Stacks and the City

Latest Episodes:

Ya'll Want This Money- Catch Ashley's 3 Cs To Success Apr 17, 2019

Show notes

Ya'll want this money- or anything you desire in your life? Do you need the tools necessary to make it happen? I've whittled the seemingly infinite measures to success to three Cs- Connections, Confidence, and Consistency.

Connections:
It truly doesn't matter how intelligent or well educated you are- if you don't know the right people you won't have the success you deserve. You have to know the right people. Expand your network. Go to places and open your mouth. Speak to the most successful person in the room. Remember they're people too.

Confidence:
Are you confident? Having confidence allows you to go into anyplace like you belong- because you do. Building your confidence takes time and practice. Spend time focusing on your strengths. What makes you feel fabulous, great, and like you belong. Focus on that and speak to the person who intimidates you the most.

Consistency:
It doesn't matter how confident you are, or if you're cooling it with the Prime Minister, if you're not consistent with what you want in your life, you're not getting anywhere. Work to accomplish your goals a little bit every day. Consistency pays.

Instagram & Twitter:
@stacksnthecity

Music:
www.bensound.com

Episode 40: Tax Time Apr 03, 2019

Show notes

Hello and welcome to another fantastic episode of Stacks and the City! I am so excited to be here with you all and talk about getting this money. This month we are talking about TAXES. Taxes are a really hefty topic- in fact, it’s more of an entire topic up for discussion. There are so so so many directions you can use to make your taxes work for you. I HIGHLY recommend finding a trained tax professional to help answer tax questions and minimize any tax payments.

Questions that Will Be Answered In This Episode:

How exactly do taxes work?

Do I claim 0 or 1 on these tax forms?

How do tax brackets work?

Ashley’s Tips:

Deduct!

There are so many ways to subtract from everyday life expenses to reduce you’re the amount of money you spend.

Find a tax professional

Especially as your financial lives get more complicated, it becomes imperative that you invest in professionals who truly help reduce your tax bill and who educate you on way to reduce your tax bill.

Spend this coin properly!

When the refund hits, DO NOT spend it on frivolous unnecessary items- at least not all of it. The vast majority of your refund needs to go to whomever you owe first. I recommend paying down the highest credit card interest payments first. Take back your coin!

For More Information:

https://www.fool.com/taxes/whats-my-tax-bracket.aspx

https://obliviousinvestor.com/how-do-i-calculate-my-income-tax-refund/

Follow Me:
@stacksnthecity

Music:
bensound.com

Episode 39: Spring Clean Your Coins! Mar 27, 2019

Show notes

Good Wednesday, everyone! Today we are talking about Spring Cleaning. Spring has sprung and that means a wonderful spring-cleaning of our homes. BUT, we also need to consider a spring clean for our finances as well! Today, I offer four tips on tidying up your personal finances.

1: Check Your Coin

Go into your bank account and see how much money you have! How

2: Call Credit Card Companies to Lower Your Interest Rates

Keep the ball in your court. Call credit card companies to ask them to lower your interest rates. This more plausible when you’re making monthly payments on time and in-person. You’re in boos- not them.

2a: Open a Credit Card

Building good credit means starting lines of credit. There is nothing wrong with credit cards as long as they’re used responsibly.
Open a store account and every time you swipe PAY THE BALANCE IN FULL AT THE REGISTER. You’ll build credit and avoid credit card issues at the same time!

3) Clean Out Those Emails

Unsubscribe to retail marketing emails, delete discretionary spending inclined apps, and delete all payment history in your phone. Make it difficult to spend money!

4) Plan Your Tax Refund

Spring-cleaning and tax season are synonymous- carefully plan where your financial windfall goes. Keep a fraction for yourself- but the rest should absolutely go toward any debts you owe. Use this money to get ahead!

That’s all for now. Thank you so much for tuning in. Per the usual, let me know ways you’re getting this money.

Connect With Me:
Twitter & Instagram: @stacksnthecity

Music:
bensound.com

Episode 38: Credit Reports Reporting for Duty Mar 15, 2019

Show notes

Good day everyone! Today we are talking about the Credit Report. What in the world is it and why is it so important? A Credit Report is essentially a scorecard that judges how reliable you are at paying back borrowed money. The higher the score, the more reliable you are at paying back money. T

The Basics of Borrowing
- You need something but have no financial ability to pay so you borrow money with a catch
- Like saying it will cost you $500 to borrow $20 from me
- The price attached with that is interest
  - Percentage of cost
- Companies want you to pay the minimum balances- they earn more money
- Interest Varies: Rate
  - Based on Credit History
  - Credit Score
- Credit Score!
  - Based on history, a Report Card for your finances
- Credit Score Breakdown
- Credit Score Depends on the Following Factors:
  - Credit History
  - Payment
  - Debt
  - Credit Accounts Opened
  - Public Records
  - Inquiries
- The Way to Begin Credit Repair is to look at the three Credit Agencies
  - Transunion
  - Equifax
  - Experian
- LOOK AT IT LOOK AT IT LOOK AT IT
- Where to start paying back:
  - Debt has a priority on what to pay back
- What impacts your Credit Score:
  - Settlements/Collections
  - Taxes
  - Credit Cards
  - Students Loans
  - Car Payments
  - Students Loans
  - Home Loans

Thank as always for listening! Y'all are fabulous.

Instagram & Twitter:
@stacksnthecity

Music:
www.bensound.com

Episode 37: Credit Cards- Friend...or Foe? Mar 06, 2019

Show notes

Good day everyone! Today we are delving into the concept of the credit card. Is it a friend...or foe? This episode delves into the nitty-gritty of credit cards. Find out what to avoid when using credit cards, why credit cards are a fantastic way to utilize free travel and retail, and my top tips to using credit cards responsibly.

In This Episode We'll Uncover:

What is a Credit Card?

Credit Cards as Foes:

Interest
Lack of Research

Credit Cards as Friends:

FREE TRAVEL
Fun Rewards and Perks
Build Your Credit

Ways to Get the Money Out of Your Credit Card:

Get a Credit Card With No Annual Free
Research- Get a Credit Card with a Rewards Program
PAY YOUR BALANCE IN FULL EACH MONTH

Be Sure To Follow Me:
Instagram & Twitter: @stacksnthecity

Music:
www.bensound.com

Episode 36: Ask Ashley Mar 01, 2019

Show notes

Good morning everyone! I am here answering your money questions about credit cards, traveling, and budgeting while abroad. I absolutely loved hearing your questions! Keep them coming! Ya'll are absolutely fabulous.

In This Episode:

Exactly how does one get into all of these airport lounges- for free?
How can you leverage credit card to your advantage?
Exactly how much does it cost to visit Australia?

Keep in Touch:

Instagram & Twitter:
@stacksnthecity

Music:
www.bensound.com

Episode 35: Aussies Tales and Travel Tips Feb 13, 2019

Show notes

Hello everyone and greetings from Melbourne! I am so excited to share with you all my experience in Melbourne. It’s awesome. I love the ability to share a piece of my culture with other people. Today’s episode talks all about travel tips while abroad. Travel doesn’t have to be expensive if you don’t want it to be!

Tips:

Get Your Currency Ahead of Time or at the ATM
Shop at Supermarkets
Stay in Hostels- they’re much cheaper!

Instagram & Twitter:
@stacksnthecity

Music:

bensound.com

Episode 34: I Lost All My Money in the Stock Market & Other Investment Myths Feb 06, 2019

Show notes

Hello everyone! We’re kicking off our investment series. We will discuss exactly what is the stock market, why investing is for everyone, and common myths surrounding the Stock Market. The following are show highlights:

The stock market is literally a place where you buy and sell- or trade shares- or pieces of an owned company.
Chances are you’re already an investor. If you have a Thrift Savings Plan, 401(k), or 403(b) plan, you already have an investment portfolio through your employer. You’ve been putting money away for retirement- a fancy term that means you’ll get paid to not work.
You will lose money. Yeah, I said it. However, investing works for the long time horizon. You have to stay committed to the stock market through good, bad, and ugly. If you stick through each downturn, you will be rewarded. The stock market isn’t for someone looking to keep their money for the short term. We’re talking 10, 20, 30+ years of dedication.
A little bit truly goes a LONNNNNG way. No one is asking you to spend exorbitant amounts of coin in the market as a novice. Nah. Start putting $20 away each month and increase incrementally every time you get a raise, get promoted, or save money. The money will grow.

Additional Resources:

What in the world is an Index Fund?

Real Estate or the Stock Market

How Warren Buffet Collected So Much Coin

Instagram & Twitter:

@stacksnthecity

Music:
bensound.com

Episode 33: Desmond Scott: The Accidental Entrepreneur Jan 30, 2019

Show notes

Hello, everyone. Today I had the absolute pleasure of meeting gym owner and change agent Desmond Scott of Prime Institute of Durham, North Carolina. This accidental entrepreneur creates a gym environment that centers around the people who built it- his clients. He asserts quality customer service as the timbre of his success. But this is the show all about this money- what does Durham’s fitness guru say about finding motivation and fitness?

Key Tips and Takeaways:

The foundations of a good business are as follows:
- Customer service, amenities, and services offered
Good customer service allows your business to grow and sustain
Stop Creating Too Big Fitness Goals!
- It can be difficult to achieve without having a proper team to assist you
You’re not the only one who walks into a gym feeling confused and feel like everyone is judging you
- Everyone feels that way and it’s all in your head!
A good gym should provide you with a service. If they don’t respond in a way that makes you feel confident then you have to take your money elsewhere
Going to the gym should focus on how you feel. Do you feel good? That’s your motivator
Fall in love with the method, not the mission

Ways to Save Money on Fitness

Utilize YouTube and Instagram for fitness inspiration and workout ideas. They’re free- and fabulous.
Hire a meal prep service. You’ll find that hiring a personal chef to create healthy meals will be cheaper in the long run than paying for meals daily. Need proof?
Keep all receipts! You’ll be surprised at how much money you spend on going out to eat in a month. You’ll find that hiring people to help you eat clean could come out cheaper!
Start with walking. Get into a habit of purposeful walking every day. That creates commitment- an essential component to working out.

Stay Connected With Me:
Instagram & Twitter: @stacksnthecity

Music: www.bensound.com

Episode 32: CEO Spotlight Featuring Yasmine Saibou of Darker Berrie Jan 23, 2019

Show notes

Hello everyone! I am so excited to highlight Yasmine Saibou of Darker Berrie, a lifestyle blog on fashion, money, and DC life from the perspective of a twenty-something young urban professional. Yasmine worked hard to create an abundant life of fortune, fitness, and fashion. She uses her experiences in relationships and her upbringing as fuel to be the best version of herself. She’s worked hard to reduce her debt and stay active in the gym all while staying flawless in photos. She provides a plethora of information on how we can be financially savvy in our relationships, how accessories can make an outfit of any price stylish, and how to get and keep waists permanently snatched.

Quick Tips:

Variable costs factor into your money more than you’d think! It ain’t only about the rent ya’ll!
Call them out! Pull out the W2s and pay stubs when taking steps to cohabitate with your partner.
Instead of doing the most with a goal do the least consistently. Start goals using the 30/50/80 plan. Start a goal 30% of the time and steadily increase your work to 50% and 80%.

Connect With Me:
@stacksnthecity

Music:
bensound.com

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