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Tagged: relationships

17May

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

Posted in Business and Professional, Debt, Finance, Men, Romance and Relationships, Women | Leave a comment

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

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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10May

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

Posted in Career, Family, Finance, Life, Men, Romance and Relationships, Women | Leave a comment

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

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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03May

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

Posted in Business and Professional, Career, Education, Finance, Men, Romance and Relationships, Women | Leave a comment

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

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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15Apr

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

Posted in Debt, Finance, Men, Romance and Relationships, Women | Comments Off

Live happily ever after — at least financially stable

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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05Apr

Love & Money: Is the Art of Commitment a Lost One? (BlackEnterprise.com)

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On investing, commitment and finding purpose

As we approach the end of the week, I’d like you to take time and discuss “Is Commitment a Lost Art?” with your co-workers and friends to get their thoughts.

The majority of people in our society desire to be in healthy, successful and prosperous relationships. Unfortunately, many of them are unprepared for the twists and turns that accompany commitment in a relationship. In previous generations, there was an emphasis placed on remaining committed even when challenges surface. Contrary to popular belief, commitment isn’t a magical switch that you can turn on and off, but it is a deliberate and dedicated lifestyle a person chooses to live. As I teach during my workshop sessions, commitment is only validated after you’ve been through some sort of opposition.

I know you’re over there thinking, “How can I tell a person’s ability to be committed?” I’m glad you asked. Here are some ways you can begin assessing a person’s capacity for commitment:

1) How committed are they to their family? – People who are uncommitted to those closest to them are a potential risk to you in a relationship. There are exceptions to this assessment, especially if they grew up in an unhealthy environment. However, if a person has never experienced a healthy relationship environment, then how can you expect for them to provide one for you?

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29Mar

Seven Years Without Sex: Author Kenny Pugh Tells Why He Says ‘No’ to Sex (BlackAmericaWeb.com)

Posted in Men, Romance and Relationships, Sex, Women | Comments Off

Single women: Would you date a man who is absolutely committed to celibacy?

No sex until marriage. Not even once. And it’s not negotiable.

Kenny Pugh, author, financial professional, motivational speaker, is taking an unconventional approach to life as a black man in 2013: Sexual abstinence.

At 38 years old, Pugh is black, male and heterosexual, and hasn’t had sex in more than seven years. And he doesn’t plan to be sexually intimate with a woman until he gets married.

“I’ve been celibate for seven years and I’m an advocate for a lifestyle that empowers people to make good decisions about relationships moving forward,” Pugh said in a recent interview with BlackAmericaWeb.com.

It’s an old-school philosophy in a new-age era because sex, Pugh says, clouds good judgment. But some women aren’t down for celibacy, Pugh said, and some openly question if he’s really heterosexual.

Pugh, a contributing writer with Black Enterprise magazine, is promoting his new book: “Can You Do It Standing Up: A Different Position On Relationships.”

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