The Coffey Break – Page 39

Buy What You Need and Want What You Have

Hey guys!

This may sound like a cheap shot, but I think it’s pretty safe to say that the terms American and debt are all but synonymous. Recently, my dad introduced me to a really great audio series, Debt Proof Living by Mary Hunt. I picked up a quote, and it is my new mantra for having a conscious sense of control over my financial circumstances. Her message was something like this,

“Choosing contentment is choosing to want what you have. Buy what you need, and want what you have!”

This may seem like a fairly logical lifestyle to live, but for many people, actively committing to this is a really difficult challenge to face on a daily basis. Fortunately, I have a friend, Charles Adi, who is a financial advisor, and I am happy to announce that The Coffey Break will be highlighting his pearls of wisdom on, “How to be prepared when life happens!”

Take a look below for an excerpt from his monthly newsletter, and follow the link for more articles and advice. Enjoy!

-Chelsea

This month’s newsletter focuses on taxes and your money. Over the past six months, the market has seen strong growth but recently suffered setbacks that many attribute to Europe. With uncertainties in Greece, Spain, and now possibly France, we examine a few Market-Movement Indicators that you need to be aware of to better understand its effect on economic growth in America.

There has also been much talk about the proposed changes in the tax law. From the expiring “Bush Tax Cuts,” changes to the tax brackets, and loss of several key deductions, there is much to wrap your head around. Let’s take a closer look at Taxes of the Past, Present, and Future.

We conclude by taking a closer look at some common Retirement Rules of Thumb and discuss Roth Conversion. With higher taxes around the corner this strategy could potentially save you thousands.

Happy Reading!

BLUEPRINT MONTHLY

Notorious B.I.G. Calms Down Crying Baby

Notorious B.I.G. Calms Down Crying Baby:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=D7_0SOTQLIQ

The Unhealthy Relationship in Disguise

I came across the article below, and I’m pretty excited to share it with our Coffey Break readers. Yes, your relationship may be as beautiful as that warm feeling that comes over you when you think about your significant other, but sometimes, that beautiful relationship is really mediocre at best disguising itself as something more appealing.

Here’s why this article is interesting; what about those who are in a relationship, things have become less rosy and doubt has begun to creep in? It’s interesting because the term “gut feeling” couldn’t be more literal in my life. Anytime I’m upset it goes directly to my stomach; which sucks because it’s almost embarrassing how excited I get about food… I’m still trying to wrap my head around an efficient way to explain and identify the “unhealthy relationship”. I will say this, if you are wired the way I am, you’re stomach has already told you all you need to know. I think the author of the article does a fantastic job at helping one walk through scenarios and see things for what they are.

My humble advice to anyone questioning their relationship is to make a list. This has been my mom’s default advice time and time again to logically sort through a very emotional process. Weigh the good against the bad and then read the article below.

-Chelsea

It’s Not You, It’s Me….Hmm Actually It’s YOU!

By BellaNaija.com

You are wondering what the title is all about.

Well, let me explain.
Over a week ago, I was reading an article in the UK Daily Mail and the story was about a 40-something year old woman who had been in a relationship for seven years. She described her relationship as stable and loving. She also explained that she and her partner were both financially successful.
When she turned 42, she began yearning for a child. She discussed it with her partner and he didn’t seem too keen.
In her words, ‘My partner insisted he did not want children. Because he was so adamant, I smothered the feelings that were beginning to eat away at me from the inside’
Long story short, he eventually left her.
Years later, in her late 40s, she was miraculously blessed with a child (with her new partner) and then she found out that her ex-partner now also had a child.
In her words, ‘When I heard my ex was going to be a father – yes, the one who swore he did not want children – I would have had to repress a strong urge to rush over and axe him to death had I not had Deia (her daughter) by then’

In other words, it was clear that her partner knew she was not the one and did not want a permanent attachment, in this case – a child. If he hadn’t left, she would have clung on to the seemingly ‘stable’ relationship and just withered away. He would have eventually moved on and as she said, the outcome would have been very different. Perhaps even a headline on the nightly news…

It got me thinking. I’m sure you all know the concept of ‘He’s Just Not That Into You’. However, I feel as though that focuses on people who have just met or have been in short term relationships.

How about those in long term relationships. I hear of scenarios all the time that makes me just wonder. Sometimes maybe your partner is telling you something. It might be hard to hear but these clear signs point to the fact that YOU are just not the one.

All real stories…

Continue reading the scenarios at the original article: It’s Not Me, It’s You

WHERE THOU ART, THAT IS HOME A tribute to my very first fashion icon, my mother.

Thankfully my mom has great style, and I’d like to think that I have caught on to some of her effortless grace along the way. Her look can be most easily defined as classic. To this day, I stillI love to seeing her enter the room all dressed up when she and my dad have an event to attend.

This set revolves around three pieces in particular. Each piece represents and item of mother’s that I still wish I had to this day. The vintage Dooney and Bourke bag is my earliest memory of a purse crush. I still kick myself for losing her Queen Nefertiti pendant. And lastly, I am eternally grateful to her for her instrumental role in teaching me to love every inch of my Black self. She wore her hair natural years and years before it was the fad it is now. Growing up, the afro pick in her hair care drawer was always a subtle reminder of her teachings to embrace who you are and love the package God has given you.

How has your mother influenced your sense of style?

Be blessed, Chelsea