Extemporaneous musings, occasionally poetic, about life in its richly varied dimensions, especially as relates to history, theology, law, literature, science, by one who is an attorney, ordained minister, historian, writer, and African American.
Monday, May 20, 2019
FINANCIAL ADVICE FOR COLLEGE GRADUATES
PERSONAL FINANCIAL ADVICE FOR COLLEGE GRADUATES 🎓
Having finished Howard U. in 1973, law school in 1976; having worked for government, and for myself; and my having been inspired by the startling $40 million gift of debt -free graduation purses for fellow Morehouse's men, 2019 graduates, Cornell and Columbia University's alumnus, Dr. Robert F. Smith, founder and CEO of Vista Equity Group rocks the world! He has 28,000 employees world-wide in his software technology business.
I offer this free, unsolicited financial advice to you, dear reader, to all or to anyone who may care to hear. It has worked for me, or, in retrospect may have worked, had I worked it.
Hindsight has a blessed 20-20 acuity. Foresight is far dimmer .
Debt is an albatross, a veritable ball and chain! Avoid debt like the plague that it is, unless you have no alternatives, absolutely, even then , take out the least amount of debt consistent with your need, for the least security and pay it back fast!
How do you do that? Do without the frills, spills, thrills until you can work, save, pay cash, at a discount, for the things that you may need; wants come next, not before! It would help to have a spouse who is similarly committed to your debt-free lifestyle. Thereby you can grow more quickly. Two is better than one. "What's in it for me?" is ever a fair question, whenever it comes to your cash, your time, your energy!
Now, should you be blessed with a lump sum of money, more money at one time than you have ever had in your life, be especially careful of its integrity; mice nibble at mites . That means: There is no assurance, nor guarantee that you will ever have that lump-sum or greater again! First, deposit it in a great interest-bearing account. Next talk only to proven money professionals about your needs, options, costs.
With priorities set, needs fulfilled, advice shared, confer again with your spouse, confide in them, pray; then, execute your enrichment plan, piece by piece, in segments; using as little of your cash as possible. "Sell'm on the scent, but never dispense any of your sweet dough until the deal is good to go!"
Thereafter you can pay it forward or backward, above, and below. But pay you must! The Holy Spirit has moved in a mighty way for you, so you must do likewise for the others!
Amen 🙏