We often hear stories of people that have amazing ideas
smashed into an even more amazing blueprint or business plan. My journey was
the total opposite of this. Simply put I saw a need in my community and I went
for it. No long drawn out prep sessions or prolonged desire for perfection.
Just a thought that I took aggressive action towards to accomplish which is one
of the overall objectives of The Finance Bar, “Transforming the Financial Landscape of Money-by Taking ACTion.” Prior
to The Finance Bar, I lead a non-profit, Financial Empowerment-Charlotte. It
was 100% non-profit. I was often asked the question of why I did it and the one
that I always received was, “Why are you doing it for FREE?” As I look back, I
wasn’t doing it for FREE. In a money sense yes, in a changing the thought
process of my community and beyond no. There’s not a price tag that can be
placed on service. The amazing people and organizations that I was able to
connect with and continue relationships with may have never come to fruition unless
I was willing to think beyond what I could gain. In fact I gained a ton.
Knowledge, partnerships and my dream come true The Finance Bar.
My love language for personal finances comes from deep
within. A deep rooted passion in changing lives. We often hear that “Money
isn’t everything, or having good credit isn’t a badge of honor, or life goes on
without money.” Actually, I totally agree. In the same manner I’ve seen the
rewards of being financially prepared by squirreling away for the future. People
not in fear of a pink slip because they are financially prepared for the curve balls
that life can often throw us. It’s a space that’s filled for a topic often
missed in many homes “financial literacy.” Dreams come alive when we commit to
managing our finances appropriately. How many times do we delay those “I would
like to……ideas as a result of lack of money?” Delayed vacations, or even a
perfectly balanced month to pay our basic bills. Those mishaps keep me awake at
night. Each of us deserves to show up in life in every aspect (physically,
mentally, and financially).
My journey towards personal finance is a deed of speaking on
a topic that matters and affects many people. I knew that it was my passion
when I couldn’t stop thinking about it after experiencing the following
incident. “I recall being in line at Target. As I stood waiting at the checkout
I witnessed a young lady having every credit card that she attempted to use
declined.” My heart instantly broke for her and from that day my mission has
been to teach, by placing our focus on a topic that can help us or hurt. When I
was younger and even to this day, I’ve always known my Mom to shop sale racks.
Always saving, and living a seemingly minimalist lifestyle. I now find myself
following in her footsteps. How awesome were here action taking teachings. J
Finding my passion, my purpose and honoring it is one of the
most rewarding experiences of my life. I challenge everyone to step into their
“thing.” Chances are the very thing that moves your inner being is a need to
this world. Teaching, consulting, and celebrating inside the personal finance
sector is work, it just happens to be a work that I “LOVE” doing.
By Marsha Barnes | Founder of The Finance Bar
