When it comes to managing money, Michelle learned the hard way after discovering she was broke. Michelle had a high-powered career in TV and advertising and she was the author of more than 30 books. She enjoyed what she calls the "diva-style" life as she mingled with celebrities, traveled around the world and experienced the finest restaurants, hotels and stores. But through a combination of bad investments and the poor economy, Michelle www.michellehammond.com says she became "one fabulous, designer-wearing, diamond-flaunting, broke sister."
The lessons she learned while getting her life back on track resulted in her book Divanomics: How to Still be Fabulous When You're Broke www.divanomicsthebook.com. In it, Michelle shares what she learned about rebuilding life after financial devastation and the secrets to living a life of discipline without feeling denied.
Michelle says women who want to find their financial footing should try her 5-step "Shopping Diet" for 30 days:
1) Only purchase necessities. Assess your needs versus wants, Michelle says. Go through your cabinets and use products you have hoarded. Don't purchase new shampoo, lotions, perfume etc. until you've finished what you already have.
2) Do not use your credit cards for any purchases. If you don't have the cash you cannot buy it! Research shows that we spend more money when we use cards versus cash. This will make you think before you purchase if you know you are working with limited resources, Michelle explains. "It's time to break free from the bondage of debt."
3) Use cash only for purchases. This means you need to budget for your necessities (gas, food, etc.) Set aside your budgeted amounts in white envelopes labeled for the purpose. When your money runs out that's it! This will make you more accountable for what you spend. You will never say "where did my money go?" again because you will know! Michelle says
4) Take 2 hours on a weekend and go through your closet. Donate a pile of clothes to charity or drop them off at a local consignment shop. Cleaning out your closet will make you more aware of what you already have. Experiment with new combinations that will make your wardrobe new. Get rid of the things you have not worn in a year (both seasons) Take them to a consignment shop and make money from those gently used items and put in your savings account. This is not extra money to spend!
5) Rather than dine out, commit to eating at home during the week. Plan your meals and shop buying only the needed ingredients or ingredients that can be used for more than one meal. Compare the cost to what you normally spend eating out.
At the end of 30 days, Michelle says you will:
1) Total up your savings
2) See a clear pattern to your shopping habits (emotional, impulsive, shopaholic, etc.)
3) Get a better understanding of how resourceful you can be through a renewed way of thinking.
4) Feel empowered to set goals for yourself to manage your money and build wealth.
Michelle McKinney Hammond is an Emmy Award-winning talk show host and one of the most published African American female authors with more than thirty-five books, including: The DIVA Principle, 101 Ways to Get & Keep His Attention, and Sassy, Single and Satisfied. Michelle has been a featured guest on national news and entertainment programs including ABC, NBC, BET and Bill Maher's Politically Incorrect.
After she became bedridden, following a devastating car accident, Michelle completed her first bestselling book, What to Do Until Love Finds You. Mi¬chelle eventually left behind her career as an advertising art director/writer/producer for clients such as Coca Cola USA, McDonald's Corporation, Ford Motor Company, and others, to speak to audiences, encouraging people to fulfill their God-given purpose in life.
DIVA is her acronym for Divine Inspiration for Victorious Attitude. Michelle is the President and Founder of HeartWing Ministries, which hosts annual DIVA Weekend Getaway Conferences
To find out more about Michelle log on to www.michellehammond.com.
PRESS RELEASE:
ABOUT DIVANOMICS: "HOW TO STILL BE FABULOUS WHEN YOU'RE BROKE"
Michelle McKinney Hammond was living the fabulous life as an Emmy-Award winning co-host, a life-empowerment coach and one of the most published black female authors. Then, like many in our country today, Hammond faced unexpected financial ruin and the potential loss of her home along with her self-confidence. As the result of a bad business investment, and mismanagement of funds by those she trusted, followed by a downturn in the economy, Hammond discovered she was broke. In her new book, Divanomics: How to Still be Fabulous When You're Broke (Tyndale House Publishers, April 2010), Hammond shares what she learned about rebuilding life after financial devastation and the secrets to living a life of discipline without feeling denied.
"Whether your money issues are a result of an unexpected economic downturn or willful shop-o-holism, you can make the most of what you have, get what you want, and maintain your high standards without spending money you don't have," Hammond says. Some of Hammond's Divanomics include:
- Get Real about Your Relationship With Money - List your debt. Make a plan to repay. Eliminate credit card spending. Save your spare change and convert it to dollars. Gauge your spending habits by using cash only.
- Divanomics Shopping -Shop in bulk warehouses and split the bill with your friends. Research online coupons for sale items. Reduce overspending on groceries by shopping online.
- Divanomics Dining -Dine out when the meal is discounted. Look online for dining coupons. Enjoy cocktail hour at five star hotels. Split large entrees with your friends.
- Divanomics Fashion -Have a clothing swap party with friends. Negotiate a sale - remember that stores mark up things anywhere from 100-500 percent. Find a local consignment shop and generate a nice chunk of change from your castoffs.
- There is No Shame in Generics - Purchase generic brand over name brand on handbags, shoes, cosmetics....they give you a lower price for the same quality and at a great savings.
- Discover Hidden Wealth in Your Relationships. Get to know your banker, waiters, mechanics and hairdresser, they are more inclined to give a discount to those they know. Learn the art of bartering --your abilities and the services you can offer in lieu of cash.
- Getting More for Your Meals- Share recipes for several meals from one main entree. Get creative with leftovers. Set up a food pool at work. Invite friends over to cook together.
Chapter highlights include The Benefits of Plastic Surgery (cutting up your credit cards), Costco, Sam and other Famous Friends, How to Go Shopping in Your Closet, Putting on the Ritz and Other Creative Options, and The Power of a Social Life. Additional information is available at www.divanomicsthebook.com.
In Divanomics, Hammond uses humor and candor to offer practical hands-on advice for fabulous 'diva' women who are suffering from financial downfall. Hammond helps women get financially responsible as they asses their situation, make money-saving decisions and understand the value of their savings.
