My First App

The Valuteachers Core conference for SC, NC, and VA reps was great. The Holiday Inn Express hotel in Lexington, NC overlooking the Childress Vineyards was a plus.

Majority of the reps were new like me and have yet to fill out their first app or application. Since that weekend, I almost had my first app done, but the young lady was busy at work and will complete it in the New Year. She is in her early to mid-20's, she has toddler son, and will be contributing to a ROTH IRA account.  She will begin with the minimum of $100 per month.

I'm excited for her because she is on her way to saving for her retirement. Starting at a young age will almost guarantee her 6 figures in retirement if she increase her monthly contribution $25 each additional years.

I know I have to continue to talk to young adults about saving for retirement. Believe me after a while you won't be missing it.

2013 is KNOCKING on the door, what are you waiting for?

Photo Credit:  http://theblakeproject.typepad.com

Comment below as to what are your fears of starting your first step towards saving for Retirement.

Which One Are You: The Jeffersons or The Evans?

The NiA theatre group got the Financial workshop series "Growing Savers" started by singing, acting, screening a money webseries, and getting the audience involved to not be afraid to talk about moneY. Why the emphasis on the Y? Are you using your money and Movin' On Up like The Jeffersons or are you struggling like the Evans on Good Times?

The first of a five part series was held in Columbia, SC by the Richland County Public Library (RCPL). They wrote and received a grant that involved the NiA theatre group and bringing in three financial panelists.

Photo from www.blogs.wsj.com

Photo from www.tvtropes.org

The NiA group had the audience warmed up with the song Summer Time from the play Porgy and Bess, the TV show The Jeffersons "Movin' On Up" Theme song, and reminiscing about the TV show Good Times.

Hosted by WIS anchor  Judi Gatson.

                           Highlights:

• Don't Borrow from your IRA - Unless it is for Education or Homeownership. Not for hardship for being unemployed. 
• FICO Score - You need to know your Score. Being late one time after years of on time payment will ding your score.
• Identity Theft - Don't have your SSN on you (purse, wallet, etc). Most Military cards have taken SSN off, but not Medicare cards. It needs to change. Press charges, even if it is a family member stealing your identity.
• Just Do It - SAVE, even if it is $5 per month from your paycheck
• No payday loans - You need to get out of this circle. It's very hard when 85% of your income goes to your everyday expenses.

Congrats to the RCPL on writing and receiving this grant. It is of great service to the Richland County community.

Four more upcoming workshops:  Saving and Budgeting, Credit, Retirement, and Investing will be held at the Library October 10, 17, 20, and 24.

www.myRCPL.com for more info.

So which one are you? Are you money savvy by investing, saving, and/or growing a business like The Jeffersons or are you living pay check to pay check like the Evans on Good Times? I would love to hear from you. Comment below.

Rhonda W.