Urban Grandstand Digital Volume 2, Issue 2 [Philly Weeden Edition] | Page 33

S

avvy Girl Money was something

that came along suddenly, but we

knew instantly that it would prove

to be an amazing addition to U.G. Digital. In our communities, there's no question that we're missing many of the fundamentals of personal finance, planning for our futures, and securing the futures of our children. This is were Mrs. Ashira Nelson steps in. This Cleveland native has taken on the task of educating those within the community in any way she can on ways that they, too, can save money and plan appropriately for the futures of their families. Through Savvy Girl Money, she offers an amazing service, and we're ahppy to share that service here in U.G. Digital. Currently, we're planning to offer more from Ashira in the form of a regular column. Until now, check out the interview we were able to complete with this financial guru!

U.G. Digital Mag: We’re so grateful for this opportunity. I was checking some things out and realized what you were working on. I know last time we spoke you were making jewelry. Imagine my surprise when I saw you were now doing things to help the community within the financial world. What really took you into that area? I preface that with the fact that you have been a CPA for some time.

Ashira Nelson: Right. I’m a CPA, and I’ve been in the field for six years now. I’ve worked with so many different types of clients, primarily wealthy clients. I started out with PNC Bank; then I went to an investment firm; and now I’m at a CPA firm. I always see a common denominator among the clients, regardless of where I am. I was constantly working with money, budgets, and how they financially plan their lives. I said it had to be something to take away and help my community. Growing up, I had never heard of some of these things related to tax planning and financial planning. There’s people I know who don’t have access to this information. That’s kind of how I got here. Personal finance has always been my passion. Jewelry, I started because I always saw myself as a business woman. My dad always franchised restaurants. As a young girl, I always saw myself in the light of being a business owner. There wasn’t any passion behind it though. I came into Savvy Girl Money because it represents everything about me and what I do everyday. It’s a way for me to educate and help my community.

U.G. Digital Mag: This is one of the biggest things our community struggles with. It’s difficult for a lot of people because often, they don’t make a lot of money. I saw through your site that you make things very simple in that respect. It’s the smallest things that will help you save money. You talked about going to an event for your dad, and opting to pull something from your closet as opposed to shopping for something. That saved you $40. What gave you the thought and sense that this would help people everywhere?

Ashira Nelson: I have so many friends and co-workers who feel the need to get a new outfit for events. This video showed that you can mix and match different things and still make it look great without spending extra cash. I felt like I had to buy something new. Ultimately, I said I don’t need this new outfit. I have so many clothes in my closet. Sometimes, I think we find ways to spend cash when we don’t need the things we spend it on. It’s just for the moment.

U.G. Digital Mag: Personally, I’ve been in that same head space where I’ve bought something just for the sake of buying it. I’ve pulled things out of the closet that I’ve never worn.

Ashira Nelson: Right. I wear something, and think that wow, I forgot I had it. I never needed it.

U.G. Digital Mag: The other thing I saw was you featured your daughter. It’s great to start this at a younger age. How much do you feel she understands though, considering her age?

Ashira Nelson: My goal wasn’t for her to get like this in-depth personal finance lesson. My goal was to start the foundation. I want to take the same approach as people do with their ABC’s. When you first teach your child their alphabet, you make a song, and keep repeating it. I want her to slowly collect on different topics.