American Idol & Coaching Couples: Two of My Favorite Things

Left to Right: Financial Fitness Coach Sanyika Calloway Boyce, American Idol cast-off Carly Smithson and her tattooed husband Todd

I don't get to watch a lot of TV with my schedule, but when I do get time the first show I pull up on my TiVo is American Idol.

From the Awesome Aussie Micheal Johns to Charming Chikezie and Darling David Archelleta - I'd have to say that as a whole the amount of talent in this bunch is unmatched.

I - who cannot carry a tune in a bucket - take pride in intently listening to each performance and "judging it" long before the judges do so. So when in my opinion Carly Smithson who sang "Jesus Christ Superstar" superbly was "robbed" by the voters I was frustrated to say the least.

It's one thing to voice your opinion about your favorite "Idol" to your friends, its something all together different to tell one of your favorites in person that you admire their work and wish them well.

That's exactly what I got to do today.

When I walked into the FOX studios to coach a couple whose business had gone belly-up and was threatening to derail their relationship I was shocked to see the undeniable face of Carly's tattooed husband Todd who was very kind to me as I first stared at him in disbelief - it was 7AM and I didn't have my contacts in...

Then said "Ooh...you're...you're...you're..." but before I could fish for his name in my early morning fog of my mind he rescued me by confirming that he was indeed Carly's husband and told me that she was on the set rehearsing for the show.

In addition to doing what I thoroughly enjoy - coaching financially frustrated couples on national TV, I got to meet one of my favorite American Idol contestants - Carly Smithson - and tell her that I think she ROCKS - literally.

In that cool Irish lilt she smiled and said "Ah, thanks!"

Watching American Idol and coaching couples, two of my favorite things. Today was a good day!

Money Monday's on MandJShow.com

The launch of my Money Monday's Q&A Sessions on The Morning Show with Mike & Juliet website will begin on Monday April 21st.

Email me your biggest question about getting out of debt, making more money, gaining financial freedom or anything you'd like to ask that will help you move forward financially.

I want you to know that I PERSONALLY read them all and I just might respond to your question online. So be be sure to tune in each day to The Morning Show with Mike & Juliet (you never know when you might see me) and email me your questions!

From Milk to Meat: How To Fight Rising Food Prices & Win

Left to Right: Financial Fitness Coach - Sanyika Calloway Boyce, Proud Papa Raymond Young holding baby Noah (my youngest admirer) and Super Mom of Six Christine Young


Today on The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet I had the pleasure of meeting and coaching the cutest couple, Ray and Christine Young who are the proud parents of 6 active children - all under 8 years old (and no - they're not Mormon)

Coming from a large family myself (I'm the 2nd of 7) I know firsthand just how much kids eat and with the rising cost of everything from milk to meat to pasta and wheat what's a family to do?

There are simple cost-cutting steps that the Young family (and your family too) can take to save on groceries. Here are just a few of them:

STRETCH - Stretch Your Food & Your Dollar

If you want to save money when you're making meals for your family you need consider...

* Purchasing whole chickens vs. chicken parts - You'll not only get more meat, but you won't be paying for someone else to cut it for you.

* Milk it - Because milk is such a necessary staple in a child's diet you want to be sure that they get to enjoy it. To stretch your milk and your dollar just add 1/3 water to 1 cup milk - you'll get almost 3 more cups per gallon.

* Natural juice and seltzer vs. soda - If you're tempted to give in to your kids requests for soda why not choose a healthier and less expensive alternative. Mixing a combination of 1 part natural fruit juice to 2 parts seltzer water is a great way to get the fizz of soda for a fraction of the price.

*Portion patrol - If you let them, kids will eat until there is nothing left. So although it will require a bit of discipline (on both parts) allocating chips, cereal and other munchies into sandwich bags ensures your kids get to snack on proper portions and it will also help them develop healthy eating habits.


GROW - Grow Your Own

No matter whether you live in the middle of Montana or mid-town Manhattan, it's time to get back to basics and that means growing a garden.

If you're tired of making the same meals over and over because the cost of fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables is so expensive then grow your own.

Even if the idea of gardening is a bit overwhelming with all that you already have on your plate (pardon the pun)a great way to get fresh herbs is to plant a windowsill garden.

Go to a gardening center for the dirt and planter which are not expensive, then you can pick your rosemary, basil, dill and other plants or seeds and get to gardening.

The best part is, as long as you take care of them with a little sunlight and water they'll grow forever!

You might also want to check into community co-op programs which bring together a group of people to take turns sharing the responsibility of picking up vegetables from garden and farm sites and bringing them to a central drop-off location in your own neighborhood.


PLAN - Plan & Prepare

Believe it or not, it takes a lot less time to plan things - like a trip to the store or what's for dinner - in advance rather than in the moment.

I think everyone of us is guilty of going to the supermarket and coming home with a bag full of random items that we have no idea how to make work as a meal.

Restaurant owners shop by what's on the menu and so should you. Running a business is a lot like running your home so you really have to plan out your meals for the week or even two weeks before you go shopping. Organization is key and although this may seem like a lot of work it will save you money.

If the current spike in food prices is leaving you with more month then money, use these tips to stretch your food and your dollar just a bit further.

Do you have a great cost saving idea? What about a question about managing your money? I'd love to answer it for you. Ask me now at www.AskSanyika.com

By the way, Christine is not only a Super Mom of 6 and my new "Shero," she's also a "Mommy Blogger" and has a great blog that's just perfect for Mom's no matter how many or few you have in your crew.

If you missed The Morning Show with Mike & Juliet live, watch it now and be sure to check out Christine's blog...

Beating The Bank: Why Social Lending Sites Might Be Your Best Choice for a Loan

With the current credit crunch and banks getting tougher on lending standards is there anywhere to get the money you need to start, maintain and grow your business?

Actually, there is.

Just turn on your computer, pull up your favorite browser, type in "social lending" and you'll find a new kind of money source that just could be the way for millions of people to get the millions of dollars they need to not only survive but thrive in this less than friendly economic climate.

But it doesn't stop there because you can even refinance personal debt, get money for a new car and pay for your education.

Here's a quick lesson in social lending and what it could mean for you and your business:

WHO THEY'RE FOR: There are a large variety of social lending sites, all with a mission statement as unique as they are. Some have a single focus of lending to individuals and others have an open lending policy, meaning they'll lend to individuals, businesses or groups.


WHAT THEY DO: The sites serve as a virtual "matchmaker" between people who loans and those willing to make them, Many of the lender offer interest rates that are actually better than traditional bank - that is when banks were actually more willing to make loans.

The concept of social lending online seems to have started in 2006 with the San Francisco based virtual lender Prosper which claims to be "America's first people-to-people lending marketplace," following suit came Zopa, Lending Club and Virgin Money.


HOW THEY WORK: Each virtual lender seems to have a specialty, but the thing each of them have in common is they eliminate the need for borrowers to go through a bank for a loan, while giving lenders the opportunity to earn a higher rate of return on their investment.

Zopa connects cash seekers with credit unions who are willing to make loans

Lending Club launched on the social network giant Facebook and is now connecting lenders and borrowers in all 50 states

Virgin Money is owned by the billionaire business man Sir Richard Branson and has the unique distinction of making formal lending contracts between friends and family.

There is an application process you must go through as a potential borrower (or lender) and each site has different verification practices, even with the formal application process they are incredibly user friendly.

Besides, with banks on the brink of bankruptcy and creditors cracking down on consumers you may find social lending to be a much kindler, gentler option for your financing needs.

Money Myths: The Truth About Bankruptcy

Let’s face it, things don’t seem as comfortable for the middle class as they once did, there was a time (and it was less than 15 years ago) when a middle class family could live nicely on one income and very well on two incomes.

Now with the housing meltdown, layoffs, outsourcing, the cost of education, the overall cost of living rising; not to mention the recent blow to our wallets in due to skyrocketing gas prices and grocery bills it’s enough to make anyone scream “uncle!,” especially women who find themselves dealing with post divorce debt to top it all off.

If you’re teetering between bankruptcy and bust, watch my interview with Debbie Nigro of FirstWivesWorld.com to help you figure out if bankruptcy is the best option for you.

And, as always you can ask me your money questions at www.AskSanyika.com

How To Weather A Financial Storm

Today on The Morning Show with Mike & Juliet (FOX) I helped a couple who like many Americans are feeling the financial pressure from all sides.

Your Mother's wisdom about being prepared before going out in the rain holds true when you find yourself in a financial storm, whether your “rainy day” fund has run out or you got caught by the surprise of a sudden downpour, watch now to learn a few things you can to weather a financial storm.

#1: Grab a Umbrella – Seek immediate solutions to stabilize your situation

#2: Get some Golloshes - Develop a short-term plan that will get you moving in the right direction

#3: Put on your Raincoat - The ultimate goal is to have a layer of protection from the current as well as future rain showers

If you find yourself in the middle of a financial storm and you have a question, go to www.AskSanyika.com I can't tell you how soon the storm will end but I'll do my best to provide you with some solutions to chase the blues away.

Financial Literacy 101: Class Is In Session

Did you know that most employers are more interested in your FICO score than your college GPA?

Do you want to learn the truth about how to achieve financial independence?

Are you wondering what's the best way to reestablish your credit?

Could you use some tips on managing your money and life?

Well, look no further because the subject is Financial Literacy and class is in session with me, YOUR Financial Fitness Coach.

Watch now as I teach you the money lessons they didn't teach you in school.

Got a money question? Ask me now at, www.AskSanyika.com

Debt. The Other D-Word

I was invited by Debbie Nigro, Chief Executive Girlfriend of FirstWivesWorld.com to be part of the month long "Money Matter$" panel of financial experts assembled to help demystify money.

In this economically uncertain time, getting financially fit is on everyones mind; especially women who are facing the harsh reality of divorce and the debt that tends to come along with it.

If you find yourself dealing with seemingly insurmountable debt after going through a divorce - a reality that can be just as scary as debt - there is hope, and bankruptcy isn't necessarily your best option.

Read my article,
"3 Ways To Deal with Post-Divorce Debt" to learn how to get back in the financial game and play to win.

April is Financial Literacy Month

Spring has sprung! With the change of the seasons comes
a new hope for all that is possible.

April showers being May flowers that make everything green
and it's the perfect time to get your financial house in
order.


This month is also Financial Literacy month and each week
I’ll be sharing with you things you can get to get out of
debt, make more money and gain financial freedom.

From taxes and trends in entrepreneurship to bankruptcy and
redefining budgets you'll get a variety of information that
will help you make smart money moves now and in the future.

Today I was honored to be back on The Morning Show with
Mike & Juliet (FOX) to discuss how you can relieve the
financial pressure of being "sandwiched" between raising
growing children and caring for aging parents.

Even if that’s not your current reality, as we all live
longer and our relatives grow older it’s important to
learn the things you can do now to secure a more solid
financial future.

You can view the interview online, plus get additional
tips online from the "Green Room" interview.

To your continued success,
Sanyika

P.S. Are you "sandwiched in" and looking for help?

Visit www.AskSanyika.com and ask me your biggest question
about getting some financial relief now.