So we made it to February, which is most known for brisk winters (not so much these days – thanks global warming), declarations of love (screw you card and candy industry for exploiting affection), and Black History Month (FYI – Black history is everybody’s history three hundred and sixty-five days of the year). While February is notorious for these mainstays, really what is hot in these February streets is W-2 Season!

SHOW ME THE MONEY!!! Wait… Pause, it’s more like give me MY money back. Seriously am I the only one bothered that we voluntarily give the government an interest free loan every year, which we may or may not get in return? In what world is this fair?! The irony is that anytime we borrow anything from good ole Uncle Sam he follows you around like Gina, the smallest Gross sister from The Disney’s Channels “Proud Family”, hand out, looking for immediate payment plus interest.

(In honor of Black History Month, shout out to the Proud Family for providing quality family entertainment from 2001-2005. Also, give them love for being in my top five cartoon intro songs.)

Now that I have fully completed my monthly “What kind of life is this?” rant, I can get back on topic. Refund season, while it can be a euphoric time of the year, it can also be a perfect moment to really take a good hard look at your finances and perform a financial health check. We are all anticipating an unplanned lump sum with great excitement for it’s potential ball out capabilities. You know, for things like the extra guac at Chipotle, the must-have pair of heels, whatever lame gadgets guys think are important (I see you fellas!), or the luxury vacation to Aruba that we already booked in December and we don’t plan on worrying about it until we are back home.

Many of us have already spent this money in our heads — some of us have already charged it to the game and “Treated Yo Self!” to some brand new debt. Raise your hand if you are one of them? (Slowly raises hand, while pretending to look at my phone) Yes, I, too am guilty of misusing my tax refund for foolish things – think gold plated waffle iron. (During tax season I check my account like college girls check the scale right before spring break.) However, this year I have allocated the funds differently than years past. This year’s tax return drives toward my future in two uncharacteristically adult expenditures in the Pretty Professional’s household: a student loan payment and my last credit card payoff. I swear, I am “adulting” so hard I might as well drive a sedan and begin couponing. (Actually, if you know how to coupon – call me. I need your skills in my world.)

Recently I came across an article highlighting Chicago’s Yellowbrick’s infographic, stating; “Credit cards, student loans, mortgages, car payments—today’s Millennials have more debt than ever, and studies show that there can be a long-term health effect on the stress this causes. Two-thirds of Millennials aged 23 to 35 have at least one source of long-term debt, while one-third have more than one source.”  My goodness! As if we Millennials don’t already have a bad enough reputation. Now, Baby Boomers are characterizing us as broke and stressed out, too?! I, for one, will not stand for this characterization. There are way too many resources available to help us get our sh*t together. (I am still working on my language. Pray for me please.)

For your “get your life” convenience, I have listed below a few resources and websites geared toward financial empowerment. These sites are centered around budgeting and debt consolidation. (I know this is super sexy content.) Before you ask – no, I have not partnered with any of the below listed nor do they sponsor anything I do (even though they are more than welcome to – Call me). These are just a few that I have leveraged that might be helpful to you.

You are so very welcome ;).

#WorkYourWealth

http://www.magnifymoney.com/

https://www.mint.com/

https://www.youneedabudget.com/

https://claritymoney.com/

For more information on the Yellowbrick release mentioned in today’s blog check out the link below:

https://www.yellowbrickprogram.com/blog/millennials-and-debt-the-long-term-effect