Girl’s Night Out | The Money School of Delaware May 20, 2014

Hello Friends and Happy Tuesday.

Last week I had the opportunity to not only attend a Girl’s Night Out sponsored by The Money School of Delaware, but to also present a segment on frugal fashion tips. This 1st Annual FREE event was held in celebration of the 10th Anniversary of From Purses to Portfolios, the Money School’s signature event.

Girl’s Night Out the brainchild of Program Director, Shaquilla Holmes was held at the Claymont Community Center where 14 vendors including Nails by Cyn, Alvina Designs, and Pure Pleasure showcased their products and services. Food was provided by Shoprite and the wine was donated by Quadia Muhammad.

The program kicked off with a welcome and overview by Ronni Cohen, DFLI Executive Director as well as an introduction of the new Money Clubs Director Chrisi Lockwood. Dana Thurston, member of “Penney’s 2 Dollars Money Club” spoke about their club’s events and activities which was then followed by the “Guess the Pennies” and “What’s in Your Purse” games.

Ken Briscoe, Director of Communications and Cultural Affairs for the City of Wilmington provided information about the Budget Friendly Activities being held this summer in the city. My segment “Savvy Shopping for the Frugal Fashionista” and “Guess the Cost” game was sponsored by The Great Stuff Savvy Resale Shop in Wilmington.

Girls Night Out Sponsored by The Money School of DE

Ronni and I – Girl’s Night Out

The evening ended with Door Prizes and networking. It was a wonderful event and I wish to thank Shaquilla and the entire DFLI staff for all of their hard work and efforts in putting together this wonderful and successful event!

Enjoy the rest of your day and I’ll see you tomorrow!

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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Delaware Today ~ Women In Business Luncheon December 3, 2013

Hello friends and Happy Tuesday

Today I’ll be attending the Women in Business Luncheon sponsored by Delaware Today Magazine.

Have a wonderful day – Smooches!

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Macy Gray to Perform at City of Wilmington 2013 4th of July Celebration on the Riverfront June 30, 2013

City News: Macy Gray to Perform at City of Wilmington 2013 4th of July Celebration on the Riverfront

The City of Wilmington will celebrate the historic tradition and patriotic spirit with the 2013 4th of July Celebration on the Riverfront.

Join the City at Tubman-Garrett Park at the Riverfront on Thursday, July 4th as they celebrate our independence with fireworks, food, arts, culture and a special performance by R&B singer Macy Gray.

The 4th of July Celebration on the Riverfront which begins at 4:00 p.m. will feature live music, historical re-enactments, games, rides, arts and crafts, a crab feast, in addition to a variety of food and drink vendors.

Other artists performing at this year’s 4th of July Celebration are Mozaic Flow, a band based in Philadelphia that fuses a variety of musical genres to create a sound of R&B funk, and the Tilting Windmills, a Latin infused rock band from Wilmington.

“Fourth of July is about patriotism and celebrating our independence,” said Mayor Dennis P. Williams. “Wilmington’s Independence Day celebration on the Riverfront will bring together young and old generations to remember our nation’s legacy and history.”

Schedule of Events

4:00 p.m. – 9:45 p.m.

Free RED, WHITE, and BLUE CELEBRATION FAMILY FUN (Tubman-Garrett Park)

Games, rides, entertainment, arts and crafts by Barrel of Makers, historical characters
Variety of food vendors including July 4th favorites, Captain Steve’s Hard Shell Crabs and BBQ
Local duo, Tilting Windmills, performing on the Bandwagon Stage 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy a live set of souful, R&B music by Mozaic Flow as they perform on the Main Stage.

8:00 p.m.

Celebrate our nation’s independence and patriotic spirit as the City of Wilmington welcomes Grammy® Award-winning singer/songwriter Macy Gray to the Main Stage.

9:30 p.m.

Spectacular Riverfront Fireworks Display!

In the event of rain on July 4th, the fireworks will be rescheduled for July 5th.

For announcements and more information regarding the 4th of July Celebration on the Riverfront please visit: http://www.wilmingtonde.gov/visitors/july4th

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From Purses to Portfolios: Delaware Women Take Charge of Their Money October 30, 2012

“For Women, About Women, & By Women and the Men in their lives!”

From Purses to Portfolios was a free conference presented by the Delaware Financial Literacy Institute and supported by Citi Foundation. This was the 5th year of the conference which empowers women to take charge of their financial future. Several years ago hubby and I attended a free financial program sponsored by The Money School of Delaware and the presenter was Alisha Adams, from Primerica Financial Services. She later became our financial adviser and I attended other free events, however, this was the first time at the all-day conference.

The 2012 Conference was sponsored by numerous companies including Citizens Bank, The News Journal, State Farm Insurance, United Way, Wells Fargo and others. This year’s theme was FAB – FOR women ABOUT women BY women. Women of all ages, young and old, black and white as well as more than 60 Exhibitors filled the Chase Center on the Riverfront. Some of the FAB Exhibitors included AIDS Delaware; Ardyss; Bank of America; City of Wilmington; Declutter Enterprise, LLC; Delaware Hospice; Easter Seals; Dollar Build; Garages Aux Trois; Goodwill of DE; Mary Kay; SCORE Delaware; Primerica Financial Services; Senior Helpers; Stop The Violence; Wilmington Women in Business;Tastefully Simple and YWCA DE Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship.

Arriving early Saturday morning waiting outside for the 8:30 opening, I stood in line and socialized with a variety of women all there with a common goal – to become more financially literate. Upon entering we received a program, a name badge, two tickets for lunch/beverages and a cute pink leopard print tote in exchange for completing a demographics survey form. After having a cup of coffee and muffin, I walked up and down “Women’s Biz Boulevard” checking out the vendors, filling out forms, taking pictures and exchanging business cards. Later on I met up with my girlfriends and we walked, talked, and then attended the opening session with the key note speaker Mary Caraccioli, The Money Confidante. State Treasure, Chip Flowers and New Castle County President, Tom Kovach spoke for a few minutes as did Governor Jack Markell who almost didn’t make it due to state preparations for Hurricane Sandy.

There were four seminars from which to choose for the morning and afternoon sessions. We chose, Perfect Credit:7 Steps to a Great Credit Rating. Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, a personal financial expert and a NY Times bestseller talked about credit; credit repair; credit scores; rules and regulations; how credit scores affect interest rates on loans as well as insurance rates; jobs and employment. The seminar was very informative and there was ample time for audience questions.

For perfect credit follow these 7 rules:

PULL your credit report regularly
EXAMINE your credit report carefully
REDUCE debt and manage bills wisely
FIX errors to protect your credit
ENHANCE credit file regularly
CONTACT creditors and negotiate
TAKE time educate yourself and reevaluate

For more information check out her blog at @askthemoneycoach.com

Bag lunches were provided and the choices were either a Turkey Sandwich or Vegetarian Wrap, both included a packaged cookie and apple, I chose the wrap which was fresh and delicious!

After lunch we walked “Women’s Biz Boulevard” gathering information from the FAB exhibitors, stopping to test products, enter drawings and purchase raffle tickets.

The afternoon session began at 2:00, and we chose to attend “Retirement:Never Too Early, Never Too Late” sponsored by AARP, and presented by Jean Setzfand, VP of Financial Security. I learned more about retirement funds as well as Social Security benefits and of making wise financial decisions that will affect me in my golden years. I also learned that AARP uses Linkedin to identify and promote the best companies for it’s members, currently at 152. I will definitely enroll the next time I get the application in the mail – lol!

The day ended with a Recognition Ceremony, Closing Remarks and Door Prizes which included items donated by Big Fish Grill; Brew HaHa; Citi; Delaware Art Museum; Hagley Museum; Star Nails & Spa; Trader Joe’s and WAWA as well as new Michael Kors and Coach purses provided by Mrs. Carper and First Lady Markell. None of us won a door prize, however, we did win additional knowledge that will assist in making wise financial decisions and having me think twice before purchasing that next pair of shoes!

Thank you Delaware for a great “Girlfriend Day Out” and I look forward to the 2013 Conference.