![Quantcast](http://pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-GS-HF4BKvzCmv.gif)
![Managing Your Money: What They Don’t Teach In School](https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xMjYxNDE2My9vcmlnaW4uZ2lmIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTc4NDUyNTU1M30.LuO27pq8_t5ZhGO4ldtfbpWiPZ3w0xYjitVYD8XiWqc/img.gif?width=980&quality=90)
Managing Your Money: What They Don’t Teach In School
Let's talk money.
I grew up in a single parent household and was lucky enough to not only have a supermom but also a business savvy mom. In school we are taught all that we need to pass exams, but these lessons don’t include personal finance. Most people get into the real world and have no concept of money management or where to even begin.
I have a thirst for knowledge in this area and a passion for sharing what I know to encourage others to take money management and personal finance seriously. When it comes to money management, there’s nothing better than knowing your bills are paid, your savings is growing, and you have some extra funds to “do you.” If you haven’t gotten started just yet or would like to add on to what you are currently doing, here are some tips to jump-start the process:
1) Visualize what you are working with!
Have you ever heard people say that they are visual learners? Well, I consider myself one. Keeping an excel sheet is a bit old school but I love the flexibility in changing numbers, using formulas, and the ease of sitting at my laptop and being able to see all my funds at once. Depending on your pay schedule, list out which bills you plan to pay with what check. After you add these things up, subtract from your net pay and what's left over, you can play with! Now if you are more tech savvy and prefer to have your budget at your fingertips, consider looking into apps such as Mint, which allows you to have convenient access through your smartphone. Remember, the key to budgeting is to track your spending! By doing so, you’ll know where to cut back and where you have room to wiggle.
2) Don't forget to pay yourself.
Although we can get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, there’s nothing like knowing you have some “tuck-away” funds. Before you do anything additional with your money, put away a set amount of funds into your savings account. Make saving a priority; don’t wait until you’ve spent most of your money and only save what’s left. “The goal of paying yourself first is to help make sure your future self’s key financial goals are covered, including building up an emergency fund, contributing to retirement and saving for any other long-term goals (Forbes).”
3) Have a savings account that is not tied to your primary bank account.
We all know the saying “robbing Peter to pay Paul.” This is exactly what happens when we co-mingle our funds, so to speak. You say to yourself you’re going to save $100 a check but once you start getting down to the last few dollars in your checking account, you start to slowly dip into your savings. How come? Because it's so easy. All you have to do is transfer the money and it’s immediately available. A solution for this would be to keep your "real" savings separate. I opened a savings account with a completely different bank and chose not to get a debit card for it. The best part of this account you ask? It takes three days to transfer money into your checking account. By the time you would receive the money, guess what? Those shoes or that bag isn’t so important.
There's also Digit. This free website and app studies your financial moves and automatically transfers money from your bank account to your Digit Account. They will send you daily, fun texts with updates of your balances and transfers. You can choose to save more, pause savings or withdrawal your money via text as well. Your money is FDIC insured and they have a no-overdraft guarantee.
4) Know Your Debt. Then, Knock It Off!
Make it your business to know what's out there in your name! Lots of people get duped for being uninformed. You can and most certainly will be penalized for not paying bills in your name, even if you knew nothing about them. Pull your credit report, everything you need to know will be included. Next, make a list of your debt from the smallest amount to the greatest and start knocking them off one by one. Each time you finish one, take the extra money and apply it toward the next debt. As you begin to see your debt decrease, you will feel motivated to keep going.
5) Did somebody say rainy day?
Now I'm sure we all know how it feels to get caught in the rain without an umbrella! The same applies to unforeseen circumstances that may leave you in a bind and needing some quick funds. Most financial advisors recommend having at least 3-6 months of living expenses saved. Yes, you heard me right, 3-6 months and that includes rent, monthly debt payments, and whatever other obligations you have to take care of. For some of us when we add that up, that number can scare us so I recommend starting small. According to financial author Dave Ramsey, an emergency fund of $1k is a good place to start. Set a plan, take your time and you'll get there. Once you reach that $1k goal, set small goals to get yourself to that 3-6 month cushion. “You cannot expect victory and plan for defeat” (Joel Osteen). Small victories are better than none!
6) It's never too early to start saving for retirement.
Unfortunately, by the time many of us retire, the social security program may be depleted. This is one less source of income a retiree will have to look forward to. Don’t let this discourage you, take advantage of the many options that are available to you. More often than not, we may approach situations with the “we have time” mind frame. Well honey, time flies and when it comes to investing, the earlier you contribute, the greater your return. Contact the HR rep for your employer and see what options are available to you (ex: 401(k) or pension). If your job doesn't provide you with options or you prefer to do your own thing, look into options such as a Roth or Traditional IRA. Doing your research is key; then go with the best option for your financial situation. There’s a huge misconception that you should wait until you make more money to save. This couldn’t be more inaccurate. As you get older, in most cases you have more responsibility (kids, spouse, mortgage, etc.) and these things will be just additional reasons for why you can’t save. Bottom line is it may never “feel” like the right time. Start saving now!
7) Your Credit Score…Know It!
The dreaded score that gets ruined before you realize its importance and why you need it. I got my first credit card in college. My mom warned me about how debt can easily add up but at that age I didn’t care. All I knew was that some bank was crazy enough to give me a credit card. Fast forward to now, I play no games when it comes to my credit and paying my bills on time. I’ve even gone as far as to not carry any credit cards in my wallet. Here and there I may carry one for emergencies but I hate to be tempted by that bag or those shoes! If you haven't already, pull your credit report on FreeCreditReport.com at least once a year. Go over it thoroughly, make a plan to pay outstanding balances, and dispute any charges that are erroneous or unwarranted. This report and your score speak to your credit worthiness; it could be the determining factor of whether you get that fabulous house or not.
8) Don’t be Pimped by Your Life!
Many times we get stuck being in situations we despise because we don’t see a way out. This goes for relationships, jobs, business ventures, etc. Having security, a cushion, or being stable could mean the difference between leaving that job you hate and following your dreams or staying at that 9-5 because you have no money saved up and need to make ends meet. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with a 9-5, that’s what I do now. Let’s keep it real, many of you desire more or if given the opportunity would be doing something else. The only constant in life is change, so be prepared. Now when that unplanned event happens or you just wake up one day and want to jump ship; you will be ready! A lot of what I included in this article is just a snippet of how good money management can lead to financial freedom. As a result, financial freedom can lead to a greater quality lifestyle.
[Tweet "There's beauty in stacking your coin and being able to direct your own life!"]
Have your finances ever been in shambles? What are some steps that you took to get back on the right track?
Germeen is a NYC auditor pressing her way through the jungle gym known as corporate America. Her thirst for adventure has been proven by the stamps on her passport and her hunger for new experiences is demonstrated in her commitment to live life to the fullest. She is a self-proclaimed control freak and personal finance enthusiast somewhere overdosing on life.
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
Is it just me, or do our bodies have an “If it’s not one thing, it’s another” vibe as we get older? And lately, new or recurring skin conditions have been yet another thing to add to the growing list of “WTF is this, am I dying?” When it comes to seborrheic dermatitis, it’s one of the most common skin issues, impacting 3 to 10 out of 100 people, per the National Institute of Health. You may have heard of it, been diagnosed with it, or will relate to this article and finally feel seen and relieved that there’s a name for what you’ve been going through.
We’re breaking down everything you need to know about seborrheic dermatitis, from what it is and its symptoms to shutting down a few common myths, and of course, how to know if you actually have it. Let’s get into it.
What Are The Signs?
You may be experiencing seborrheic dermatitis if your skin, eyebrows, scalp, or facial hair has dandruff, irritable skin patches, or flakes, according to the Mayo Clinic. More specifically, and on the verge of TMI, oily skin with flat white or yellow scales may also be a sign.
When it comes to rashes, it’s likely they’ll show up in a ring-like form (which is called petaloid seborrheic dermatitis). For the melanated folks, rashes may appear darker or lighter (per the National Eczema Association, people of color may get a more intense flare-up with lesions on the hairline and discoloration), while those with fair skin may experience red rash areas.
Where Is It?
While seborrheic dermatitis can occur on various body parts, it’s frequently seen on the scalp, according to the NEA. The Mayo Clinic notes that the condition also pops up on oily facial and body areas like the edges of one’s nose, eyelids, and eyebrows, as well as the chest and ears. Skin can appear inflamed with rashes and patches, and the scalp will typically battle with relentless dandruff.
Seborrheic dermatitis can be super irritating and frustrating, but fortunately, if you’ve been diagnosed, it doesn’t lead to permanent hair loss, and it isn’t contagious, The Mayo Clinic states. In fact, with doctor-prescribed treatment or products like special shampoo, it could disappear or at least reduce flare-ups.
What Triggers It?
It’s difficult to pinpoint what specifically causes the condition. The Mayo Clinic points out that it could arise thanks to too much oil in the skin or the presence of Malassezia, a type of fungi. Commonly, things like fatigue, weather changes, and stress also play a role. More serious conditions that can trigger it range from Parkinson’s and depression to HIV, as well as the aftermath of life-altering events like a heart attack.
Bronchitis, strep throat, the flu, tonsillitis, and ear and respiratory infections are also known to cause flare-ups, along with skin issues like bruises, sunburns, scratches, and bites, per the Cleveland Clinic.
Interestingly enough, the NIH notes that seasons changing has a role too. Seborrheic dermatitis can disappear in the summer months, and then make a comeback like it never left in the winter.
Who Does It Affect?
Unlike many other things we go through as women, seborrheic dermatitis is actually more common for men, according to the NIH. It often appears for the first time in the young adult years or for those who are older than 50.
What About Psoriasis Though?
Seborrheic dermatitis is often compared to psoriasis, and for good reason. They both impact the skin, especially the scalp area. They can both also leave scaly patches on the skin, flakes on your hair, and cause itching. However, they’re not identical. Healthline notes that areas of seborrheic dermatitis flareups are typically easier to remove compared to psoriasis. Psoriasis also tends to be sorer and more tender, while seborrheic dermatitis can itch or create a burning sensation.
Let’s Clear The Air
There are a few rumors about the power of seborrheic dermatitis and what it can cause. So let’s break down the truth for a second. According to the NEA, this condition is not cancerous, nor does it indicate or increase a higher risk for cancer in the future.
Just a reminder, it doesn’t cause hair loss, nor is hair loss a symptom. If you are experiencing concerning hair loss, it is likely a sign of something else.
How Can You Treat It?
Seborrheic dermatitis can be treated pretty easily (praises be). Certain medicines like shampoos with tar, anti-inflammatory creams that include steroids, creams and shampoos with antifungal agents, or creams that feature salicylic acid, can be applied to the inflamed area to help resolve the problematic area, according to the NIH.
Just a note though: As tempting as it is to cover up scaly patches with heavy foundation or concealer, experts with the NIH actually advise against it as it can clog your pores. However, a light foundation can be used occasionally, along with skin care products that aren’t too oily to help temporarily conceal it.
A unique type of sunscreen also isn’t needed. You can use what you typically would before stepping out into the sun. And your skin soaking in a few extra rays could actually help your skin.
Should You Self-Diagnose?
As tempting as it is to make an appointment with Dr. Google, The Mayo Clinic advises you to call your actual physician if the condition interrupts your sleep, makes you lose focus throughout the day, contributes to anxiety, or simply doesn’t go away with at-home remedies. Simply put, it’s always best to check with your doctor to ensure you’re actually experiencing seborrheic dermatitis and get the treatment you need to help monitor or prevent it.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by gpointstudio/Getty Images