YOU BETTA WERK! *Cues Rihanna*

Since I can remember I've always thrived off of creative expression and had an entrepreneurial spirit. For those of you who don't know I started a magazine three years ago (I am currently in the process of rebranding and I'm uber excited to produce the next issue, for those wondering I never gave up on my magazine); I started off with no budget and quickly learned that in order to make money you have to spend money; so i worked, a lot.

I worked three jobs to invest in my dream and to purchase a car (that only worked for two months but that's neither here nor there).

I've noticed that many creatives and entrepreneurs keep that part of their journey a hidden secret, almost as if they're ashamed of working a nine-to-five. This has created a stigma in the creative community and this stigma has held so many creatives/entrepreneurs back because they often hear success stories about the business owner that quit their nine-to-five to launch their start-up, but rarely hear the success stories about the go-getter that uses their nine-to-five as a stepping stone toward their goals.

For the inquiring minds; I currently do contract PR work for a coffee company and an up-and-coming record label, but that is not my bread and butter, that is my passsion. Additionally, I work part-time as a sales associate at a boutique and I love it! While this certainly doesn't make me as happy as blogging or doing PR work, I get to work amongst fun co-workers and customers whilst saving my money to invest in things I am more passionate about....I also get a heads up on all of the new trends and styles (which is a huge pro considering I'd like to be a fashion publicist)-oh and I get great discounts, duh!

But enough about me-

For those of you with goals bigger than life; stuck at a dead end job, boring nine-to-five, or less than satisfying part-time job, this 'You Better Werk' series is for you. 'You Better Werk' will provide weekly post with career advice for those making that transition from employee to BAWSE status (SPEAK IT INTO EXISTENCE)!

This week my advice to you is to do something I mentioned in the second paragraph (Go look for it lol). Yes, INVEST IN YOUR DREAMS.

How can I invest in my dreams? I make minimum wage, I have bills, I have-EXCUSES, that's what you have. Your first step will be to write down all of your excuses and follow those up with practical solutions.

Next step:

Let's Budget!

I make a smidge over minimum wage and I've been saving one-third of each check since January. Any contract work I do is extra money I put toward my savings and if I reach my goal for that pay period I may treat myself to a pair of shoes, make-up,etc. but my first priority when I get paid is setting one-third of my check to the side.

Budgeting Tips:

* STOP BUYING FOOD

-Cook meals at home and pack them for work, I've saved roughly $30/week doing this.

*YOU DON'T NEED THAT

-Unless you are out in the streets, cold with absolutely nothing to wear; those shoes can wait, that hair-do can wait, that new Mac lippie can wait. These are not needs these are wants.

You work hard so go ahead treat yo' self; one gift to yourself per paycheck and maybe even one food outing if you're good lol.

*TELL YOUR FRIENDS, "No, I can't go, I'm sick *insert fake cough*"

-What's the worse they can say? "Boo, you whore!"

You have goals to reach and once you get there you'll have all the coints (no, this is not a typo, I meant COINTS) in the world to be a socialite, until then you can catch your friends at a free outting like the park or movie night, etc. Your friends won't pay your bills and I guarantee you, they will not put their dreams on hold for you!

*KEEP THE CHANGE

Don't let that loose change wallow to the bottom of your bag; change adds up. Get a mason jar and cut a slit in the lid, big enough to fit your coins; then super glue the lid to the jar. This way you can add money without being able to take it out until you absolutely need it.

Finally-Create a Long-term/Short-term financial plan in reference to your goals:

According to the Elements of Success Study, conducted by Northwestern Mutual in 2015, African Americans dream big dreams but represent untapped potential when it comes to their finances. Study insights reveal African Americans have a strong desire to set financial goals, but lack a plan or resources to achieve them.

• Only 1 in 5 African Americans has set clear financial goals.

• 7 in 10 African Americans do not have a long-term financial plan.

• Half of African Americans think they don't make enough money to employ a financial representative, and 1 in 4 don't know where to start.

(PRNEWSWIRE.COM)

Google Drive is a great resource to document your spending, budget, savings, etc. I've recently created spread sheets documenting how much I spend and where; as well as how much I save and an estimate of how much I should have saved by the end of the year.

I hope this 'You Betta Werk' post was of help to you.

If you don't like who you work for, find a way to make it work for you! In the mean time, YOU BETTA WERK BOO!

-Mani, XoXo