by Tannika Nikeya

Financially Healing

Current Economy

With the current economy, I know most of us are all feeling the financial pressures. Property taxes are high. Food costs have increased, and just overall, the cost of living. Even in my own personal life, things have been financially tight, debt piling up due to the cost of living, unforeseen circumstances, and issues that arose last year that we are still recovering from.

Financially Healing

However, I am learning about my relationship with money and learning to overcome certain mindsets and mismanagement. Not only am I on a healing journey, but I am on a financial mend, too. I am financially healing. Financial healing is a process of addressing and remedying unhealthy money patterns and relationships with money.

Some of the things I learned before and implement prior to us getting our home years ago helped me clean up my credit card debt and save money. So, I look forward to implementing these strategies again and applying such discipline this time around.

Discipline

One of my disciplines was to pay back debt one at a time and at least one debt paid back a year. The word of God says owe no man nothing, except love, and I would be happy to repay each debt and become debt free.

Word of advice: Never take out a personal loan and don’t have too many credit cards. Remember, credit cards and loans are borrowed monies, and they thrive on interest rates. So, if you are looking to get credit cards, one or two are all you need. And repay any amount spent each month in full.

Another thing I do is to pay the smallest to the greatest debt. Paying the highest interest rates I do not favor. Why? Because you see more of a progress with the smallest amount versus the highest interest rate, and that does something for your heart and morale when struggling with debt.

The second thing I am reimplementing is a budget. I have always used an Excel sheet as my budget tracker to map out my bills, expenses, and so forth. But after learning from a financial advisor that you have to create a budget that suits your lifestyle and not just your bills, that has been a game changer. And I pray to stick to my budget because I don’t, especially when using my debit card. So I plan to budget and try my best to stick to it.

I am not new to sharing on my platforms great products I have come across and use in my everyday life, but now I get to share them and earn a commission. I value your trust above everything else, and I want to be upfront with my new endeavor. I’m in the Amazon Associates program, and some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click and buy. But I promise I only recommend products I truly believe in and think will add value to your life.

Dave Ramsey

I also plan to go the Dave Ramsey route and use cash more. Using my debit card or credit cards, it is easy to over exceed your budget and not stick to it.

Trust God

Another thing I plan to do is work on doing the homework to mend my finances. I have also been working on investing more or diversifying. And eventually, I want to start a garden. Lastly, I plan to trust God and try not to let the current economy crisis worry me. My God shall supply my needs according to His riches in glory.

Stand on Business

Now, for some other financial tips, try to save an emergency fund, save for retirement, and also get your affairs in order like getting term or life insurance. I know no one wants to think about these things or dont always have the wriggle room to save like they need or want to but start somewhere. As adults, we have to plan ahead, be responsible, and be good stewards.

Reflection
What are some changes you are looking to make to better steward your finances?

Disclaimer
We, at Fruitful & Fabulous/Tannika Nikeya, are not certified financial planners or financial advisors. We do research and reference the sources that we use within our writing. The information provided should not be used as financial advice; it is used to promote financial literacy, financial literacy based from the Bible as well as discussion. The views, some of the experiences, and opinions on this site are that of the authors. Any suggestions or investment advice should be reviewed by a financial professional before acting on them.

This website will never share your email address or any of your personal information with a third party for any reason. We are excited to encourage financial literacy and health but it is your choice whether or not you use the information provided and at your own risk.

08.04.24

by Tannika Nikeya

Preparing Your Child For College (Repost)

Originally posted July 31, 2018. Updates have been made.

This post features links to great products, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission if you click and buy.

We have made it to August. Many families are getting ready to take road trips with necessities, fears, hopes, excitement, anxiety, goals, and dreams to college campuses all over the world. Your child made it through high school and is now about to step foot on a college campus to pursue their careers and dreams as well as develop more independence. So, how do you prepare your child for his/her big day? Here are ten ways to prepare your child for his/her move in day at college:

Have all of their financial aid for school worked out. This doesn’t just apply to four-year schools, but two-year schools also. But I always tell my students that the first stop you make when you are moving on campus is the financial aid office for a follow-up. You want to know everything is clear, what monies are coming in and going out, or how much money you have to pay out of pocket regarding your tuition and fees. Moreover, months prior before starting school, have a FAFSA professional or your child’s high school counselor help you review your child’s financial aid award letter to make sure you and your child understand it. If you and/or your child are pulling any loans, make sure you have completed the Loan Entrance Counseling (studentloans.gov) as well as understand loans and how they work. You don’t want any financial stress added to his/her first year of college, through college, and even after college.
Make sure your child actually applied to the school and has gotten accepted. I know this is a no-brainer. However, you would be surprised how students say they are going somewhere only to not have applied or read through all of their college mail and follow through their next steps.
Attend orientation. If orientation is scheduled prior to move-in, please try your best to take advantage of this and go with your child. This is not only a very crucial informational session but a chance to settle any matters prior to move-in. It may also be a chance to get a tour or final tour, get met with a warm welcome, and be greeted with a kick-off celebration just for incoming freshmen and their families.
Have a heart-to-heart, transparent talk about some issues that can arise at school and how to use effective problem solving. Give scenarios and talk about any mistakes you have made in college or during your teen and young adult years. Discuss your expectations, their expectations, their fears, etc.
Teach him/her to not be afraid to ask for help. Also teach him/her how to be resourceful if he/she isn’t. A lot of students do not know how to navigate the campus for help and resources. Students can go to their school’s wellness center for counseling, advisement and dean’s office for issues with classes, their Dorm’s R.A. (Resident Assistant) for roommate issues, the financial aid office to sign up for work study and to inquire about scholarships and financial aid.
Pay the housing fee. And make sure he/she gets to know his/her roommate via phone and/or social media. The schools have things set in place for your child to safely contact and get an overall sense of who his/her roommate may be. Your child also may have the opportunity to suggest or pick his/her roommate if a student he/she knows will be attending the same school and wants to roommate with that particular person.
Make a list of items needed to move in for the first year of school. Have important documents pertaining to your child’s school in a special folder and handy. Obtain proper ID and parking passes if applied. Get and request gift cards if you prefer to buy necessities at a Walmart near or in the town of your child’s school campus when your child moves in and to have on hand when settled. Sometimes, this is less of a hassle than having to rent a truck or load lots of luggage in the back. See at the end of this post also for some great products. See this site for an example of a college packing list. https://www.society19.com/10-things-to-do-before-college-move-in-day/
According to society19.com, you should also review school policy and guidelines with your child.
Make a list of things you need to do before you all leave. And spend quality time with each other. Your child would want to spend time with friends too so make room for that.
Pray with and over your child. Cover them with the blood of Jesus. Your child will be miles away from home but God is omnipresent and omniscient. He can be with you and your child at the same time. Trust in Him to never leave nor forsake your child.

Lastly, congratulations to all the 2024 GRADUATES (high school, college, kindergarten, apprenticeship programs)!!!!!!! Celebrate your accomplishments and thank God for giving you the grace to press through. I am so proud of you all. May God guide you, protect you, and may you trust and abide in the One who created us with love and purpose.

A Planner

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I am not new to sharing on my platforms great products I have come across and use in my everyday life, but now I get to share them and earn a commision. I value your trust above everything else, and I want to be upfront with my new endeavor. I’m in the Amazon Associates program, and some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click and buy. But I promise I only recommend products I truly believe in and think will add value to your life.

06.21.24

by Tannika Nikeya

2024 Summer Necessities

This week, we have had some pretty high temperatures here in the Chicagoland. And for the rest of the summer, whether it is hot, hotter or not, we want to make sure we have some Summer necessities in tow.

Here is a list of my must haves, and some of these are a must-have in all seasons:

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a must-have to protect our skin from damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun that can result in skin cells dying, skin cancer, sunburn, and premature aging of the skin.

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Travel Flushable Wipes

These are a must for all seasons.

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Hand Wipes

Another must-have. I try to have these as well as hand sanitizer in my purse, and they are sensitive enough for your face.

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Handheld Portable Fan

Next on my list of things to get is a portable fan. This heat ain’t like the heat I had growing up lbs. It is hotter than Satan’s kitchen, as my playbrother would say. Fix it, Jesus.

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African Net Sponge

The Summer weather can make you feel hot and sticky, so you may come in from work and head right back to the shower. These net sponges are good for cleaning and exfoliating your skin.

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Allergy Medicine

If you suffer from allergies like I do, you definitely need allergy medicine this season.

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Hat

On days full of humidity, hating weather that leaves our hairstyles begging for mercy, a hat and ponytail can save the day. And here is a hat for those days and for your ponytail.

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Other things we are going to need this summer are water, your favorite water bottle, beach gear, portable charger, some snacks, and the heart and mind to enjoy another summer.

What are some Summer essentials you like to have?

06.08.24

by Tannika Nikeya

Friday Game Night

Last night, I had a family game night. It was spur of the moment. I accompanied it with pizza. I wanted to order out Friday and just relax. We ordered Beggars Deep Dish pizza, fried mushrooms, and fried chicken wings. As always, it was good, and oh, I ordered the Cinnamon Bites for dessert. The bites were ok. I think they need to add a version of these on the menu with cream cheese filling or something. Just my opinion.

This summer, I look forward to having more game nights with the family. It is such a good time to bond, laugh, talk, and even build critical thinking skills with some of the games. I bought a lot of games late last year due to an event we were having at church and to have on hand for game time at family functions, holidays, and game nights. I also used them for a parent game night at work I hosted.

But last night, I rolled out the Bingo and played that with family while watching an old film called the Invasion of the Body Snatchers 😆.

What games do you normally play for family or friends game night?

Want to add Bingo to your game night? Here is the link (see below) to purchase your very own Bingo and have fun with the family, church, or friends. Or colleagues. I recently played Bingo with colleagues also and we had a fabulous time.

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