4 The HBCU Advocate Editorial Is There a New Reason for the Season?


low risk and starting a business to add another stream of income, in addition to their traditional employment. Even if someone starts a home


based business like selling Avon or Tupperware, as long as it creates another stream of income,


that is a


step in the right direction. I always say that the internet is the "final frontier." It is like the gold rush or the real estate boom. One can start an online business, sometimes for less than $500, and earn good money without ever leaving their home. I am not advocating that everyone


BY ANGELA JONES Christmas originally started as


a holiday to celebrate the birth of Jesus but lately it has become more of a way to separate people from their hard earned money. We have to make a conscious effort to reject the new reason for the season. We can do this by keeping a few things in the back of our minds as we navigate the holiday season this year. Tis holiday season, lets not try to


keep up with the Joneses (no relation) because the Joneses have a million dollars in liquid cash in the bank, a million dollars in their retirement accounts and over a million dollars in property that they can liquidate if necessary. Te Joneses may also earn twice your salary even though the two of you


are doing similar work and


started at the company around the same time. If one really wants to keep up


with the Joneses, they must start by spending less, saving more, increasing income, investing in something with


should leave the security of their 9 to 5 employment but in one's spare time, if they can go online and sell a few items on eBay, it can be the difference between struggling to make ends meet each month and living comfortably with an ability to save. In fact, there are people who run several internet based businesses that add to their bottom line.


Another phrase that I have coined


is "We cannot afford to be entertained." When I say that, I am not necessarily speaking about finances. Tere are so many aspects of our lives that are different


from other people living


in this country. I prefer to focus and keep my "eyes on the prize," rather than support people who may use the funds that my entertainment costs would provide to further marginalize people (#ColinKaepernick). Forgoing spending on cable TV monthly, going to a movie or eating at restaurants oſten can save hundreds of dollars monthly. Aſter several months, those sacrifices could garner enough money to buy a computer that can be used


to start an internet based business or products that can be sold online. One does not even have to start a


business to take advantage of the many financial advantages that exist on the internet. Web-based companies like eBay and OfferUp create opportunities for us to save money while purchasing items we use everyday. What


if we


used all of the hours we spend on social media to actually make money online, that would be a game changer. OfferUp is also a great way to earn some extra cash while removing clutter or unwanted items from our homes. We


can also save by using


coupons and rewards programs. Today, you do not have to spend all day clipping coupons to be able to get a bargain on your next trip to the store. Apps like RetailMeNot and Groupon offer electronic coupons with the click of a few buttons on your mobile device while you are standing in line at the register. A quick Google search will not only show you what savings are possible but will also provide you with a coupon code or an electronic coupon that can be scanned directly from your smartphone. With Christmas just around


the corner, I challenge everyone to give homemade giſts. If one does not


already have a hobby that can generate something tangible to give like a knitted scarf or a beaded necklace; there are numerous other skills that can be used. Who would not want to receive


freshly baked cakes or


cookies for a giſt? If one does not have a hobby which can synthesize raw materials into something desirable, now is a good time to learn. Myself and others are predicting


tough economic times ahead for our community. We have to put ourselves in a position where we will be able to assist, not only ourselves in getting through those tough times, but we may also have to help our family, friends and neighbors get through them.


Tis holiday season, enjoy time


with family and friends but also focus on ways to get financially prepared for what lies ahead. Instead of having the mantra, "Spend, spend, spend" lead our thoughts, we should keep "Save, save, save" in the front of our minds. No one has ever become wealthy by spending but there are people who have become wealthy by saving. Anyone interested in starting


an internet business can e-mail us at info@hamptonroadsmessenger. com and we can direct you to some resources that may be able to help.


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Volume 2 Number 5


Fall/Winter 2018


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