Brenda W. Hargroves

Everything is presented in lists these days. 😎 I was pleasantly surprised that the first three items on a list of lessons for kids before they turn 18 were related to financial literacy. The items? Read a pay stub without guessing Set up direct deposit and know FDIC basics Handle teen taxes However, boys and girls should learn financial literacy skills long before they get their first real jobs. Children have to handle money throughout their lives, so it benefits them

I recently spent three weeks with a woman I’ve been friends with for almost 50 years. She’s the friend you can drop in for an extended visit without feeling guilty because her home feels like your home. Although we are that close, we live distinctly different lives. She owns a huge home in an urban city dwelling. I live in a one-bedroom apartment in a small Florida town. She and her husband have been married for almost thirty years. I became a widow in my late 40s. She comes

I read an article by Aliza Kelly that described the personality of a Gemini. I’m not into zodiac characteristics, but I have to say, some of her listed traits hit home. These observances, in particular, are so me. “…constantly juggling a variety of passions, hobbies, careers, and friend groups.” “… have short attention spans and are most satisfied when they can move fluidly from one idea to the next.” “…must remember to be thoughtful with their words.” Maybe not the friend

Every source of financial advice suggests the critical need for an emergency fund. But let’s be real. It's hard to start an emergency fund when your earnings disappear as fast as they’re deposited. The income you receive today must immediately answer yesterday's bill. How can you save when everything is an emergency? This topic reminds me of a workshop I once attended called, “How To Save A Dollar When You Don’t Have A Dime To Spare.” Interesting, huh? Saving Starts Here I

Cheap and frugal: two traits that are often confused. Let’s use me as an example to demonstrate the difference. Embracing frugality allows you to live a wealthy life without being cheap . I am a frugal person. My mantra throughout adulthood and into retirement has been based on maintaining a budget and living within my means. I save when I can, which allows me to spend on my needs and wants . Practicing frugality doesn’t always mean sacrificing. I eat out, take vacations, i

This past November, I had the pleasure of visiting the Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center in Jackson, Mississippi. This small local museum was formerly Smith Robertson School, Mississippi’s first public school for Black students. Built in 1894, the school was named after Smith Robertson, a respected community leader and Jackson’s first black alderman. Interesting fact: Richard Wright was one of the school’s graduates. One of the exhibits focused on the role of Missi

I read an encouraging article by Gretchen Rubin, happiness researcher and CNBC.com contributor. While I want to touch on a few points she made that align with my adulthood philosophy, I urge you to read the entire article, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/10/i-study-happiness-for-a-living-use-these-short-little-reminders-to-be-happier-more-confident-every-day.html . My blog focuses on living a ‘lit’ business and life. Needless to say, many disturbing things are happening in the

As inflation reaches further into our pockets, we sometimes find ourselves daydreaming about what we would do if we had a million dollars. While you may never reach this station in life, you can achieve financial security. The first step is to define what it means to you. My definition - having the ability to pay my bills on time and purchase what I want when I want without going into debt. (I’m shocked my editing program did not suggest adding commas to this sentence.) 😱 B

I recently attended a meeting of small-business owners. The facilitator pointed out that your brand is not your name, logo or any other feature which identifies you or your product. “It’s the way people feel after working with you.” With that thought in mind, she then asked the participants to reveal three words that describe their brand in terms of how other folks see them. Interesting, huh? The exercise reminded me of the standard icebreaker I used when I taught financial

You did all the right things to plan for this day. You followed smart financial literacy practices. Determined financial goals Taught...

OK, I’m hooked. Can’t scroll past those Facebook thrifting reels. In my day, it was known as thrift shopping. What can I say? Today...

I love how something old suddenly becomes new when given a trendy twist. Budgeting and saving are concepts that have stood the test of...

The difference between thinking about retirement vs. what it actually looks like when the time comes can be startling. I recently had...

My April 2023 blog post outed corporations for the not-so-subtle ways they are making money at our expense. You know what I’m talking...

I recently read this quote in my favorite daily newsletter, Morning Brew. “File this under records you’d prefer not to see broken: The US...

Most years, I celebrate the Christmas holiday season by myself for three reasons. Most years, I celebrate the Christmas holiday season by...

Laid off in 2011, I quickly became disillusioned with living among those searching for employment. I feared I would start screaming if I...

OK, like it or not, a final check on your 2024 goals is in order. First off, did you set any? Were they in your head or did you commit...

This is by far the longest article I’ve posted, but I think it’s well worth reading. Recently, I’ve noticed increased attention to the...