DAD Financial Pathways

I went rock climbing for the first time in my life and ended up injured. It was fun, but I was scared. My heart was racing; the adrenaline was pumping. On the fourth rock, I climbed, lost my grip, fell and bruised myself. Will I go again? Heck... YES! I'll just make sure that I train and wear extra padding. The key lesson I learned from this experience is don't let fear stop you from trying something new. Maybe you'll enjoy it. Even if it doesn't go the way that you expected it. It might be the wall between you and your next opportunity (pun intended). ??

Keep your resume 1-2 pages max. Keep your resume 1-2 pages max. Keep your resume 1-2 pages max. Keep your resume 1-2 pages max. It’s your career highlights and experience, not your autobiography. Keep it short. ??

Tomorrow marks the beginning of 30 days of fasting. It’s called Ramadan. During this time we go without food, water, gum (yes no gum), and focus on improving our relationships with ourselves, others, and God. Of course, it can be difficult, but the older I get the more I appreciate this period of reflection, growth, and repentance. It’s also a reminder of our religious duty to help those who are less fortunate. To show us the value of empathy, kindness, and generosity. We fast from pre-dawn to sunset. It’s a month of purification of the mind, body, and soul. It’s amazing how going without something can help you to appreciate what you have and make you into a better person. So, to all that taking part, may you fast in peace. Ramadan Kareem. ??

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but an interview is for the employer and for you. Ask your questions. Find out about their values. Question their benefits. Ask about their turnover. Find out what your day 1 will look like. Ask lasting impression questions at the end. Don’t hold back. If a company is put off by you asking so many questions, then that’s not the company for you. The interview process goes both ways. It’s just as much about them as it is about you. ??

We're so desensitized to mass layoffs. We see them all of the time. But when we see the news articles of the 10,000s of people who lost their jobs overnight, sometimes we forget what that means. That's thousands of people who don't know when their next paycheck is coming, who don't know how they're going to pay the bills, who may have children or others who depend on them. I have been there; it's hard. My mental health took a toll. So it pains me to imagine what so many are going through right now. I work with many clients who feel like giving up, and I make sure that they don't. We work hard on their resumes, interview techniques, and whatever they need to maintain their job search because there's no room for giving up, but I understand why they want to. Mass layoffs may feel like the norm, but they're everything but normal to the people going through them. So, to anyone out there who is going through this, I'm sending my love your way. And if there's anything that I can do to help, then feel free to reach out. You're not alone, I promise. ??

“Dior, you were my blessing this year with my career.” Sometimes, it’s the short and sweet positive reviews that hit you right in your feelings. ??????

Other than my daughters, my husband is the best thing to happen to me in life. He was made for me, and he is definitely a gift from God. He is always supportive, always caring, and he makes me happy when I'm sad. He is always there when I’m ill or well. He taught me how to be consistent, and he brings out the best in me. It's Valentine's Day, and I want to show my love and appreciation for him, but to be honest, one day just isn't enough, and I will continue to show my love for him every single day. On this special day, I hope that we can all take the time to show love to the people around us who care and support us. Sometimes our loved ones don't get the credit that they deserve, and yet they continue to show up for us anyway. Remember, you don't have to wait until Valentine's Day to tell someone that you love them. ??

I’m an immigrant who came to this country with $0. I was married and pregnant by the age of 19. Then I became a single mother (it wasn’t part of my plan). I struggled mentally, emotionally, and financially. My circumstances were bad; I had very little income. Minimal support and children who relied on me. I worked every job and slowly managed to climb the corporate ladder and somehow still ran out of money every month. There were times when I wanted to give up, but I couldn’t. One day I realized that I could blame my job, my circumstances, or my parents for bringing me to this country, or I could take my control back and invest in financial education. Through knowledge, education, and experience, I learned that wealth is a mindset, not a number on a paycheck. Now I am able to focus on my family instead of worrying about finances because I budget, save, and invest. I no longer put all of my eggs in one basket. I’ve learned how I can make my money work for me, not against me. I have money that makes money, and most importantly, I stopped blaming my circumstances. We aren’t all dealt the best cards in life; some of us have to work a lot harder than others. But with the right knowledge, mindset, and tools, you can thrive. Believe me, if I can do it, so can you! ??

No one tells you how your life changes when you’re a mother to a teenager. I’m growing a business, raising kids, and employed and running a home. The challenge, the changes, the DRAMA (if you know, you know), and the level of stress this comes with as a mother are so real. And then there are the random phone calls, the crying, the hugs, the mean girls, and puberty, which all come with their own challenges. It doesn’t stop there; it never does. It’s so hard, and sometimes, it feels like too much to handle. I know so many mothers that feel defeated, and I completely understand. I’m not writing this post to rant or to make people feel sorry for me because I know there are other people doing this every day just like me. But if anyone does feel tired and exhausted. I just want you to know that you’re not alone. We may be superheroes to our family, but we are still human. So, to all of the mom's out there working hard and raising children, my hat goes off to you all. You're an inspiration to us all! ??

Overtime is great; leverage is better. When I first came to the States, I worked low-paying jobs and took on plenty of overtime. I made more money; I also saw my family less. I was burned out, tired, and working non-stop. ? Took me a decade to realize that burnout is not the answer. Instead of settling for overtime, I decided to improve my skills, network, and get a higher-paying job. There's no point in having money if you have no time and a bunch of stress to go with it. For me, it wasn't just about having a better-paid job but having a job that respects my life beyond work. You see, financial independence isn't a dream; it's a decision. A decision to do better. A decision to learn. A decision to work on new skills. A decision to give your best. You can't be financially free without making adjustments. If you want more money, then shift your priorities. You can work harder, or you can work smarter. I chose the latter. ??