F is for Finance.

It's all about the Benjamins babe-bay...

That's right, this month my focus will be on finance management. I never would have thought that I'd be excited to focus on finances....seriously? What a nerd!

Now, I have a special relationship with money. We have not always gotten along. That's the plain awful truth. I grew up not knowing about money. Not understanding the value of money, the importance of managing one's money, budgeting, credit vs. debit. vs. cash or even saving. Nothing. I knew nothing. Unfortunately, I was never really taught...

The way I learned about money was not an easy way. I learned the hard, ugly way. Like coyote ugly. I rolled over the next morning, hung over to see what lay next to me and  I wanted to chew my arm off the next day.  (w00t w00t shout out to Coyote Ugly!). I made mistakes. Many. But I am proud to say, I have learned from my mistakes and am moving on with my life debt-free! Holla Majie!!!

I am getting married in....five months I think? Is it five already!?! Hot damn. Planning a wedding in itself, forces one to budget. Even more than that, when we get married we combine finances. Ahhhhh. It's a scary thought for some. I agree, however, we are very open about finances. Always have been. It makes me feel good about joining our finances. All couples should be open about finances and be on the same page when it comes to managing their money.

I am studying family program development in my master's program and focusing on finance management and the importance of financial awareness and management for young adults. I cannot stress it enough how important it is for young people to learn about money. Even the basics. A majority of our adolescents and young adults (even full ADULTS!) are in the dark about money. Not a good place....unless you're a vampire. Edward...WHAT! My point is that I want our young adult population to have the tools that I now have. I want them to get the education and knowledge that I am gaining. I don't want them to learn the hard way...