Money & Emotions: How Can I Make a Difference Today?

Curb Emotional Spending and Be Inspired by Bahiyah Shabazz, MBA

“What material success does is provide you with the ability to concentrate on other things that really matter. And that is being able to make a difference, not only in your own life, but in other people’s lives.” Oprah Winfrey

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Money Expert: Bahiyah Shabazz

Bahiyah Shabazz is truly a positive kismet connection. She is an author, financial consultant, motivational speaker, CEO/Owner of Shabazz Management Group, LLC and a doting mom and wife. We met on Twitter as our tweets and well wishes floated by on a Follow Friday evening. She had tweeted something about money management and her wise comment and friendly face caught my attention. We chatted and I knew she would be ideal for a spot on money; especially for us women. Bahiyah is smart, informed, and a savvy money expert. Plus, hearing another female voice espousing the virtues of saving and spending wisely is a positive reminder for women that we can achieve our financial dreams as earners rather than spenders.

When I think of money, I think of the example we referenced below in the cash cow symbol. Cash cows, like savvy money managers, can be a boon when certain actions or products produce huge dividends. On the other hand, Cash cows can also be a burden when our spending is out of control and we drain our funds on worthless endeavors or products. Bahiyah’s money wisdom helps distill the important elements that guide us along the road to financial wellness without the emotional baggage. Grab a cuppa and enjoy some tips and good advice from today’s interviewee. As always, your comments/insights are always appreciated. Thank you!

“When you plant a seed, you reap a harvest. So, why are you expecting success without the work?” Bahiyah Shabazz
“It is better to have a permanent income than to be fascinating.” Oscar Wilde

What is a Cash Cow? In this instance, our reference to the term “Cash cow” is used to describe a customer or company that has no control over its spending; where spending is out of proportion to the goods or services received.

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Foundation Questions:
Tell us a bit on your background: Who are you? Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
I grew up in Merrillville, Indiana; where I currently live. Although, I’ve traveled bi-coastally and out of the country, there’s nothing like the Midwest. Quite simply, it’s beautiful and inviting.

My background began on a different path than where I am today. I originally wanted to go into medicine. As an undergrad, I majored in Psychology with a mission to receive a Doctorate in Neurophysiology. Later on, I decided that the financial industry was for me. It’s amazing how your destiny guides your life through many paths and leads you to one that is truly meant for your purpose.

I’m the author of two books: Stillwaters and Finances are Linked to Emotions. I’ve written news articles about emotional spending, strategic planning for businesses, premarital financial consultations, and finances for children. I frequently present seminars and workshops to groups, businesses, and organizations. Some of my seminar presentations include “Finding your Stillwaters”, “Self Reliance”, “Planning for Success”, Budget your Cash flow and “Embrace Change & Reaching Milestones”.

What do you do for a living?
I’m the Founder and CEO of Shabazz Management Group, LLC; a personal development-consulting firm based in Merrillville, Indiana. As an entrepreneur, author, speaker, and coach, I’m recognized as an expert in financial and business consulting.

“Remember, a real decision is measured by the fact that you’ve taken new action. If there’s no action, you haven’t truly decided.” Anthony Robbins

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Why did you choose the path you now follow?
As a Vice President of Retail Financial Services & Investments, I advised individual consumers and small business customers how to accomplish financial goals and properly increase revenue through adequate strategic planning. With a psychology and financial background, I noticed how people in society lack self-reliance and recklessly spend money. The outlandish spending derives from emotional spending, which I felt must be addressed. I strongly believe that when people have self knowledge they can move forward in any endeavor they choose.

When did you decide to make key changes in your life?
I have made key changes during or after life changing events. For instance, my first book was written while on bed rest with my son. I felt that God was letting me know it was time to settle down and accomplish what I always wanted. At that time, I decided to write Stillwaters, which is about finding forgiveness and your inner beauty.

Share your world view: How do you live your life and manage your household?
I’m a highly disciplined and organized person. Everything is detailed and in it’s place. I feel that when your life is clutter free, your world is clutter free. You welcome love, serenity, opportunity and light. You are able to shine your light so others can follow your path.

“I have found no greater satisfaction than achieving success through honest dealing and strict adherence to the view that, for you to gain, those you deal with should gain as well.” Alan Greenspan

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STILLWATERS Video
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Reflective Questions:
What do you consider the most important thing about yourself?
I’m an approachable person who is willing to speak to everyone. I’m able to see the good in any situation and not dwell on the negativity.

What motivates you to get out of bed?
Empowering others motivates me to get out of bed. I begin my morning by asking, “How can I make a difference today?” I’m also motivated by my family. It brightens my heart to see my family proud of what I’ve accomplished.

What makes you happy/laugh?
Surrounding myself with family and friends makes me happy. I enjoy routine date nights with my husband. Since I work so hard, I believe it’s important to spend time with my partner. It’s so easy to be in the rapture of life and neglect what truly matters…family.

What makes you sad/mad?
It saddens my heart when people don’t believe in their abilities. Once we understand and accept who we are, we can obtain success. I also get mad when I notice children with self-doubt. That doubt had to have come from the lack of comfort and love from a parent. Love, kindness and success are a legacy that should be passed along.

“The art of living easily as to money is to pitch your scale of living one degree below your means.” Sir Henry Taylor
“Creditors have better memories than debtors.” Benjamin Franklin

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What would you do differently with your life if you had the power? With the world if you had the choice?
If I had the power, I would relive my childhood and cherish the innocent moments. I would have traveled the world to explore everything it had to offer before entering college. If I had the choice, I would erase racism, sexism and intolerance in the world.

What guiding principle(s) do you follow to make your life meaningful?
1. Meditate & exercise daily. 2. Treat others how I want to be treated. 3. Strive for excellence. 4. Live a productive life.

What word(s) of advice would you give to others today?
“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.” ~ Booker T. Washington

How would you like to be remembered?
I want to be remembered by my words of wisdom and motivation. When you have a friend in me, you have a friend for a lifetime.

Happiness is…..?
Finding your inner beauty.

Bahiyah offers money savvy tips and tools to keep us all emotionally ready for the ups and downs of a challenged economy. Her common sense can save us from the emotional topsy-turvy that can become our lot if we don’t take heed and manage our spending; especially in these economic times that call for prudence or even austerity measures. She lives in Indiana with her hubby and son and teaches others how to be and do better with money. Bahiyah can be reached via her business website: Shabazz Management Group, LLC, her Facebook page, her blog, her Twitter handle: @shabazzmgmtgrp, and via LinkedIn.

What are your questions or comments for Bahiyah? Are you an expert in a field that our readers can benefit hearing about? Do you have a story to share? Do share your feedback with us. Thank You!

COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER FOR VIDEOS***
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

PHOTO CREDITS:
All Photographs of Bahiyah Shabazz ~ courtesy of Bahiyah Shabazz
Money Triangle by TW Collins ~ via Flickr
All other photos via Google Images/as noted
Cash Cow Alone owned by & ~ via The Fed Reserve
Money Tree ~ via Visual Paradox
Women & Money ~ via Google Images/Black Enterprise
Free Floating Money ~ via Google Images/BNet

Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank