Gaby Delisme founded Facing Finances to share strategies that are designed to help individuals increase their net worth, increase the value of their estate, and ultimately build generational wealth. Equip yourself with the information you need to make the best decision for you and your family; those present and to come.
Some will say that making money mistakes when you are young is acceptable because you are learning. I say if we learn the principles of wealth management and teach the generations that are to come, they can avoid the pitfalls that caused us to stumble.
I’ve done it all right and done it all wrong. Although I have an undergraduate degree in Finance (from the amazing Florida State University), I did not have one personal finance class throughout my academic career. I graduated with 20+ credit cards. Do you remember the organizers with the slots for cards, I was the person who filled them all up with different credit cards and I was crazy enough to carry them with me. Can we say prime target for identity theft?
According to last week’s Wall Street Journal, Netflix gained an additional 16 million new subscribers.
Just this year alone, the stock is up 34%. I call that a win!
The average emergency, prior to the pandemic, could be resolved with $400. That annual Netflix subscription is 39% of what we would need to stash away for an emergency and gain some peace of mind. According to a recent survey by The Wall Street Journal and the Harris Poll, Americans spent an average of $37 per month on streaming services in March 2020. That’s an annual expense of $444. Can we say ching ching again.
Many people world wide are facing reduced hours or have been laid off from their jobs completely. Shelter and food are a basic necessities. What do you do if you can’t pay your mortgage or rent?
It is best to address things as soon as you are aware that there may be an issue. This gives you more time and potentially more options. Find out what resources are available to you before your rent or mortgage payments are actually behind.
I know it’s tempting to shop your heart out online while we’re quarantined, but pump your breaks and maintain a social distance from online shopping.
Take a moment and identify what you do not have in your closet or home that you truly need. My guess is that list is very short. Do yourself a favor and use what you already own.
Let’s talk about what you can do today, right now, to help offset any disruptions you may see in your income.
How much discretionary income do you have? Your discretionary income is any money you have left over after you pay your necessities (ex: taxes, shelter, groceries, costs associated with transportation, medication, etc.). So, how much “extra money” do you have that can be set aside in case you need to tap into it?
In order for this strategy to work, we have to increase the financial literacy within our families and communities. We must be aware and also make the next generation aware of the tools that can be in their toolbox. Take a few minutes to share this article with someone who will benefit from what you just learned.
Medical bills are the #1 reason people file for bankruptcy in the U.S. It is estimated that 56 million Americans are struggling to pay their medical bills. I had just let my Cobra coverage go because it was costing me $600 a month out of pocket and I twisted my ankle. I thought the pain of the injury was ridiculous until I started receiving the medical bills and then the phone calls. If you are considering filing for bankruptcy because of medical bills, explore and exhaust all of your options. Know that you are not alone. Be strategic and empower yourself.
