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I Cannot Afford To Be Sick

Written by Gil Michel, MBA
There are a couple things that happened with me recently that made me think about medical costs within the Black community as it pertains to money (Hence, the title of this article.) The first instance occurred one Friday night as some family and friends watched Tyler Perry’s DVD, “Whats Done in the Dark”. There is an undertone in the play that encourages the viewer to make sure they schedule regular check-ups with the doctor, incorporating a number of particular tests like prostate screenings and mammograms. But there is a line in the play from Mr. Brown (still don’t know his first name) that had me cracking up (and thinking). He said, “Cora, we all know that Black men don’t go to the doctor because they need to be at work, making sure they’re making money.” And when asked, what if they’re sick, he replies, “They don’t need to know that, ‘cause if they do then they can’t work and pay they bills!”. The truth is, we as a people, can’t afford, not to be checked out regularly. There are a number of diseases that plague our community that if detected early enough, can be preventable and treatable, most of the time. Some of which are diabetes, high blood pressure, prostate disease, and hypertension.
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Gorillas Don’t Participate in Recessions

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Written by Kelvin Jones
Are u a recession monger ?? I mean just because gasoline is over 100.00 a barrel and we are paying more than 3.00 at the pump nationwide and we have had a downturn in the economy for two consecutive quarters does not mean we are in a recession !!!!!!!!!!! well maybe it does ….what do i know?? Hmmm let me think..doo doo doo doo doo doo doo (theme song from jeopardy people ..Come on !!) OK what i mean is us Gorillas cannot afford to be in a recession, therefore we should not participate. Yes we are stuck in this strange economic place with everyone else, but we must sell harder and sell smarter and while i love making lots of money we need to take a look at our debt. A friend of mine whom i respect greatly is always saying the sure fire way to wealth is debt reduction. It is not what you make but what you keep, so do not fret we can ride this out together.
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Wake Up!

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Written by Nicole Simpson, CFP, CSA

During the last several months, many unusual events occurred that should have made us reflect as individuals where we are standing in life. For starters, we’ve experienced extreme weather patterns-hurricanes and tornadoes in areas not accustomed to that type of weather, a nor’easter in the middle of April along the east coast, a blizzard in Ohio at the same time, just to name a few. In addition, a major corporation decided to re-assign positions internationally, leaving domestic employees searching for new jobs because they have decided to stay in America. Another company decided to terminate long tenured employees and offer them their jobs back at 1/3 of their original salary. What is going on?

This article is written specifically to make you reflect on the choices you are making in your personal lives. Most individuals intend to get their financial house in order, but it isn’t a priority. What has to happen that will make you change your way of thinking?

Calling Mr. Repo Man...

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Written by Gil Michel, MBA
Dear Gil Hello. I just wanted to know if possible what can I do to get out of the car that I purchased. I can't handle the payment but I have been on time with the payments. I just want to know if its wise to call the REPO MAN and have him come pick up my car. I know it will look bad on my credit but I feel i have no other choice. Signed, TG Hello Teshia, Thank you for writing in for advice. DO NOT CALL THE REPO MAN!
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Supporting Our Children's Education...Priceless!

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Written by Kandise Lucas, PhD.
No Child Left Behind, the federal mandate that was implemented by the Bush administration five years ago, is up for review. After participating in a roundtable discussion sponsored by Congressman Scott and reviewing the recent TIME magazine article regarding No Child Left Behind, it is difficult to understand how we can continue to hold educators, administrators, and schools accountable, but fail to hold parents and students to the same level of accountability regarding academic achievement. The four pillars of No Child Left Behind address stronger accountability for results, more freedom for states and communities, proven education methods, and more choices for parents. (http://www.ed.gov/nclb/overview/intro/4pillars.html)
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