Stacks and the City

Latest Episodes:

Episode 82: Stock Market Pet Peeves Sep 10, 2020

Show notes

I’m aggravated! Well, not exactly. This week’s episode of Stacks and the City, I’m going over all the myths, misconceptions, lies, and pet peeves regarding what I’ve heard regarding the stock market. There’s a lot of information about the stock market out there and I want to clear the air. The following are some of my 6 issues I hear when people share their trepidation when investing in the stock market:

The Stock Market is a Gamble
It can be if you don’t know too much about it. The more knowledge you have on how the stock market works, the better you’ll be at reading which stocks are more profitable than others. Knowledge truly is power!

The Stock Market is Too Complicated
Actually, it can be complicated. However, don’t make it more complicated than it has to be! You can invest online index funds or hire someone else to manage your money for you. Don’t be a mechanic- be a person who just got her license!

I’m Going to Lose All My Money
NO YOU’RE NOT. Ya’ll, as long as you do the basics in the stock market. You will not lose money. The longer you hold your shares, the money money you’ll make. The stock market is a time game. Don’t fear the stock market because of losing. Most people are winning!

I Get All of My Knowledge from CNBC/any News Cycle
The majority of your information on the stock market should not come from 24 hour business news cycles. Do some research on your own. Numbers do not lie! Google ‘stocks to invest in’ and ‘index funds to look into’. Remember, many of these outlets are meant to entertain. Do the research on your own!

I’m Only Interested in Investing in Stock Market Trends
Apple and Tesla aren’t the only stocks worth trading in. Bitcoin, cryptocurrency, and forex aren’t the only places to make money in the stock market. Don’t be on the trends. Find stocks that no one is talking about.

I Don’t Have Any Investments
If you participate in your job’s retirement plan (401(k), TSP), you are already invested in the stock market. You simply have someone manage the money for you. This is the basic and easiest way to participate in the stock market.

As always, make sure you share and let me know your thoughts. Be sure to share, and rate the show.

Music: bensound.com
Follow Me: @stacksnthecity
Website: www.stacksandthecity.co

Episode 81: Black Wall Street Sep 03, 2020

Show notes

How much of your history do you know? Today’s guest really made me question the history I was taught throughout my education (and I’m a history major). During my time at Duke University, I took a myriad of classes focusing on the progressive era of the United States. This is during the turn of the 20th century through the 1920s. An aspect of this history I find so interesting is Negro history during the time. There seemed to be an abundance of African-American commerce and business. A huge example of this is the Harlem Renaissance.

Harlem wasn’t the only pocket of African-American prosperity during the height of Jim Crow America. In fact, many would argue it’s not even the wealthiest. Tulsa, Oklahoma is arguably the center of black commerce at the turn of the last century. Over thirty-six square blocks showcased black wealth through its myriad of black owned barbershops, theaters, restaurants, and dry cleaners. Black people donned the latest fashions of the time and driving seemingly newfangled contraptions such as a car. The wealth exuded in Tulsa earned the nickname Black Wall Street.

However, on June 1st, 1921, racial tension peaked as whites set ablaze the entire district, causing death, and total destruction, and trauma lasting for generations. This single event is the largest race massacre in our history.

Mechelle Brown of the Greenwood Cultural Center in Tula and the ultimate Black Wall Street expert guides us on telling this story of African-American prosperity and wealth during a peak of oppression. In this interview I want to you to pay attention to:

✅The emotion and pride of African-Americans during this period.

✅How and why black people migrated to Tulsa at the end of the Civil War.

✅The importance of perseverance and grit in achieving your goals.

I am so grateful to have Mechelle on the podcast. I learned so much and I know you will too.

Check out the Greenwood Cultural Center Here.

Ready to Start Investing in the Stock Market? Learn to invest with this FREE investing course here.

Episode 80: Mike Askew Talks About Our Favorite Things: Death and Money Aug 27, 2020

Show notes

In today’s episode, we feature the owner of Askew Funeral Home, Mike Askew. Not only did he open his funeral home to help our family transition my grandmother to the afterlife, but I was impressed with his professionalism and knowledge. I am so excited to share with you all some of the lessons I’ve learned through my grandmother’s passing and to help you all get through a difficult time. Here are some of the major takeaways I want you to get from my guest:

✅ Plan Your Funeral:
It is extremely important to make sure that your loved one has a money saved to pay for any home going expenses. Mike speaks on starting a trust, which you can start at a funeral home or at the place you bank with. He also speaks on life insurance, which is basically a policyholder paying insurance to help pay for funeral expenses and anything else to relieve the financial burden of the family when they pass. Mike recommends a $50,000 policy for the average American.

✅ Pick a Person
Mike also speaks on having a designated person to handle all of a deceased person’s finances and any other aspect of their estate. This makes the transition process so much easier. This person will be in charge of paying the deceased person’s bills, calling companies, and settling any money matters.

✅ Everybody Gets a Will
Mike emphasizes that everyone get a will. A will is the only voice of a deceased person telling their family how to settle their financial matters. Even if your loved one doesn’t have a house or money or seemingly any possessions to pass on, a will removes any red tape on accessibility. It removes any headaches!

I want to thank Mike Askew again for his time and expertise. You all, unfortunately, the passing of a loved one does end at the funeral. There are so many other factors you have to settle. Make sure that your family plans as much as possible so you can spend more time grieving and celebrating your loved one’s life.

Get information on Askew Funeral Home Here.

Interested in Investing in the stock market? I have a stock market definitions cheat sheet here.

Music:
bensound.com

Contact Ashley:
@stacksnthecity

Episode 79: Stock Splits and Apple Pies Aug 20, 2020

Show notes

Hello my wonderful and amazing people. The recent news of Tesla and Apple's stock pending stock split (and more importantly inquiry from one of you!) inspired the podcast for today. Today's episode talks all about stock splits and why it matters to us.

In this episode you will find out:
✅ What is a stock split?
✅ Why is it relevant and beneficial for us?
✅ Should we invest in Apple and Tesla?

Make sure you share, rate, and comment on this episode! I cannot wait to hear from you all soon.

Ready to start investing but don't know where to start? Download my Investing 101 Ebook.

Need to know the basics of the stock market? Listen to this podcast episode on investing in the stock market.

Follow Me:
@stacksnthecity

Music:
www.bensound.com

Episode 78: The Wealth Gap and Who Get Reparations with Dr. Sandy Darity Jul 30, 2020

Show notes

Hello everyone! Today's episode focuses on the inception of the Wealth Gap in the black community in America. I had the pleasure of interviewing advocate of reparations and economist Dr. Sandy Darity of Duke University. In our conversation we discussed:

Exactly how the Wealth Gap started
A single event in history that arguably would have prevented the Wealth Gap from even occurring
The importance of housing in closing the Wealth Gap

Grab a copy of his new book From Here to Equality here.

In other news, Smart Savvy Spenders masterclass is HERE! Get group training on what it takes to easily save, effectively spend and accomplish your money goals. Use the code GETWEALTHY to receive 50% off! I can't wait to meet you! Sign Up Here.

Get in Touch:
@stacksnthecity

Episode 78: The Wealth Gap and Who Get Reparations with Dr. Sandy Darity

Episode 77: Let's REWIND: What's Your Money Mindset? Jul 23, 2020

Show notes

Hello lovely people! We're back with another throwback episode for the week. In HOT anticipation for my Smart Savvy Spenders masterclass, I wanted to revisit the concept of money mindset when approaching your finances. Money isn't about charts and excel summations- it's about your emotional attachment to it. How do you view money? Is it a tool or crutch? I delve into this concept in today's rewind series. Keep your money mindset in your head as you continue to approach your money. I can't wait to hear from you!

Let's REWIND: Episode 66: Candice Latham Explains How to Get Debt Free and Invest Like a Boss at the Same Time Jul 16, 2020

Show notes

Hello everyone. In honor of my Smart Savvy Spenders course I wanted to highlight an episode that revolves a LOT around saving smart and paying off debt. This week’s episode of Stacks and the City I had the pleasure of meeting Candice Latham, a financial coach and graphics designer based in Charlotte, NC. There were some phenomenal points on our conversation but here are some of the highlights:

Candice paid off over $35,000 in debt while earning less than $50,000 annually. She emphasizes:

The importance of getting a side job to expedite paying off debt
Joining groups to help collectively pay off debt
Reading to clarify and learn money saving tactics

What is a Net Worth?

Net Worth is categorized by how much money you have total. It shows the value of what you own subtracted by the amount of money you owe to others. It essentially serves as a overall dollar amount of everything owned. Net worth is calculated by:

Assets (the value of everything you own)

— Liabilities (the value of everything you owe

The more you own and the less you owe means the higher your net worth.

Candice also discusses the question of if it’s possible to invest in the stock market while aggressively paying off debt. She believes that you absolutely can as long as you focus more of your attention on debt removal first. She also recommends contributing to your 401(k) as much as possible

Resources Discussed:

Think and Grow Rich
Napoleon Hill

Millionaire By 30
Douglas R. Andrew
Emron D. Andrew
Aaron R. Andrew

Get Candice’s Free Net Worth Tracker Here:

https://candicelatham.com/net-worth-tracker/

Keep In Touch:

@stacksnthecity
@everything_candicelatham

Music:
www.bensound.com

Episode 75: Stacks on Stocks and Such Jul 02, 2020

Show notes

Hello again everybody! Today I'm going to talk about the 5 steps to craft a perfect stock portfolio. The goal is to have a well rounded and PROFITABLE portfolio. It's not hard! Don't overthink it ya'll!

Also, make sure you RATE and COMMENT on the show! My goal is to have as many people listening and learning FREE ways to build wealth. Stay amazing and fabulous.

How to Create a Profitable Investment Portfolio:

Step 1: Find Your Investment Platform

Step 2: Figure Out What to Invest In

Step 3: Pick Your Stocks

Step 4: How Many Shares Should I Buy

Step 5: Choose Your Investing Strategy

How to Invest in the Stock Market

Ready to Start Investing in the Stock Market? Don't Know Where to Start? Get my step by step guide here.

Music:
www.bensound.com

Follow Me: @stacksnthecity

Episode 74: How Do Use Your Dollar to Hold Companies Accountable with Dan Simons Jun 25, 2020

Show notes

Over the past few weeks, nonstop protests fueled by the murder of George Floyd of a police officer envelope the nation and world.. Slews of social media posts, company statements and organization apologies pepper our TVs and phones. However, a big and relevant question that hang over heads of minority consumers is this: so what?

Today’s episode of Stacks and the City features Dan Simons, CEO of VSAG and co-owner of Farmers Restaurant Group. Farmers Restaurant Group has restaurants such as Farmers Fishers Bakers and Founding Farmers and has been consistently ranked as the top booked restaurant on OpenTable. Not only have I had the pleasure of working under Dan but I had a wonderful conversation on his perspective on if the ethos of a company matters when doing business. Can we still ethically support a business if their views, politics, and messaging doesn’t align with ours? My conversation with Dan honed on these three major points:

Hold Businesses Accountable With Your Dollar
- If a company has something to say in regards to the Black Lives Matter movement, how should we respond?
Conscientious Capitalism
- Is this term a paradox? Find out what Dan thinks
Invest in the People
- Instead of using money to be at the mercy of investors and shareholders, Dan believes that the more you invest in the people and employees, the more profit your business will turn in the long run.

What do you think about the episode? Do you agree? Can I go to Chick-Fil-A knowing that they’ve donated to Donald Trump’s campaign and explicitly express anti LQBTQIA+ views but they hire liberal and queer employees who consistently remain pleasant and give me as much BBQ sauce as possible? Can we now go to NASCAR events? Is racism finally over???!!!!! Share with me in the comments!

Music:
www.bensound.com

Follow Me:
@stacksnthecity

Episode 73: Fears, Feelings, Facts & Your Money with Kevin L Matthews II Jun 18, 2020

Show notes

Hello everyone! I really wanted to delve into the connection between the stock market and our fears. It took me three years to build the courage to make my first investment in the stock market- and I was still petrified. What if I lose all my hard earned money?! I didn’t understand that there are metrics used to determine whether or not the market would be valuable for me in the long term. I never saw anyone discuss the market- let alone have money saved for anything but necessities. Anything I read discussed the Great Depression, Eron, and the Great Recession. It felt elusive, dark and confusing.

I discuss these feelings and more with Kevin Matthews II of Building Bread. Kevin uses his knowledge to teach the basics of stock market investing to those who didn’t grow up with access to the market. He teaches classes everyday on his Instagram account @buildingbread. One of the biggest takeaways from the conversation wit h him is that emotions don’t do math! If the chart squiggles up over time, that means the stock will continue to squiggle up once you get your money in the game. The stock market can still be scary and confusing, but it’s important to start investing despite your fears. I really do believe the silent majority is making plenty money from investing and isn’t commenting simply because the stock market is doing what it’s supposed to do- make them easy money.

In this podcast episode find out: