Articles

Financial planning is an ongoing process that supports our current needs while helping to prepare for long-term financial goals. It helps to amass and maximize assets as well. Financial Planning Month is a time of year dedicated to taking a strategic look at our spending habits, budgets, and the like. Of course, this should be conducted throughout the year to help ensure various financial matters are in order. It’s never too early to plan for our financial futures, starting as young as possible is a crucial ingredient of the secret sauce. Creating a solid foundation in financial literacy is just as important. In fact, once you’ve secured a "basic understanding" of some terminology in and around personal finance, it’s time to safely kickstart your financial planning journey…and yes, it’s a journey! 

Many would say the first stop along the way evolves around budgeting. The most ideal situation is always having a firm idea of where your money is going. This could be done by utilizing a spreadsheet or stepping up to a reputable software application to help you track. Your expenses should be meticulously accounted for to rid wasteful spending. Staying abreast of your fixed and variable expenses are extremely important throughout the financial planning process, too. Ultimately, paying these bills in a timely manner is vital to ensure additional cost from late fees or penalties are not incurred as well as helping to keep your credit standing up to par. The assistance of a Financial Planner will certainly educate, inform, and help keep you on course throughout the journey. This conversation with Ms. Laticia Sunshine expands on many of these financial planning-related elements and a few others. Happy planning...it should become a part of your lifestyle!  

*All original work attributed to “Chris Jones”  ©️ 2021 "Chris Jones"

Penelope Abrams often refers to herself as a “Carolina Peach Twist”. It is safe to assume this is a play on her birth state, South Carolina, and the one she has resided in for over two decades, Georgia. Her time in the metro Atlanta area has presented her with a plethora of opportunities. Perhaps, one of the most recent ones is related to its vibrant real estate scene. She has always had a passion for interior design, new home tours, and browsing beautiful communities. Atlanta’s market gradually sparked her interest which ultimately led to becoming a Real Estate Agent. Penelope states, “The fulfillment of making people happy by assisting them with one of the largest investments they will ever make deepen my passion even more. Each time I am blessed with the opportunity to assist my clients with purchasing or selling a home is memorable for me.” She enjoys the look in their eyes, and the smiles on their faces at the conclusion of the closing…it is unforgettable, pleasurable, and priceless! 

Penelope prides herself in ensuring her customers are as informed as possible. In fact, she has some wholesome tips when it comes to how prospective homebuyers can posture themselves. “It makes good business sense to first save as much as you can”, says Penelope. Money on hand is key not only for associated costs prior to closing, but having it for various expenses after moving in. She goes on to stress how this helps to create a disciplined mindset when it comes to your overall spending tendencies. Of course, advanced awareness of your credit report portfolio is paramount! Besides, assets versus liabilities are critical determining factors as they influence the loan approval process of home buying. 

She shares the following ways to boost the value of your home. A number of people opt to upgrade their kitchens, update their bathrooms and recreational space(s), as well as expand their outdoor living areas. Those considering to sale their home, should first consider decluttering as needed. There’s nothing quite like walking through a resale and feeling confined…can make the home feel small, too. This, along with making minor cosmetic repairs will seemingly make the home more move-in ready. It's also amazing how a fresh coat of neutral-colored paint can make a world of difference to a room! Overall, many buyers tend to be drawn to resale homes that do not require major projects upon moving in. 

Lastly, finding an agent who is personable and exudes the utmost level of professionalism is key, according to Penelope. “Most of us can discern if the agent has our best interest in the home buying/selling process. The worst feeling in the world is being just another number to your agent”, Penelope proclaims. There are a slew of reputable agents out there to enter into your vetting portal. You can start by visiting @penelopetherealtor on Instagram, and reaching out by email at soldbyPenelope@gmail.com, or phone at (404) 844-7686. Happy buying or selling! 

*All original work attributed to “Chris Jones” ©️ 2021 "Chris Jones"