Smart Money Blog

You've Got Questions...I've Got Answers On: Bounced checks, Credit Score and the National Debt level

2008-10-20T15:05:00.000-07:00

Q. A few years ago I got in trouble with cashing checks that I didn’t have the money to cover. It caught up with me and my account was closed. I've gotten my life together and have been searching for a bank, that I can get an account with that does not use chexsystem. Are there any banks in New York that don't use chexsystem that I can open an account with? –Anna, Brooklyn, NY

A. The chances of finding a bank in a metropolitan city or that is part of a larger network of banks (i.e. Bank of America, Chase, Wachovia) that doesn't use ChexSystems is very unlikely.

Each banking institution has specific rules and regulations as it pertains to bounced checks, however, they all plug into one system for their information about customers with a history of bad banking practices: ChexSystems. This agency is to the banking industry what credit-reporting agencies are to the credit card lenders...

Read the rest of this October 20, 2008 post and get answers you need to make smart money moves: Money Monday's

I really appreciate you taking the time to send me your money questions. I personally read each email so keep them coming!

Got a pressing money question? Ask it now Money Monday's

And be sure to check back each Monday for answers to your money questions.

You've Got Questions...I've Got Answers On: Payday loans, Negotiating with creditors, Using IRA to pay off debt

2008-10-13T08:26:00.000-07:00

Q. I am 38 years old and currently out of work. I have worked out a deal with the card company to pay off the $18,000 that I owe. The agreement is to pay it off in full within 5 years with no interest. Being out of work, I’m afraid I won’t have the income to keep the agreement up past the next 3 months. I’m thinking about using my IRA to pay off my card. Is that a good idea? – Stella, Bristol, CT

A. I know from personal experience the feeling of wanting to get the "credit monkey" off your back and trying to figure out your financial future when you're in a fog. Both are extremely difficult to do so I'd suggest that you:

A) Consider just how much things can change in the next three months. That’s a lot of time so you do not have to make a decision right now. Continue to make your payments and see how things go with your job hunting search. ...

Read the rest of this October 13, 2008 post and get answers you need to make smart money moves: Money Monday's

I really appreciate you taking the time to send me your money questions. I personally read each email so keep them coming!

Got a pressing money question? Ask it now Money Monday's

And be sure to check back each Monday for answers to your money questions.

Applying common sense to economic uncertainty

2008-10-08T06:39:00.000-07:00

No doubt you've been watching all of
the news stories of the bailout, golden
parachutes and the linking of the current
economic downturn to the great depression.

From the amount of questions I've
received at AskSanyika.com and MandJShow.com
I know that you have some questions and
concerns.

Yesterday morning I appeared on The Morning
Show with Mike & Juliet where I was joined
by Dave Ramsey and Rebecca Gomez to discuss
just what the changes in the stock market
mean to you.

If you didn't get to see it, watch it now at:

Evaluating the Economy

Also, here's a bit of common sense to apply
to the economic uncertainty you may be
experiencing:

1. Examine your expenses - now is the time to
tell your money where to go, rather than wondering
where it went.

Create a spending plan and stay focused on the
financial goals you've set for yourself. Cut out
things that you don't need, but keep a record of
your spending so you will avoid feeling overwhelmed
or out of control.

2. Spend sensibly

Don't cancel Christmas or tell family you won't be
traveling for Thanksgiving. You need to continue to
spend, however do it sensibly.

Instead of using your credit card to purchase holiday
gifts you can't afford, come up with a priority list
of gifts for each member of your family and stick to
your plan to only spend what you can afford.

Remember that your love is not communicated through
how much you spend, so find other ways to show the people
you care that they are important to you.

3. Continue to contribute

It might seem a little crazy to keep putting money
in a "bucket with a whole in it," but if you are in
your 20s, 30s, 40s and even 50s I'll tell you that
the stocks you've invested in are now at lower prices
which means you can purchase more of them, when you
do you'll see the size of your saving swell when the
value of these stocks go up. And they will most
certainly go back up.

You may have heard the saying, "It's impossible to
time the market," well it's true, most people get out
when they should stay in, others to get in when the
prices have already started to go up.

SO continue to contribute to your 401k, IRAs and other
retirement accounts and know that you are putting your
money in the market for the long term.

And finally, there is still time to take the
quick Holiday Spending 2008 survey, please do
it now at:

Holiday Spending 2008 Survey

To your continued succe$$!
Sanyika

You've Got Questions...I've Got Answers On: Landlords, Foreclosure Process, Chapter 7 bankruptcy

2008-10-06T11:51:00.000-07:00

Q. I am so confused, I think I am in foreclosure with my mortgage since I’ve missed four payments due to my husband losing his job but I’m not sure. I can’t get a straight answer from the bank and I keep getting letters of non-payment. What does this mean? Am I going to lose my house? – Kim, Willobrook, IL

A. It seems like you're in a bit of a panic and that's understandable when you're dealing with the reality of foreclosure. Before I jump into the answer I want to suggest that you take a deep breath, clear your head because everything will be OK. You have options.

While laws vary from state to state, here's essentially how the foreclosure process works :

1. When you are served with foreclosure papers - and believe me you will KNOW when you receive a foreclosure letter - it will be via registered mail or delivered in person by someone who is hired to serve foreclosure notices and must be signed and dated by you for the court record.

Read the rest of this October 6, 2008 post and get answers you need to make smart money moves: Money Monday's

I really appreciate you taking the time to send me your money questions. I personally read each email so keep them coming!

Got a pressing money question? Ask it now Money Monday's

And be sure to check back each Monday for answers to your money questions.

Take an anonymous poll re: your holiday spending habits

2008-10-06T02:03:00.000-07:00

I have been invited to be interviewed by Shon Gables, the host
of Black Enterprise Business Report (on Tuesday,October 7th)
for a series that will run in November addressing changes in everyday
Americans spending habits in light of the current economy, especially
as it relates to holiday gifts and charitable giving this holiday season.

I'd love to get your feedback, would you be willing to answer a
few questions? Your name or contact information will not be
required to take the poll and answers will be kept private.

To take the Holiday Spending 2008 poll, please click the link
below which will take you to an online survey. Answer the questions
and press the submit button when you're done - that's it!

Click Here to take Holiday Spending survey

Thank you for your prompt feedback. I will be sure to alert you
when the show airs.

You've Got Questions...I've Got Answers On: Fiscal Fasting, Financial Planners & Credit Monitoring Services

2008-09-29T10:13:00.000-07:00

Q. My friend told me how she goes on a "fiscal fast" one week out of the month and that it’s really helped her save money and curb her urge to shop. The idea sounds interesting and strange at the same time. Have you ever heard of "fiscal fasting" and what is it all about? – Tina, Sioux Falls, SD

A. Jeff Yeager, author of The Ultimate Cheapskate is credited with coining the phrase "fiscal fast," he's also the winner of a newspaper contest in which the person who proved to be the thriftiest would win.

The foundation of a fiscal fast isn't about not spending money as much as it is about being more conscious about when and how much you spend. For example, as consumers we tend to buy into the "pantry mentality" which basically suggests that you should always have an ample supply of basic foods in your pantry or cabinets...

Read the rest of this September 29, 2008 post and get answers you need to make smart money moves: Money Monday's

I really appreciate you taking the time to send me your money questions. I personally read each email so keep them coming!

Got a pressing money question? Ask it now Money Monday's

And be sure to check back each Monday for answers to your money questions.

Would you like to be on National TV with me this MONDAY?

2008-09-25T11:21:00.000-07:00

You may have seen me on The Morning Show
with Mike & Juliet (FOX) coaching financially
frustrated couples, working with individuals
who've had their credit ruined by their exes,
and even working with a single mom who was
"held hostage" by holiday debt.

Well, I'm at it again (I just LOVE helping
people overcome their frustrations with money)
and with the uncertainty of the economy I'd
like to invite you to join me on Monday,
September 29th on FOX.

The producers of the show are looking for:

WHO:

A family with several kids who can speak about
how they are being effected by the current economy,
especially with the price of gas being raised, the
costs of basic living expenses continuing to
increase, job loss and pay cuts.

WHEN:

The show would be live on FOX networks Monday,
September 29th (9AM to 10AM EST) and they are
willing to cover travel arrangements (i.e. air,
hotel, car service) if you (or the family you're
referring for the show) are not local to New York.

WHAT:

You would need to be willing to speak openly about:

* Your current and specific financial situation

* Discuss how you and your family are being
effected by the economy and give specific situations

* Address any emotions or anxiety you have about
managing money, weathering a financial storm

* Be open to getting information and advice on how
your current financial situation.

ARE YOU THE ONE?:

If you are that family or know of a family that
fit's the profile, let me know ASAP by sending
me an email with

"Help Me Recession Proof My Family"

in the subject line, to:

==> Media @ Sanyika.com
(ONLY serious inquiries please)

Be sure to include:

NAME

EMAIL ADDRESS

TWO CONTACT NUMBERS (if possible - but at least one
where the producers can reach you immediately)

CITY/STATE in which you live

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SITUATION

The turn around on this is pretty tight since
the producer would need to do a pre-show
interview to qualify the guest before making
travel arrangements.

WHY DO IT?:

It's a great way to:

1. Get answers to your financial questions and
have your story help others
2. Come to New York - all expenses paid!
3. Be on national TV

I'm looking forward to hearing from you or
someone you know soon.

Sanyika, The Financial Fitness Coach
Web: www.Sanyika.tv
Email: Media @ Sanyika.com

P.S. Please feel free to pass this along to
anyone who might fit the profile.

Are CEO Salaries to Blame for the Billion Dollar Bailout?

2008-09-23T09:55:00.000-07:00

Left to Right: Comcast CN8 Emmy Award Winning news anchor Connie Colla, Financial Fitness Coach Sanyika Calloway Boyce & Emmy Award Nominated news veteran Gwen Owens

Amid all of the speculation, uncertainty and anger surrounding the largest economic intervention by the government since the Great Depression, are high CEO salaries to blame for the financial mess?

I discussed this pressing issue and more this morning on CN8's new and talk show "Your Morning," here are just a few of the questions asked by host Gwen Owens:

Q. In 2007, Richard Fuld Chairman, CEO of Lehman Brothers earned $34.3 million and Edward Liddy, CEO & Chairman of AIG earned $20.2 million dollars. How is it that we were seeing executive compensation reach such high figures?

A. Essentially when private companies make huge profits they reward the leaders of those companies with hefty salaries, bonuses and other perks. The problem isn't being rewarded for a job well done, it's the executive boards creating compensation packages that outright encourage corporate elites make a short-term profits by any means necessary.

Q. Usually, how much of that is paid to them in stock? And when the company goes under, do they still walk away allowed to live the same way when the company was thriving?

A. Generally they do walk away with a lifestyle that is unchanged. Case in point, Countrywide's Angelo Mozilo, cashed out $400 million in stock options in the four years prior to leaving the company, but not before getting another $120 million prior to its collapse under the weight of sub-prime loans last year.

Q. How much of a role do the salaries of CEO's and other senior level executives play in the down fall of these companies?

A. It's arguable. A big question that comes up in the cases of struggling companies is how the business is structured, and how much CEO salaries contribute to the bottom line. What we're seeing in the current crisis is executive bonuses and stock incentives were largely tied to earnings targets and not much regard was given to the long-term consequence of now-money-now. So execs created as many mortgage loans as possible -- to heck with the consequences down the road.

Q. What will the regulation be and how will that change things for the future?

A. It’s still too early to tell, but the cost of this massive $700 billion "solution" has both parties fighting to get an equity stake in the companies involved in the bailout with hopes that the taxpayers won’t be caught in a situation of getting temporary economic relief in exchange for being strapped with insurmountable generational debt.

Q. Is the government really trying to help the situation?

A. This bailout represents the largest economic intervention be the government since the Great Depression so I sincerely believe their looking for a solution that everyone can be satisfied with given the complexity of the issue. And more importantly, one that can keep our economy from suffering any more financial hits.

What are your thoughts on the bailout?
What are your concerns about the economy?

You've Got Questions...I've Got Answers On: Repaymening Student Loans, Getting Comfortable with Changes at the ATM & Careers Ripe for Growth

2008-09-22T14:29:00.000-07:00

Q. How do I manage my unpaid school loan that I cannot afford to pay right now? I've completed school and my monthly school loan payment doubled.

I cannot afford to pay the new monthly amount and when I asked the collector for a revised payment plan I was told that they cannot work with me until I pay the past due amount.

So, my situation gets worse with each month as my past due amount continues to grow. What can I do? Is there some sort of agency that could possibly help?

I received a letter in the mail from a service that offered to put a hold on my payments for 12 months and I could pay them (instead of the school loan collectors) any amount that I could afford on a monthly basis during the "12 month hold" period.

It sounds like the perfect solution, but the letter looked very unprofessional, so I'm leery about responding. What do you think? – Terri, Albuquerque, NM

A. You may want to look into one of these two options. The first would be to refinance the loan and get more agreeable payment plan and interest rate. However if you have federal student and private loans, you will want to refinance them separately.

Because of the way federal loans are structured, you may be able to get a much lower interest rate on them than you can on private loans.

Private student loans are basically personal loans made with the assumption that your income will increase with more education. If you mix the two together when you refinance, you will end up paying a higher interest rate on the combined principal than you would if you financed the two loans separately.

The second option is to ask your current loan provider about a forbearance agreement...

Read the rest of this September 22, 2008 post and get answers you need to make smart money moves: Money Monday's

I really appreciate you taking the time to send me your money questions. I personally read each email so keep them coming!

Got a pressing money question? Ask it now Money Monday's

And be sure to check back each Monday for answers to your money questions.

You've Got Questions...I've Got Answers On: Dividing Up Debt Post-Divorce, Purchasing Insurance with Your Partner & Being A Push Over Parent

2008-09-15T09:07:00.000-07:00

Q. I’m going through a ugly divorce and my soon to be ex-husband wants me to pay for two of his credit cards that I used from time to time. They total almost $20,000 and I know that I didn’t charge that much the three years we were married. I just want this nightmare to be over as quick as possible. Should I agree to pay the bills to get rid of them and him? – Yvette, San Francisco, CA

A. With more than 50 percent of first marriages and more than 60 percent of second marriages ending in divorce the phrase, “until death do us part,” has been replaced with, "until debt do us part."

I am sorry to hear that your marriage is ending, I know that it’s a very stressful time and you just want the process to end as soon as possible, but by making a hasty financial decision you could actually be prolonging the pain.

Read the rest of this September 15, 2008 post and get answers you need to make smart money moves: Money Monday's

I really appreciate you taking the time to send me your money questions. I personally read each email so keep them coming!

Got a pressing money question? Ask it now Money Monday's

And be sure to check back each Monday for answers to your money questions.

You've Got Questions...I've Got Answers On: HELOCs, Credit Score Scams & Paying Taxes

2008-09-08T08:59:00.000-07:00

Q. Last week I went to purchase a laptop and cell phone for my daughter who is headed off to college and my charge was declined. I knew that I had the credit available because my husband and I planned to use our home equity line of credit account that we’d barely touched over the last few years to pay for her school necessities.

When I called to find out why the charge was declined I was informed by my mortgage company that they have closed my account. I was furious because we have never missed a payment!

I tried to get them to explain to me to me why they would do this and they mentioned something about mortgage default rates and high risk loans. I have no idea what they are talking about and why I should have my account closed. Can you help me understand how this is possible and what we can do about it? – Glenda, Tucson, AZ

A. Unfortunately there is very little you can do about this very frustrating situation. Like so many others, you are essentially being made to pay for the sub-prime mortgage mess that the entire country is feeling the negative effects of.

A home equity line of credit (also known as a HELOC) is tied to the value of your home and with so many home values declining at alarming rates so goes the equity that the loan was once secured against. In fact, Washington Mutual Bank recently suspended more than $6 billion dollars in credit lines and notified thousands of its consumers by mail that their lines of credit would be closed or significantly reduced.

Read the rest of this September 8, 2008 post and get answers you need to make smart money moves: Money Monday's

I really appreciate you taking the time to send me your money questions. I personally read each email so keep them coming!

Got a pressing money question? Ask it now Money Monday's

And be sure to check back each Monday for answers to your money questions.

You've Got Questions...I've Got Answers On: Financial Har-money, Law of Attraction and Money, plus Anxiety and Debt

2008-08-18T05:38:00.000-07:00

Q. I’ve been doing a lot of reading and soul searching lately to figure out every area of my life. Can you tell me how does the law of attraction apply to money? – Tina, Ann Arbor, MI

A. The concept of our thoughts becoming physical things is very real, the universal principle “So as a (wo)man thinketh” so is (s)he” is very real when it comes to money.

In my Beyond Money Principles “Evaluate Your Money Mindset” is the second principle that I teach because until and unless you address your unconscious thoughts and deep rooted beliefs about money you will never take the necessary and consistent action towards what you say you want.

For example...

Read the rest of this August 18, 2008 post and get answers you need to make smart money moves: Money Monday's

I really appreciate you taking the time to send me your money questions. I personally read each email so keep them coming!

Got a pressing money question? Ask it now Money Monday's

And be sure to check back each Monday for answers to your money questions.

Saying "I Do" To Saving on The Big Day

2008-08-12T10:09:00.000-07:00

Watch This Video

Weddings are big business. It's estimated that
in the industry generates $62.8 billion per year.
There are gowns to buy, flowers to fill the
bouquets, cakes, carriages and don't forget the
favors or photographer!

What's a bride and groom to do when the expense
of their "big day" has the potential of leaving
them bankrupt?

Not to worry, there are ways of saying "I Do" to
saving when planning for a wedding.

One big expense is the cake. If you're feeding 100+
people the cost adds up very quickly but if you
"fake the cake" you could save hundreds of dollars.

It's simple, just order the four-tier cake of your
dreams and have the baker make the bottom two tiers
from Styrofoam. The entire cake will be decorated
beautifully, but only the top portion will be available
for the cutting and getting time captured photographs.

The guests won't know the difference as they'll be
enjoying scrumptious pieces of the sheet cakes tucked
away in the kitchen.

It's a clever way to save! Want more ways to say "I Do"
to savings? Just watch this video

Financial Har-money: How To Have a Better Relationship with Money & Your Mate!

2008-08-05T05:16:00.000-07:00

Watch this video

The reality is you probably were attracted to and fell in love with your financial opposite. Often the things that we find "intriguing" about our partners when we first meet are the very things that make us crazy about them later on.

I created a formula for “financial har-money,” that comes down to having a mixture of 7 key ingredients:

1. Respect for each other (this is the one ingredient that MUST be included and can't be skimped on)

2. Mutual Understanding (talk it out - preferably before there is a problem)

3. Agreed upon Goals (short and long term)

4. Compromise (from both sides)

5. Organization (know the state of your financial union)

6. Hard Work (the only way it'll work is if you work at it)

7. Determination (there are no fillers or substitute ingredients for this)

Now we just mix in a touch of understanding a heaping of patience and a full portion of determination and we've created a version of financial har-money that tastes oh so sweet. Watch this video and get even more tips on how to have a better relationship with money and your mate!

You've Got Questions...I've Got Answers On: Renting from Private Home Owners, Talking To Your Honey About Money & Paying for Dental Implants

2008-08-04T10:05:00.000-07:00

Q. My boyfriend and I are planning to move in together when his lease is up in the next couple of months. We’d like to rent a house and aren’t sure which is better; to rent from an individual homeowner or from a company who rents out houses for the home owner. – T.C. Jackson, Salem, OR

A. With property owners more open to renting vs. selling in a soft housing market renting in from a private owner could not only help the homeowner but the local economy too because vacant homes are never a good thing for the overall community.

However, before you make a commitment to renting from a private homeowner, get clear answers to these important questions:

1. Will there be regular maintenance visits and if not, how will issues needing repair be handled and within what period of time?

2. Who will be responsible for covering homeowners insurance, property taxes and all costs associated with the property?

3. Will you have an option to buy the home at the end of the rental agreement and if so, what percentage of your monthly rental payment will be allocated for that purpose?

4. Have they ever rented property to a long-term tenant before and if so, would they allow you to speak with them?

5. Will they report your payments to a credit reporting agency to ensure that you are building your credit history?

Just as you would with a traditional renting situation be sure to have everything documented and in the case of a private renter, be prepared to sign a personal property rental agreement.

Read the rest of this August 4, 2008 post and get answers you need to make smart money moves: Money Monday's

I really appreciate you taking the time to send me your money questions. I personally read each email so keep them coming!

Got a pressing money question? Ask it now Money Monday's

And be sure to check back each Monday for answers to your money questions.

Airlines Rising Baggage Prices - AGAIN: 7 tips for Saving Money While Traveling

2008-08-01T08:52:00.000-07:00

When you add on the fee of $40 for 2 checked bags on American Airlines (both ways so that's actually $80), or $100 round trip for that second bag with Delta using the "cheap" ticket you got online might not be such a good deal after all.

So what can travelers do to save money when even the thought of taking a vacation is giving them a headache?

1. Load up, on points - Baggage fees don't apply for most frequent flier members with 20,000 points or more. So while it may seem like a "waste of time" to register for a mileage account it could save you
money on baggage fees.

2. Pay now vs. pay later - Paying full price for tickets is never fun, but they come with an added benefit. Fewer fees. Full fare tickets tend to be refundable and exempt from baggage fee charges. Sure getting a "steal of a deal" on your families flight to Bermuda might seem like striking pay dirt, but when you total the costs of checking 2 bags per person (a whopping $400 for a family of 4 flying Delta) it actually might be costing you more than you bargained for.

3. Pack and ship - When traveling for an extended period of time (more than 3 days) ship your clothes and other necessary items to your final destination in advance. The best deal is USPS with their priority mail "one size one price" boxes (under $20) or consider FedEx/UPS ground service for an inexpensive option.

4. Travel lighter - According to Continental airlines, they are experiencing a 60 percent reduction in second bags checked, since the fee for bag went into effect. So that sends a signal that many consumers were packing more than they needed anyway. When in doubt, leave it out because you probably won't use it anyway.

5. Brown bag it - Airlines have done away with complimentary food service on flights and now charge as much as $6 per "snack pack" which contains little more than bag of granola and a slice of cheese. Plus the cost (not to mention the quality) of airport food is super inflated so before you head for the airport pack your own snack and save some money and the headache of finding a food court in the terminal you're departing from.

6. Settle in the center seat - While is may not be a pleasant thought to sit in the middle of a snorer and a talker on a 6 hour flight to LA; the middle seat actually gives you more under the seat room for your carry on and the ticket price is generally 10% cheaper.

7. Look on the light side - When it comes to luggage, the less you pay, the less it weighs. If you're going to have to pay to check a bag you want to make sure you avoid the "double jeopardy" of paying an extra charge for being over 50 pounds (as much as $75) Buy inexpensive yet sturdy luggage that will allow you to be under the 50 pound limit but still pack that extra pair of shoes.

Test Taking for Money - What You Need To Know About Work from Home Biz Opps

2008-07-28T07:53:00.000-07:00

I’ve decided to evaluate 10 legitimate work from home business opportunities so that you can exercise your options, create a life of financial freedom and move forward in your pursuit of happiness.

Work From Home Opportunity #4 - What You Need To Know

Education Testing Service Overview: Education Testing Service (also known as ETS) www.ets.org , pays raters to evaluate tests online for numerous standardized testing programs. ETS is a private, nonprofit organization devoted to educational measurement and research, primarily through testing. They develop and administer millions of academic achievement and admissions tests each year in the U.S. and 180 other countries.

Pros: Prospective raters are trained by ETS to apply scoring criteria to specified tests and are paid an average rate of $15 per hour.

ETS regularly needs qualified individuals to evaluate online tests (OSN) as well as “pencil and paper” open-ended responses tests for: Advanced Placement Program (AP), National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTSSM) and Professional Assessments for Beginning Teachers Program (PRAXIS).

All scoring sessions are done via the Internet from your home and sessions are generally held each weekday throughout the year. Plus, you will have access to “Scoring Team Leader” by phone if issues or questions arise.

Read the rest of this July 28, 2008 post and get information on legitimate work from home business opportunities now at: Money Monday's

Got a pressing money question? Ask it now Money Monday's

Get Paid to Shop & Eat Out - What You Need To Know About Work from Home Biz Opps

2008-07-21T09:09:00.000-07:00

I’ve decided to evaluate 10 legitimate work from home business opportunities so that you can exercise your options, create a life of financial freedom and move forward in your pursuit of happiness.

Work From Home Opportunity #3 - What You Need To Know

Mystery Guest Inc. Overview: The concept of “mystery shopping” and opportunities to be paid to visit stores anonymously has been around for years, but the Internet has made finding them easier and it’s also made scammers more common as well.

Mystery Guest Inc. has been in business for more than 15 years and provides feedback to a wide range of hospitality companies (i.e. hotels and restaurants) and businesses (i.e. department stores) across the U.S.A.

Mystery shopping is a common practice in many industries to assess employee customer service performance and get feedback on the overall customer experience so that quality standards, training programs and other staffing decisions can be made periodically.

Mystery Guest Inc. hires select individuals (who meet client specific profiles) to answer specific questions and give honest feedback about their overall customer experience via an “observation survey.”

Read the rest of this July 21, 2008 post and get information on legitimate work from home business opportunities now at: Money Monday's

Got a pressing money question? Ask it now Money Monday's

Make Big Bucks at Home - What You Need To Know About Work from Home Biz Opps

2008-07-14T08:46:00.000-07:00

I’ve decided to evaluate 10 legitimate work from home business opportunities so that you can exercise your options, create a life of financial freedom and move forward in your pursuit of happiness.

Work From Home Opportunity #2 - What You Need To Know

LiveOps Overview: LiveOps is a virtal call center, which means it serves as a central location for all customer service and support calls for a particular company or product. Unlike companies who’ve began routing their customer-service calls to workers overseas, LiveOps provides phone based customer service jobs to stay-at-home workers in time blocks of as little as 30 minutes or as much as eight hour shifts. Plus nights and weekends are optional shifts as well.

Read the rest of this July 14, 2008 post and get information on legitimate work from home business opportunities now at: Money Monday's

Got a pressing money question? Ask it now Money Monday's

Make Money in your PJ's - What You Need To Know About Work from Home Biz Opps

2008-07-07T09:02:00.000-07:00

I’ve decided to evaluate 10 legitimate work from home business opportunities so that you can exercise your options, create a life of financial freedom and move forward in your pursuit of happiness.

Work From Home Opportunity #1 - What You Need To Know

Elance.com Overview: Elance.com is a place where businesses connect with professionals to get work done –now. With the largest network of rated and certified business professionals, Elance facilitates the entire work process from hiring to collaboration to payment processing. Businesses use Elance to achieve more outsourcing work to qualified people. Professionals use Elance to find meaningful jobs and expand their customer base.

Read the rest of this July 7, 2008 post and get information on legitimate work from home business opportunities now at: Money Monday's

Got a pressing money question? Ask it now Money Monday's

My credit card interest rate just jumped to 25% Is this legal?

2008-06-30T07:06:00.000-07:00

Q. I just got my credit card statements and almost passed out! The interest
rate on one of them jumped from 15 percent to 29.95 percent after I missed one payment. But it gets worse; the card that I did pay on time increased my rate too. It’s 25 percent now. I know I shouldn’t have been late but I couldn’t help it and why did my other card that I wasn’t late go up? Is this legal? What can I do to get my interest rate down again?

— Alexis, Albany, GA

A. Credit card companies are surprising their customers with increased interest rates, even if they were never late on a payment directly due to their company. It’s a practice called “Universal Default” and you – like millions of credit card consumers are experiencing it firsthand. Some card holders have noticed their interest rates were increased as much as 50 percent.

Read the rest of this June 30, 2008 post and get more answers to 3 additional money questions now at: Money Monday's

Got a pressing money question? Ask it now Money Monday's

I want to stop fighting about money...HELP!

2008-06-23T08:43:00.000-07:00

Q. My wife and I love each other very much but we seem to always get into the biggest fights about money. I think she worries about it way too much and she thinks I’m careless with it. I want to stop fighting about it but even when I try to just change the subject the frustration is still there. Help! — Mike, Queens, NY

A.You and your wife are experiencing a classic case of opposites attracting. Often the things that we find "intriguing" about our partners when we first meet are the very things that make us crazy about them later on.

Read the rest of this June 23, 2008 post and get more answers to 3 additional money questions now at: Money Monday's

Got a pressing money question? Ask it now Money Monday's

Is it possible to save $1,000,000 in 4 or 5 years?

2008-06-16T08:33:00.000-07:00

Q. I need an aggressive retirement plan, is it possible to save $1,000,000 in 4 or 5 years. Is there somewhere I can read up on the topic? – Rick, Tucson, AZ

A. I’m not sure how close you are to retirement, however less than 10 years is a pretty aggressive timeline to accumulate one million dollars while working a traditional job. However it's not impossible.

In addition to contributing the maximum to your 401k plan and IRA plans, I’d suggest reading:

• Beating the Street by Peter Lynch to get a good foundation of investing and learning how to choose stocks that outperform the pros picks

Read the rest of this June 16, 2008 post and get more answers to 3 additional money questions now at: Money Monday's

Got a pressing money question? Ask it now Money Monday's

Can debt solution companies really help clear up your credit?

2008-06-02T08:24:00.000-07:00

Q. Do those debt solution companies really help clear up your credit and if so how do I choose the best one? — Avila, Detroit, MI

A.There are many companies that claim to offer debt solutions and relief and while there are those tha deliver what they claim, others do not. As a credit consumer, especially one who is experiencing financial hardships you need to know your rights as well as which options will be the best for you.

Read the rest of this June 2, 2008 post and get more answers to 3 additional money questions now at: Money Monday's

Got a pressing money question? Ask it now Money Monday's

401k Plans: Good Concept - Bad Management

2008-05-28T08:14:00.000-07:00

Unless you're younger than 50 or an employee of the U.S. Government, you are probably only familiar with the term "pension" because you might have heard your grandparents or parents talk about it.

Ahh...the pension, the idea of it brings back nostalgic thoughts of a time when companies actually hosted annual rubber chicken retirement dinners and handed out wooden plaques and gold watches.

Well wake up Dorthy cuz you ain't in Kansas anymore! The time of the pension (and corporate loyalty) is long gone and in it's place is it's less attractive but not horrible cousin, 401k plans.

Actually, I am a big fan of these self managed retirement plans. In fact during my stint in Corporate America I maxed my annual contribution and considered it a cool gift to get "free money" from my employer as an incentive to save for me future - how cool is that?

Cool indeed, however the downside to 401k's - especially in the hands of individuals who have a huge fear of the financial unknown coupled with economic uncertainty - is that the good concept can and is being managed poorly.

The purpose of a pension, 401k plan, rainy day fund or even money under your mattress is never intended for use today. The idea is that it will be available for the inevitable "tomorrow" when you have come to the end of your work years and are ready to live off of what you saved.

The concept is simple, you the contributor are encouraged to deposit a pre-set amount of money into the plan and for doing so the money you invest is deducted before taxes are calculated.

This is great for you because you lower your monthly taxable income by the amount you contribute. Once deposited, this money remains non-taxable and so does anything earned through the 401K plan you are contributing to.

At the time of retirement or withdrawal - whichever comes first - the funds will be treated as taxable income. The assumption is that you will not touch the money until you are no longer receiving a regular paycheck. By that time your tax bracket will be significantly lower which will result in paying less tax on the money you contributed to the plan.

Pain at the pump (gas is now more than $4 per gallon in 11 U.S. cities, skyrocketing food prices (the cost of eggs, milk, bread and cheese are all increased) and record job losses (more than 240,000 net jobs were lost this year) have all created an eerie uneasiness in employees who had not fully embraced the 401k concept in the first place.

It is estimated that only 1 out of 4 eligible employees contribute to this voluntary retirement plan and of those who do contribute, only 1 in 10 contributes the maximum allowed.

The result is millions of Americans are not saving nearly enough for retirement and now they're not even waiting until retirement to withdraw the money they earmarked for their "golden years."

Now thanks to the Reserve Plus Loan program employees can be issued a debit card or checks to tap into their retirement account early. Individuals can transfer funds from their 401k assets into a money market fund for immediate withdrawal purposes.

The program works similar to a home equity line of credit and there is a cost to borrow from your plan plus an account setup and maintenance fee will be charged as well.

While this is a sign of the times and certainly makes it easier for 401k contributors to borrow from their voluntary savings plan it's also contrary to the purpose of the plan in the first place.

Before you let this good concept be lost to bad management, remember that if you tap into your plan now you will be:

1. Paying for money that they have already saved

2. You will be making money on your borrowed money

3. You will be taxed on the money you borrow now - and when you take it out later

4. You may not be able to play "catch up" in time for when you really need it

There are pros and cons to early withdrawal of your 401k assets and there are certainly pressing immediate needs that are undeniable. However, before you see this option as a "no brainier," I caution you to use it as a measure of last resort.

Money Mondays with Sanyika

2008-05-26T11:22:00.000-07:00

I have enjoyed being a regular guest expert of The Morning Show with Mike & Juliet (FOX) for more than six months now and my favorite part by far is hearing from viewers of the show who are touched, inspired and most of all supported by the information I share on the show.

The feedback has been so frequent that the show has graciously made me a featured part of their website and has created a place where you can submit your money questions which I answer in the "Money Mondays" series each week.

Find answers to your money questions, from how your negative credit history will effect your child if you co-sign for them to some of the best ways to beat the rising food prices.

If you have a money question, allow me to provide you an answer. You can also read answers to past questions and get the information you need to move your financial life forward.

Money Mondays with Sanyika Calloway Boyce on MandJShow.com - submit your questions and check back for the answers each Monday!

Credit Card Companies Exposed

2008-05-19T13:17:00.000-07:00

Let me start by saying that I strongly believe credit isn't evil, it is a necessary tool and I believe that it should be in the everyone's toolbox.

However, there are some things that credit card companies have done that can be downright devious.

It is important to know what you're saying yes to, after all you are signing a legal contract when you by-pass the fine print and put your name on the dotted line. The responsibly lies on both parties.

Your responsibility is to read the fine print, ask questions and be informed about your rights as well as the terms you are agreeing to.

The credit card company has a responsibility to present the information in clear and understandable language that you can actually understand...this is often where things get complicated.

Today I appeared on The Morning Show with Mike & Juliet (FOX) as part of their M&J Investigates series with a group of experts to discuss some completely legal (albeit questionable) credit card company practices that you should be aware of:

Over the Limit Charges - Over the limit means you have $3,000 available to spend and you charge anything over that amount, like 3000.01 - you are over the limit.

Credit card companies have two choices:

A. They can choose to deny the charge, or
B. They can process the transaction and charge you an over the limit or "convenience fee"

As a credit conscious consumer you must strive to only have 30 to 50 percent of your available balance in use so you won't get hit with a fee that you didn't expect or can't afford.

Late Fees - Credit card companies put this fee in place to get you to acknowledge the importance of paying your bill on time. Generally, if it's your first offense, or there has been a significant amount of time between incidents a late fee can be waived by a customer service representative.

The average late fee is between $29 and $49 per incident, however you might not be aware that your payment could be considered late if...

1) You fail to pay by a specific time of day. Be sure that you send your payment in way before the day it is due because there may be a cut-off time associated with processing it to ensure it is received on time (i.e. your payment is due on the 3rd by 3:00PM EST)

2) We are creatures of habit but don't just assume that your payment will be due on the same time every month just because that's how it's always been. Your due date could change at anytime and it's your responsibility to read your statement and know the exact date your bill is due.

3) Be sure you're mailing your payment to the correct address because your credit card company could change the internal postal address for your particular payment center. To ensure that you are always sending it to the payment to the right place only use the pre-addressed payment envelope provided for the most recent bill you've received.

Interest Rate Increase - The average interest rate is about 12 percent, however the devil is in the details because your rate depends on the type of card you have and what you have agreed to in the terms of agreement.

Introductory offers (also known as "teaser rates") tend to be a particularly problematic for credit consumers. The fine print often says that if you do not stay within the terms agreement, for example if you go over the limit, or pay bill late even once that the company has the right to instantly to go to a new and much higher rate.

Universal Default - While several credit card companies have agreed to stop this practice, there are many more that defend and continue to use it. Basically what universal default means is that you are not late with payments on "credit card X" but you've missed a few payments with "credit card Y" and therefore BOTH credit card companies raise your rates.

While this practice is legal, it is being strongly debated in congress because credit card companies can periodically review your credit report to see how you interact with other card companies as as a result may choose to increase your interest rate because of a problem with another creditor.

Student Cards - Almost every major credit card issuer has a "student credit card" which has is slightly different than a card offered to the average credit consumer. A few noticeable differences are:

* The interest rates are often higher – first time credit users are considered a "credit risk" because they have not established a credit history yet so as a "safe guard" creditors charger a higher interest rate for these cards

* There is usually no minimum income required – these cards are usually fairly easy to get, provided the student hasn't encountered any troubles with credit before because credit card companies bank on the future earning potential and know that while students may not have a large or steady income now, their circumstances are greatly improved post college

* Rarely are there any annual fees – credit card fees are waived because there is so much competition in the market for student cards

* Low credit limits, at first. Generally first time card users are given a limit of between $500 and $1000, but once the student has proven themselves as a responsible creditor, the limit will usually rise accordingly – often every three to six months.

It's hard to choose from the large number of student credit card offers. The best way to make sense of it all is to compare credit card offers online: www.ChooseCreditWisely.com

Watch the M&J Investigates: Credit Card Companies and check out the additional footage filmed after the show in the Green Room Interview

Financial Infidelity: The Other Adultery

2008-05-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

According to a survey by Yahoo Finance and research firm Decipher, about half of people in serious relationships have committed some kind of financial deception. Their activities include lying about the actual cost of a purchase or hiding it from their partners to covertly running up credit card debt or even maintaining a secret savings stash.

Women are more likely to be dishonest about money than men (or at least admit to it in the survey):

55 percent of women versus 41 percent of men say they've committed financial infidelity.

These secrets and lies tend to occur most often among couples in the 35-to-44 age group but no matter the age or the reason, the deception hurts partners as well as the relationship - emotionally and financially.

Watch my interview on The Today Show(NBC) to find out why telling a "little white lie" about how much you spend could ruin your marriage and learn the 5 things you can do to talk to your honey about money.

When Forever is Fleeting: Why The Cost of a Postage Stamp is on the Rise Again and Why It Really Does't Matter

2008-05-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

Today the United States Post office will increase the cost of a postage stamp for a basic letter to forty-two cents. This change in price represents looks like it will become an annual tradition.

By law, the USPS is required to maintain a schedule for future price increases. This schedule is posted on the Postal Regulatory Commission website, www.prc.gov and you can expect to see price changes for postage in mid-May of each year.

If you're wondering what the heck to do with all of those "Forever Stamps" you purchased as an "investment" in 2007 when it was announced postage would increase from a mere thirty-nine cents to a skyrocketing forty-one cents not to worry.

The forever stamp is still valid, however it's arguable if you should invest in them when your current supply runs out because postage hikes will never surpass inflation as per the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act.

Therefore a large glut of forever stamp "stock" will simply tie up your cash flow right now and won't save you any money in the future.

Besides if you're like the millions of American's (including me) who admit to misplacing "good-as-cash" gift certificates and loosing those mail-in-rebate checks that we actually take the time to cut the UPC code off the back of the carton for - the forever stamps will probably not see a better fate.

If you mail letters and packages regularly for your business or are mailing invitations for a large event I suggest you look into a few of these ways you can save on postage

BTW, did you send your Mom a card last week for Mother's Day?

If the guilt doesn't get you - the challenge of waiting in a long line to buy extra postage for a penny just might.

Maybe having a couple of forever stamps in your back pocket wouldn't hurt - at least for the convenience of it.

American Idol & Coaching Couples: Two of My Favorite Things

2008-04-29T16:53:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-18T09:26:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-16T12:07:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-14T08:59:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-11T14:55:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-09T12:48:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-07T07:33:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-04T10:36:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-02T21:48:00.000-07:00

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.

Financial Bypass Performed on National TV

2008-03-18T14:55:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, March 4th I performed my first financial bypass surgery on national television.

Sure I'd helped financially frustrated people get back on track to financial freedom, I'd even done my share of money makeovers, but this was different.

When the producers of "The Morning Show with Mike & Juliet" (FOX) called me to help one of their viewers who was $450,000 in debt and living on just $55 per month after covering her expenses and taking care of her 81 year old mother.

I knew I had to offer something more than basic tips to help Lorraine Gamble-Lofton, after all she's an Executive Assistant at the New York City Department of Finance!

Drastic measures needed to be taken and with the steady confidence of a skilled surgeon I swiftly took action (besides I only had 6.5 minutes for the entire segment so time was truly of the essence)

In every surgery there are two primary phases:

1. Prep
2. Cut

In the first phase I had to help Lorraine identify ways she could immediately increase her cash flow, the second phase required cutting out expenses that weren't necessary and would save her financial life.

The result?

You've gotta see it to believe it...

Watch me perform a financial bypass online now at:

===> http://www.mandjshow.com/videos/financial-debt/

Are you drowning in bills and looking for help?

Visit www.AskSanyika.com and ask me your biggest question about getting out of debt now.

The 6 Characteristics of a Wealthy Woman

2008-03-07T13:26:00.000-08:00

When Alicia Dunams, the host and founder of the Wealthy Girl Summit, invited me to be a part of this unprecedented event she told me of her vision for a nationwide “movement” that would, “in one fell swoop”, get the attention of women across the country to take action and empower themselves, in a radical fashion, to be the creators of their own millionaire success!

I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of this movement because I have never forgotten what it felt like to be financially frustrated and I'm very passionate about helping women learn how to attract and keep more money.

The invitation to speak got me thinking about the characteristics of a wealthy person so I developed an acronym for wealth that is applicable for anyone which are:

W - Wisdom

E - Entrepreneurial mindset

A - Abundant attitude

L - Leadership

T - Tenacity

H - Happiness

I've noticed in my own life and in the life of my clients, that the more your incorporate these characteristics, the easier they are to embody and benefit from.

* Wisdom, once embraced, is with your forever

* An entrepreneurial mindset will support you in making smart and strategic decisions regardless of who you might work for

* An abundant attitude aids in attracting more of what you focus on

* Leadership allows you to confidently take control of your life and attract more like minded people into your life

* Tenacity begets perseverance which keeps you focused on a committed to your desired outcomes

* Happiness will always demand that you never settle for anything less

We know that to be wealthy means, to have an abundance of riches, resources or valuable possessions but lets not limit its meaning to only that.

The definition of wealth is so much more expansive and I believe these six characteristics are vital for embracing wealth in its fullness.

I encourage you to incorporate them into your life regularly.

Be sure to watch the video at the top of this post highlighting some of what I covered at the Wealthy Girl Summit.

In the next few weeks, I'll be sure to tell you how you can purchase the full 3-hour DVD of the event and get to virtually sit in on a round table discussion with me, and these outstanding speakers:

• Christine Comaford-Lynch - Author of Rules for Renegades
• Loral Langemeier – Author of Cash Machine for Life
• Tiffany Bass Bukow – Founder of MsMoney.com
• Michelle Alberda – Certified Financial Planner
• Adryenn Ashley – Founder of WOW Is Me!
• Alexis Martin Neely – Personal Family Lawyer
• Gina Stern – Creator of d_parture Spas

Why Goals Aren't Good Enough

2008-02-27T20:50:00.000-08:00

On February 22nd I spoke at the 15th annual
Columbia University Women in Business Conference.

The topic of my presentation was,

"Overflowing Abundance: How to Achieve Financial
Peace of Mind and Live Abundantly"

As as I prepared for the 90 minute workshop it
occurred to be that there's truly a difference
between "nice-to-have" and "need-to-have."

Most of the goals that we set, if we are really
honest with ourselves fall into the "nice-to-have"
category.

If you find that you have more things you'd like
to do than things that you actually do then you
need to know two things.

1. You are not alone - it happens to the
best of us

2. I can help you move past the procrastination
and towards what you want to accomplish

But, before I can support you any further,
There is one fundamental lesson that you'll
need to learn:

You must be specific when prioritizing tasks and
goals - you must have a "preparation plan"

Why?

Because your thoughts and beliefs control your
actions. It's that simple.

Often a perfectly good goal has a tendency to go
from being a "need-to-have" to a "nice-to-have"
if you don't set a realistic timeline for what's
required to make it come to life.

You might say,

"I want to save $10,000 in 12 months"

That's a perfectly doable goal, AND it will require
to save $833.34 per month.

That's where the "preparation plan" comes in, because
while you know what you want and when you want it, if
you're missing the key ingredient - the "preparation plan"
how are going to make it happen?

The next time you set a goal follow these steps to bring
it to life:

1. Start with one goal that you know you need to make a
"preparation plan" for and get to work on making the plan
by identifying the steps you'll need to take between now
and when you want to accomplish it.

2. When you have the plan, begin implementing it steps by
step and remember to ask yourself,

“What one specific action can I take right now to get me closer
to reaching my goal?”

This simple question will keep you from being overwhelmed or
procrastinating each time you think that your goal is too big
or is taking too long to achieve.

3. Answer the question and take action because action equals
results.

4. Celebrate your success – small victories are sweet. Give
yourself permission to do one thing that makes you smile,
laugh or feel great when you've gotten closer to your destination.
You deserve it!

5. Repeat steps 1, 2 and 3 – often

I hope you accomplish all that you set your mind to do and that
your "nice-to-haves" turn into "can-dos!"

Are You A Millionaire In The Making?

2008-02-04T17:19:00.001-08:00

Have you every looked around and wondered,
"What's wrong with me?...Why is everyone else
having more fun, buying more stuff and living
better than me?"

On the road to wealth its easy to look around
and wonder why everyone else seems to be having
a better time than you. The reality is that what
you've committed to might not always make you
feel successful but it will most certainly make
you successful.

Feelings control approximately 80 percent of our
decision making which is why one of the very first
things you must do after making the decision to
be different is commit to be disciplined.

Webster's defines discipline as "training that
corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties
or moral character."

The truth is most millionaires are well disciplined
they are focused and they are determined to make
their dreams a reality.

Millionaires, by definition are accumulators of
wealth. Not true for most people in America - or
the world for that matter - most people spend all
or most of what they make and borrow even more
than they can comfortably repay, all for the
illusion of wealth.

Here's another truth, most millionaires started
with nothing and the ones who inherited their
wealth (less than 15 percent) still site discipline
as the main ingredient to wealth creation.

So, the next time you look around and it seems like
everyone is having more fun than you, remember this:

Just because someone takes vacations once a quarter
or drives the new BMW doesn't mean they're rich,
disciplined or even able to afford it.

More than 60 percent of Americans admit to living
above their means and 19 percent say they regularly
overspend to "keep up" appearances.

Recognize that you are a millionaire in the making
and having the courage and self-disciple to go the
distance means that you make spending decisions only
when they will have a direct impact on you reaching
your goals.

After all, would you rather look "rich" and feel broke
or be disciplined and know first hand what being rich
is really all about?

To your continued success!

Sanyika

YOU and me on National TV this FRIDAY?

2008-01-23T13:13:00.000-08:00

You may have seen me on The Morning Show with Mike & Juliet (FOX) coaching financially frustrated couples, working with individuals who've had their credit ruined by their exes, and even working with a single mom who was "held hostage" by holiday debt.

Well, I'm at it again (I just LOVE helping people overcome their frustrations with money) the producers of MandJ are looking for:

WHO:

A woman (or two) who is engaged (wedding within 6 months from now) or recently married (2 years or less) who could benefit from learning about how to handle money better as a woman and wife.

Ideal woman would be someone who did not talk to her "honey about money" before the wedding and is noticing that there are BIG differences in the way you both feel about or handle finances (i.e. you're a saver and he's a spender, or you avoid handling money because you're intimidated by the responsibility)

WHEN:

The show would be live on FOX networks Friday, January 25th (9AM to 10AM EST) and they are willing to cover travel arrangements (i.e. air, hotel, car service) if you (or the woman you're referring for the show) are not local to New York.

WHAT:

You would need to be willing to speak openly about:

* How you currently handle money (NO need to bring spouse)
* Discuss possible differences in your money management styles
* Any anxiety or stereotypes you have about women managing money in marriage (i.e. the man should handle all the money)
* Be open to getting advice on how to make better money choices as a woman and a wife

ARE YOU THE ONE?:

If you are that woman or know of anyone that fit's the profile, let me know ASAP by sending me an email with NOT SO BLISSFUL in the subject line, be sure to include:

NAME

EMAIL ADDRESS

TWO CONTACT NUMBERS (if possible - but at least one where the producers can reach you immediately)

CITY/STATE in which you live

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SITUATION

The turn around on this is pretty tight since the producer would need to do a pre-show interview to qualify the guest before making travel arrangements.

WHY DO IT?:

It's a great way to:

1. Get your finances in order
2. Have your story help others
3. Come to New York - all expenses paid!
4. Be on national TV

I'm looking forward to hearing from you or someone you know soon.

Sanyika, The Financial Fitness Coach
Email: media /at/ sanyika.com (type this into your TO line using @)
908.998.2894

*You can also leave a post to this message. Please feel free to pass this along to anyone who might benefit.

Discover How a Multi-millionaire Defines "Failure"

2008-01-16T16:17:00.000-08:00

Yesterday on "The Morning Show with Mike & Juliet" (FOX)

I coached a wonderful single mom of 2 boys
who had gone overboard with holiday spending
attempting to create the "dream Christmas"
which became a nightmare as now she and her
children have been eating cereal for the last
two weeks!

I was so proud of her for telling her story
because she is certainly not alone.

Backstage, Jazz told me that she felt like
she'd "failed" yet again.

Her situation caused me to think about what
happens to us when we believe that we've
"blown it."

One of my friends and business associates,
Christine Comaford-Lynch defines failure as,
"a result that you didn't expect." And she
admits to having many unexpected results along
her life’s journey to becoming one of the first
female Silicone Valley dot-com multi-millionaires.

I like that definition because often we see
failure as something that should be avoided
at all costs and because we are afraid when
we do get "a result that we didn't expect,"
instead of moving on, we do one of three
things:

1. Try to fix it on our own
2. Try to keep as few people as possible from knowing about it
3. Try to ignore or avoid the situation

The problem with doing any or all three of these
things is that they usually make the situation
worse than the initial "failure."

I've learned that the best thing you can do
is acknowledge that you've "messed up" so you
can have others help you fix it.

If you fail and then you stop trying, that failure
sinks into you and it effects your outlook and
attitude. You get "learned helplessness" which
takes you off course and continues to keep you
in a state of "failing."

Luckily, I will have the pleasure of continuing
to coach Jazz for the next few months so she can get
back on track and avoid being "held hostage" by
holiday debt - or any type of debt for that matter.

If you feel like:

* 2007 wasn't "your year" and 2008 isn't starting so great

* You've "blown it" in some area(s) of your business or life

* There is more for you to achieve and receive in the months to come

* You could use some accountability and clear direction, or

* You know that this is the year that you want to get out of debt, make more money and gain financial freedom

Then I'd like to extend an invitation for you
to join one of my coaching programs.

I've created THREE new ways for you to take
your life and business to new heights through
a coaching relationship with me this year.

I am committed and qualified to provide you:

* Solutions for overcoming procrastination and overwhelm

* Answers to your money questions and cash flow concerns

* Coaching on taking your business and life to the next level

* Direction on starting, sustaining or growing your business

...would you be interested in learning more
about my coaching programs?

If so, and you want to receive more information
about my upcoming tele-seminar then go to...

===>

... complete the quick form and tell me what
area of your business or your life you'd like
to take to new heights.

Plus, SAVE THE DATE to join me on Monday,
January 21st at 9PM EST for a special
tele-seminar.

Together, let's make 2008 great!

Sanyika, The Financial Fitness Coach

Ten Money Questions for Sanyika Calloway Boyce

2008-01-11T08:44:00.000-08:00

Take a look at my interview with Nina Smith as part of her, "10 Money Questions" series.

In this week’s Ten Money Questions, we speak with Sanyika Calloway Boyce, an International speaker, financial expert and author of several books on personal finance. In the questions below, she tells us her “money story” and how she got from there to here.

Plus, she’ll elaborate on these and more at the virtual Wealthy Girl Summit on January 24th to 27th, 2008.

Shape Up Your Finances Monday on NBC

2008-01-05T09:10:00.000-08:00

If you started the New Year with the commitment to...

- Start eating right
- Exercise more
- Organize your life, or
- Get your finances in order

...then you've got to tune in to "In The Loop with iVillage"
on NBC, Monday, January 7th because the theme of the day is
"Shaping Up Your Life" and yours truly, The Financial
Fitness Coach will be there to help you do just that!

If your schedule allows, please plan to watch live or
set your TiVO on Monday, January 7th.

I'll provide "8 Tips to Exercise Your Saving Muscle &
Get Financially Fit in 2008," including:

** How clean up your money messes and which ones to start
with to avoid overwhelm

** How to save with a "Virtual Piggybank"

** How to fight the "Five Dollar Factor" and plug any leaks
in your financial bucket

** Why you must invest in your success

Plus 4 more!

See the list below for the 11 stations on which
the show airs and tune in LIVE Monday, January 7th

New York City - WNBC 4 - Noon
Los Angeles - KNBC 4 - Noon
Chicago - WMAQ-TV 5 - 11am
Philadelphia - WCAU 10 - Noon
San Francisco - KNTV 11 - Noon
Dallas-Fort Worth - KXAS-TV 5 - 11am
Washington, D.C. - WRC-TV 4 - Noon
Miami - WTVJ 6 - Noon
San Diego - KNSD 39 - Noon
Hartford - WVIT-TV 30 - Noon
Oklahoma City - KFOR 4 - 11am

If it doesn't air in your region you can catch it
streaming online at http://video.intheloop.ivillage.com/player/?id=201947

Here's to making your New Years resolutions last!

"See you" Monday, January 7th!

Much succe$$,
Sanyika, The Financial Fitness Coach

Today is the first day of the rest of your life

2008-01-02T19:38:00.000-08:00

Was it a December to remember for you?

Actually a better question is did you have a year
that you would rather forget? Or one that you're all
to willing to say goodbye to?

2007 is behind you and now you have a wonderful
opportunity that comes only once every 365 days,
you get to:

** Close the door to one year, and
** Boldly enter the door of another

Today is truly the first day of the rest of your
life; what will your 2008 life look like?

Do you have a clear and detailed vision for what
you want to be, do and have this coming year?

Better yet, do you have a clear and detailed action
plan for bringing your vision to life?

Everything is always created twice, first in the
mind then in the material world.

But you cannot simply think about or wish for it,
you must work for it. You must know where you are
and where you want to go and have an action plan
for bridging the gap.

If 2007 wasn't "your year" it's time to leave it
behind you and usher in a new year full of potential
and possibility, and to plan and prepare for a year
that will get you the results you want and deserve.

Two things I know for sure are:

1. Your daily habits will determine your future
success

+ Do you know the high results habits you need to
be engaged in daily?

2. Your future achievements require your attention
today

+ What are you willing to do TODAY to guarantee your
TOMORROW?

In the next few days I'll be sharing two opportunities
for you to make 2008 great by focusing your attention
on what you really want in your life and business in
this New Year and developing the action plan to make
it happen.

Opportunity #1:

Invitation for you to join one of my coaching programs.
I've created THREE new ways for you to take your life
and business to new heights, and

Opportunity #2:

January 9th is my birthday and I'll be giving YOU a gift!

Plus, I'll tell you how you can spend 88 minutes with
me on that special day.

More to come on both of these opportunities, in the
meantime YOU must decide on what you really want this
year.

I am confident that if you allow me to be a key member
of your success team - I have the insights, information
and strategies that will get you there sooner, quicker,
faster.

Are you ready to make 2008 great?

Then make it known…

…declare your commitment to making 2008 by sending me a
message and telling ONE thing that you’ll do/accomplish
that will make 2008 “your year to remember”

Type the subject line: 2008 will be great, because…

And I’ll give you priority notification of the coaching
opportunities I have available to support you in making
2008 great.

To your continued success!

Sanyika

P.S. If you haven't already, listen to Episode #2 of The
Next Level Lifestyle Show where I offer a challenge for
you to take specific action to make 2008 great because
no matter how high you climb there is always a next level.

You can listen to it at:

=====> www.NextLevelLifestyle.com

P.S.S. I’d love to hear what you think about the show
so be sure to leave comments and ask questions!

Supporting Our Troops in 3 Simple Steps

2007-12-19T22:25:00.000-08:00

I'll be the first to admit that I am opposed to the war, now before you get offended and choose to tune me out, I assure you that this is not a political rant that's meant to espouse my views, rather this is a note of SUPPORT for our men, women, mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, sisters and brothers who are doing what we cannot, and quite frankly – will not.

This is for OUR troops.

My brother SPC Quniton J Gross (who is currently stationed in Iraq) decided to join the Army much to my families chagrin almost three years ago, his reason was both simple and complicated – much like the circumstances of any war – he wanted to make a difference.

He had the opportunity to come home in July and it is clear from the moment I saw him that he is doing what he set out to do, and thou you may never read about him (except here) he like so many others over there is my hero!

Our Mom regularly gathers up items for care packages to send him just a bit of the comforts of home, and he told us how much they mean to him and those who serve with him too.

You see, believe it or not, many of our troops do not get regular letters, cards, gifts or packages from family throughout the year, the reason for this isn’t as important as the impact.

Everyone – especially theses someones – needs to know that they matter, that someone cares.

You may not know someone who is currently serving, however you can still make a difference in the life of our troops this holiday season, I encourage you, challenge you –
I beg you to take a moment of your time today and visit www.LetsSayThanks.com

In just 3 simple steps you can:

1) choose a card
2) pick a prewritten inscription or
3) write your own heartfelt message and send a printed card to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq

**** FOR FREE! ***

While you can't pick out who gets it, you can be assured that it will go to a member of one of OUR armed services How AMAZING it would be if you, and everyone you knew would send one?!

* Regardless of how you might feel about the war
* In spite of what you might think about the how things are playing out
* Nevertheless each and every person over there needs and deserves to know that they’re loved, remembered, supported, missed by someone over here.

Please do your part to send some love and support our troops!

Happy Holidays!
Sanyika, The Financial Fitness Coach

My Next Level Lifestyle Podcast + Lesson

2007-12-12T13:40:00.000-08:00

Today my ability to be flexible was tested.

It's one thing to say, "I roll with the
punches" and it's another to actually
practice it.

Today is my "Pod-day" the birthday of my Next
Level Lifestyle Podcast which I thought I'd
be able to make an announcement about by noon.

Well from the moment I woke up the punches
started rolling.

I'll spare you all the details but after
some pretty frustrating tech challenges
with uploading the audio for the podcast and
getting the formatting correct on my "work in
progress" webpage.

I relized that I have TWO choices

1) Get knocked down and out or
2) Roll with the punches

I choose option #2

So, drum roll please...

Ladies and gentlemen, Sanyika Worlwide is
pleased to present the "presently perfect"
podcast page and the premier episode of
The Next Level Lifestyle Show!

To access Episode #1 of the show please
visit:

www.nextlevellifestyle.com

The lesson for me today was to accept the
things that I cannot change, have the wisdom to
know the difference and the courage to say - and
believe - it is all EXACTLY as it should be.

How fitting that this is my lesson of the day which
so perfectly fits with my tagline:

"Because no matter how high you climb...there's
always a next level."

INDEED.

To your continued success (and flexibility!),
Sanyika

Congress vs. The Credit Card Companies

2007-12-06T12:03:00.000-08:00

Has your credit card interest rate has spiked
recently even though you've paid your bills
on time?

Have you made a payment to your credit
card company on the due date only to be
hit with a late charge?

Or worse, you've received a penalty
fee for paying your bill before the due
date?

These scenarios might sound strange, but
unfortunately they are true and the practice
of "Universal Default" has caused problems
and financial hardship for many credit
consumers.

What the heck is "Universal Default" and
what can you do about it?

Credit card companies are surprising their
customers with increased interest rates,
even if they were never late on a payment.

Creditors were raising interest rates if a
consumer was late or missed a payment on a
completely separate credit account, which
lowered their credit score.

For instance, if a customer holds a Discover
and a Capital One card, Capital One has the
right to randomly look at their consumer’s
credit report and if they realize you’re
maximizing your Discover or not paying it
on time, Capital One will raise your
interest payment.

They can do this even if you always paid your
Discover card on time and never missed a payment.
Some people noticed their interest rates
were increased as much as 30%.

If you didn't get a chance to catch my segment
on The Morning Show with Mike & Juliet where I
discussed the practice of Universal Defult you
can watch it now at:

http://www.mandjshow.com/videos/credit-card-company-tricks/

****IF THE VIDEO DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY PLAY HIT THE
PLAY/PAUSE BUTTON ON THE LEFT TO SEE VIDEO**

Plus you can download more tips on what you can
do about it and how to become more credit
conscious at: www.financialfitnesscoach.com

To your continued success!

Sanyika

Budgets Suck - How to Ban the 'B' Word and Take Control of Your Financial Future

2007-11-30T10:30:00.000-08:00

Picture: (L to R) Host Mike Jerrick, Sanyika Calloway Boyce, The Financial Fitness Coach & Host Juliet Huddy of The Morning Show with Mike & Juliet on FOX

The usual reaction of frustration and fear around the thought of creating a budget and actually sticking to it was completely changed for me when I redefined the word budget as, “telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.”

What an extremely different way of thinking of something that represented resentment, restriction and rules. I actually liked the idea of telling my money where I wanted it to go; I’d sure had enough practice with being confused about where it went, especially shortly after going to the ATM and having nothing to show for it.

The bottom line is, while budgets do suck, spending plans are smart and necessary road maps for you to reach your financial goals, but you’ve got to take action.

Here are a few pointers for redirecting your cash flow and increasing your financial fortune, first watch them... (click link below)

Watch Sanyika on The Morning Show

**IF THE VIDEO DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY PLAY HIT THE
PLAY/PAUSE BUTTON ON THE LEFT TO SEE VIDEO**

Then follow them...

1. Decide what you want

A) Identify at least three financial goals you’d like achieve within the next 6 to 12months.

B) Figure out how much it will cost to reach those goals, get clear about why you want to reach those goals then begin telling your money where to go!

2. Know what you spend

Keep purchase receipts in the same section of your wallet as cash so you’ll have a running total of what you’ve spent and where you spent it. Also, check your bank balance and credit card balances regularly.

3. Avoid wasting money

Get serious about keeping your money where it belongs; in your bank account not someone else’s. Commit to eliminating one money waster every 3 months. Late fees (or worse, automatic charges from Blockbuster) for movie rentals, and parking tickets all stack up – against you.

4. Keep the change

By the end of the month it’ll be time to tally your total. Most banks or supermarkets have automatic change counters. Just pour it in and watch it figure out how much cash you have, put half into your saving account as an investment toward your goal and use the rest however you want! After all, you need to allow room for treats, hobbies, and hanging out too!

Even the best laid plans should be reviewed from time to time. You can always make adjustments if your spending plan just isn’t working for you, but don’t abandon ship completely.

It’s important to remain consistent and committed to having and following your spending plan. Besides, if you skip this step now, you will pay a hefty price later…budgets suck, but having a spending plan is really smart – and necessary for your financial success!

To your continued success!

Sanyika, The Financial Fitness Coach
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Please be sure to leave feedback/comments on my blog!

Don't have a Blogger account?

You can still leave your comment my clicking "Comments" link and then clicking the "Anonymous" button - but don't be a stanger tell me your first name, last initial and what city and state you're from.

Watch Sanyika LIVE on The Morning Show

2007-11-29T06:39:00.000-08:00

Picture: (L to R) Diana "The Saver" & Baby Kelvin, Host Mike Jerrick, Sanyika Calloway Boyce, M&Js "Money Madam", Host Juliet Huddy and Sean "The Spender"

On The Morning Show with Mike & Juliet (Fox)
I had the pleasure of working with Sean & Diana
a "financially frustrated" couple to help them:

- Redefine a budget (spending plans are smart)
- Count the costs and consider the options of "splurging" and
- Understand how to spend "emotional currency"
And much more!

Watch the video now: (click the link or cut and paste)

Watch Sanyika on The Morning Show

**IF THE VIDEO DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY PLAY HIT THE
PLAY/PAUSE BUTTON ON THE LEFT TO SEE VIDEO**

To your continued success!

Sanyika, The Financial Fitness Coach
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Please be sure to leave feedback/comments on my blog!

Don't have a Blogger account?

You can still leave your comment my clicking "Comments" link and then clicking the "Anonymous" button - but don't be a stranger tell me your first name, last initial and what city and state you're from.

How Couples Can Prevent Holiday Financial Fallout

2007-11-27T19:39:00.000-08:00

Sanyika, The Financial Fitness Coach will be featured on
"The Morning Show with Mike & Juliet" which airs on
Wednesday, November 28th from 9AM to 11AM EST
(see below for weblink and station identification)

The focus of the show will be:

"How Couples Can Prevent Holiday Financial Fallout"

and if you've ever wanted to find better ways to talk to your
honey about money - especially around this time of year - tune in!

Here's where to catch the show in your area:

http://www.mandjshow.com/where_to_watch.html

Additionally, she'll highlight "7 Tips To Keep You From Busting
Your Budget and Breaking The Bank This Holiday Season"

Can wait?

Want to know the 7 tips now?

Keep reading...

Fighting The Urge To Splurge
7 Tips To Keep You From Busting Your Budget and Breaking The Bank This Holiday Season

The holiday shopping sprees have begun and
the urge to splurge comes with it, here are
a few tips to Keep You From Busting Your Budget
and Breaking The Bank This Holiday Season:

1. Count the Costs and Consider Your Options

If the holidays put you in hock and the idea of
parties makes you panic, then you need to put on
the brakes before you go bust this holiday
season.

The simple question you've got to answer is, "What
is the point of gift-giving?" If you said anything
other than to acknowledge someone’s love, support,
friendship or positive influence on your life then
no wonder you're miserable!

Trying to "buy" friends and influence people with
the amount you spend is sure to leave you feeling
empty inside and it won't help your bank account
either.

A simple yet sincere "Thank you" and "I love you"
are phrases that don't come with dollar amounts
or big fancy bows but are sure to be remembered
long after all the presents are put away.

2. Pocket the plastic, pay with Cash

There is something about "seeing" the money
we're spending that makes it more real than
pulling out a piece of plastic.

When shopping, I suggest getting envelopes
to put designated amounts of cash in with each
persons name on it. Write the items you'll buy
for that person on the envelope and when it is
gone, the shopping should be done.

You'll not only fight the urge to get them
"just one more thing" you'll have a very real
connection to each person you buy for.

3. Set Your Minimum Purchase Limit

Due to the high cost of merchant accounts
many stores have adopted policies that you
have to spend at least $20 before you can
use a credit card for the purchase.

That makes sense, but would you be willing
to pay an additional $48 dollars for a gift
that's only worth $20?

Not unless you've had too much eggnog, but
when you buy low cost items on credit and
don't repay them within the next billing
cycle, you're telling the credit card
company that you'll pay them back that $20,
plus another 20% or so in interest - each month -
and after 12 months you've paid $68 dollars
for a pair of $20 gloves!

When it comes to pulling out the plastic, I'd
suggest you create your own minimum purchase
limit of at least $50 and know when you're
going to pay it off.

4. Activate "Dollar Power"

A dollar might not seem to go a long way these
days, with the skyrocketing price of everything
from gas to milk these days but it still packs
a powerful punch at a crop of stores that have
sprung up in every neighborhood in America
selling their items for one dollar or less.

These stores make great one-stop-shops for stocking
stuffers, gifts for co-workers (i.e. coffee mugs,
picture frames) and gifts for unexpected guests
during the holidays.

Plus you could save a small fortune when buying
wrapping paper, gift boxes, tape and bows - all
disposable items that you're sure to need lots of.

5. Give group gifts.

Get your friends, especially the ones with kids, to
participate in a secret buddy gift exchanging session.
All you got to do to choose a secret pal, set a limit
on the gift prices, challenge each other to be creative
and pick a time to reveal your secret buddy, this can
relieve a lot of pressure and be a great way to keep your
costs down.

Best of all if you can do this with friends and family
near and far online at SecretSanta.com and it's fast,
fun and free!

6. Avoid getting swept up with the crowd.

Camping out over night to get one of only 5 Plasma TVs
for one-hundred bucks might seem like a brilliant plan,
but there is something about sleeping in a lawn chair
with one eye open that impairs your judgment and busts
your budget, not to mention your back.

Crowded stores and close-out clearance sales can turn
sensible shoppers into panicked purchasers who quickly
get swept up in the frenzy of the crowd and buy things
you don't really want or need.

Avoid overspending, and a potential stamped by ordering
online, shopping during the slowest times of the day-
typically 10AM to 3PM and sticking to your gift list.

7. Plan ahead.

The holidays come around every year, so avoid
the panic of not planning by opening a Christmas
Club account early. Sure, they don't pay huge
amounts of interest, but most of them can be set
up through direct deposit and they're a practical
way to save small amounts over time.

Plus the practice keeps you on from feeling the
financial crunch in your budget at the end of the
year.

Sanyika Calloway Boyce is an International Speaker, Top-selling Author and Financial Fitness Coach who teaches individuals how to gain true financial freedom by mastering their money mindset and changing their attitude about money.

Visit her online today at www.sanyika.com

Beyond Money Principles Testimonial

2007-11-26T22:30:00.000-08:00

Sanyika Calloway Boyce knows all to well that “winging it” is a terrible way to mange your money and your life. Financially frustrated and facing bankruptcy in her 20s, she was determined not to be a victim. Now in her 30s, she is the CEO of her 10-year old company, an International Speaker, Top Selling Author of several books on personal finance, host of Next Level Lifestyle, as well as the creator of the “Beyond Money Principles” a set of six steps designed to help individuals of all ages discover how to gain true financial freedom by reviewing, releasing and rewriting their “money stories” and changing their attitude about money.

~Watch to see what one participant had to say about Sanyika's Beyond Money Principles

2007-11-23T20:01:00.000-08:00

Recently, I watched the season finale of "American Inventor" as Greg Chavez, a passionate Firefighter from California was crowned the winner.

He received one million dollars and the offer from First Alert, a leader in home security systems to bring his unique and life-saving "Guardian Angel" fireextinguisher for Christmas Trees to life.

I was drawn to the show about 4 weeks ago as I was flipping through the channels and saw Greg, a handsome man dressed in his Fireman's uniform, with tears streaming down his face.

I paused for a moment to hear what he was saying and was mesmerized by this mans conviction and commitment to making a difference.

He told the panel of judges that as a fireman he's seen far to many avoidable deaths and while he was frustrated that he had been unable to afford to build a working prototype after many years of trying, and even though there were several times when he wanted to give up, he vowed to use the $50,000 cash infusion given to each semi-finalist as seed money to get his product working and take it to the next level.

Napoleon Hill calls it "burning desire" and according to him and countless others who have tried and at times fallen short, it is the stuff that champions are made of. It's the only way to ever taste victory.

While burning desire doesn't mean you'll always win, it does mean that you'll never stop trying.
Greg's story reminded me of a wonderful singer and songwriter I met in South Africa, Verity.

I had the pleasure of meeting and sharing the stage with this amazing woman who helped me change my perspective of doing business in the face of limited resources.

She had a burning desire to become an internationally known singer which lead to an inspired thought to market and sell an album that doesn't even exist yet!

Like Greg, there were times when she wanted to give up, to push the dream aside, but the "burning desire" wouldn't be tamed for long.

Despite seemingly insurmountable odds, limited resources and the frustration of being an "outsider" in an industry where it's not about how much talent you have but who you know; Verity is making her dream come true.

When Greg Chavez was crowned the winner, he said "It's amazing. It's amazing. A year ago I was sitting in the chair at the house and I was watching the show and I said to my wife I'm going to win next year. She said 'I know you are.' And here I am, a winner, after all these years my dream has come true!"

Not all of us were meant to win American Inventor, or American Idol for that matter, but we all have something that the world can only get from us, something that we've been created to give.
I hope that you never allow the flame of your burning desire to go out, although it might grow dim from time to time.

Understand that it will not always be easy, and there may not ever be a crowd of people standing around to cheer you on, but you must persevere. You must continue to pursue your passion.

I cannot imagine what life would be like if Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. allowed his dream to die, or if Bill Gates believed that "people would never have a need for personal computers in their homes" as so many people told him or if I never wrote my first book.

Your dream might not be on what you'd consider a "grand" or life changing scale, like Greg Chavez - but it is important none the less and it's necessary for you to bring it to life just like Verity,Bill Gates and even me.

When you are loosing faith and feeling frustrated as you work to make your vision a reality that all can see, I encourage you to remember a fundamental principle: ASK. SEEK. KNOCK.

ASK: It's important to always be curious and ask questions often so that the answers will appear. They may come in the form of something you read, someone that you meet, something
that you hear, or an inspired thought like Verity.

SEEK: Being open to doing things that you haven't done before,learning things that are new and seeking to have experiences that stretch you and cause you to be more, have more, do more. (I learned to self-publish because my desire to get my books written and now I've sold more than 50,000 copies!)

KNOCK: Taking action everyday, not just doing things for the sake of being busy but knowing clearly why this particular action is necessary to get you closer to your goal.

I use these principles daily and I have incorporated them into my interviews for the Success with Money CD of the Month Club, through the process of practicing A-S-K, I've met many amazing people like Verity who have provided me with a different perspective, challenged me to ask questions and encouraged me to continue to knocking on the doors of opportunity until they swing wide open!

If you have a burning desire that you want to keep stoked, I'd like to invite you to find out how you can become a member today when you visit:

=====> http://www.successwithmoneytoday.com/

To your continued success!

Sanyika, The Financial Fitness Coach

Sanyika Calloway Boyce
International Speaker, Top Selling Author, and Financial Fitness Coach