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  • Category Archives Finance

  • Appreciation Is an Important Key to Wealth and Relationship Success (BlackEnterprise.com)

    Posted on by kennypugh Comment

    Why you should avoid investing in things & relationships that don’t appreciate

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    There aren’t too many people today who don’t desire success in the areas of love and money. Unfortunately, people struggle with identifying principles to generate success in both of these key life areas. In an attempt to assist with this dilemma, I have identified one word that is a key to achieving success in both wealth and relationships. Allow me to introduce you to APPRECIATION.

    According to dictionary.com, the root word appreciate has multiple meanings: to be grateful or thankful for, to value or regard highly or to raise in value.

    I could stop the article here because the definitions really speak for themselves. However, allow me to further elaborate in order to ensure the point hits home.

    When it comes to finances, the world’s wealthy understand the power of investing in assets that appreciate in value. Their knowledge has allowed them to master the art of creating a Return on Investment (ROI). Very rarely do you see wealthy people amassing a lot of goods (e.g. cars, clothes, etc.) that don’t add value to their financial lives. Notice I said wealthy and not rich. Rich people generally make a lot of money; whereas, wealthy people create avenues to grow their money. Many of the wealthy individuals I know live very simple and money savvy lives. They don’t pride themselves in purchasing the latest shoes, purchase depreciating automobiles or maintaining a closet full of designer fashions. Many are quite frugal.

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  • Why Your Mate’s Character is More Important Than Their Money (BlackEnterprise.com)

    Posted on by kennypugh Comment

    Why a love interest’s money can only take you so far

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    Let me offer this quick tip to you as a public service announcement: If you desire a truly healthy relationship with someone, focus more on their character than the amount of currency they make or have.

    It seems that in today’s society, there is a lot more focus placed on income and not enough attention on people’s character. Unfortunately, a number of men and women have resolved within themselves to list income as an item on their future mate checklist. God forbid they run across someone who meets the majority of the core areas like love, respect, compassion, etc., but happens to work in education or in a factory. Is someone who meets all of the character requirements, but only makes $30-$50K automatically ruled out?

    I know it sounds absurd, but I’m sure many of you have heard of stories where a friend, family member or co-worker may have eliminated someone from consideration because they didn’t make enough money. If you haven’t experienced this personally, consider yourself lucky to not have had to deal with such superficiality. I believe our culture’s infatuation with money and success has been one of the contributing factors to the decline of healthy relationships. However, that’s entirely different topic to deal with.

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  • Why It’s Important to Remember That You Are Your Greatest Asset (BlackEnterprise.com)

    Posted on by kennypugh Comment

    Self-determination as a key to success in business and life

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    Take a moment to go look in the mirror. The person looking back at you is the greatest asset in your possession. No matter what is going on in your career, relationships or financial life, the person looking at you in the mirror has the value and ability to create great returns in every area of your life.

    Do you want a great career?

    Invest in yourself. Enhance your current marketability by taking additional training courses or by obtaining certifications. In order to continue increasing your value and salary potential in the workplace, add skills and certifications to your resume. Even if you’re in the midst of transitioning careers, be willing to put in the necessary time and research for success in whatever area you choose to go into. No one can keep you from achieving your career aspirations as long as you’re willing to pursue your goals and NEVER give up.

    Do you want great relationships?

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  • 3 Financial Habits Your Future Spouse Will Appreciate (BlackEnterprise.com)

    Posted on by kennypugh

    Live happily ever after — at least financially stable

    CoupleTravel

    The divorce rate in our country is currently above 50 percent. That’s a staggering number. There are a number of factors contributing to this dilemma, but a number of marriage counselors and divorce attorneys will attribute this trend to money, sex and communication as the top three reasons. I personally believe communication is the underlying factor linked to all of the reasons, but I won’t address that point in this post.

    Let’s focus on the issue of money in relationships. Unfortunately, too many people wait until after they get married before building a working knowledge of finances. Actually, one of the best times to gain an understanding about money and build positive habits is during your time of singleness. There are some great lessons to learn when you’re single and those lessons can serve as a great foundation for having the money conversation prior to marriage. Notice I said “prior to” marriage. The best time to discuss finances with your significant other is before tying the knot. Some of the financial issues couples experience can be avoided if a couple communicates openly and honestly in advance.

    If you’re single, here are 3 financial habits your future spouse will appreciate you putting into practice:

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    This entry was posted in Debt Finance Men Romance and Relationships Women and tagged Bookmark the permalink

  • Do Women Get to Keep the Ring After a Broken Engagement? (BlackEnterprise.com)

    Posted on by kennypugh

    A break up can soon turn into a financial conundrum

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    I received an e-mail from a faithful supporter regarding an issue she is having with her former fiancée. I’ll call them Kevin and Kim in order to protect the identities of the involved parties.

    Kevin and Kim met 3 years ago at an office holiday party and hit it off from their first conversation. They dated for a year and a half before Kevin decided to pop the question. During an intimate Saturday evening gathering with family and friends, Kevin presented the apple of his eye with a $14,000 diamond engagement ring. Sounds like a romantic fairy tale right? Well not in this case!

    Shortly after getting engaged the two began to argue about financial and family matters! Not seeing a way to compromise on the various issues, Kim decided to call off the engagement. There’s nothing wrong with Kim’s decision correct? We’d rather have the couple call off their engagement rather than find themselves in divorce court a brief time after marrying. It’s actually a very mature decision to make. However, here’s the complication. Kevin decided he also wants Kim to return the $14,000 ring since the engagement is off. Do you see any problem with his request? Is the engagement ring a gift or a marriage earnest deposit?

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  • 3 Reasons Why Couples with Prenuptial Agreements are Happier (BlackEnterprise.com)

    Posted on by kennypugh

    Peace of mind has its privileges

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    Continuing with the theme from my previous article, I want to explore why couples with prenuptial agreements might actually be happier. In order to position the following points, let me first start by providing a disclaimer that I’m in no way endorsing prenuptial agreements.

    In discussing this particular area with friends, associates and family members, I’ve learned that finances are a very sensitive matter to a number of people. Because of this level of sensitivity, a number of couples are choosing to discuss this matter on the front end of marriage, instead of waiting until divorce is looming and emotions are at their boiling point. Let’s be honest, decisions made when level heads are involved are a lot different than when betrayal, unhappiness and anger take center stage.

    Here are a few reasons why entering into a prenuptial agreement may actually make couples happier in the long-term:

    Your pre-marital assets are protected. As previously mentioned, divorces often bring out the most vindictive thoughts and actions. Many decisions made with negative emotions running high are often intentionally targeted at hurting the other person. With 50-60% of marriages ending in divorce, it is very likely that you or someone you know could be impacted by this unfortunate reality. If a mutually agreed upon plan already exists, then the two parties involved can follow the pre-established plan for distributing assets brought into the marriage in the event of divorce. Knowing this sensitive matter has been addressed on the front end may remove any paranoia about the other person’s motives on the back end.

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