Staying in the Black

In this NYC episode Ms. Black discusses the raises that principals and managers received and the importance of being intentional about how you allocate your increase income. Consider your options, increase your retirement saving, investments, and/or increase debt repayment among many other things. Be wary of lifestyle creep.   Ms. Black, the host of Staying in the Black, is a single mom, homeowner...

In this episode Ms. Black updates you  on her  Runway to Entrepreneurship.   Ms. Black, the host of Staying in the Black, is a single mom, homeowner, and public-school educator in NYC. She owns two properties and is one mortgage away from being totally debt-free. She loves traveling the world with her family and has over $1M in her retirement accounts beyond her pension. Learn more about Ms. Black...

In this episode Ms. Black shares her 2023, 4th Quarter retirement account numbers. She shares two books that support her with her retirement mindset. Listen to her book reviews below.   Book Review: It's Not About the Money Brent Kessel Book Review: Die with Zero by Bill Perkins Ms. Black, the host of Staying in the Black, is a single mom, homeowner, and public-school educator in NYC. She own...

Ms. Black wants to know if she can afford to retire early so she consulted with two Certified Financial Planners (CFP). In this episode Ms. Black shares her experiences meeting with 2 CFPs. Find out what they advised her.   If you want to know how Ms. Black prepared to meet with the CFPs list to this episode: Preparing to meet with a CFP Ms. Black, the host of Staying in the Black, is a single mom...

In this episode Ms. Black discuss the importance of exploring side hustles and next chapter options. You may be interested in starting a side hustle or have an idea of what you want to do once you retired but have you truly explored the idea? Do you know the pro and cons? Do you know if you'll truly enjoy doing the job?  Many times we fall in love with the idea of a certain job/position/title...

Ms. Black share the podcast highlights for 2023. Ms. Black, the host of Staying in the Black, is a single mom, homeowner, and public-school educator in NYC. She owns two properties and is one mortgage away from being totally debt-free. She loves traveling the world with her family and has over $1 million in her retirement accounts beyond her pension. Learn more about Ms. Black: Website: http://www...

Happy New Year! In this episode Ms. Black talk about strategies for keeping  your financial resolutions. Ms. Black, the host of Staying in the Black, is a single mom, homeowner, and public-school educator in NYC. She owns two properties and is one mortgage away from being totally debt-free. She loves traveling the world with her family and has over $500,000 in her retirement accounts beyond her pe...

Ms. Black celebrates the 3 year anniversary of the Staying in the Black Podcast!  Ms. Black, the host of Staying in the Black, is a single mom, homeowner, and public-school educator in NYC. She owns two properties and is one mortgage away from being totally debt-free. She loves traveling the world with her family and has over $500,000 in her retirement accounts beyond her pension. Learn more about...

In the episode Ms. Black discusses why you may want to meet with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and  how prepare to  meet with a CFP. Questions to Ask a Certified Financial Planner  Certified Financial Planner Documents Checklist Certified Financial  Planner Search:  https://www.plannersearch.org/ Ms. Black, the host of Staying in the Black, is a single mom, homeowner, and public-school educa...

There are many sites online where professional appraisers or subject matter experts offer estimates on your items. Simply upload a photo and add descriptions. The site will typically respond within a week with a valuation of the item.  However, some items may have more value to you than others may be willing to pay for them. In this episode Ms. Black discusses the value of her 2008 Honda Accord EX...

Step for successful gift giving:  Set budget  including taxes, shipping and handling   Make a list, check twice  Look for sale, promo code, use browsers plug-ins like honey Make purchases Ms. Black, the host of Staying in the Black, is a single mom, homeowner, and public-school educator in NYC. She owns two properties and is one mortgage away from being totally debt-free. She loves traveling the w...

Intuit is closing the Mint, budgeting app, as January 1, 2024. OMG! Ms. Black shares how you should go about identifying a replacement budgeting app and a list of potential replacements. Ask yourself the following questions:  Do I want a free app or can afford to pay for an app? What is my budgeting style (zero-based, envelop system, 50/30/20, spending plan, spreadsheet)? Do I want to connect my f...

In this episode Ms. Black reviews Build the Life You Want by Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah Winfrey  Build the Life You Want by Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah Winfrey Take the PANAS quiz mention in the episode  here. Ms. Black, the host of Staying in the Black, is a single mom, homeowner, and public-school educator in NYC. She owns two properties and is one mortgage away from being totally debt-free. She...

In the episode Ms. Black discusses why is it essential to know your financial numbers. She discuss how four of her clients have been inspired meet their financial goal when learning their actual numbers. Use these numbers to meet whatever goals you set for yourself.  You can earn more, spend less, or a combination of both to meet your goals faster. The choice is up to you. Learn your numbers Step...

This a New York State/City specific episode. It addresses  New York State/ City Tier VI retirement requirements and how they differ for from Tiers III/ IV.   Learn more about fixing Tier VI at https://fixtier6.org Ms. Black, the host of Staying in the Black, is a single mom, homeowner, and public-school educator in NYC. She owns two properties and is one mortgage away from being totally debt-free....

In this episode Ms. Black reviews It’s Not About the Money: A Proven Path to Building Wealth and Living the Rich Life You Deserve by Scarlett Cochran, JD.   It’s Not About the Money: A Proven Path to Building Wealth and Living the Rich Life You Deserve Ms. Black, the host of Staying in the Black, is a single mom, homeowner, and public-school educator in NYC. She owns two properties and is one mort...

It open enrollment time, that time of year where you can change you health insurance and enroll in Flexible Spending Account Programs:  Medical Spending Conversion Programs Dependent Care Assistance Program Health Care Flexible Spending Account Read more about the details of the Flexible Spending Accounts Program url: https://www.nyc.gov/site/olr/fsa/fsahome.page Ms. Black, the host of Staying in...

In this episode Ms. Black discusses her Q3 podcast updates. Ms. Black, the host of Staying in the Black, is a single mom, homeowner, and public-school educator in NYC. She owns two properties and is one mortgage away from being totally debt-free. She loves traveling the world with her family and has over $500,000 in her retirement accounts beyond her pension. Learn more about Ms. Black: Website: h...

In this episode Ms. Black share her Runway to Retirement journey, including her actual retirement account balances for Q3. Ms. Black, the host of Staying in the Black, is a single mom, homeowner, and public-school educator in NYC. She owns two properties and is one mortgage away from being totally debt-free. She loves traveling the world with her family and has over $500,000 in her retirement acco...

In this episode  Ms. Black discusses how to withdraw from your retirement accounts and questions you should ask your tax professional. Learn when you can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits URL: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/agereduction.html Ms. Black, the host of Staying in the Black, is a single mom, homeowner, and public-school educator in NYC. She owns t...

in this episode Ms. Black talks about how to leverage a Roth IRA to prepare for retirement at any age. Roth IRA contribution (for 2023 $6,500 annually, or $7,500 if you're age 50 or older) Roth IRA salary caps URL: https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/amount-of-roth-ira-contributions-that-you-can-make-for-2023  Compound interest calculator   URL: https://www.investor.gov/financial-tools-calcu...

Student loan repayments are starting back next month for most borrowers. In this episode we discuss how to pay your student loans and contribute to your retirement. Remember to contact your lenders to adjust the repayment amount if necessary. and investigate various repayment options.     Learn more about identifying your future self in Episode 118  Why should you name your future/retired self? Ms...

31% of investors would be comfortable putting AI' s financial advice  into practice without verifying it first, according to CFP Board survey.  These Women Tried to Warn Us About AI : Today the risks of artificial intelligence are clear — but the warning signs have been there all along BY LORENA O'NEIL https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/women-warnings-ai-danger-risk-be...

Steps to end the  Paycheck to Paycheck cycle Increase your salary ( overtime, side hustle, new job/position)  Track your spending and create a budget aligned with your financial goals  Make spending adjustments where you can Pay yourself first (retirement accounts emergency savings)  Get accountability partners Ms. Black, the host of Staying in the Black, is a single mom, homeowner, and public-sch...

Saving comes naturally to some be can be a challenge for others. Saving alone will not make you rich however is the first in step in building wealth and becoming financially independent.   Here are behavioral Set savings amount  in advance of windfalls (tax returns, raises, monetary gifts)   Leverage transitions ( birthdays, seasons, new moons)  Manage your small purchases ( "Small leaks, sin...