DeDivahDeals

Fashion and Fun after Fifty

Posts Tagged ‘the money school of delaware’

Thankful For Being Thrifty

Hello Friends and Happy Thankful Thursday

I recently read an article by my favorite financial advisor Michelle Singletary who is an author and Award Winning Nationally Syndicated Columnist for The Washington Post.  She wrote about the case of former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell and his wife, Maureen.  Seems like they got themselves into trouble for taking gifts and loans in exchange for political favors.  I know this isn’t anything new in politics but what I found to be interesting was the fact they, like so many others found themselves in dire financial straits, drowning in credit card debt trying to keep up appearances.

I am truly thankful for being thrifty and I always enjoy meeting others who are just as frugal if not more so.  Being a thriftinista isn’t just in vogue it’s what keeps most of us out of the financial fire pit called credit card debt.

It’s not that I don’t understand the McDonnell’s predicament because I too have lived beyond my means and paid dearly for it.  I’ll be the first to admit that my finances aren’t where they should be but I do know that if I want designer duds, I’ll find a consignment shop with a quickness.  I paid less for this gown than I did for a full tank of gas (sorry this is a old cell phone pic).

Purple Gown

Two of my favorite bloggers are Thrifters Anonymous and DC Goodwill Fashionista and you all know that I am a proud card-carrying Goodwill VIP!

Goodwill Fall Haul

Today in addition to being thankfully thrifty, I am thankful for my family, friends and of course my faith.  I am also thankful to be participating in today’s Social Media Workshop sponsored by The Money School of Delaware, I can’t wait to tell you all about it.

Now it’s your turn, what are you most thankful for this week?

Stay Blessed – No Stress in 2014!

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Returning to my 1st Love

Hello Friends and Happy Monday

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and are now in the midst of a stress-free work week.  Teaching has always been my first love, but the last time I actually taught consistently was in 1983, it was third grade in the Caesar Rodney School District.  I loved teaching and even as a child played school with my sister and cousins, but after 1 year I left in pursuit of more money in Corporate America. I’ve always missed the classroom but never returned although it was my grandmother’s dream for me to do so.  

Fast forward 30 years and guess what?  I can now once again be called a teacher, I have returned to the field of education…yes, ladies and gentleman, I am now officially an Instructor for The Money School of Delaware (applause…applause…applause!)

Thanks to the overwhelming positive feedback from the previous classes I was offered the opportunity to become a regular (volunteer) instructor and I couldn’t be happier.  I will continue working my full time job and will only be teaching once per month but this works well with my personal and professional life.  #blessed  

The Money School was established in 1999, and it offers over six-hundred free community-based financial education classes annually. Classes are scheduled on a wide variety of subjects and are taught in a hassle-free manner by more than 100 volunteers, all experts in their financial fields.

Money School instructors can hold classes at work sites, conferences, or religious and community organizations.  I enjoyed teaching the Blogging 101 ~ The Basics and Blogging 201 ~ Learn How To Earn with Your Blog classes, but the Dress for Success on a Budget class wasn’t so popular so it’ll be put on the back burner for now.

If it weren’t for my two girlfriends attending the class I would have been all alone in the room.  Oh well, I tried to float that balloon and it fell flat, “Move on Mary…Move On!

Who Knew?

 

Thank you Cecily and Lynette for supporting me!

Thank you Money School for allowing me to return to my 1st love!

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Dressing for Less

Hello Friends and Happy Hump Day Wednesday

Tonight I will be teaching the class, “Dressing for Success on a Budget’ sponsored by The Money School of Delaware.  The premise being that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to look professional and how to have a “Champagne Closet with a Beer Budget”

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As a self proclaimed frugal fashionista, I usually don’t pay full retail price for my clothing nor do I shop high end department stores or boutiques in a mall. Thrifting at Goodwill or The Salvation Army, hitting a local Consignment Shop, low end retail sales and clearance shopping is much more fun and is easier on my wallet.

Chain stores such as Ross, Marshall’s, TJMaxx, Burlington Coat Factory, Rugged Wearhouse, and Target understands the needs of women who want designer clothing but with lower prices.

I read fashion magazines and blogs and try to stay current with the latest trends but if I can recreate an outfit with thrifted items from Goodwill I most certainly will!

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When my sons were younger, they only knew the “Mart Brothers” – Kmart and Walmart!

Shoes are definitely my weakness and I have too many pairs to count, but I never pay full price, not when there are ways to get Reward Points from stores such as DSW or coupons and AAA discounts at Payless and of course the clearance sales at Target!

Payless

Christian Sirano for Payless

Shoes - Payless // Purse - Ross

Fioni for Payless Peep Toe Pumps and Celine Inspired Tote from Ross

JC Penney and Sears may not be top on your shopping list but they should be, especially for their end-of-season clearance sales, remember the Liz Claiborne jeans I found for a dollar? Kohl’s is also another great place to shop for clearance deals.  Mixing thrifted items with new pieces can make a perfect outfit.

Dress - JC Penney // Shoes - Payless

Dress – JC Penney // Shoes – Payless

Top - Goodwill // Skirt - JCPenney // Purse - Ross // Shoes - Rugged Wearhouse

Thrifted Top – Goodwill // Skirt – JCPenney // Purse – Ross // Shoes – Rugged Wearhouse

Top - Ross // Skirt - Goodwill // Sandals - The Salvation Army Family Store

Top – Ross // Skirt – Goodwill // Sandals – The Salvation Army Family Store

 

Shoes - Rugged Wearhouse // Dress - Boscov's // Tote -Ross

Shoes – Rugged Wearhouse // Dress – Boscov’s // Tote -Ross

Also, don’t sleep on the cheapie cheap Dollar Stores either, places like Family Dollar, Dollar General and even Dollar Tree oftentimes have great accessories like leggings, tights, hats and scarves.  Remember this Fedora that I bought last summer from Dollar Tree!

Dollar Tree Dome and Sundress from Rugged Wearhouse

Dollar Tree Dome and Sundress from Rugged Wearhouse

There are also great deals and bargains to be found online and from catalogs like eShakti, Spiegel and Avon all of which are my favorites.

Dress - Avon // Shoes Goodwill

Dress – Avon // Shoes Goodwill

 

Dress - Avon // Pumps - Goodwill

Dress – Avon // Pumps – Goodwill

 

Top - Rugged Wearhouse // Skirt - Old Navy

Top – Rugged Wearhouse // Skirt – Old Navy

Totally Thrifted outfit from Goodwill

Totally Thrifted outfit from Goodwill

Walmart Sundress covered with thrifted blouse

Walmart Sundress covered with thrifted blouse

 

Thrifted dress with scarf purchased at a "Purse Party"

Thrifted dress with scarf purchased at a “Purse Party”

 

Rocket Dog Peep Toe Pumps from The Shoe Dept

Rocket Dog Peep Toe Pumps from The Shoe Dept

 

Greens, OOTD and blogging class 007

Studded Shoes from Rugged Wearhouse

Studded Shoes from Rugged Wearhouse

If you are attending a fancy soiree, try a high end online site such as “Rent the Runway” or “Beg Borrow Steal” and in a pinch go to a Consignment Shop located in a high end neighborhood which is how I found a gown for a Ball that I attended last year.

Dressing for less doesn’t mean you can’t afford better, nor does it have be an embarrasing event, however, I must admit that it can be addictive, especially on $2 Tuesdays at Goodwill!

Where do you shop for your bargains?

Have a fantabulous day – Smooches!

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The Money School Free Fall Classes

dfli banner

fall banner

 

How to Create a Retirement Paycheck for Small Business

Mon., Sept. 30 Time: 6:30 – 8:30pm

NCC Cooperative Extention

Maria Pippidis, UD Cooperative Extension

Tax Free Investing: It’s Not What You Make, It’s What You Keep!

Tues., Oct. 1 Time: 4:30-6pm

Selbyville Library

Donna Savage, Edward Jones

Scams & Schemes: Dodging Financial Predators

Tues., Oct. 1 Time: 6-8:30pm

Woodlawn Library

Whitney Singer, Clarifi

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Lunch and Learn: Communicating Value

Wed., Oct. 2 Time: 12noon-1:30pm

Claymont Community Center

Dinette Rivera, Rivera Business Development Group

Light lunch provided

 

Blogging for Your Small Business

Wed., Oct. 2 Time: 6:30-8:00pm

Bear Library, 101 Governor’s Place, Bear

Antionette Blake, DE Divah Deals

You and Health Insurance: Making a Smart Choice

Wed., Oct. 2 Time: 6:00 – 8:00pm

Bear Library

Maria Pippidis, UD Cooperative Extension

How Today’s Annuities Really Work

Mon., Oct. 7 Time: 6-8pm

Hockessin Public Library

Michael Connor, WSFS Investments

               

You and Health Insurance: Making a Smart Choice

Mon., Oct. 7 Time: 6:30 – 8:30pm

Sussex County Extention Office

Maria Pippidis, UD Cooperative Extension

 

Join Us…
October 19, 2013 * 10:00am
Chase Center on the Riverfront
815 Justison Street, Wilmington, DE
Featuring award-winning author Jackie Cummings Koski
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Blogging 101 Class

Hello Friends and Happy Hump Day Wednesday.

Remember when I told you about the opportunity that was presented to me by The Money School of Delaware to teach a Blogging 101 class? Well, it happened…I did it, I taught a class last Wednesday at the Bear Public Library.

In 1983, I received my BS Degree in Elementary Education from Delaware State (College), but only taught 1 year of 3rd grade before leaving to work in Corporate America.  This was the first time since then of being back in a classroom…teaching…doing something that I’ve always loved to do.

I was on pins and needles for months in anticipation, reading everything I could online and from fellow bloggers as well as from the “Blogging for Dummies” book.  I was super excited to share what I had learned and prayed that all would go well.

September 2013 016

The class was full with 20 people registered, however, there were several no-shows but the walk-ins took their place making it a total of 18 participants.  “Not a bad turn out for a new class” stated the Library’s scheduler, which made me feel good.

I was a little nervous only because of the traffic delays that I had encountered trying to get there before the start time and upon arrival there were already 3 people seated.  After setting up the laptop with my PowerPoint presentation, I downloaded some Smooth Jazz from Pandora and waited until the start time of 6:30 pm. to begin.

September 2013 019

September 2013 022

Do you know that saying, “I hit it out of the park”?  Well I did…it was an awesome evening, a lively and engaging group of woman ranging in ages from 15 to 60, mothers with daughters and small business owners all eager to learn the basics of blogging.  They asked great questions, participated by sharing stories and overall made this a memorable experience for which I’ll forever be grateful.

September 2013 027

It was my grandmother’s wish that I would someday return to teaching, so I know she was looking down on me with a smile.  Next month I’ll be presenting “Blogging for Small Businesses”, so it’s off to read and learn more, create a new presentation, download more Smooth Jazz and prepare to meet some new students.

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September 2013 038

Have you ever had an opportunity to go back and do something that you truly loved to do?

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Back to School

Hello Friends and Happy Back to School 2013!

 Today my son starts his last first day back to school, entering as a HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR!!!

I watched the young kids in the neighborhood wait for the big yellow School Bus and had a lump in my throat because this is how it used to be on my son’s first day back to school…

  1st day 2002 (1)

….now as I watched him leave this morning on his last first day of school the lump in my throat reappeared but for a totally different reason.

First day of last day of school for Malik 002

Traveling mercies son!

Speaking of going back to school, I too will be heading back, but this time for just one day.  I will be returning to the classroom to teach a Blogging 101 class on Wednesday, September 4th sponsored by The Money School of Delaware.

the money school

School Bus

Back to…

 Money School Classes!  

Outlook and Opportunities

Tues., Aug 27 Time: 1:00-2:00pm

Kirkwood Hwy Public Library

 Steven Lucas, Edward Jones

Understanding Your Credit Report

Wed., Aug. 28 Time: 6-7:30pm

New Castle Public Library

Whitney Singer, Clarifi

Scams & Schemes: Dodging Financial Predators

Tues., Sept. 3 Time: 6-7:30pm

Elsmere Library

Whitney Singer, Clarifi

Lunch and Learn: Social Media 2013

Wed., Sept. 4 Time: 12noon-1:30pm

Claymont Community Center

Dinette Rivera, Rivera Business Development Group

 

Building Your Financial Future

Wed., Sept. 4 Time: 5:30-7:15pm

Dover Library

Rod Hausmann, Primerica

Investment Success without a Guru.

Wed., Sept. 4 Time: 6-7pm

Lamborn Library

William D. Starnes, CFP, MST, ChFC, Mallard Advisors

 

Blogging 101

Wed., Sept. 4 Time: 6:30-8:00pm

Bear Library

Antionette Blake, DEDivahDeals.com

 

Take Stock in the Market

Thurs., Sept 5 Time: 1:00-2:00pm

Kirkwood Hwy Public Library

Steven Lucas, Edward Jones

You’re Getting Divorced – Now What!

Mon., Sept. 9 Time: 6:30-8:30pm

Newark Library

Susan Lehnerd, Mallard Advisors, LLC

Foreclosure Prevention

Mon., Sept. 9 Time: 6-7:30pm

Georgetown Library

Lisa Spellman, Department of Justice

 

A Mortgage Acceleration Review

Mon., Sept 9 Time: 6:30 – 7:30pm

Rosehill Commuinty Center

Jenine Mills, AGLA

Here’s to a wonderful Back to School year for all of us – Smooches!

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Chasing The Dream Entrepreneurship Camp

Hello Friends and Happy Monday!

Chasing the Dream Entrepreneurship Camp sponsored by The Money School of Delaware provided youngsters between the ages of 9-13, an opportunity to learn the basics of starting a business.  Last Thursday they were given the tools and a venue to showcase what they had learned.

PicMonkey Collage (1)

A miniature Marketplace was set up in Rodney Square in Wilmington where the campers had an opportunity to sell their products, which included body scrubs, hand crafted jewelry, sunglasses, candy, plants, lemonade, popcorn, metal sculptures even hourly math tutoring sessions.

PicMonkey Collage (1) (1)

These young entrepreneurs obviously also learned another very important lesson, the value of customer satisfaction.  They greeted each passerby with a smile and eagerly answered questions about their products.

PicMonkey Collage (2) (1)

There was a heavy downpour on and off during the day but that did not stop people from coming out to support.  There was a steady stream of customers as well as WDEL Radio personality, Amy Cherry and a 6ABC News cameraman.

PicMonkey Collage (3) (1)

I was truly impressed with not only the products these entrepreneurs had created, but how each of their personalities and positive attitudes showed brightly despite the dark clouds looming overhead.

PicMonkey Collage (4) (1)

Kudos to The Money School of Delaware for supporting the youth of today with their futures of tomorrow.

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Chillin' Grillin' and Money School Classes!

July 15, 2013
   

  

Chillin’, Grillin’, and …

 Money School Classes!  

Roth Conversion

Tues., July 16 Time: 6:30-7:30pm

Brandywine Hundred Library

Mark Nehra, CFP, Waddell & Reed, Inc.

There Must be a Hole in My Pocket

Tues., July 16 Time: 6-7:30pm

Milford Public Library

Lisa Spellman, Department of Justice

Lunch and Learn: Have Faith in Money Clubs

Thurs., July 18 Time: Noon-1:30pm

Claymont Community Center

Alisha Thompson-Adams, Primerica

 

Strategic Ways to Get Out of Debt

Mon., July 22 Time: 6-7:30pm

Kent County Library

Rod Hausmann

Social Security Benefits

Mon., July 22 Time: 6:30-8:30pm

Newark Library

Ed Mink, Mallard Advisors, LLC

Show Me My Money

Tues., July 23 Time: 6-7:30pm

Elsmere Library

Whitney Singer, Clarifi

 

Foreclosure Prevention

Wed., July 24 Time: 6:30-8:30pm

Bear Library

Mary Rammel, CCCS of MD and DE

Good Credit for Life

Wed., July 24 Time: 6:30-8pm

Brandywine Hundred Library

Whitney Singer, Clarifi

Lunch & Learn- Get Your Ducks in a Row

Wed., July 24 Time: 12noon-1:30pm

Claymont Community Center

Denise Freeman, NCALL Research

How to Start a Nonprofit

Sat., July 27 Time: 10-11:30am

Brandywine Hundred Library

Tinesar Forrest, Ty Enterprise, LLC

Women Empowered to Financially Thrive

Mon., July 29 Time: 7-8:30pm

Bear Library

Alisha Thompson-Adams, Primerica

Around the World in 80 Minutes

Mon., July 29 Time: 6:30-8:30pm

Newark Library

Paul Baumbach, CFA, CFP, ChFC, Mallard Advisors, LLC


Chillin’ Grillin’ and Money School Classes!

July 15, 2013
   

  

Chillin’, Grillin’, and …

 Money School Classes!  

Roth Conversion

Tues., July 16 Time: 6:30-7:30pm

Brandywine Hundred Library

Mark Nehra, CFP, Waddell & Reed, Inc.

There Must be a Hole in My Pocket

Tues., July 16 Time: 6-7:30pm

Milford Public Library

Lisa Spellman, Department of Justice

Lunch and Learn: Have Faith in Money Clubs

Thurs., July 18 Time: Noon-1:30pm

Claymont Community Center

Alisha Thompson-Adams, Primerica

 

Strategic Ways to Get Out of Debt

Mon., July 22 Time: 6-7:30pm

Kent County Library

Rod Hausmann

Social Security Benefits

Mon., July 22 Time: 6:30-8:30pm

Newark Library

Ed Mink, Mallard Advisors, LLC

Show Me My Money

Tues., July 23 Time: 6-7:30pm

Elsmere Library

Whitney Singer, Clarifi

 

Foreclosure Prevention

Wed., July 24 Time: 6:30-8:30pm

Bear Library

Mary Rammel, CCCS of MD and DE

Good Credit for Life

Wed., July 24 Time: 6:30-8pm

Brandywine Hundred Library

Whitney Singer, Clarifi

Lunch & Learn- Get Your Ducks in a Row

Wed., July 24 Time: 12noon-1:30pm

Claymont Community Center

Denise Freeman, NCALL Research

How to Start a Nonprofit

Sat., July 27 Time: 10-11:30am

Brandywine Hundred Library

Tinesar Forrest, Ty Enterprise, LLC

Women Empowered to Financially Thrive

Mon., July 29 Time: 7-8:30pm

Bear Library

Alisha Thompson-Adams, Primerica

Around the World in 80 Minutes

Mon., July 29 Time: 6:30-8:30pm

Newark Library

Paul Baumbach, CFA, CFP, ChFC, Mallard Advisors, LLC