Authentically Nita

When it comes to relationships, there are certain topics that are often avoided, such as politics, religion, or even money. However, the latter is a crucial aspect in any partnership that can greatly influence the dynamics and longevity of the relationship. In particular, women tend to keep financial secrets from their partners early on, which can lead to misunderstandings, mistrust, and debt. As Manisha Thakor, a financial expert and co-author of “On My Own Two Feet,” advises, it’s important to be financially naked with your partner and have open and honest conversations about money. In this blog post, we’ll explore why financial honesty is crucial for relationships and how couples can improve their communication and management of finances. Photo by Mikhail Nilov   The first reason why financial honesty is critical in relationships is that it sets the foundation for trust. If one partner conceals their debt or overspending habits, it can lead to a power dynamic where they hold the fin

Are you looking to buy your first home? Here are some tips that are essential and that can help you avoid commons mistakes first time home buyers make. Photo by Kindel Media Get pre-approved for a mortgage: Starting your home search without a mortgage pre-approval can be discouraging and time-consuming. Boost your reputation as a buyer and understand your budget by getting pre-approved. Consider all expenses: Don't just focus on the down payment and mortgage payment. Remember to account for closing charges, taxes, insurance, and upkeep costs. Being aware of these expenses will prevent future financial hardship. Shop around for the best mortgage: Don't settle for the first mortgage offer you come across. Take the time to research and compare offers from different lenders. You might find better terms or lower interest rates that can save you money in the long run. Don't skip the home inspection: Neglecting a home inspection can lead to unexpected costs down the line. It'

Money management is key to building and maintaining wealth. And as women, it's important that we pay close attention to our finances and invest them wisely. One of the best financial tips that I've learned in my personal journey is to use different accounts for different purposes. By using this simple yet effective method, you can easily manage your money and reach your financial goals faster. How to set up different accounts: The first step is to determine which areas of your life require financial planning. This may include a retirement account, an emergency fund, a vacation fund, and so on. Then, open a separate account for each of these goals. Most banks offer free savings accounts, so take advantage of them. Once you have set up each account, determine the percentage of your income that should be allotted to each account. The benefits of using different accounts: By using different accounts, you can easily track your spending and savings. Each account is designed for a spe

When it comes to personal finances, creating a realistic budget is the crucial first step towards financial stability. It's a simple yet powerful tool that can help manage your finances and align your expenses with your income. In this blog, we'll guide you through a step-by-step approach to creating a realistic budget and help you step up your saving game! Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko   Calculate Your Monthly Income The first step in creating a realistic budget is to track your monthly income. This includes your salary, any additional sources of income, and bonuses. Make sure to consider all sources of income you receive each month, so you can accurately assess your financial standing. Identify Your Fixed and Variable Expenses The next step in creating your budget is to identify and categorize your expenses. Fixed expenses are those that stay the same each month, such as rent, insurance, and car payments. Variable expenses change from month to month, such as groceries, enterta

For many women, retirement may seem too far away to start saving for it now. Alternatively, some women feel like they may not have enough money and therefore can't afford to save for retirement. As a result, most women tend to postpone their retirement savings until later in life, which can lead to formidable financial struggles when they retire. While it may seem difficult to start saving for retirement right now, the earlier you start, the more time your money has to grow. In this blog post, we will discuss why every woman should focus on retirement savings, regardless of their age or current financial status. Retirement is Expensive The cost of living continues to rise every year, which means that the cost of health care, housing, and daily expenses will only increase as well. Retirement can span anywhere from 20 to 30 years, which is a considerable amount of time that requires substantial savings. Therefore, the earlier you start saving, the better your chances of keeping your

No one feels good about a debt collector breathing down their necks, but it happens. If you are lagging behind on your bills, it should not be surprising when you hear from a collection agency. If you do get a call from any such agency, it is better to get them off of your back as soon as possible. But in the meantime, while they are dialing you up every other day, there are likely some important facts they haven't told you. This article will disclose some of these undisclosed facts that everybody dealing with a business collection agency should know. The following facts have been provided Claire Johnson, a personal finance lawyer: You are not obligated to communicate with a collection agency :  A business collection agency does not have the right to harass you with their collection calls. However, it is advised not to ignore the initial calls, or any summons from the court. If you report a dispute, regarding the debt or a part of it, within 30 days of getting the first call, the c