In case no one has told you yet, you are a business. So often, people make the mistake of believing that they can only treat their lives like a business if they are an entrepreneur or a business owner, not realizing that the mere fact that they exist in this world makes them an owned and operated business. And as such, everything you do can be written off as an expense and thus, add to your overall wealth.
At least, that's what Dr. Lynn Richardson will put you on game about.
MC Lyte and Financial Coach Lynn Richardson
The financial expert and life coach took the stage on Saturday afternoon (July 28) during a conversation orchestrated by P&G's My Black Is Beautiful in partnership with the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and Greater Cincinnati Association of Black Journalists. Famed rapper and humanitarian MC Lyte took the stage as the event's keynote speaker, and revealed her seven-year friendship with Lynn, as well as the fact that they partnered together in their book, Your Man and Your Money: How to Get'em and How to Keep'em. The two met when MC was really lost about how to have her finances together and as her financial advisor, Lynn pulled her through, and even helped her triple her income in the process!
There, the two friends and collaborators talked all things financial literacy, being your own business, and entrepreneurial advancement. And xoNecole was there to collect all of the gems. Read on for more.
Apply the 10-10-30-50 Rule to Your Budget
While many of us out there who have dabbled or are experts in budgeting know the power of a good dose of the 50-20-30 rule, Lynn's modified 10-10-30-50 rule might be the key to unlocking a lot of our financial success. "The first 10 percent you tithe, the next 10 percent you save. Our grandmas taught us to save for a rainy day, but really, we have to save for a come up. That means, when we have the opportunity to invest in something, [we can invest]," Lynn explained. "When the stock market crashed in 2008, everyone was in a recession. Well, one of my sorors, and financial mentors, she had saved and had money that she could use to invest, and she did. When the stocks went down to 20 cents a share, she bought 100,000 shares. And when it went back up to $12 a share, she sold it."
"We have to save for a come up."
She continued, "The next 30 percent is cash. And cash is what we have to understand as entrepreneurs. People on this planet have figured out how they can go into the boardroom, create something that cost $2 that they can sell to us on Black Friday for $250 and make it feel like we have to have it. Having cash prevents you from having a spending addiction… The remaining 50 percent stays in your checking account to go to bills."
Use Only 30% of Your Income as Spending Money
When breaking down the 10-10-30-50 rule for budgeting, the 30 percent allocated to cash plays a very major role in your day to day spending. Unlike the 50 percent for your bills that stays in your checking account, the 30 percent is to act as cash that you carry around and takes care of everything, from your nail appointment to your groceries.
Some of us (especially those of us who have a spending addiction) might think that relying on 30 percent and carrying it around in cash isn't feasible. If you ask Lynn, you're thinking way too small. And those extra unnecessary expenses? You need to cut it.
"What happens is, we forget that we spend mindlessly. And it's not about not having the intelligence, it's us rejecting what the world says that we have to do with our money and make a decision. That's where I say women, especially women of color, we can be billionaires, but we cannot ignore the basic thing we learned in the first grade, and that's mathematics: 1 + 1 equals 2. And if your stuff adds up to 10, it will never get to 2. And we will always be trying to figure out how to make our money work and where is it going."
"Control that number, and we can control our wealth."
Take Advantage of Everyday Expenses During Tax Time
What many of us fail to realize is how much we stand to gain during tax time by writing off expenses and deducting properly. Lynn wants everyone to be empowered by the fact that simply by existing, they are a fully owned and operated business. This does not mean quitting your job, but for all intents and purposes, you are an entrepreneur, whether you realize it or not. Therefore, it's time you start deducting like it.
"If you have a business and your business makes $100,000, here's what happens to all of your income: first, you get to expense everything you use in your business. You get to expense your cell phone. You get to expense your mileage or your gas on your car. You get to expense your trips because when you go on trips - I don't care if it's a family trip or a vacation or a family reunion in Mississippi - you are actually on a business trip so you need to expense that. Once you expense everything, they'll say, 'Those expenses are $65,000, there's $35,000 left over. That's the amount you get taxed on.'"
Lynn also suggested that wealthy people don't necessarily have more money, they just know how to get their money back. As an entrepreneur, it's crucial that we view ourselves as a business and view everything we do as a potential expense to be a tax write off.
Invest in Strategic Multiple Streams of Income
For most people, the secret to acquiring wealth is never allowing one hat to be your only hat and by that I mean, having multiple streams of income. Along with cultivating different avenues where more money can easily travel, it is important to develop strategy when diversifying your income as well, which is also where a strong personal brand comes into play. Whether it's a brick and mortar, selling or doing hair, repurposing vintage clothes, or mixing up your own beauty line, the opportunities are there, you just have to take it. "Multiple streams of income give us the ability to extinguish the fiery darts of an unstable economy. So, if one of your businesses is no longer popular, you got seven more to look at," Lynn added.
"We've got to have multiple streams of income, but we also gotta have strategy."
It is important to diversify your income in order to maximize your wealth potential, but it is also important to know that while more money is great to have, having the financial literacy to navigate your finances adeptly and strategically is ultimately the golden rule in acquiring wealth and breaking ground for more black women business owners, entrepreneurs, and millionaires. "Black women, we are the most educated people on the planet. There is no group of people who have more degrees than black women," Lynn noted. "We have PhD's, Master's degrees, and MBA's. But one of the things that sits with me a lot, is why are we not as wealthy as our education says? We are last on the totem pole when it comes to wealth."
And it's time that changes.
Featured image by Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com
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Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Alistair Berg/Getty ImagesStep 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Getty ImagesStep 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
DMP/ Getty ImagesStep 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
Featured image by zamrznutitonovi/Getty Images
However, to my surprise, I received an email that read: “It’s with great excitement that we announce your film, Super High: A Period Piece, has been selected for the 24th Anchorage International Film Festival.” After looking at the flight distance from Atlanta to Anchorage—a solid 10 hours one way— I’d decided this would be one I wouldn’t attend.
That was until there was a follow-up email that shared that the festival was sponsoring two excursions for filmmakers: A Northern Lights Tour and A Glacier Hike.
With that, I knew I had to make the trip to the 49th state! I flew Delta, which offered the shortest layovers—just 50 minutes each way. For a more comfortable flight on the longer legs that were about six hours between my layover city and Anchorage, I upgraded to first class with an in-app discount for $256 (the regular price of a first-class ticket runs about $2,100), which was so worth it for additional space and service for the six-hour trek.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
"So What’s Alaska Like? Did You Have To Wear a Snowsuit? What’s the Food Like?"
These are among the major questions I’ve gotten. Anchorage reminds me less of a bustling major city and more of a small town with an easygoing feel. When I arrived, they’d just had snow a few days before, so it was cold, and the streets were slick. So, I was so happy I’d invested in a pair of snow boots. For my first few days, the locals said it was warm. Warm to them being 20s at night and mid-30s during the day.
However, by the time I left, fresh snow was on the ground, and temps were well into the single digits—and it felt like it. Oh, the sun doesn’t rise until 10:30 a.m., and it sets around 4 p.m. That was among the most challenging things to experience because I felt like I never really woke up. So, between the lack of sun and the four-hour time difference, I felt tired the whole time I was there.
As for food, I didn’t explore a ton because I was so cold. But I found two gems! First was Whiskey and Ramen. If you enjoy ramen and exceptional service, this is a must-visit. I’d make a trip back just for their Wagyu ramen and their special take on an old fashion!
And, for coffee, I thoroughly enjoyed That Feeling Co. The coffee was great, and being surrounded by plants helped to perk up my spirits.
The Northern Lights
Iceland is one of the most popular places to see the Northern Lights, so I was very excited to know that Alaska also gets to see the Aurora Borealis light show. Typically, many people visit Fairbanks to see them, but there are tours offered in Anchorage too! When prepping for the late-night tour, we’d heard that the night we were heading out to see the lights, the cloud coverage likely meant we wouldn’t be able to see them. Bummer. I know. So, we could sit the tour out or still try. But, in my mind, I was like, why would I come all the way to Alaska not to try?
So, at about 9:30 p.m., we piled into vans and headed out to chase the Northern Lights. We traveled about an hour and a half from Anchorage, and when we stepped out of the van, it was cold and pitch black. And unfortunately, after a couple of hours in the cold, those clouds in the sky never parted for us. I know that when we see the posts of people who do get to see Mother Nature do her thing, we don’t have all of the context of the science, which is Aurora Borealis.
Sometimes, the weather just doesn’t do what we earthlings would like, which can lead to disappointment. However, our guide did give a recommendation. When you book a trip to see the lights, give yourself four to five days to see them. Don’t bank on one day because, at the end of the day, this is science.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
Now, On to the Glacier!
Just six hours after returning from the Northern Lights tour, we were up for the glacier tour because they were back-to-back! I was exhausted and so excited. If someone had told me I’d hike on a glacier, I would have given them a mean side-eye. I mean, where on earth does one climb a glacier? Let me share a few destinations with you, just in case you want to plan an icy adventure: Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Chile, Argentina, and Alaska.
Aside from the fact the Matanuska Glacier is 22,000 years old, it’s the largest glacier accessible by car in the United States—27 miles long and four miles wide, making it one of the easier ones to see IRL. As a girlie with generalized anxiety disorder, I get anxious about doing this kind of thing because I know that to see these world wonders is usually a mountainous trek.
This one was two hours long, one-way, up snow-capped, windy, mountainous terrain. However, my therapist always reminds me to push myself to do what scares me (as long as it’s for a reason, of course). I held my breath for the journey there and back! And white-knuckled it from time to time, too.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
Once we got there, we were surrounded by fresh, fluffy snow, and it was COLD! In the negative cold. I was thankful, I’d over-prepared. If you even go on a glacier tour, I recommend a few things: Balaclava, heavy-weight gloves, cashmere socks, snow boots, and lots of layers.
Here’s what I wore. My first layer was Ann Taylor leggings and a Wolford Turtleneck. Then, I layered a cashmere turtleneck and cashmere joggers. A COACH down vest, which I’d recommend anyone own just for winter, in general, because it’s SO warm! For my feet, I wore Ann Taylor cashmere socks (I love these because they’re affordable and so warm) and Adidas Adifom Superstar Winter Boot and topped all of that with a Brandon Blackwood ankle-length parka. I know BB is known for his accessories, but the brand’s outwear is truly amazing and worth the investment. After two hours on the ice, I felt great!
If you’re open to adventure travel, I highly recommend putting a glacier tour on your list of things to do. There are a few reasons. First, standing on an ice age-old massive piece of glacier was my 2024 version of touching some grass. I was reminded that I’m a speck on this spinning rock and need to spend more time grounded in that fact as I move through the world. I looked to the sky and thought of how proud my ancestors would be, even though I know they’d be telling me to get my butt home and off a dog on a glacier!
Secondly, I gained an ever-large appreciation for Mother Nature as I learned that glaciers are the world's largest reservoir of freshwater, containing around 69% of the world's freshwater. Again, another fact that helped me gain perspective. Lastly, it’s just fun and stunningly beautiful!
After this, I’m looking forward to my next cold-weather adventure! Iceland and Argentina are at the top of the list!
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Featured image courtesy of Bianca Lambert