GET AHEAD ADMITTHE PROBLEM. ADDRESS THE MESS. ADDRESS THE ATTITUDE FINANCIAL FREEDOM IS IN YOUR REACH www.mydfree.org
2 | LIVING
LIVING
|3
CONTENTS FEATURES 46. dfree® Turns 12: Changing People’s Lives through Financial Empowerment Learn how the movement began and what’s planned for its exciting future
50. Deltas Get dfree® Delta Sigma Thetas are embracing dfree® and using it in service to others and link to full story
LIFE 6. 2017 Goal: Focus on Entrepreneurs, Millennials and Women dfree® is growing in the right direction and new audiences love it
10. Leap of Faith off the Debt Tightrope If you’re living under a cloud of impending debt disaster, leap forward
14. Life Tools & Tips
MONEY 16. dfree® Attracts Thousands to Regional Conferences You are missing out if you haven’t attended a dfree® conference in your area. Find out more. 4 | LIVING
46 18. A Talk with Yourself Adjust your attitude, make the commitment and take action to be dfree®.
19. Money Tools & Tips
WEALTH 20. Admit the Problem Break the chains of financial slavery. Admit you have a problem and examine it.
22. Wealth Tools & Tips
27. Build Strong Children: Teach Fiscal Responsibility Who taught you about finances when you were growing up? Become the teacher.
WOMEN LEADERS 28. Catching Up with dfree®’s Tamika Stembridge dfree®’s Executive Director Tamika Stembridge is on the move!
31. 30-day Challenge: Dr. Ro’s Get Fit with dfree®
YOUNG & FREE
Financial and health fitness go hand in hand. Find out why.
24. An Interview with Angela Yee
32. The Amazing Miko Branch
Angela Yee has it going on now but not too long ago she was drowning in debt.
Miko and Titi Branch built a business from the kitchen table and you can too!
20
28 INSPIRATION
OUR PEOPLE
36. Kevin and NaTasha Piert Testify
42. Hope for Women Captures Indianapolis dfree® Conference
The Pierts will shed $18,000 in debt by next year.
38. Financial Freedom and the Promised Land Martin Luther King, Jr. wanted economic empowerment and so should we.
39. dfree® Academy Launches Enroll to take the online dfree® program at your own pace. It’s open now.
NEST EGG 40. Budgeting Should Not Strike Fear in your Heart Financial insights from our friends at Prudential
Check out some of the exciting dfree® news coverage
VOL. I
44. Financial Dis-ease: Don’t Feel Bad Unless You Don’t Change Your If debt were a physical injury you would get it fixed immediately
45. Final Word with Fred Hammond Grammy-Award Winning Gospel Artist Fred Hammond works to stay out of debt.
DELTA SIGMA THETA
12TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
GRADUATING CLASS AND DELTA GOES DFREE®
CHANGES PEOPLE’S LIVES THROUGH FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT LIVING
|2
ON THE COVER:
Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr., founder and CEO of dfree Global Foundation, stands in the church sanctuary at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in New Jersey, where he is senior pastor.
LIVING
|5
LIFE
2017 GOAL: FOCUS ON
ENTREPRENEURS, MILLENNIALS AND WOMEN
H
aving successfully enlisted hundreds of churches and faith-based organizations and thousands of individuals in the dfree® financial freedom move-
ment, dfree® Founder DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. announced on Jan. 31 that a key goal for 2017 is to bring more entrepreneurs, MILLENNIALS and women to the movement. “America’s consumer debt is $3.4 trillion and the average American household balance-carries $16,048 in debt,” Soaries said. “People are suffering. The groups we’ve iden-
6 | LIVING
tified are some of the most in need of financial advice and transformational lifestyle changes.” About 25 percent of Americans say they’ve considered starting a business but didn’t due to barriers such as lack of personal savings.[1] When it comes to young adults, only 24 percent of millennials demonstrated basic financial knowledge.[2] Millennials are financially fragile with 53 percent carrying over a credit card balance in the last 12 months and 50 percent believing they couldn’t come up with $2,000 for an unexpected need within the next month.[2] And 92 percent of women report they want to learn more about financial planning.[3] Soaries discussed dfree® when he joined many in the new target audiences on the red carpet of BET’s Centric network event Super Bowl Gospel Celebration 2017, which aired Sunday Feb. 5, 2017. This event was the first of many designed “to meet people where they are” so that dfree® becomes even more accessible and actionable. “I am focused like a laser on helping people from every background, particularly African Americans, pay our bills as we go, get away from those high-cost credit cards, pay our bills on time, avoid using late fees as an excuse to pay our bills late, and then to live within our means,” Soaries recently said, in a dfree® video message, of his passion to help others realize financial freedom and economic justice. He noted that, under the Trump administration, people can expect less help from government and therefore need to turn to viable alternatives and strategies. “The civil rights movement lost a lot of steam but
“King’s dream included specific economic empowerment steps that the dfree® financial freedom movement is now helping people achieve.” LIVING
|7
LIFE
Grammy Award Winning Gospel Artist & Producer Fred Hammond performing at the Say Yes to the Next Level West Coast Regional conference. CeCe Winans joins dfree® Founder DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. on the red carpet for S uper Bowl Gospel Celebration 2017
didn’t end with Martin Luther King’s death,” Soaries
the first of which was held March 3 and 4, 2017 at Mount
said. “King’s dream included specific economic empow-
Calvary Baptist Church in Fairfield, California. The con-
erment steps that the dfree® financial freedom move-
ference, sponsored in lead by Prudential, included lunch
ment is now helping people achieve.”
and featured a power-packed line up of speakers includ-
After Soaries’ own church started participating in
ing Soaries, The Money Coach Lynnette Khalfani-Cox
dfree®, during the height of the 2008 recession, church
and Pastor Claybon Lea, Jr. Grammy Award Winning
giving increased by more than $1 million. Through
Gospel Artist & Producer Fred Hammond performed
books, conferences, training, support and motivation,
Friday night.
dfree® helps individuals focus on the root causes of their financial woes and take practical measures to build better financial habits. While the annual dfree® conference has attracted more than 2,000 people each year, the movement is reaching new audiences through regional conferences,
8 | LIVING
[1] Gallup Entreprenuership poll, February 2015 [2] Millennials & Financial Literacy GFLEC/PwC survey, January 2016 [3] 2015 Fidelity Investments Money Fit Women Study, 2015
PARTNERS MAKE IT POSSIBLE! dfree®'s RESOUNDING SUCCESS HAS BEEN BUILT THROUGH STRONG PARTNERSHIPS AND VALUED EFFORTS. THANKS, AGAIN, FOR ALL YOU DO TO GROW THE dfree® FINANCIAL FREEDOM MOVEMENT.
LIVING
|9
LIFE
W
hen we’re in debt, “we walk a tightrope and live in apprehension of impending disaster. It exhausts us. We come to feel defeated and
hopeless,” writes Jerrold Mundis, author of How to Get Out of Debt, Stay Out of Debt and Live Prosperously. It’s true that this is where most of us end up. When I was living in debt, at first, I didn’t mind living the way I was living. Most of the people I knew were living the same way. In fact, most people are living paycheck to paycheck. Most people haven’t made life goals. Most people don’t have a financial snapshot. Most people are just surviving. But as Mundis warns, that existence is fragile and can easily overwhelm. It’s even worse because we live in a culture that distracts you from you. Advertising is really designed to take your attention off of you and keep you focused on things that you don’t need or just can’t afford. Advertisers make it easy for us to live in chaos because we’re constant-
LEAP OF FAITH OFF THE DEBT TIGHTROPE BY DEFOREST B. SOARIES, JR.
10 | LIVING
ly looking at other people’s dresses, other people’s cars, other people’s items, instead of focusing on our own needs and wants. Let’s bring the focus back to you. What are your life goals? Write them down. It’s been well researched and documented that those who have written goals are more likely to be successful than those who do not have written goals. Written goals are best when they emerge from our innermost dreams, yet we have to be flexible enough to edit and amend these goals when necessary.
“It’s been well researched and documented that those who have written goals are more likely to be successful than those who do not have written goals.” When writing your goals, try to block out the noise
ment. We’re managing our lives and using money to pur-
of other people’s expectations. The biggest mistake one
sue our goals. Many people make the mistake of having
can make is to write a goal based upon the expectations
a mental picture of what success looks like without en-
of others. Too many people live and die pursuing dreams
visioning the strategy or specific actions it will take to
that others have for them. This is the time when it’s nec-
achieve success.
essary to focus on yourself. If you have a relationship
The first time I started a business, I used the money
with God, rely upon it. What has God called you to do in
I had won from a small lawsuit. My partner and I went
your life? What desires has God put in your heart? True,
out and rented a nice office, bought furniture and hired a
God may change your plans, one of the best reasons to
nice assistant to work in the office. The business location
remain flexible, but you can’t go wrong if you’re open to
was good, the products were nice and the product prices
God.
were competitive. Interestingly, we went out of business
Once you know your goals, you need to have a strategy for accomplishing them. Financial freedom is not money management; financial freedom is life manage-
in six months! Our downfall was the result of placing our emphasis on the wrong things. Businesses succeed when the emphasis is placed on
LIVING
| 11
LIFE doing business. That means contacting customers, selling products and minimizing overheads. We were completely focused on optics (how we looked) rather than operations (how we functioned). In the Christian bible, Gideon had an army that looked very good and appeared ready for battle. But how they looked was not going to determine the outcome of their battle. Gideon needed to re-size his troops in order to be prepared to win the battle that was laid before him. His biggest problem was that he had an over reliance on physical strength and an under appreciation for the spiritual nature of this fight. I believe every pursuit that we undertake has to be positioned to connect with God’s will. If we want to win simply to win, we risk being irrelevant as it relates to God’s agenda. But when our efforts are designed to let others know that God gave us our victory, then we can de-emphasize our plans and surrender to God’s plans. Gideon surrendered to God’s plan and won the battle.
12 | LIVING
W hen you’re battling with debt, it’s time to do a deep dive. Be prepared to come up for air in a humble state of surrender. Get organized by tracking spending, list your income and bills, establish at least one banking relationship, and secure all of your financial documents and records. Next, you’ll be ready to list and analyze your needs and wants. You’ll be at a turning point where you’re ready to align your needs and wants with the strategy that will help you reach your life goals. Saying yes to no debt is challenging work, but it will get you off that tightrope and, possibly, save your life.
Get a ride in minutes. Download the Lyft app and go. LIVING
| 13
LIFE LIFESTYLE TIPS
1
DECIDE THAT YOU WANT A LIFE FULL OF MEANING and purpose so that you can align your priorities including financial goals.
2
RE-EVALUATE LIFESTYLE CHOICES. For instance, if you pay for premium cable and spend a lot of time watching shows does that satisfy your life goals? Can you think of better uses for that time and money?
3
VOLUNTEER IN AN AREA FOR WHICH YOU HOLD A PASSION. Volunteering can lead to other opportunities including: jobs and networking, advice and tips, resource sharing, etc.
14 | LIVING
READ
Say Yes to No Debt: 12 Steps to Financial Freedom by DeForest B. Soaries, Jr.
“The idea that debt is actually slavery is offensive to all of our sensibilities,” says Soaries, “but when we continue to spend what we don’t have, charge what we don’t need...” www.amazon.com
READY, SET, GO TOOL
LIFE
TOOLS & TIPS
D
oes your current lifestyle support what you want out of life? Do you even know what your life goals are? It’s time to adjust your attitude and focus on what’s most important. When you take the time to create and prioritize your life goals, you can then develop strategies to achieve them. dfree® helps you on this journey and to get your finances in shape so that you have the money you need to sup-
port your new life. Take a few deep breaths and a few minutes to think about where you would spend your time if you did not have to worry about money. Would you take more vacations with your family? Would you do more charity work? Would you bring your ideas for something society needs to fruition and start a business? Let’s Move Forward Together and Say Yes to No Debt.
IT IS TIME TO REWARD YOUR LOYALTY AND DEDICATION! INTRODUCING THE NEW DFREE® LOYALTY PROGRAM The loyalty program certifies member churches, organizations and friends of dfree as official graduates of the 12-week program and acknowledges their loyalty and continued dedication to the financial freedom movement by providing benefits and tools for long-term success. For more information call 1-844-MY-DFREE
LOYALTY PROGRAM LIVING | 15 IT IS TIME TO REWARD
MONEY
A TALK WITH YOURSELF
W
e’ve been led to believe that knowing more
goals. You have to get a handle on the situation so you
makes us do better. But when it comes to
can become financially free item by item, bill by bill, task
finances, adjusting your attitude is crucial
by task. My life changed completely once I took control
to doing better. You can know how to balance a check-
of the resources that I had. Yours will too.
book but that knowledge isn’t sufficing to motivate you
The problem that we have as people of the mod-
to actually do it. You can understand compound interest
ern age is not a problem of information. The prob-
but not put a dime in the bank or in an investment that
lem we have is a lack of discipline, a lack of focus, a
grows with interest.
lack of a strategy and lack of will power to change.
You owe it to yourself to take charge of all of your
Our problem is not informational, it is attitudinal.
financial matters. You owe it to yourself to know how
Our problem is not educational, it’s cultural. So, the
much money you have coming in and how much money
steps we take to address the problem must address
you have going out. You owe it to yourself to have a fi-
the psychological, cultural, spiritual and emotional
nancial snapshot and goals with dates attached to those
drivers that affect and impact our financial wellness.
16 | LIVING
One of the most well-known biblical parables is that
One way to begin the conversation with yourself is to
of the prodigal son. In this story, we find a timeless fam-
compile a written list of everything you buy, everything
ily triangle: an industrious father who has done well for
you spend money on. Think through what you spend and
himself, an impatient son who makes a fool of himself,
why you spend it. This written evidence will help you
and a jealous brother who gets beside himself. The sto-
answer the question of “where does my money go?” and
ry’s catalyst is the demand by an impulsive young man
help you start identifying what you need to change. This
for immediate access to the inheritance he’ll receive
practice of writing down an inventory of expenditures
upon his father’s death.
applies equally well to your spiritual life. Becoming
After the young man gets his money, he quickly turns
more aware of our thoughts and how they translate into
his new prosperity into devastating poverty. It doesn’t
attitudes and get actualized in our behavior can benefit
take long for him to burn through his cash with reck-
every area of our lives.
less living. In short, he makes a total mess of his life.
For the prodigal son to truly change, he knew he
Yet, this prodigal son’s core problem is not immorality;
had to return to his father’s house where there would
his core problem is impatience. And impatience is not
be rules and responsibilities. He knew he would have to
an intellectual problem. Impatience is a spiritual, cul-
submit to his father’s way of looking at life. But he also
tural, emotional and psychological problem. His father
realized submission was a better alternative than stay-
described him as having died!
ing in hell, and his father welcomed him back as if he had
It’s impatience that drives us to buy things we can’t
just been to heaven.
afford, to use high-interest credit cards. When we spend
Is it time to humble yourself and get on the journey
money that we don’t have, money that we don’t know
to a better life? The barrier to financial freedom is debt.
when we are going to get, we’re experiencing a hellish
You have to have the kind of talk with yourself that gives
existence. When the prodigal son realized the mess that
you the courage you need to Say Yes to No Debt. It’s a life
he made, he escaped from his self-imposed hell by going
transforming commitment that you’ll never regret.
home to his father. He wanted to change. If we’re going to get out of our financial hell, we have to own the bad choices we’ve made and the current hole we’re in. It’s humbling, but so is having a car repossessed or losing a home in a foreclosure. It’s time to tell the truth about ourselves to ourselves. We have to talk to ourselves and make sure no one else is listening so we can really tell the truth. This is how we get better spiritually and make a permanent adjustment in our attitude.
“The problem we have is a lack of discipline, a lack of focus, a lack of a strategy and lack of will power to change.” LIVING
| 17
MONEY
B
ringing the dfree® financial freedom movement directly to you has been a top priority for 2017, which witnessed the birth of
large dfree® regional conferences and an expansion of smaller city-based events. This year, thousands have attended events in: Fairfield, California; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Detroit, Michigan; and, Indianapolis, Indiana. Upcoming Say Yes to the Next Level regional conferences take place in Atlanta, Geogia, October 27 and 28, 2017, and Houston, Texas, November 17 and 18, 2017. Whether you’re just thinking about joining dfree® or have achieved financial success, each event offers new opportunities and participants are often moved to tears by the sessions. Conferences feature expert speakers, gospel artists and
dfree® ATTRACTS THOUSANDS TO REGIONAL CONFERENCES 18 | LIVING
celebrity and other dfree® movement members who testify about their success. Practical methods, workshops, giveaways and networking opportunities are also conference staples. Regular speakers include: The Money Coach® Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, Grammy-Award Winning Artist Fred Hammond and dfree® Founder DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. To learn more about upcoming dfree® events, go to mydfree.org, text dfree to 22828 to join the mailing list or follow any of the following: #dfree #mydfree #dfreeNextLevel #LMFTdfree.
MONEY
BUDGETING TIPS
1
UNDERSTAND THAT THE GOAL OF A BUDGET IS TO ENABLE you to spend less than you earn so that you can save money to support the things you really want out of life.
2
TRACK YOUR SPENDING FOR A WEEK OR A MONTH BY WRITING EACH and every purchase down. Review spending to determine what you spent on wants versus needs.
3
USE SMART GOALS to create a realistic spending plan that will help you stick to your budget.
MONEY MATTERS TOOL
DO
Exercises in dfree® Lifestyle by DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. “My goal is that you will discover more about yourself than you do about money by the time you complete this experience. That is why I call it the dfree® lifestyle.” www.amazon.com
MONEY TOOLS & TIPS
W
hen is the last time you created a household budget and stuck to it? If you have a budget, is it aligned with your life goals? A budget is a critical tool for life advancement. Today, with easy access to the internet and mobile apps, there’s an abundance of tools available to help you create a budget, track your spending and stick to your plans. In order to stick to a budget, you have to be committed. You have to maintain your focus and strengthen your patience so that you can sacrifice short-term desires in order to achieve long-term growth and success. LIVING
| 19
WEALTH
ADMIT THE PROBLEM
W
hen I was broke and heavily dependent
getting started. You have to admit you have a problem.
upon credit cards, I didn’t realize I had a
If you want to break the chains of financial slavery,
problem. I didn’t have to focus on the ava-
then you must examine the psychology of your spending
lanche of debt that was about to bury me until warning
habits and explore the emotions attached to money-re-
rumblings – like the IRS knocking at my door – shook me
lated matters. It helps to know that you are not alone.
out of my stupor. By the time I recognized my problem,
How did we get into this situation in the first place?
there was no easy fix. But there is a fix and it requires
20 | LIVING
If your household was like mine growing up, your
family didn’t talk much about money. Perhaps your par-
card. Over time, it became easier to justify to myself why
ents were frugal and taught you good basics such as pay
I needed to drive instead of walking or pursuing alter-
your bills on time, save money for a rainy day and only
nate forms of transportation. I was a busy young preach-
use what you need. Perhaps your parents lived from pay-
er, civil rights activist, community development leader
check to paycheck or worse. No matter the case, as you
and proponent for social justice. I needed to be where I
grew you were constantly bombarded with ads and oth-
needed to be quickly. I was important.
er messages that reflect America’s consumption culture. And America has a problem.
The Gulf card began a 15-year cycle of credit, interest and penalty payments that I am often too embarrassed
While credit card debt in America quickly approaches
to describe. Yet, I didn’t focus on my problem until I was
$1 trillion, overall consumer debt in the U.S. is $3.4 tril-
ready to get married and couldn’t afford to do so. Then, I
lion and growing. According to the Federal Reserve in
had to sit down and examine all of my debt and compare
2015, 46 percent of adults said they either could not cov-
it to my income. I had to get started.
er an emergency expense costing $400, or would cover it
No matter what drove you to debt, no matter what
by selling something or borrowing money. And yet most
drives you to eliminate your debt – get started. Admit
adults have accumulated a lot of stuff, likely to make us
you have a problem. Now imagine how much better your
feel good.
life will be without that problem. This is all it takes to
We have compensatory spending for the purpose of
start living dfree® – no debt, no delinquency, no deficits.
gaining significance; conspicuous spending for the pur-
So, take a deep breath and be honest with yourself. Do
pose of elevating and flaunting status; and, confused
you want to be free?
spending that we’re not even sure about and that is also known as impulse purchasing. But America’s love of celebrity, gadgets and other new stuff makes us feel less than if we’re not participating in the dangerous game of “keeping up.” My journey into financial hell started with a single Gulf Oil credit card. When I was 18, my parents helped me buy an old car with cash so that I wouldn’t have the burden of recurring payments. I started out only driving the car when I had money for gas, so I still walked quite a bit. It was a disciplined approach that was completely shattered when I learned I could always keep my gas tank full, simply by charging the purchase to the credit
“While credit card debt in America quickly approaches $1 trillion, overall consumer debt in the U.S. is $3.4 trillion and growing” LIVING
| 21
WEALTH
GROW YOUR MONEY TOOL
GROWTH
TOOLS & TIPS
H JOIN
BDC and use tools in My BDC Dashboard. The Billion Dollar Challenge is a
ow much debt do you have right now? Can you imagine a day when you are debt free? Don’t let debt overwhelm you or keep you stuck in a negative spiral. Instead, attack your debt and take charge of your life. Give yourself little challenges so that you can experience early wins and feel good about your progress. If you’re in debt, payoff the smallest amounts first or payoff
debt that carries the highest interest rates. If you’re out of debt but still living paycheck to paycheck, make a plan for increasing your income. If you’re financially comfortable, what new investments can you make? Don’t be stagnant. Consistently focus on and renew your finances to create wealth.
dfree® interactive web tool to lead
DEBT RELIEF TIPS
individuals in paying down one billion dollars of consumer debt www. billiondollarpaydown.com The goal of the Billion Dollar Challenge is to educate, inspire and enable participants to collectively pay down $1 billion in consumer debt. The challenge is a free, national economic campaign made up of participants that are part of dfree® programs across the country as well as participants that sign-up through the Billion Dollar Challenge website. Join the Challenge with a friend, at www.billiondollarpaydown.com 22 | LIVING
1
2
USE CASH OR DEBIT CARDS AND NOT CREDIT CARDS. Keep a credit card for emergencies and credit score but only use it if you can pay RESIST IMPULSE off the balance in full BUYING. You’re on every bill. a mission. Those enticing distractions are costly. ADMIT THAT YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH DEBT, so that you can maintain the right attitude and discipline for improving your situation.
3
Hope is at your fingertips. It's as simple as using your keyboard to join the Billion Dollar Challenge. Paydown your debt and challenge a friend to do the same. It's fun. There are rewards. And, you end up debt-free! JOIN TODAY. LIVING
| 23
YOUNG & FREE
W
hen I was a young child, I used to wonder how an ocean liner would fit down my northern New Jersey street
because I so often heard my father speak of the day
BUILD STRONG CHILDREN:
TEACH FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
24 | LIVING
his “ship would come in.” Of course, later I learned this was a figure of speech. But as I grew up, I also observed how my mother was the queen of the store layaway. Today, when I mention this concept to young people at my church it seems as archaic to them as outdated rotary phones and eight-track tapes. We no longer have a culture of delayed gratification. Yet my parents taught me, by word and example, a basic tenant of debt-free living: wait to
buy something until you can afford to pay for it. Anything worth knowing and believing is worth sharing with our children. The family was designed to be the primary transmitter of values and the main venue for human growth and development. When our families are functioning
exceptionally,
parents
do more than passively support their children and pay the bills. Exceptional parents are the shapers and molders of their families. While planning summer activities for your children, take the opportunity to start talking to them about money. One of the greatest legacies you can leave for children is to teach them fiscal responsibility. Even if you are in debt yourself and still working toward financial freedom, take the time now to ensure your children and others form good money habits. Remember that study from last summer that revealed that the income gap between black and white Americans is so enormous that it would take 228 years for blacks to get what whites now have? That study predicts blacks will never catch up without extreme measures. Yet, we can reverse those trends within generations and it starts
Guest during the Say Yes to the Next Level West Coast Regional Conference going to see Grammy Award Winning Gospel Artist & Producer Fred Hammond perform at the Say Yes to the Next Level West Coast Regional conference.
with talking to our children about money. Think about how money was handled when you were growing up. In many households, it was a topic that was rarely discussed. Yet, think about how most millennials have been raised – with parents sacrificing so they could be spoiled with luxuries. Even when living in their parents’ homes, millennials today are some of the people who are the most broke and lacking in knowledge about how to find and maintain financial freedom. Let’s not do that to another generation. One of the most important things you can discuss
“One of the most important things you can discuss with a child is how to counter instant gratification.” LIVING
| 25
YOUNG & FREE
with a child is how to counter instant gratification. Just
that my twin boys had to have — that suddenly became
like a lot of negative things that society uses to tempt
so much less important when they were required to buy
children, developing the habit of instant gratification
them with their own money.
can lead to a life full of stress. It’s important that you
Your company probably provides you with incentives
counter the barrage of cultural messages that leave chil-
to give money by offering matching funds. Why not do
dren believing they must have things and have them
the same with children? You can also give them summer
now to be happy.
assignments such as letting them research good causes
Trust me, children would rather have your time and
on sites such as Go Fund Me. This may encourage them
attention than any “thing.” So why not spend more time
to learn more about the value of the dollar and, even
with them doing things like playing board games and
more importantly, the value of helping others.
encouraging the child to be the banker. Teach them how
One of the most important things I stress when
to clip coupons or let them teach you how to use coupon
teaching people about financial freedom is that they
apps and go grocery shopping together – with a calcula-
must create life goals. When is the last time you had a se-
tor. Encourage them to be entrepreneurs and take time
rious conversation with your child about what they want
to help them develop their business plans and budget.
for the future? In this time of heightened unrest and
If time is an issue, there are other important things
division in our country, you might not be surprised if
to do for your children, such as ensuring they have a
your child has a negative outlook or doesn’t want to talk
savings account, teaching them long-term planning by
about the future. But it’s your job to provide comfort,
making them save their own money for things they want
assurance and a path to a better future. Make sure our
and allowing them to participate in or witness family
children have life goals and the ability to achieve them.
budget conversations. I still remember the many things
One of our great heroes, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., had such profound respect for the power of young
“One of the most important things I stress when teaching people about financial freedom is that they must create life goals.” 26 | LIVING
people that he started training children as young as age 7 how to join the civil rights movement. He knew that great and lasting change requires generational integration. As Frederick Douglass once said, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken [humans].” The next time you hand a child a dollar bill, attach a lesson to it.
YOUNG & FREE
M
illions of fans listen to Angela Yee every morning on The Breakfast Club radio show yet Angela admits she first
AN INTERVIEW WITH ANGELA YEE
got into trouble with debt when she was offered credit cards while a college student. In this interview, with dfreeÂŽ Founder DeForest B. Soaries, Jr., Angela discusses how she overcame her debt and addictions and how she influences young people today. Now, she owns her own home, invests in the stock market and has a perfect credit score! LIVING | 27
WOMEN LEADERS
CATCHING UP WITH DFREE®’S TAMIKA STEMBRIDGE
T
amika Stembridge, Esq., is the executive director
nancial freedom movement. Tamika runs many of the dfree®
of dfree® Global Foundation, which is a global
training sessions and offers great tips for debt-free living.
nonprofit that helps churches, nonprofits, com-
We have all heard the saying “a goal without a plan is just
munity groups and individuals transform peo-
a wish”. Unfortunately, when it comes to women and financ-
ple’s lives through biblical-based principles and financial
es, we are unknowingly, unintentionally and unnecessarily
management. While attending the recent National Baptist
wishing our way into financial ruin simply because we fail
Convention of America International Christian Education
to set concrete goals, develop solid plans, and most impor-
Conference in Kansas City, Tamika hosted her first Facebook
tantly make the lifestyle adjustments to make our financial
live. Watch the video to catch her enthusiasm, learn about
dreams come true. I am working hard to help change this
some recent and upcoming events, and, join the dfree® fi-
trend. I believe that money is a tool for life. If we don’t use
28 | LIVING
dfree®’s Tamika Stembridge, Esq. speaking at the Say Yes to The Next Level Mid West Regional Conference
“Decide to change your behavior. Identify ways to earn additional income, or alleviate certain bills.” it to create the life that we want, we are short-changing our-
too often, not knowing where you spend your money, or per-
selves. It is time for women to take our futures more seri-
haps not making enough money. Once you identify your big-
ously. It is time for women to take decisive action towards
gest challenge, take immediate action to overcome it. Decide
setting and achieving financial goals. If we start taking incre-
to change your behavior. Identify ways to earn additional in-
mental steps now, we can take bigger steps later to dramat-
come, or alleviate certain bills. Commit to change - because
ically change our collective future.Here are some tips that
this is a commitment to your overall future.
have helped me take control of my financial life, and I share them with people as I travel around the country spreading the dfree® message.
TRACK YOUR SPENDING I suggest that people track their spending for one month to see their patterns and money leaks. However, you will have
TIPS FOR SMART MONEY MANAGEMENT: IDENTIFY YOUR BIGGEST FINANCIAL CHALLENGE
major “aha moments” by tracking your spending for just
This could be overspending on inessential items, eating out
why you made that purchase. When considering the “why,”
one week. Write down what you buy, how you paid for it and
LIVING
| 29
WOMEN LEADERS
keep in mind these three types of spending: compensatory spending, when you spend to fill a void (think “retail therapy”); conspicuous spending, when you buy items based on the perceived status they give you (think keeping up with the Joneses); and, confused spending, when you really don’t know where you spent your money (think – leaving the house with $50, coming home with $5 and having nothing to show for it).
STICK TO THE SCRIPT Once you have a spending plan or budget, commit to it and do not waver. Give yourself three months to follow your budget, and then evaluate your progress. I am sure you will find that, at minimum, your lifestyle has improved, your feelings about money and spending have adjusted and your savings have increased. Find more tips and tools to help improve your financial well-being at www.mydfree.org.
NAIL DOWN AND EVALUATE YOUR BUDGET To get the clearest picture of your finances, organize your monthly budget by the following categories: income, bills (necessities), debt (credit cards, revolving accounts, student loans – anything that should eventually be paid off) and lifestyle spending (consistent expenses for personal well-being, such as grooming, travel, fitness, etc.).
ADJUST YOUR LIFESTYLE SPENDING Most financial challenges aren’t financial at all. It’s all about how we manage our daily lives! You have to make hard choices about the few things you can consistently afford that are necessary for your personal well-being. It can’t be buying shoes, AND weekly hair salon appointments, AND bi-weekly massages, AND yearly vacations. You have to make thoughtful choices. In dfree®, we call this living on a spending plan. It allows you to meet your goals but still enjoy your life!
“It’s all about how we manage our daily lives! You have to make hard choices about the few things you can consistently afford that are necessary for your personal well-being.” 30 | LIVING
30-DAY CHALLENGE: DR. RO’S GET FIT WITH dfree®
WOMEN LEADERS
D
uring the month of April, dfree® presented a 30-day challenge in partnership with Dr. Ro, a renowned nu-
trition coach, that encouraged people to “Get Fit” financially and nutritionally. Dr. Ro, Rovenia M. Brock, is the author of Lose Your Final 15. This unique 30-day challenge was to the benefit of your wallet and your waistline! It’s not too late to join the Facebook Group, take a look back on the challenge and try it for yourself!
LIVING
| 31
WOMEN LEADERS
A
re you flaunting brilliant and shiny natural curls? If so, it may be thanks to the tenacity of Miko Branch, and her
late sister Titi, who created the “black curly hair” category in the beauty industry while building a multimillion empire in Miss Jessie’s® products. And they did it from their kitchen table. Known as the modern-day Madam C.J. Walker, Miko took time to speak at the dfree® conference in Indianapolis to encourage women to become entrepreneurs and take care of their personal finances, all so they can live good lives and focus on their own independence. “Being beautiful on the outside is very fleeting; it’s only exterior. That inside is really important,” Miko told the dfree® audience. “The decisions you might have made when you were 20, you might be suffering from it when you’re 50. So, I really believe, as women in particular, because we tend to be heads of households, because we tend to be the leaders, by default many times, I think it’s very important that we have knowledge of self. I think spirituality is
THE AMAZING MIKO BRANCH 32 | LIVING
very, very important and I also think being in a position of choice is, probably, key out here. Don’t put yourself in a position where someone else is going to choose what you’re going to be doing. Because, nine times out
of ten, you’re going to be having to
Stuy brownstone and after Miko be-
make decisions – key decisions. So, I
came the single mother of son, it was
would prefer that we, as women, be in a
almost happenstance that led them to
position of decision with ease.”
reinvent their grandmother’s hair con-
Miko’s story, detailed in her book
coctions. Miko wore her hair straight,
Miss Jessie’s®: Creating a Successful
to be more like her mother, but her
Business From Scratch – Naturally,
young son would splash it all of the
is full of nitty gritty triumph, trage-
time from the bathtub. So she decided
dy, innovation and perseverance. The
to go natural, and after everyone want-
Branch sisters were born to a Japanese
ed to know how she made natural hair
mother and African American father
look so good, they built their business.
and grew up in Queens, New York. In
“We had no loans, no angel inves-
2014, Miko lost her sister and life part-
tors, no real contacts – but what we did
ner when Titi succumb to depression
have was our God-given talent,” Miko
and committed suicide. Since, Miko
said. “I was always good at hair. My sis-
has worked to bring focus to mental
ter was a great communicator. She was
health issues in the black community.
a great organizer and together we built
But, they started as just two little girls
the business from scratch.”
who had hard to manage hair.
Miko said they made many sacri-
Because their mother’s hair was
fices – were roommates and took on
straight and she had little experience
an additional roommate, shared a car,
with black hair, they had to learn at a
shared clothes and avoided the parties
young age how to take care for it them-
that other women in their 20s were
selves. Fortunately, their paternal
frequenting. They also had family role
grandmother, Jessie Mae Branch, was
models to inspire them. Their father
a great cook and whipped up hair care
always encouraged them to be their
products for them at her kitchen table.
own boss and since he “always owed
But it wasn’t until later in life when
somebody something” the sisters de-
their first salon, Curves, which opened
cided that if they ever had money they
in Brooklyn in 1997 failed that Miko
would live within their means. “Debt
and Titi had their real breakthrough.
is a horrible thing. It caused so much
After moving the salon to their Bed-
stress in our family.” Of course, their
“Fortunately, they learned quickly and were able to renegotiate the deal.” LIVING
| 33
grandmother inspired them to be tough, honest, excellent
and Titi witnessed Hip Hop move from art to commerce and
and innovative.
where other entrepreneurs flourished. “We knew it could
They also learned from their business mistakes. Miss
be done,” said said. While they did so much themselves, in-
Jessie’s® Curly Pudding was the first product of its kind on
cluding trademark paperwork and accounting, she said their
the shelves of a major retailor but Miko said when they first
success also depended on stashing money for the unexpected
got their deal with Target, they signed all contracts without
and saving to bring in professionals when they could afford
a lawyer.
them, including lawyers.
“Titi and I took a lot of blows in order for us all to exist in Target and Walmart in the way that we are,” Miko said.
Encouraging women to support one another, Miko said she would never have been a success without the women in
Fortunately, they learned quickly and were able to renego-
her life. She has lived the dfree® 12 steps and once said of
tiate the deal. They also learned from losing their first busi-
giving back: “Giving back is gratifying for us on the giving
ness, the salon, that they needed to grow “slowly but surely.”
end. But on the receiving end, everything comes back to you
Instead of jumping into 1,800 Target stores, they opted to
tenfold.”
start in 200 so they could learn and build before expanding.
Ultimately, Miko’s best advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
(View this clip where Miko offers advice on starting a busi-
is to believe in yourself and create excellent products. “What
ness from scratch.)
we did was focus on creating the best possible service we
The Branch sisters were innovative in their products and
could and when you have something – when you put some-
also in their marketing. While the beauty industry at the time
thing out in the universe and it’s good, you can’t keep it a
liked to keep its secrets, they shared as much as possible with
secret!”
their customers through lengthy copy on their jars, through extensive use of before and after photos and through videos on the internet. Miko said it helped that she grew up in an area where she
34 | LIVING
Friends of dfree®
Every spoken word, every tear shed, every calmed heart is thanks to you! We can't thank you enough for your friendship and contributions to dfree®. We value your time and continued participation in the Financial Freedom Movement. Navarrow Wright Technology
Alfred Edmonds Media
Lynnette Khalfani-Cox Credit
Obie McKenzie Bible Economics
Dee Marshall Women, Life Coach Michelle Singletary Money Tiffany “Budgetnista” Aliche Women Jessica Brown – College Gurl Student Loans John Berardino Church Finance Judith Lee Investing Earl Cox Publishing Dee 1 Music Business Randal Pinkett Consulting Miko Branch Beauty
Audrey Marks International Olivia Stoner Estate Planning Fred Hammond Entertainment Dorinda Walker Insurance Michelle Thorton Women’s Interest Hill Harper Activist /Entertainment Bernice King Civil Rights Chuck Creekmur Entertainment Angela Yee Entertainment Dr. Ro (Dr. Rovenia Brock) Health/Nutrition
LIVING
| 35
INSPIRATION
I
t’s only fitting that our nation celebrates Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as the first official holiday after the new year because it sets the tone for honoring King’s vision and principles throughout the year. On the eve of
his death, King continued to call for unity, for “dangerous unselfishness,” and for readiness and determination “to make America what it ought to be. We have an opportunity to make America a better nation,” he said in his last speech, “I See the Promised Land.” Having made tremendous progress in fighting racial injustice, King’s next big-ticket item was realizing economic justice. He was in Memphis, where he was assassinated on April 4, 1968, calling for economic withdrawal or boycotts in support of the rights of public sanitation workers. There, he
FINANCIAL FREEDOM & THE PROMISED LAND
also called for strengthening black institutions and growing an economic base to further leverage power structures.
36 | LIVING
“We have an opportunity to make America a better nation,” he said in his last speech, “I See the Promised Land.” While many remember King for his protests, he often out-
movement both addresses issues of individual financial fra-
lined a very clear agenda: 1) ask for fair treatment; 2) with-
gility and fights unjust economic practices such as predatory
draw economic support when fair treatment is not offered; 3)
lending. It is a transformational movement that helps people
protest non-violently to bring heightened awareness of the
obtain financial stability and security so they, in turn, can
issues; and, 4) negotiate a fair and peaceful resolution.
focus on purposeful contributions to society.
In that prophetic speech, King said he knew others would
The dfree® financial freedom movement is moving about
have to finish the work he started but that he also knew the
the country in 2017, physically launching regional confer-
work would be finished: “I may not get there with you. But I
ences in California in March and virtually through new social
want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the
media opportunities. Let’s Move Forward Together. Learn
promised land.”
more: mydfree.org #dfree
Despite many efforts since King’s death, economic justice remains elusive in America and globally. A recent 2017 Oxfam study revealed that eight of the world’s richest people, including six Americans, own as much combined wealth as half of all humans. Last year, another study declared that the wealth gap between black and white Americans is so extreme that it would take 228 years for black people to obtain on average what white families have today. To help realize King’s dream, the dfree® financial freedom
LIVING
| 37
INSPIRATION
K
evin and NaTasha Piert of Louisiana will be carrying $18,000 less in debt come January because they joined
dfree®. After taking dfree® classes at church for eight months, they paid off $6,000 in debt and increased their credit scores by 100 points! The Pierts are faithful Christians yet they learned so much more about their faith, freedom and ability to do good in the world by becoming part of this financial freedom movement. Hear more from their journey in their video clip.
KEVIN &NATASHA PIERT TESTIFY
38 | LIVING
INSPIRATION
R
ecently, we launched the online dfree® Academy so that you can relax and dive into the dfree® journey at your own pace, from the comfort of your own home.
dfree® Academy was created to offer individuals, churches and community organizations a convenient way to take dfree® courses, access dfree® LAUNCH Training and gain access to the practical approaches and values-based principles that will shift you toward financial freedom. The course is offered entirely online, which means that you simply need access to a computer, tablet or smartphone and internet access to complete any portion of it!
dfree® ACADEMY LAUNCHES LIVING
| 39
NEST EGG
"BUDGETING" SHOULD
NOT STRIKE FEAR IN YOUR HEART
N
o one is born with money management skills.
TV cable or unlimited mobile gigs)?
You can’t snap your fingers to make sure you have
The choices you make today - even about something as
enough money in the bank every month for all
mundane as coffee - will lead you to where you want to be
your expenses. Developing and following a budget plan is not
in your financial future. Following a budget becomes second
a magic trick, but it can lead to astounding results.
nature like brushing your teeth, tying your shoes or locking
It may make you think twice before ordering that daily
the front door. If you never learn the ABC’s of handling your
double latte from your favorite coffee shop or buying a top-
finances, it will always be a mystery why there are only pen-
of-the-line new sport car.
nies left in your bank account at the end of each month. A for
Just like your personality, everyone’s budget is unique. And it’s not about how much you make or the assets you
a few easy and fun tools to help you find the right balance between spending and saving.
have, but what you do with them in the long run. When your
Managing your money is like anything else you want to
budget becomes an important element in your life, it can and
do well. It takes practice, patience and a plan. That’s why
will help you reach your long-term financial goals. It’s about
advice from a Financial Professional can help you organize
taking charge. Reigning in impulse buying. Making the hard
all of your finances - from everyday spending, retirement
choices.
accounts, college savings, insurance and more. Click www.
Ask yourself these simple questions. How much effort do
changingourstory.splashthat.com to connect with a Pruden-
I put in managing my own money? Do I keep track of what I
tial Financial Professional in your area to guide you. Your
spend in a day, a week or a month? How often do I find myself
confidence will soar and so will your finance balancing skills.
spending too much on impulse? How often am I scrambling to pay for basic household needs, like groceries, heat, electricity or the kids’ clothes (and we are not talking premium
40 | LIVING
Your Partners at Prudential.
is Proud to Sponsor ®
dfree Live: Say Yes to the Next Level We are committed to helping those who dare to dream and are taking steps to achieve the next level of financial freedom and wellness. No matter what stage you are in life, Prudential is here to help you achieve your aspirations and goals for long-term financial wellness.
For more information, please visit www.prudential.com/dfree
#pruempowers
dfree™ and Financial Freedom Movement™ are trademarks of the Corporate Community Connections, Inc., which is not affiliated with The Prudential Insurance Company LIVING | 41 of America or its affiliates, Newark, NJ. Each company is solely responsible for its own financial condition, content, liabilities and contractual obligations. 0302590-00001-00
OUR PEOPLE
FINANCIAL DIS-EASE:
DON’T FEEL BAD UNLESS YOU DON’T CHANGE YOUR SITUATION
F
inancial indebtedness is a new form of slav-
I know just how debilitating being broke can be. While
ery. There’s no doubt; the financial system is
my parents taught me by example to be frugal, once I
stacked against African Americans. Accord-
left their household I found myself far from following
ing to one recent study, The Ever-Growing
their lead. I had never felt so unaccomplished and in-
Gap, the wealth gap between black and white Americans
complete. While passionate about social change, I had
is so extreme that it would take 228 years for black peo-
done nothing about my own personal financial respon-
ple to obtain on average what white families have today.
sibilities. I had proposed solutions for solving huge
As bad as the situation may be, it will only get worse
social problems but had never balanced my own check-
unless you act now to gain control over your finances.
book. I had fought for justice and equality but could not
42 | LIVING
afford to make a donation to a black college, the NAACP or
situations. One powerful biblical example of someone who
any other cause I supported. Fortunately, my shame and hu-
knew how to take on new tasks and succeed is Joshua. Joshua,
miliation motivated me to take actions that changed my life.
the great conqueror who led the Israelites after Moses, knew
You have to find your motivation. Think deeply about the
that success required the right attitude. Anything worth do-
reasons you spend money you don’t have, or why you don’t
ing is worth attempting to do very well. Great ideas do not
budget and why you don’t worry about paying bills on time.
guarantee success. Rather, it is great execution of great ideas
Maybe you never had any luxury you wanted as a child so
that produces successful outcomes. Great execution is exe-
you’re determined not to deprive yourself as an adult. May-
cution that is saturated with integrity – doing what is right
be your parents sacrificed so you could have everything you
versus doing what is expedient. There are no shortcuts to
wanted but never showed you the price they paid. Maybe it
success. Someone is always going to accomplish great things
just makes you feel good to have new stuff. And who doesn’t
in order to get great results. Furthermore, achievement does
want to feel good?
not happen by accident; it happens for those who aim high,
While immediate gratification has become almost syn-
remain focused and, I believe, follow God’s instruction.
onymous with being an American, the consequences of in-
The most important step to annihilating financial dis-
dulging this behavior are long-term and severe. The deeper
ease is setting your mind right. You must want to break the
in debt you get the faster your debt accumulates, thanks to
chains and end financial slavery. With a clear and determined
things such as interest rates, late fees and poor decision-mak-
mind, you can properly assess your finances, or address the
ing. If you’re in this situation, you’re not alone. According to
mess, and be on your way to gaining control of the situation.
a Prudential study, a majority of black Americans reported having debt, particularly credit card debt, while at least half reported that reducing debt is a top priority. The gap we need to focus on is the gap between wanting to eliminate debt and actually eliminating debt. It takes discipline and determination. It won’t happen overnight. Yet, one of the most important things you can do is make up your mind now to live debt-free. Decide today that you are going to change your situation. If blood were streaming from your arm, you wouldn’t bandage it and think about it later. You would seek immediate medical help. Yet you’re allowing your finances to bleed you dry at a time when there’s plenty of help available.
“While immediate gratification has become almost synonymous with being an American, the consequences of indulging this behavior are long-term and severe.”
As a pastor, I turn to God when I need help with difficult
LIVING
| 43
OUR PEOPLE
HOPE FOR WOMEN CAPTURES INDIANAPOLIS dfree® CONFERENCE 44 | LIVING
T
he dfree® Financial Freedom Movement is thriving and spreading across the globe! Check out the great
conference summary that Hope for Women magazine recently featured in a news article, dfree® Live Midwest Conference Attracts More Than 500 People.
OUR PEOPLE
G
rammy-winning Gospel Artist Fred Hammond is part of the dfree® financial freedom movement, having
participated in many events and happy to offer his powerful testimony of overcoming financial difficulties. “Credit is not an exten-
FINAL WORD WITH FRED HAMMOND
sion of your income; it’s a deep trap,” Hammond says in this video clip from this year’s Say Yes to the Next Level Midwest conference in Indianapolis?
LIVING
| 45
2017 marks year 12 for the dfree® Financial Freedom Movement, which is steadily making its way around the globe – eliminating debt and changing people’s lives so that they can focus on all that is most meaningful to them. Everyone at the dfree® Global Foundation is so excited to have you as a partner and we’re encouraged by every step you’ve taken so far. (If you’re not yet a member, I encourage you to join us at myfree.org – there’s no better time than now.) Many of you have heard me speak about debt as a new form of slavery. My personal belief is that if
DFREE® TURNS 12: CHANGES PEOPLE’S LIVES THROUGH FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT 46 | LIVING
you have a relationship with God, a well-developed mind and access to money – you’re free. As a black preacher and leader who has experienced more than 40 years of what I like to call politics, protests and preaching, I concluded that what was missing was a real strategy that could engage our people on a very personal level for the purpose of financial and economic empowerment.
“I realized that while the church was strong, that while we had done so much for the community, the growth and economic expansion was being missed by individual church members.” Top Left: Pastor DeForest B Soaries Jr. and Kierra Sheard at the 2017 Superbowl Gospel Celebration Top Right: Tamika Stembridge,Esq. Fred Hammond, DeForest B Soaries Jr. and Charnelle Anderson at the Say Yes tothe Next Level Mid West Conference
Many people first learned about dfree® from the CNN 90-minute documentary, Almighty Debt, an installment of the Black in America series, hosted by Soledad O’Brien in 2010. But the story starts much earlier, after I had galvanized First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens to do economic development work that really reclaimed our neighborhoods. About the same time, I started serving on the board of a local, one-branch bank and saw how many of my own church members were on the list for credit-card charge offs because they weren’t paying their bills. I realized that while the church was strong, that while we had done so much for the community, the growth and economic expansion was being missed by individual church members. By 2005, it was clear that our economic empowerment focus dfree® Founder DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. discusses financial freedom with other black clergy
had to deal with the nitty gritty realities of our people – our
LIVING
| 47
Top Left: Dr. Claybon Lea Jr. and Pastor DeForest B. Jr. handing out awards during the Say Yes To The Next Level West Coast Regional Conference. Top Right: Gospel Artists Dee-1 and Erica Campbell are both dfree®! Bottom: Participants are greeted by dfree® Executive Director Tamika Stembridge, Esq.
“The movement is also growing as you’re growing, with features like this new magazine and the new loyalty rewards program.” 48 | LIVING
people in the church and our people in the community. I based the strategy on my own experience of having nice clothes, nice cars, a nice apartment, nice furniture and being dead broke. What I really began looking at was consumerism, budgeting, waste and just ignorance as it relates to money. Once dfree® was born, we had great early successes even though it is an arduous journey. It is something that takes getting your mind and attitude right – and making an individual
commitment to dive into uncomfortable territory. Yet, we
What dfree® believes is that if we manage our lives we then
created a supportive movement that helped people start
use money strategically to reach our life’s goals. This is a
talking to each other about their finances in a way that was
journey. It’s a process and it begins by the way we think about
empowering. Even in the country’s economic recession, our
ourselves, the way we think about our money and the way we
church experienced a record $1 million in giving because so
plan for our future.
many families had adopted the dfree® strategy of no debt, no deficits and no delinquencies and had changed their lifestyles
Financial freedom begins by saying Yes to No Debt. I look forward to seeing you at a dfree® event soon.
so that they could comfortably save and give back to others. Because many black churches across the country have been struggling to survive or attract steady tithing members, it was natural for me to share our success with other churches so they could join the dfree® financial freedom movement and succeed too. In the years since, we are in just about every state in the nation and in country’s as far away as Ghana, Spain and South Africa. This year has been particularly fruitful as we’ve moved the movement to the people by launching regional and other conferences that have attracted and trained thousands, including in California, Indiana, New Mexico, Michigan and Wisconsin. Soon we’ll be in Atlanta and back in Houston. We’ve also focused on important new groups to energize the movement including entrepreneurs, millennials and women. Most importantly, we’ve brought dfree® right into your home through the online courses now available to do for free and at your own pace through dfree® Academy. The movement is also growing as you’re growing, with features like this new magazine and the new loyalty rewards program. When I hear the testimonies of all of the lives we’ve touched, I couldn’t be prouder. Yet, I realize how much more work has to be done. If you know anyone who is still in debt, bring them to the movement. Remember, dfree® does not teach money management.
LIVING
| 49
50 | LIVING
DELTA SIGMA THETA
GETS dfree
®
For the past two years, Delta Sigma Theta sorors from all over the nation have improved their lives by taking dfree® classes and getting rid of debt, delinquency and deficits, which aligns with their Financial Fortitude principle. As the world’s largest African-American Greek-lettered sorority, Deltas are known for their service, dedication, intelligence, hard work and overall fabulousness. It’s easy to understand why Deltas quickly get the philosophy behind and join the dfree® financial freedom movement. From D.C., New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Georgia to Illinois, Tennessee, Texas, Nevada and California, Delta leadership has received dfree® LAUNCH training and sorors and community members have participated in the 12week course designed to empower them financially so they
LIVING
| 51
class is understanding,” said Senior Pastor Carey L. Connor, Sr., a graduate who hosted the classes at the Christian Embassy Worship Center. “I want you to leave here expecting God to water something that was deposited within you that will produce fruit that will remain in your life. I am so glad of this wonderful journey that we are all on. You cannot manage millions if you don’t have these principles.” Susan Corbin-Blow, a dfree® facilitator, added, “We hope that you’ll be able to use these valuable tools to continue work toward a debt, deficit and delinquency-free lifestyle AND leave a financial legacy. Spread the word to continue to grow this movement.” The North Jersey Alumnae Chapter (NJAC) has attracted as many as 70 people to a dfree® class and averages about 30 people per class. As a highlight of the spring, these Deltas held a LAUNCH training with the Montclair Alumnae Chapter (MAC) and held a graduation ceremony. can achieve their life purposes. (Watch some of the Delta-related dfree® videos.) Earlier this year, the Las Vegas Alumnae Chapter held its first dfree® graduation. “When I first learned about the dfree® program, I realized immediately that it was exactly what I was praying for,” said Dr. Ellen W. Brown, economic development committee chairwoman, before offering her congratulations to the graduates. “The greatest thing that we could have received from this
“Deltas are known for their service, dedication, intelligence, hard work and overall fabulousness. “ 52 | LIVING
Many Deltas said they like that dfree® is biblically-based. During the NJAC and MAC event, dfree® Founder DeForest B. Soaries, Jr., told them, “Do not ask God for anything else, until you manage what you have.” In 2015, during the first Deltas leadership training, Soaries explained how he started dfree® as a continuation of the civil rights movement. “We’re not going to teach you how to be financial experts,” he said. “We’re going to teach you how to be Frederick Douglasses and Harriet Tubmans, leading people out of slavery.” Soaries explained how once he recognized how deeply rooted and shackling financial issues were within the black community, he also realized that there were all kinds of materials available on financial management. “Either they were great financially but didn’t get to
the root cause of why we spend so much money or they got the root cause,” Soaries said, “but didn’t deal with the cultural peculiarities of African Americans, or they dealt with the cultural issues but didn’t offer a proactive strategy. “So, what we developed is a program that is biblically sound, culturally relevant but still inclusive, that is microscopically personal but not so individualistic that we lose our sense of community. So, dfree® is not just content, it’s about strategy. This is not really about money. This is about taking control of our lives and using money to reach our life goals.” The Delta mission, “Uncompromising Commitment to Communities: Service, Leadership, Empowement” and the dfree® journey will continue to walk hand-in-hand for some time to come. Congratulations recent graduates! Thank you, Deltas, who have become facilitators! May God continue to bless this partnership.
“The North Jersey Alumnae Chapter (NJAC) has attracted as many as 70 people to a dfree® class and averages about 30 people per class.”
LIVING
| 53
Pace yourself...you’re a millionaire in the making. Or at least you can be. Just dive into the free, online dfree Academy.
START YOUR TRANSFORMATION NOW.
www.mydfree.org 54 | LIVING