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2025 Has Been Monumental: Are You Ready to Finish STRONG?

As we step into the second half of this year, we have incredible opportunities ahead of us, if we prepare and take decisive action.

I have been working on a few projects (as usual) and that has taken more of my time than expected. There was a lot of preparation needed before I entered the upcoming year, because I was determined to WIN BIG in 2025. That preparation, and the subsequent execution of relevant tasks, took more time and effort than expected. However, things are now set in motion, and I’m so ready to share what I’ve been working on with you all!

If the changes we’ve experienced during the past few months feel uncomfortable, take heart. There is no need to feel scared or pessimistic about the future because there are ALWAYS winners (no matter what’s happening in the world) and you can position yourself to be one of them. Change is inevitable, but pivoting and innovating as you go can help ensure that you’re insulated from the discomfort that comes with those changes. In this space, I won’t be spreading the gospel of lack, fear or scarcity. If you are unsure what to do next, here’s hoping this post will help you.

First of all, let’s remember that 99% of life is a mental game. Making the decision that this year will be incredible is the first step in actualizing a beautiful, enjoyable experience regardless of what’s happening on the world stage. So many people set themselves up for disappointment by cursing their lives: they utter misery, fear, lack, and pain over themselves, then wonder why things aren’t working out for them. Start blessing your life by speaking good things and sincerely believing that your life WILL be good (because it will!). Affirm goodness and prosperity daily – hourly, even – and only choose to consume information that reflects goodness and prosperity back to you. It’s not naive to focus on silver linings; you can be aware of what’s happening around you and STILL have a personal world that is brimming with joy, peace, prosperity, love and hope. If you’ve been focusing on the worst that the world has to offer, then changing your focus should be a relief. And, if not, remember: focusing on the problems didn’t make the problems disappear. So why not choose to put the bulk of your energy elsewhere? Additionally, you are better poised to create solutions when you put some distance between yourself and the problem. Changing your focus often results in a clearer mind and better problem-solving abilities.

Secondly, make a plan that supports the vision you have for your life. Take some time with a journal, and write down whatever lights you up. Capture ALL of the details and desires of your heart, and leave nothing unwritten. If you don’t enjoy writing, make a voice note and talk through it, or use voice typing within a word processing software to capture your thoughts. Get the vision CLEAR so that the plan you need to implement is obvious to you. (A little tip: if your vision only consists of possessing a certain dollar amount, I encourage you to dig deeper and find a more compelling inspiration for the life you want to lead.)

You’ll know that your vision has been crystallized when it feels compelling. You need a vision that will get you out of bed when everything else makes you want to stay in place and sleep through your life. A vision that compels you will make you take bold actions, and will be a guiding star that navigates you out of whatever circumstances you’re currently experiencing. Your vision will keep you motivated and focused. It will ensure that your steps have more impact, and will prompt you to be a master over your time and energy. I’ve found nothing better for my daily menial task list than a compelling vision that inspires my every move. Whenever I wish to do something less impactful, I remember how my tasks feed into my bigger goals, and I’m energized to finish the task at hand.

I have so much more to share in the days and weeks to come (I have a couple of series that I think you all will really enjoy). I’ve already scheduled those posts, so look out for some great chats in the next few days. Thanks for stopping by, and I’ll talk to you all soon!

The Evolution: From Tax Strategy to Ritualized Living

For years, I’ve worked in the world of tax and had incredible experiences. I consulted with a wide variety of clients, mostly international, where I offered feedback on existing systems and proposed policies. I’ve had an amazing time as I mastered my craft, and helped my clients navigate the ever-changing terrain of tax developments.

Me, as a newly married International Tax Auditor

The work was interesting, meaningful, and satisfying. However, there was something in me that whispered gently, “There is MORE“. The only way to clearly hear that whisper – and all that came with it – was to retreat. I had to give myself space to uncover what my soul longed to create. So, that’s what I did. I posted here only when I was inspired, letting alignment dictate the content I shared. But I spent the rest of the time researching . . . experimenting . . . resting . . . meditating . . . and asking myself what the world needed most from me. And now that the vision is clear, I can finally share it with you all.

Wealth isn’t just about what’s in your account and what’s on your tax return. It’s about how you feel. The way you move, the way you build, how safe you feel within yourself, how safe you feel when money enters the equation: all of these factors are reflections of your wealth. When I got clear on the many ways that wealth shows up, I saw the gaps that exist with current financial advice, and I knew what was needed from me.

The Shift: From Function to Fulfillment

I still love taxes, and financial structures and systems will always have their place. But many of us don’t need any more advice on hustles, side gigs, and job hopping for raises, nor do we need more rules and restrictions to follow. We already know how to work well and follow the rules. What we actually need is more ritual, reverence, and room to receive the lives and outcomes we desire. We are starved for pleasure, deprived of comfort, and in desperate need of replenishment.

So I’m shifting the focus on this space, from mostly tax-specific discussions, to a more intuitive yet still structured approach to wealth building and management. As opposed to some of the rigid advice of the past, this space will explore the ways to incorporate soft structure, daily ritual and connection, and elegant execution into the financial frameworks we navigate. I’ve seen firsthand how blending these concepts creates space for wealth, ease, and peace to flourish in my own life.

The goal of this shift is to create and discuss financial patterns, practices, and systems that soften, heal, nurture and refine us while building our wealth.

Hanging out in the office before meeting up for lunch with friends

What You’ll Find Here Now

You will still find lots of substance, unique perspectives and interesting tax news here. But the energy has shifted to something more comprehensive, and more crucial for this time.

The themes that often pop up when talking about finance – urgency, overwhelm, shame, frustration and pressure – have no space here. We’ll be learning to work with money while incorporating the practices that allow us remain regulated, centered, clear minded, confident and magnetic to the outcomes we prefer. We’ll make the hard things easier than ever, and we’ll do it with grace, style and delight.

On this blog, and in some upcoming special events, we’ll explore:

  • Ritual based wealth tools and strategies
  • Sensory and seasonal approaches to financial planning
  • Wealth inspiration that taps into ancient and cultural wisdom
  • Quiet and impactful luxury
  • Soft power, strategic action and sustainable success

Who This Is For

If you’re interested in finance but also . . .

  • Want systems that feel beautiful, nourishing and full of ease, not burdensome and depleting
  • Feel called to step into more restorative approaches to financial management
  • Are ready to create wealth in a smart AND sacred way
  • Value clarity, elegance and rhythm in life and money

. . . Then you’ll love it here.

Welcome To This New Chapter

The framework I’ll be sharing over the upcoming weeks and months is built on a singular belief that has completely changed wealth for me (I hope it does the same for you, too!)

Wealth should feel like home. It should be a sanctuary, where you are welcomed, protected and restored.

I am honored to share this experience and walk the path with you.

We’ll still have lots of the practical gems discussed in this space. But now they’ll be paired with gentle philosophies, invigorating ritual, and restorative practices.

Welcome, or welcome back. I’m happy to have you join me on this journey.

Wealth Trends – Less Real Estate, More Private Holdings

Hello friends! Several months ago, I shared some information that I got from Altrata (the company that owns Wealth-X) regarding the industries of the super wealthy. Well, I’m back to share some more information from the most recent report published by Altrata, the Billionaire Census 2023. I was interested in all of the information in this most recent report, but I found one of the briefest sections to be particularly interesting.

According to the census, more than 70% of the assets held by billionaires in all ages are public and private holdings. On average, billionaires hold roughly 3% of their assets in the form of real estate and luxury assets. The rest of the figures reveal that most billionaires keep less than a quarter of their assets in cash, increasing from 16% as a younger billionaire to 20%, and maxing out around 25%, as they get older.

(graphic courtesy of Wealth-X, an Altrata company, 2023)

So, what does this mean for us? If you plan to build your wealth through real estate, that’s fine, but your asset portfolio will probably look different as you age and your wealth grows. If you want to build wealth, learn about holdings (here is some basic information), and learn how you can start investing in these assets. I believe that patterns are powerful, and watching the trends can give you a great template for recreating the success of others. You may not be able to see the private investment breakdown of a millionaire or billionaire, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t glean some tips from the data that others have collected. Also, never forget that many investments can happen at lower (more affordable) entry points, so you need not be a wealthy heir to begin your abundance journey.

Have you had a chance to check out the most recent Billionaire Census? Please let me know what you found most interesting in this report!

ExodUS Summit 2023 Announced: Get Ready for FREEDOM!

A few months ago, I shared my review of ExodUS Summit 2022, and how much I enjoyed the conference. Every year, hostesses Roshida Dowe and Stephanie Perry bring together the leading Black women experts in living abroad, creating location independence, and designing extraordinary lives. This year is no exception: the 4th annual ExodUS Summit has been announced!

The theme for 2023 is 3 Days to Location Freedom, Financial Freedom and Time Freedom. The dates for the summit are October 6 – 9, 2023, and the hostesses recommend blocking off the entire time so that you can savor every bit of community that you’ll get to enjoy while learning from the experts. Several of the speakers have been announced, with more being confirmed as the dates for the summit draw closer. This year’s program promises to give excellent information for attendees interested in creating freedom for themselves, and will include sessions for intentional resting with rest expert Octavia Raheem, and a keynote session with the brilliant mind behind Therapy for Black Girls, Dr. Joy Harden Bradford.

What I find most exciting about this year’s program is that it will offer attendees a glimpse into some of the mental “blocks” that may be preventing them from enjoying more freedom right now, as well as help attendees set their freedom plans in motion. I’ve already purchased my ticket and I’m thrilled to learn more about how to unlock new levels of freedom for myself!

Check out ExodUS Summit here, so you can purchase your ticket. Purchase early, so you can take advantage of the discounted rate (the prices will go up soon!)

I’ll talk to you all soon: take care!

Why the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 Should Worry You

You’ll have to journey with me a bit, before you see that this post is not quite what it seems. . .

No, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will not be hiring 87,000 special agents. I’ve written about this in several places (beyond this blog), because I cannot stand sensationalism. It’s an abundance of emotion and an absence of sound, factual research that makes me shake my head in disappointment. I usually point to it as a failing of the US education system, but it is often information spread by “learned” people that are experts at exploiting the vulnerabilities of others (including the lack of critical thinking displayed by many) behind the outrage and fallacies being shared. I explained all about the misinformation regarding IRS hiring over on LinkedIn, but I’ll share a copy of that text below, as well.

Photo by energepic.com on Pexels.com

As written August 11:

In July, I posted on my blog that the Inflation Reduction Act, if passed, would allocate $124 billion for IRS tax enforcement. I also stated that this meant more IRS collection jobs would be announced. These jobs would be revenue agents and officers, auditors and specialists, etc.,.

Imagine my surprise when today, I saw the rumors of 87,000 SPECIAL agents being added to IRS. I laughed immediately, because I know the difference between a special agent and a revenue agent, and I also chuckled because I knew that there was NO WAY that IRS would double their workforce by hiring special agents exclusively. Special agents do not consistently collect enough money for IRS – with a current staff of 82,000 – to bring on a group SPECIAL agents than exceed the number of staff they have currently.

There is a difference between revenue agents and special agents. Revenue agents are auditors and unarmed. They do the bulk of the audits conducted by IRS. Special agents are law enforcement, just like FBI and CIA agents. FBI special agents have strikingly similar job duties. IRS’s special agents are armed, because they go to FLETC in Georgia. No official sources have confirmed this 87k hiring boom, and several sources indicate that this is a rumor at best. This rumor came from a poorly comprehended report and a desire to sensationalize a hot topic that few people actually understand.

But, I’ll play along and pretend the 87k hiring rumor is true. Assuming that IRS does hire 87k ppl, I assure you that the majority of those ppl will be tax specialists, revenue officers and revenue agents, not special agents, who really don’t generate revenue consistently enough to justify this type of hiring push.

Please continue to read, read, read, and use your power of discernment. Don’t go by what one source says (even if the source is this post!) If I’m wrong, then I’ll personally put up another post admitting it. But I’m pretty sure I’m not. I just want you all to continue to be wise, be alert, and watch out for those that monetize and exploit your outrage.

I wrote a detailed post in late July about the potential impact of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA 2022), and it’s most likely effects on tax law (you can read that here). Yet still, several days after IRA 2022, I see lawmakers actually spreading the same tripe as quoted by careless Twitter users that have never worked at IRS and, prior to IRA 2022, were completely unaware that IRS has special agents, which are not the same as revenue agents.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

The whole quote of 87,000 agents that IRS will be hiring? It was an estimate proposed last May, that is in no way a definite plan for this year, just a “wish list” that I, as a federal employee, can confirm is hopeful at best, and IRS would be lucky to hire and retain half of this amount. The hiring levels rarely meet the amounts that agencies project, simply because turnover still happens, other hiring takes priority, and some people will leave because of termination, resignation, or transfer to other agencies. Also, this is a projection for a 10 year hiring plan, because there isn’t enough staff or resources to possibly train 87,000 agents within the next year. The IRS has recorded a record low of auditors and agents, with numbers being the lowest they’ve been since World War II.

Cries about these auditors and agents targeting people earning less than $400,000? Accurate on the surface, but it takes a little digging to understand a critical point. The assertions about people earning less than $400,000 came from Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen, who stated something that many completely disregarded (or simply were unable to comprehend): she directed that, “any additional resources—including any new personnel or auditors that are hired—shall not be used to increase the share of small business or households below the $400,000 threshold that are audited relative to historical levels.” That historical levels part really tripped up the speedy (non-critical) readers, and caused all manner of histrionics. According to IRS, these agents, “cannot simply be assigned to global high wealth, partnership, or large and complex business examinations without the requisite skills, training, and experience to analyze returns that are highly complex[…]”; that means they will have to practice honing their audit skills prior to get these $400K+ returns. And, since the historical levels have been much higher than they are currently, you can reasonably expect that some individuals earning less than $400K per year will be audited because, historically, they were. I’d be worried if you follow advice from people who refuse to read for clarity, and who jump on catchy soundbites that suit certain narratives.

Again, to be clear, no one said that all individuals earning less than $400K would be audit free: EVERYONE has noted that the audits for this group shouldn’t go up disproportionately. Only time will tell whether this will happen, but on the outset, realize that Yellen never said that people earning less than $400K were exempt from audits. Many skipped over this part because it didn’t serve a narrative about IRS being the horrible bullies that mistreat every American that cross their paths.

As I stated above in my post from LinkedIn, one source is not enough, and exploitation and monetization of outrage is exactly what certain influential groups desire. I’ve read information from IRS, Government Accountability Office (GAO), and Congressional Budget Office (CBO), as well as groups that disagreed with the measures, such as The Heritage Foundation and a statement from the Republican House Budget Committee Members. I’d caution most people to read multiple sources – from a variety of perspectives – and to ask, “Qui bono?” (Who benefits?) as you read. The same people criticizing certain tax legislation often organize groups, movements, and products designed to get money from their supporters/readers. The same can absolutely be said for those that are eager to support tax legislation, without offering critical analyses of how they have reached the conclusions they so eagerly share on their platforms and social media at large. In short, hot takes are rarely supported by the amount of analysis needed to make a balanced and fair assessment. These groups KNOW that, and capitalize on it.

Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com

Our rapt attention is currency (hence the phrase, “Pay attention”). Be mindful of how your attention has been monetized by the people whose opinions you adore: most of them are pandering to our worst fears because it is (and always has been) a lucrative gig, and it’s a far more profitable angle than giving balanced, neutral opinions that neither stir hope nor fear in our hearts. Our biggest worry about IRA 2022 should be all of the people trying to cash in on our worries: they’ve figured out how to “sell shovels” to us and many of us don’t even know it.

Welcome to 2022! What Will You Create This Year?

Hi everyone! Welcome to 2022!

I hope you all have been safe and blessed this past year, and I wish upon you more safety, good health, love and wealth in the year to come.

I had every intention of posting more throughout 2021, but there were a lot of changes in my offline life that made that difficult. That main change was this –

I didn’t know if I wanted to offer financial advice anymore.

In hindsight, I realize that was a bit absurd: even if I didn’t offer my musings online, my offline family and friends would still ask me money questions, I would still take continuing education courses to maintain my license(s), and I’d still be fascinated by the worlds of money, tax and wealth. So, for me, there was no way to avoid being part of this world.

Yet, I still questioned whether this is what I wanted long-term. I had originally structured this space for coaching and consulting, but I realized that the coaching options were not my ideal setup, and consulting still didn’t resonate. Now I understand that I don’t have to do either one: I can simply share tips here and there, offer some advice, and if it feels inspired, offer options that allow a deeper dive into certain concepts.

So I’m back – on my terms, and in my power. And I’m excited to share the things that I’ve learned over the past several years with you all: I’ve got some tips for wealth creation that will be mind-blowing! I’ll resume with my posts next week, and we’ll take this dive into the world of money together.

I hope you all will join me on this journey: I’d love to share it with you all! Until then, have a great weekend, take care, and I’ll talk to you all soon!

It’s Good to Be Back!

It’s been a LONG time, but I’m finally back!

Did you all miss me 😉 ?

I have had many life changes over the past few years, which I will share with you in the weeks to come. Naturally, all of those changes impacted my personal finances in either a positive or negative way, and I’ve been taking my notes and figuring out a blueprint for how to handle money better. Whether you feel like you’re no good with money, or you feel like a money pro, I think the information I’ll be sharing will benefit you tremendously.

In addition, I’ve been watching the financial scene both up close and from a distance (through my work as an enrolled agent and my current position as a financial analyst). Please note that all of the information presented on this blog is my own and strictly opinion, though I’ll always offer source material and references whenever possible. These posts do not constitute a financial advisory relationship, though if you’re interested in my services, you can contact me and we can discuss whether we should work together.

Of course, if you have additional tips or ideas that can help make this blog even better, I’d love for you to share them with me and all of the other readers of this blog.

Welcome to 2021, and let’s make our money stories AMAZING! I’ll talk to you all soon!

On Connecting With Likeminded Individuals

This post is a little different from the others, as this is related to an experience that I had a little over a week ago. I had the chance to attend a business conference that encouraged me to continue offering my clients the BEST. This conference clarified some information that I received while I was building my business, but the concept of “training” was only a small part of the value I received while at the conference.

confphoto1

Photo I took after I got back to my room. Each business card represents an amazing entrepreneur that I met while I was at the conference.

*****

I got the invaluable experience of CONNECTING with many likeminded women, all on similar paths, all working on taking their talents to those that need them most. I found these women SO encouraging and inspirational! There were entrepreneurs from all different walks of life, and all of us were putting the WORK into creating the lifestyles of our dreams, by offering our highest gifts to others. Not only were these women likeminded, but they were all so nice and positive. Everyone was kind and genuinely wanted everyone else to succeed.

As a rule, I try to limit my exposure to “feel-good” rhetoric that is all emotion and little action. I was thrilled that the conference was NOT a bunch of endless chatter with no one actually DOING what they say that they want to do. Everyone in the room was committed to taking action, were already on their paths, and/or able to share how they have gotten tangible results from the actions that they have taken! Honestly, how many of us have walked away from an event and said, “Now THERE’S a group of folks taking action”? It’s a rarity, I assure you. I was delighted to see that this conference wasn’t a bunch of meaningless talk.

*****

The conference ended with the hostess offering the audience the chance for intense, targeted coaching that would guarantee success. Knowing that I have many obligations this year, I declined the opportunity. If I was willing to forgo some of those obligations, then I would have committed to the program. But in any case, I’m honored to have been in the presence of so many amazing women, and I’m so happy that I took advantage of this conference. Being in the presence of so many likeminded women was so inspirational, and I’ll cherish this experience forever.

If you are interested in learning more about the conference, please visit the Happy Black Woman website and Facebook page for more information. I think you’ll find it very useful!