suggests considering fixed and variable expenses and determining what can be cut. One can also consider health coverage options and ask about benefits the company may offer those who are being laid off, such as COBRA. One can also consider entrepreneurship, says the author.

The article offers tax tips for parents whose high school graduates are entering college. The American Opportunity Credit is recommended for its ability to reduce income taxes buy up to 2,500 U.S. dollars for who pay for qualifying tuition, fees and course materials. Parents are also advised to borrow money wisely. Another strategy for reducing cost is to purchase a house near campus.

The article discusses the benefits of including life insurance in the financial plans of American citizens, particularly members of the African American community, as of October 2013. It cites as example the case of the couple, Minister Reginald McRae and his wife, Leslie Franks McRae, who opted for term policies for their insurance plans. The other topics include whole life insurance, universal life insurance, and variable universal life insurance.

The article reports on 47-year-old Angela Moore who had a late start in planning for her future finances but who is now intent on continuing to manage her money better. Two years ago the legal secretary started cleaning up her act and educating herself, using personal finance books and magazines. She hopes stock market returns and her home resale value will make up for lost time. She has come a long way in two years, but she's still concerned about the mistakes of her youth.

The article reports that it is better to start financial planning very early in life. While some experts advise parents to focus on saving for their golden years rather than their children's education, Paul Dixon, believes that it is possible to do both, if one start organizing financial priorities very early in life. Dixon also tells how he attained both.

The article offers tips for mew entrepreneurs on financial management. It advises them to establish emergency savings beyond the traditionally recommended amount. It is essential for the entrepreneurs to save money and cut expenses. Moreover, having a separate business bank account will prevent confusion when it's time to pay bills or payroll. In addition, it is vital to incorporate business as a separate entity.

The article reports on Jason Scott of California, whose spendthrift lifestyle wrecked his finances. Scott admits that he lived a lifestyle which he could not afford and his spending resulted in a kind of personal recession. Scott remained unemployed for two years and cashed out his 401 (k) and pension, depleting both and incurring taxes and penalties. In 2011, Scott found full-time employment as a proofreader and copy editor for a nonprofit and moved back to California.

The article reports on Sibrena Stowe de Fernandez, the owner of communications firm Stowe Communications Inc. that boasted clients including Universal Music Group and Epic/Untertainment Records. Stowe de Fernandez had to face financial difficulties due to a failure to separate her personal funda and corporate funds. In 2002, she found herself owing 25,000 dollars to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, and 9,000 dollars in taxes to the state of New York.

The article presents a financial management advice for pro athlete turned corporate executive Malcolm Johnson. It states that after retiring from professional football, he and his wife Joanne, has a positive net worth which includes their cash savings and investments. However, they also have an estimated one million U.S. dollars in debt. Details on the income and expenses of the company are also mentioned.

The article offers advice on how physical therapist Dasha Lundy manage her money since she plans to acquire a home. First, she should take advantage of the student loans since the interest paid is tax deductible. Next, Lundy should get started after graduation by teaching at a local college so she can bring in additional income and gain teaching experience. Lastly, she should know how to manage the risk like accidents or illness.

The article presents the financial plan developed by Gwendolyn V. Kirkland, a certified financial planner with Kirkland, Turnbo & Associates, for Tyvi Small, a 31-year-old single man from Knoxville, Tennessee, who has a newly purchased home, a fulfilling job, and no credit card debt. It provides a background of Small's personal finance. Kirkland advises Small to develop a budget for him to see exactly how much he is spending. Kirkland also emphasizes the need for Small to cut out extra spending and increase his savings.

The article offers tips on financial planning and management based on the experiences of couple Jason and Carol Wooden. Among the necessary adjustments made by the couple when they reviewed their budget were cutting back on unnecessary spending and only use credits cards if they can pay off the balance within two weeks. Another strategy used by the couple is to delay retirement and increase contributions.

The article discusses how Ricky Stith, an information technology professional, is making sure that he and his son can survive the current financial crisis. Stith has spent a lot when he adopted his son. However, he states that adoption experience has been priceless. He started living on a strict budget in 2009 and he has about $2,500 savings. He also started a 529 college savings plan for his son.

The article describes how Shannon Nash and her husband, Bill, manage their family finances. In the early days of their marriage, Bill had no debt at all, while Shannon had roughly $1,500 in store credit card debt and some $35,000 in graduate school loans. Together, the couple made a vow never to use credit cards again. By doubling up on payments and eliminating unnecessary items from their budget, they resolved to aggressively pay down their debts within five years.

The article presents the advice given by certified financial planner Pierre Dunagan of the Dunagan Group to the Knox family, a blended family of six children ranging in age from 4 to 20 years old, headed by Marcel and his wife, Judith. Dunagan emphasizes the importance of preparing or saving for retirement. It details how the Knox family can step up the timetable for home purchase. Dunagan also stresses that the Knoxes should each purchase term life insurance for at least $500,000.

The article explores the strategy used by the McCoys to manage their finances. Hoover McCoy, a retired Air Force soldier, and his wife Kathy earn about $120,000 together. In terms of managing his finances, Hoover says that despite his nominal Air Force salary, tax savings were significant due to various tax-exempt allowances for military staff. To avoid committing financial mistakes, the couple sought the help of Kathleen Williams, president of Williams Financial Services Group. A list of the ways to manage one's own finances is presented.

The article deals with financial problem facing Paraisa Winston, a second-year law student at the Loyola University Chicago School of Law. The author says that in considering her future employment options and what they might mean for her financial success, Winston's primary goal is to get rid of debt. Aside from her student loan debt, Winston also has a credit card debt amounting to $20,000. Gwendolyn V. Kirkland, a financial planner with Kirkland, Turnbo & Associates, says Winston should get a part-time job.

The article offers tips for starting a dialogue with one's parents regarding the family's financial situation. Financial planning can make all the difference. If people with aging parents sit down early enough to discuss their parents' future financial plans, there is time to make any necessary adjustments. Recognizing the importance of such discussions is easy. Getting aging parents to disclose their financial situations may be far more difficult.

The article describes the financial problem being faced by newlyweds Latoya and David Griffin and offers an advice on managing their credit card debt. They spent $11,000 for their dream wedding in August 2007 and are trying to pay their heavy debt load. Walt Clark of Clark Capital Financial advises the couple to pay down wedding costs, build an emergency fund, and focus on retirement.

The article features Quency Hawkins who is helping fill the financial gaps for his parents and grandmother. Hawkins contributes for things such as repairs for his mother's aging car, maintenance and utilities for his 78-year-old grandmother's home, and other bills. The article also offers some tips on elder care and financial planning.

The article deals with the experiences of an African American family regarding personal bankruptcy. Their family income is $61,000 which was just marginally higher than their $55,000 debt. In this regard, they decided to cut excess spending, stopped eating out and began paying cash whenever possible. They continued to live within their means and sold their home for $57,000.

The article discusses how couple Terri and Jean Emmanuel Fleuriot who have a four-month-old baby, can manage their finances properly. Michael Smith, a certified financial planner and president of ProFocus Inc., estimates that the Fleuriots have $27,000 in discretionary income. He recommends that they open a joint brokerage account and pool their savings. He also suggests that they set aside some funds in a money market account and invest the rest of their money in no-load value mutual funds and dividend-paying stocks.

The article features married couple Melvin and Jennifer Smith, and their belief in a Declaration of Financial Empowerment principle. The Smiths believe in the principle of saving and investing 10% to 15% of the after-tax income. The couple said that they started saving by contributing 6% of their salaries to their 401(k) programs.

This article looks at the way divorced mother Stacy Hall would achieve her own financial goals. In 10 years, Hall sees herself retiring from a job as a production-team member with Toyota. Financial Services Group President Kathleen Williams suggests that Hall should determine her most important goals over the next years. She should take a basic investing course at a community college or technical school, along with reading investment books. INSET: THE ADVICE.

This article provides information on Teen Financial Camp, a one-week summer program that helps children to learn the basics of money management. The camp was founded by Reverends Kevin G. Swann and Jerome A. Barber. It introduces young people to stocks, bonds and mutual fund investing. The program promotes smart spending and budgeting tactics and it highlights the importance of a good credit history and entrepreneurial growth.

The article features Ayanna Goring, a human resource generalist from Alameda, California whose approach to managing her money were influenced by her grandparents. According to Goring, her grandparents told her stories about how they survived during the Depression period. Thus, she was inspired to save some of her money and plan for her retirement. Goring also reveals her investment and consumer strategies as well as the amount of her debt as of 2005. Finally, Goring discusses her techniques in budgeting and shopping.

Provides information on the financial plan suggested for M'Kisha Shell, an African American single parent working as a customer service representative for an electrical manufacturing company in New York. Total annual household income of Shell; Details of the assets and liabilities of shell; Plan of Shell to establish a day care center.

Deals with the financial planning strategies adopted by African American couple Rafael and Janice Richardson of Montgomery, Alabama. Recommendations from financial adviser Cheryl Creuzot; Benefits from application for grants and scholarships; Maintenance of cash reserves; Retirement goals.

Deals with the financial planning strategies adopted by African American Albert Sweets. Principles of financial empowerment adopted; Importance of seeking financial education; Benefits from buying real estate properties. INSET: Declaration Of Financial Empowerment PRINCIPLE 3.

Offers tips on managing personal finances and cutting down on household expenses. List of financial empowerment pledges.

Features Johnnie and Theresa Knight, a retired Afro-American couple who was successful in managing their finance. Retirement of the couple from teaching; Reason for their financial success; Principles in financial management they applied that guaranteed their success; Efforts they made to teach their children about financial management. INSET: Declaration Of Financial Empowerment.

Focuses on how Robert and Wanda Chalk, an Afro-American couple with three children, managed to survive financial hardship after Wanda lost job because of the bankruptcy of Enron Corp. Position of Wanda at Enron; Amount of her salary at Enron; Information on the work and salary of Robert; Financial plan they adopted to survive and manage their expenses.

Offers saving and investment tips for divorced women. Challenges faced by divorced women when rebuilding their financial life; Steps that may be taken to prepare the couple prior to their divorce; Recommended Web sites for women who are conducting financial planning after a divorce. INSET: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW.

Offers savings and investment advice for single mothers. Background on the case of Sandra Thompson, a single mother who works as a music professor at the University of Central Oklahoma; Financial concerns of Thompson; Primary goals of single mothers; Significance of an emergency fund for single mothers. INSET: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW.

Offers savings and investment advice for married couples with children. Common financial challenges faced by married couples; Factors to consider when conducting financial planning; Ways of avoiding debt; Financial mistakes committed by married women. INSET: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW.

Offers financial and savings tips for single women. Recommended target savings for single women; Details of several financial goals for single women; Reasons for the significance of investing in mutual funds. INSET: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW.

The author reflects on starting retirement planning as early as possible in order to increase the likelihood of reaching or even exceeding the retirement savings goals. Procrastination from saving for retirement can lead to huge debt, stress and isolation, threat of homelessness and unhealthy dependence on others. To build a foundation of resources for future African American generations, the author suggested investing in 401(k) accounts and acquiring stocks, bonds and other investments.

The article calls on for financial literacy among Blacks in the U.S. It suggests that African Americans should invest wisely in insurance, pension or other financial institutions for their future. It proposes that they should know how to manage their personal finance or wealth. It emphasizes that Blacks need to plan for their retirement.

The article suggests ways to improve personal finance after suffering a financial setback. It relates the story of African American actress Angela Logan who re-evaluated the way she handles money in order to pay her debts. Reckless spending and increasing debt are among the signs of financial problems. Also recommended is adopting a cash-only lifestyle until debt is under control.