FINANCIAL RESOLUTION FOR 2007

BY LISA ROGERS-CHERRY
This year, I encourage all of my family members, friends, and readers to add the following financial resolutions to your list:

Make good decisions. The decisions that we make each day have incredible impact on our futures. Let's take time to think about the things that are important to us, and consider the impact that our decision-making ability has on our households, our families and communities.

Use every dime wisely to get out of debt. How long must we be burdened by debt? If we continue to pay the minimum balances on our credit cards it will take us forever to pay the credit card balances off in full. We must make every effort to pay bills on time and not waste one dime on penalties, interest or late fees. We must begin to clip and use coupons for as many items as possible. Let's make every cent count toward our goal of becoming debt-free.

Invest in appreciating assets. How many times we have kicked ourselves for not making more real property investments prior to the most recent real estate boom? The opportunities were right in front of us, though we failed to take advantage. In 2007, we must actively research and track market trends and work to make wise investments. Let's not watch things happen; instead let's make things happen.

Support quality Black-owned businesses. In order for us to be more successful communities we must start with investing in our businesses. As business owners, the focus must be a concerted effort to improve customer service and retention for the clients by whom you are engaged; especially those in you own community. Businesses must provide a quality product/service and strive to be competitive in the marketplace. As consumers, we must patronize our black-owned businesses to ensure that our dollars are reinvested in our communities.

Leave a legacy for your descendents. In so many other cultures people make it a priority to leave a legacy for their children, grandchildren, and even their great-grandchildren. We must make it a priority to leave something other than debt for our lineal descendants long after we are gone.

Make sure that estate planning is updated, including wills and health care directives. Leaving clear directives about our wishes for health care and estate matters will eliminate guesswork and disagreements among those who are charged with difficult decisions in our absence. Let's make the process easier for our family and loved ones by purchasing adequate insurance policies to prevent financial stress.

Manage time better. Every now and then, a day has passed by and we realize that we did not accomplish enough items on our 'to-do' lists. In 2007, we must remove distractions and obstacles that allow us to waste precious time. We can accomplish the goals that we set for ourselves.

Increase our time and energy investment with our children. When we say our children, we must mean all children, not just those who are born to us or those we legally adopt. Our children are struggling with many major issues: teenage pregnancy, education inadequacies, and juvenile delinquency, to name just a few. They need us. Our children have to be our priority. Spending time and energy with our children is one of the biggest investments we can make. Whether it's an hour or a weekend, we must make a positive impact on our children's quality of life and help strengthen their self-images; they are our future. Think back to that one person, other than a parent, who made a difference in your life when you were a child.

Take the time to be a blessing to someone each week. The scripture that states, "It is more blessed to give than to receive," rings true. There are so many things that we can give to someone other than money. How much does it cost to give of our time, our creativity, and our listening ears? Let's make it our business to give something or do something for someone who may be in need.

In 2007, May we all be blessed with great health, lots of happiness, and prosperity!

Lisa Rogers-Cherry is the author of Lifting the Burdens of Debt: A Helpful Guide to Getting Your Debts Paid and Your Life Back on Track, ISBN # 0-9774296-0-1 (2005; $14.95; Order Now).

E-mail Lisa at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or write her c/o Red Pen Press, P. O. Box 1196, Dania Beach, FL 33004.