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There Are Opportunities All Around – From A to Z: “F” is for
Finances
By Zahra Aprili
Soulcial Scene Contributor
It is a new year and with this year, like all the previous
years, I am sure that you have decided on a resolution of
some sort. Something that you want to change about yourself
to make you a better person.
What is it? “Eat Healthier,” “Workout More,” “Spend more
time with the family?” When you were making these
resolutions did you think about your finances?
Each of these resolutions require taking a look at your
financial circumstances, right? You cannot eat healthier
without changing what you purchase to eat.
Where are you going to work out? Are you buying a gym
membership or using an at-home system? Maybe you will just
attend a regular fitness class?
What’s keeping you from spending time with your family? Is
your work schedule crazy? Are you putting in overtime? Are
you too tired to engage with your spouse/children when you
get off work? Maybe it is time to seek advancement or look
for a new employment opportunity? No matter what your New
Year’s resolution is your finances are going to play some
sort of roll in how you execute.
Forget resolutions, let’s look at your goals. You want to go
back to school, buy a new house or new car. Maybe you are
ready to get married, start a family, or have another child?
Why isn’t your goal complete? Have you even started? I can
almost a guarantee that money is on the list of items you
need in order to execute your goal. Are your finances
helping or hindering you?
Too many times I hear potential clients say, “~Z~, I like
what you’re doing. I’m going to come see you when I get my
money right.” Too many times while talking to a friend or
family member the discussion turns to how they really want
to do something, but are unable to because of whatever list
of reasons.
What exactly is holding you back? No, that was not a
rhetorical question. I really want you to ask yourself, WHAT
IS HOLDING YOU BACK?
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I am in the car; it is around 8:30 in the morning. I am
listening to Tom Joyner on Mix 95.7 and it goes to
commercial. The first thing I hear is an announcer for an
800 number talking about credit repair. The commercial
states how they will go over your credit report with you
over the phone and help you figure out how to fix your
credit. Then there is a testimony from a young guy, who says
how much the service helped him. I hear this commercial at
least once a day, if not more, when I am in the car.
When I hear commercials like the one I heard in the car or
see the commercials on television that are advertising the
same type of service, it makes me wonder. Who are these
people? Where are they located? How much does this service
cost? Why would I call into a call center to ask for help
with something as personal as my financial situation? Is
this a scam?
Too many times we hear the horror story of someone going
through a debt consolidation program or restructuring of a
mortgage only to find that their case is continually handed
off to a new representative, whom they have never met. The
company makes promises that they are unable to keep, there
is no accountability because they are headquartered in other
cities and states.
Money is a very personal thing. I go into the same branch of
my bank because I know the tellers. They know me. I will
wait in line to conduct my business with Sam. Why? Because,
she is my teller.
Over the years, I have developed a relationship with her. I
trust her. So why is this not the same when we are looking
for a company that will help us with our debt, teach us
about our credit, coach us through our monthly budget and
expenses, help us save for our goals, or all of the above?
Many will say that it is because there is no company like
that in our area. They are wrong.
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This month I want to connect you with S. Judi Ellis. Ellis
has over 30 years of experience in the banking profession.
Her passion has been to help people establish themselves
financially and teach them how to position themselves to
live debt free. Some of you may already know Ellis from her
time at National City Bank (now PNC) or her community work
with non-profit organization K.E.V.I.N. Inc.
What you did not know is that you can now find Ellis at
Smart Money Management LLC., a local company that
specializes in helping individuals and families navigate
their finances. I had the opportunity to sit down with Ellis
to ask her about the work she does with Smart Money
Management.
Question: You retired in
2003 from the bank, but now you are back in the field
working with Smart Money Management. Why?
Ellis: After
retirement I started working with children and young adults
through K.E.V.I.N. Inc. We worked to educate them about
finances and provide counselling and guidance as they
prepared for college or to enter the workforce. I realized
that while focusing on the youth, I was neglecting an
important group of people, the adults in the lives of these
children. I decided that in addition to the youth, I need to
work their foundations at home.
Question: Explain
your passion?
Ellis: I love to
see a household working. I love to see families succeeding.
When finances are in order everything else falls into place.
I think people see in me the love that I have for helping.
It is my ministry, my gift from God. I enjoy having the
opportunity to see lives change. I am able to help people
get their lives on track, turn their situation around and
that gives me joy.
Question: What is
Smart Money Management?
Ellis: Smart
Money Management is a holistic financial service firm. We
believe in changing people’s habits as well as implementing
financial strategies to relieve stress. We offer debt
elimination, budgeting plans, credit repair, savings and
emergency fund plans and student loan management. We also
are able to help clients avoid and or get out of
garnishments.
Question: What should
someone expect when coming to meet with you for the first
time?
Ellis: Well first
off, we do not share our client’s information. Our services
are very personal and we make sure that we keep it
confidential. When people are in a financial situation they
want an understanding and non-judgmental ear. We meet with
clients face to face and walk them through solutions to
change their money habits. Our initial appointment is 20-30
minutes. There is no charge for this appointment. We will
review the client’s personal financial data to asses a solid
plan for moving forward. We take a look at all possible
avenues and present them to the client. Then it is up to the
client to make a decision.
Question: How much does the
program cost?
Ellis: The
initial consultation is free. It cost absolutely nothing for
someone to sit down with us to have solutions presented.
Each client’s program will be different and the cost will
vary based on the plan of action selected.
Question: How can someone
who is interested in help get in contact with you?
Ellis: They can
contact the office to set up an appointment with me
419.830.4104 option 2 or email me at Judi@smartmoney.life.
For general information they can visit the website
www.SmartMoneyForLife.com or email prosper@smartmoney.life.
So I pose the question again. WHAT IS HOLDING YOU BACK? If
your answer has anything to do with money, I hope you will
take advantage of the opportunities Judy Ellis can offer.
Zahra Aprili is a
professional consigliere. She works with individuals and
businesses that have ideas for growth and change, helping
them to get organized and connecting them with service
providers who can help them on their journey.
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