Budget up!!!

BASIC RULES OF BUDGET KEEPING
If your expenses exceed those shown on this card, then your are probably in trouble financially.
- A budget is a guide for your spending
- A budget lets you control your money instead of Vice-versa
- A budget lets you know if you are living within your means
- A good budget allows you to save for the future
- A good budget frees up money for extras
- A budget allows you to focus on your goals
- A budget allows you to prepare for emergencies
- A good budget often leads to a good marriage and vice versa
- A budget will reveal areas where you are over spending
- A good budget keeps you out of debt
- A budget creates extra money by good management practices
- A budget lets you sleep without worries over bills

BASIC MONTHLY MONEY RULES
- Take your Yearly Take Home Pay after taxes and divide by 12 (You now have your monthly take home amount)
- Now-Break down your expenses by percentage of monthly pay:

1. Your rent should be less than 30% of your monthly take home pay
2. Your car payment should be less than 12% of your monthly take home
3. Monthly Utilities (lights, gas, water, telephone) should be less than 12%
4. Monthly food should be less than 16% of your take home pay
5. Credit Cards should be less than 10% of your take home pay
6. Savings should be 10% per month
7. All other expenses should be less than 10% (total %=100)

Your credit score is one of the most important factors in your financial life. The current recession makes it even harder for consumers to get approved for a loan or line of credit which is why it is so crucial to have good credit.
If you have good credit and can afford to make purchases during this time you can get some great deals. However, if you are already in debt, don’t have an emergency fund, savings account or retirement account you need to reevaluate your spending habits. While you are working on improving your spending habits you can also follow these 5 tips to boost your credit score so when the time is right you can make a purchase and get the best deal possible.
1. Change your mindset. You have to change the way your currently spend money and develop good spending habits so you make good choices when making purchases, buy in terms of needs vs. wants.
2. Get current on late bills. Pay old or late accounts immediately. Setup payment plans for bills that cannot be paid in full.
3. Establish credit. Open a secured account if you have bad credit or no credit to re-establish credit history. Use non-traditional forms of credit to establish history such as Pay Rent Buy Credit (Payment Reporting Builds Credit), www.pbrc.com.
4. Keep balances low. Keep your credit card balances at 50% or below the credit limit. This shows you have good spending habits are not seen as a credit risk.
5. Don’t open new accounts. Don’t open any new accounts more than once every year when trying to improve your credit history. You will be seen as a credit risk and this will lower your credit score.

Congratulations to the Carolina Panthers for a great win on Sunday! We faced a real challenge going up against one of the best teams in the AFC, the San Diego Chargers. Quarterback Jake Delhomme, back from elbow surgery, went 23 for 41 with 247 yards passing. The most exciting play of the game was the last play, which was the game winning play. Dante Rosario caught a touchdown in the back of the end zone with no time left on the clock, and this was Jake's 14th game winning drive. Our next game is at home this Sunday @ 1:00 against the Chicago Bears, tailgating is strongly encouraged!!

PS PREFERRED LIST

Come out all entrepreneurs and friends who support us to join us at Café Siena inside of the Holiday Inn Center City (5th Street) for our Afterwork Network and Flirt on Friday, September 12! This is FREE FREE FREE to the public Come out, bring plenty of business cards, and be prepared to meet a diverse group of people who want to network just like you…and as always, you never know who you might meet!

FRIDAY’S DRINK SPECIALIN CAFFE SIENA$6 Margaritas$6 Infused Martinis$3 Coronas

CALLING ALL VIRGOS BECAUSE YOURS TRULY IS ONE. MEET ME ON THE YACHT!!!!

For more information call Coretta at 704-492-0069.

P.S. We bring the event so you can party!!!!!!!!!!!!

Part 2: Reflect and Elect!!!

So the political season continues…the Republican National Convention began this week, without the A-list star power that the Democrats had, but it has certainly not been without it’s share of fireworks. As you probably (should) know, John McCain has picked Sarah Palin as his Vice Presidential running mate. Mrs. Palin has not been without her share of scandal, even in rural Alaska. She has been praised for uncovering corruption within the Republican party within her state, but she has also been criticized for allegedly getting her brother-in-law fired for a domestic dispute with her sister. It has also been uncovered that her 17-year old daughter is now 5 months pregnant, and that the McCain camp did in fact know about it. Whatever the case, the Obama campaign has stated they will not attack Palin’s family, but what about the Republican’s sense of values? There have already been not-so-thinly veiled attacks against Michelle Obama this week, especially by Rudy Guiliani and Ross Huckabee, two Presidential wannabes who nobody wanted to see receive the nomination. Also, has anyone who has been watching this seen how they have continued to attack Obama’s record, but have not said much about the issues and how WE could possibly benefit from Republican leadership for yet another 4 years…somebody email me and tell me why anyone in their right mind would vote for one of the oldest candidates in history…and don’t worry, I won’t try to have a mini-debate with you over the email!

Hurricanes Gustav, Hannah, and Ike are continuing to pound the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, the Midwest, and now, the Southeast coast. We are all checking out these storms for their severity and damage. We all remember Katrina and the devastation it caused. For your safety, please heed all warnings to get to higher ground and stock up on food and water if you can’t leave your homes. Our prayers are with the families of those who did not make it through these storms, and please plan accordingly if you are traveling to these areas.

Don’t miss the VMA’s this Sunday night on MTV…

We would like to formally invite all of the entrepreneurs who read our blog to join us at Café Siena inside of the Holiday Inn Center City (5th Street) for our Afterwork Network and Flirt on Friday, September 12! Come out, bring plenty of business cards, and be prepared to meet a diverse group of people who want to network just like you…and as always, you never know who you might meet!

FRIDAY’S DRINK SPECIAL
IN CAFFE SIENA
$6 Margaritas
$6 Infused Martinis
$3 Coronas

Enjoy tapas menu during our early bird hours Monday through Friday 3-7 PM. All tapas are 50% off during these hours.
Daily Lunch Specials Include:
Monday-Pasta Station
Tuesday-International Buffet
Wednesday-Mexican Buffet
Thursday-Italian Buffet
Friday-Seafood
($9.95, Includes a Beverage)

P.S…We bring the events so you can bring the party!!!!

Reflect and Elect!!!

The Democratic National Convention kicked off this week in Denver. Keynote speakers so far have included Michelle Obama, Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico, Hillary and Bill Clinton, and Vice Presidential Nominee Joe Biden. This convention is paramount to the Democratics’ success to get Barack Obama elected to the White House. So far, we have heard several feeble attacks on John McCain and the Republicans, but are we going to hear more substance? Well I know he tore the house DOWN on Thursday night!! Just his presence was so moving to 90,000 people who packed Invesco Stadium that it took almost a full 5 minutes before he could even start speaking. I now believe he has what it takes to attack the Republicans as forcefully as needed in order to win this election. I have always been an Obama supporter from day one, but I did wonder if he would ever really get that he had to reach everyone with more than abstract ideas and theories of how he would make this country better…well, he certainly spent his speech-writing time well, because he stated every intention he had for America if elected President. I know that I will be at the polls in November! I was also especially moved by his cute daughters joining his wife on stage Monday night, and his surprise appearance Wednesday night was a plus also.

Entertainment Blast

Jo Jo performing in Sydney and passes out on stage and nobody cares. http://www.livesteez.com/videos/watch/xsctPQz

Nelly said if I can't beat them (with Vokal) join them! He is looking good in that Sean John!!!

Dr. Dre's 20-Year-Old Son Found Dead

Young's mother told police that she attempted to rouse her son at 10:24 a.m. on Saturday, and when she couldn't, she called paramedics. They pronounced him dead at the scene. Young "had been out with friends" the previous night. An autopsy was performed Monday. No foul play is expected. Dr. Dre has four other children: sons Curtis, 26, Marcel, 17, and Truth, 11, and daughter Truly, 7.

Singer Ne-yo Announces He Is Gay. Essence Magazine newly famed singer/songwriter has came out of the closet and announced that he is gay. The multi-platinum recording artist sat down with Essence Magazine last week and announced the shocking news stating, "Yes, I am gay, and I have always been." After several internet rumors have been circulating around the internet. He also said, "You now this world we live in is full of judgement, resulting in one of the reasons why it took me so long to come out of the closet." Earlier this month, a man by the name of Derrick Johnson claimed that he had an intimate relationship with the singer during there teen years in high school. He also said that for months the singer and Def Jam has been trying to pay him to keep quiet over the ordeal. Worrying that it would destroy his image. Ne-yo responds saying, that the relationship did occur and he is no longer ashamed of saying that he was deeply in love. Reciting "That situation was what inspired me to write the song Unfaithful. But no one knew it was actually about myself, and our relationship." He told Essence that he doesn't care anymore, he was tired of living a lie and is ready to come clean. Quoting, "the music industry can either except me for who I am, or desert me."

PS PREFERRED SPOTS

FRIDAY
NFL Celebrity VIP Kickoff Party @ Prevue

SATURDAY
The Yellow & White Penthouse Affair @ Private Penthouse

SUNDAY

Dear Summer @ Zink Americana Restaurant

End of Summer @ HOM

P. S. WE THROW THE EVENTS SO YOU CAN BRING THE PARTY!!!!!!!!

Men lets keep it tight!

Did you know...
-that 1 in 29 Black men in the United States die as a result of homicide?
-that the death rate from Cancer among Black males is twice that of white males?
-that the death rate for Black men as a whole is higher than any other major group in the population?
-that the young Black male is the most frequent victim of violent crime?
-that the average Black man barely lives long enough to collect his social security?

Your doctor will recommend that you have a physical examination and certain screening tests periodically, depending on your age and health history. The following are the most common tests recommended for men.

In your 20s:
• You should have two physical exams in your 20s. During the first exam, ask to have your cholesterol checked. Other blood tests are not needed in healthy people.
• Go to the dentist every year for an exam and cleaning
• If you have vision problems, have an eye exam every two years
• Have your blood pressure checked every year
• Men should perform a monthly self-exam to check for testicular cancer, the most common cause of cancer in males between the ages of 15 and 34
• You should have a tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10 years.

In your 30s to 40s:
• Continue yearly visits to the dentist for cleaning
• Whether you’ve had vision problems or not, you should begin eye exams every two years. After the age of 45, start testing for glaucoma
• Continue keeping track of your blood pressure every year
• If your cholesterol remains normal, check it every five years
• Have a physical exam every one to five years
• Men should perform monthly testicular self-exams and women should perform monthly breast self-exams
• Around age 45, everyone should be screened for diabetes every three years, or earlier if you are at high risk.
• You should have a tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10 years.

In your 50s:
• Continue yearly dental and blood pressure checkups as well as vision testing every two years
• If you cholesterol remains normal, check it every five years
• Have a physical exam every one to five years
• After age 50 men should have a yearly rectal exam to check for colorectal cancer and prostate cancer
• Have a stool guaiac test done every year and flexible sigmoidoscopy every three to five years to check for colorectal cancer. Periodic colonoscopies may be needed for those at high risk for colon cancer.
• You should receive a flu vaccine every year after the age of 50
• You should have a tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10 years

• Men should perform a monthly testicular self-exam and women a monthly breast self-exam
• Continue to be screened for diabetes every three years

For 60s and above:
• Continue yearly dental and blood pressure checkups as well as vision testing every two years
• Have your hearing tested every year
• Check your cholesterol every three to five years, if it’s normal
• Begin yearly physical exams
• To check for cancer, every three to five years, everyone should have a sigmoidoscopy exam or every 10 years a colonoscopy
• Men should have a yearly rectal exam to check for colorectal cancer and prostate cancer
• Men should perform a monthly testicular self-exam
• Get a flu shot every year
• After 65, get a pneumonia vaccine (good for 5 to 10 years).
• Get a tetanus diphtheria booster every 10 years
• Continue to be screened for diabetes every three years.

Shiloh Church of God in Christ

Come out to family and friends this SUNDAY @ 3pm

Want to hear the word without the show!!!

Don't get me wrong you can praise the lord but you will get a word that you can use throughout the week.

This Sunday the 24th join us!!!!

Come as you are Dress code.

Temporary meeting location:

1204 Commercial Avenue
Charlotte NC 28206

For more information go to http://www.go2shiloh.com/

PS PREFERRED EVENTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

P. S. We bring the events so you can party!!!!!!!!!!!!

TIME TO GET READY FOR SCHOOL!!!

Time to Get Ready….


As we all know, it’s almost time to go back to school for the kids, big and little! We hope you had a chance to take advantage of the tax free weekend that just passed, and we also want you to take into consideration some tips that we have for you in order to ease that transition period. It takes a lot to go from sleeping late into the morning, having lazy afternoons and late TV-watching nights all the way to having basically a non-stop day from beginning to end. Read below for some ways to make this period an easier one this year…but remember, summer’s not over yet!! You still have time to enjoy the last few no-hassle weeks, so make the best of it!

1. Create Calendar Central.
Each school year floats on a sea of schedules. School functions. Lunch menus. Scout meetings and music lessons. What do you do when you're drowning in paper?
Printable Calendar
Nothing calms school year chaos like Calendar Central: a centralized site for all family calendars and schedules. You'll need a family event calendar to track after-school activities, school programs and volunteer work. Add specialized calendars and schedules, and you have it: a one-stop shop for family time management.
Form is less important than function. A paper calendar with large squares lets you enter information easily. Pre-printed white board calendars are easy to revise when necessary. Color-coding entries by family member helps keep busy lives straight. Planner users dedicate a planner section to serve as Calendar Central, while tech-savvy cybergrrrlz store the info in a personal digital assistant like Palm Pilot. Choose a calendar format that works for your family.
2. Ease the family into a school year schedule.
The first day of school is no time for a drastic adjustment of household sleep schedules. Instead, ease children back into a school year routine gradually.
During the last two weeks of summer, re-introduce a school year bedtime. Begin waking late sleepers earlier and earlier, closer to the hour they'll need to rise when school begins.
Don't neglect mealtimes! Younger children, in particular, need to adapt to new meal routines before the school day demands it of them. Plan meals and snacks to accustom little ones to rituals of the school day before the school year begins.
3. Gather your papers
School entry may require documentation from immunization records to report cards from the previous school year.
A little preparation can prevent frantic last-minute searches. Call your child's school before registration day to find out what paperwork will be required--then find it! You won't be sorry come registration day.
4. Spiff up household systems
A new school year quickens the tempo of family life. Sports activities, music lessons, church programs and volunteer commitments tap parental time and put new mileage on the mini-van.
Get organized! Spiff up your household systems to meet autumn's faster pace"
Take a stab at speed cleaning and whip through household chores in record time.
Cut time in the kitchen: create a menu plan and never again wonder "What's for dinner?"
Try a session of freezer cooking and stock the freezer with prepared meals for stress-free dinners on sports nights.

Thought of the day by Bishop T.D. Jakes….
A hater is someone that is jealous and envious and spends all their time trying to make you look small so they can look tall. They are very negative people. Nothing is ever good enough! When you make your mark, you will always attract some haters... That's why you have to be careful who you share your blessings and your dreams with because some folk can't handle seeing you blessed... It's dangerous to be like somebody else... If God wanted you to be like somebody else. He would have given you what He gave them. You don't know what people have gone through to get what they have... The problem I have with haters is that they see my glory, but they don't know my story... If the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, you can rest assured that the water bill is higher there too. We've all got some haters among us.
Some people don't like it that you can: 1. Have a relationship with God 2. Light up a room when you walk in 3. Start your own business
You can handle your haters by: 1. Knowing who you are and who your true friends are (VERY IMPORTANT!!) 2. Having a purpose to your life 3. By remembering what you have is by divine prerogative and not human manipulation.
Purpose does not mean having a job. You can have a job and still be unfulfilled. A purpose is having a clear sense of what God has called you to be. Your purpose is not defined by what others think about you. Fulfill your dreams! You only have one life to live................when its your time to leave this earth, you want to be able to say,* I've lived my life and fulfilled my dreams, .........I'm ready to go HOME!
And on that note, don’t ever let anyone change your goals and dreams!

GET DOWN TO BUSINESS!!!!

Make a schedule and stick to it. Consistency is the key to success.
Most of us have full-time jobs in addition to our other business ventures. Always dedicate at least 2-3 hours a day to fulfilling your commitment to yourself. You are the only one who will secure your future.

Don’t be afraid or too proud to ask for advice. People often think that someone else who is already successful in their chosen arena is too busy or unwilling to talk. That’s not always the case. Pick as many brains as you can, just filter out what you can use and apply it.

If you have a significant other, have them help you come up with new ideas. They may overhear you talking and have positive ways to help that you hadn’t thought of, plus they bring a fresh perspective. You’d be surprised how many great ideas are thought of in the bedroom. J

Don’t let anyone discourage you from following your vision. You (and your partners) are the only ones who can clearly see where you want your business to go. Negativity breeds doubt. Stay confident!

Allow room for change. If your original idea doesn’t work, develop more and more so that you can try to always be prepared. Often you have to make last minute decisions that you have minimal time to think about. If you have a Plan B, C, and D, chances are that you won’t be under as much pressure as you could be.

Stay humble and remember the people who helped you along the way. Make sure you don’t discriminate against anyone. It really will come back to bite you later. KARMA!
Stay focused and NEVER QUIT! So many great ideas suffered because they were abandoned when it looked like failure was imminent. People tend to bail out when they think they aren’t doing as well as their goals have projected. Commit yourself to being in it for the long run. Nothing great is accomplished without hard work!

Don’t forget to join us this and every Thursday for “Diversity Thursdays” at GW Fins, on the corner of 9th St. and N. Tryon Street…as always, bring plenty of business cards, you never know who you might meet!!All vendors and event coordinators looking for ideas and help with planning, please contact our Event Management Team at professionalswagga@gmail.com. Also, anyone who is interested in advertising with us or creating a partnership through sponsoring, please email the above address. NO COVER!

YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS EVENT!! PROM AFTER HIGH SCHOOL! DOIN IT GROWN AND SEXY!

STAY TUNED FOR A WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIKE NO OTHER!!!!!!!

Were Growing...and NEVER STOPPING!!!!

The name is self-explanatory…two visionary and entrepreneurial women came together to form a group which specializes in/handles event planning, real estate transactions, and party promotions. Our intentions are to bring you exclusive, diverse events that focus on the industry we feel is our specialty, and that is fashion. We also write this blog and enjoy the experience of being able to reach all kinds of people through our words. Through this avenue, we’re also in the select position to give you the latest entertainment news, as well as the hottest parties and events in the Southeast. We say what we feel and are proud to do so!

Our future is bright and our drive is unstoppable. We are confident young women who will not lose or be defeated. We know what we stand for; we are not, nor will ever be followers…that’s the essence of Professional Swagga. We will not conform to who you think we should be.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us over this past year, we have so much appreciation for that! We look forward to continue bringing you the hottest events and helping you make any special day a success!!

Don’t forget to join us this and every Thursday for “Diversity Thursdays” at GW Fins, on the corner of 9th St. and N. Tryon Street…as always, bring plenty of business cards, you never know who you might meet!!

All vendors and event coordinators looking for ideas and help with planning, please contact our Event Management Team at professionalswagga@gmail.com. Also, anyone who is interested in advertising with us or creating a partnership through sponsoring, please email the above address.

It’s Party Time!!

Wednesday, July 2
Wine Down Wednesdays @ Prevue in NODA, doors open at 6pm, free admission

Thursday, July 3
The Legendary Gil Scott-Heron @ The Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th Street, $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

Friday, July 4
Slick Rick LIVE @ Amos Southend, 1423 S. Tryon Street, doors open @ 9, arrive early for tickets.

Saturday, July 5
Bun B performing LIVE tribute to Pimp C @ Club Eclipse, doors open @ 10pm, ladies free until 11.

P.S…We don’t throw parties, we throw events so you can party!!!