BrandStar Entertainment’s The Balancing Act with Etta Money

The following segment originally aired on the January 26^th, 2011 show on BrandStar Entertainment’s morning TV show, The Balancing Act on Lifetime Television.  The featured guest was Etta Money with InCharge Debt Solutions.

BrandStar Entertainment – The Balancing Act on Lifetime: If you’re facing huge monthly bills due to overused credit cards, BrandStar Entertainment’s popular ‘Money 411’ series on The Balancing Act on Lifetime will offer you a way to get back on track.

BrandStar Entertainment – The Balancing Act on Lifetime: When it comes to household budgeting, some of us are in a mess; organizing bills, financial planning, saving for a vacation—but we just never seem to get there.  Did you know that establishing a monthly home budget is the best way to manage your cash flow and achieve your goals?  Joining our special financial series is Etta Money from InCharge Debt Solutions.  She’s going to offer some pointers that will help lead us to success.

Etta: A lot of us have goals, but feel that they’re impossible to reach.  Goals are NOT dreams—they’re achievable!  You just have to set a financial plan.  Here are 3 simple steps to get you started. First, you need to indentify your goals, then develop a plan—then work the plan.  It sounds simple, but it can be hard to develop an achievable spending plan.

BrandStar Entertainment – The Balancing Act on Lifetime: Could you give us a few pointers?

Etta: Compare your income to your expenses.  Then write a budget assigning bills weekly or bi-weekly—according to your paychecks.  Organize your financial records in file folders or boxes and set them aside every week for paperwork.  Don’t forget service charges, checks, debit card transactions and monthly fees.  Be sure to always balance your checkbook!  In order to be successful at budgeting you need to become educated.

BrandStar Entertainment – The Balancing Act on Lifetime: How do you get started?

Etta: You can start by reviewing your home and credit card bills.  Reconfirm your bank statements and check for accuracy prior to paperwork filing.  Don’t forget to watch for those fine print messages that may unexpectedly affect your plans and inevitably– your goals!

BrandStar Entertainment – The Balancing Act on Lifetime: Could you tell us some of the resources that are available?

Etta: InCharge Debt Solutions offers workshops throughout the year to help you take control of your finances.  You can check out our website to see if there’s a workshop in your area.  Our website offers a home budget calculator tool to help manage your cash flow.  “Mind Your Finances” is also available on the site, which offers online budgeting assistance and personal finance education for ALL customers.

Etta: Remember, there are NO shortcuts to life’s achievements.  But, with determination– anything is possible.

BrandStar Entertainment – The Balancing Act on Lifetime: For more information on household budgeting, visit InCharge Debt Solutions at incharge.org/balancing-act.

The award-winning television production team at BrandStar Entertainment is one of the industry’s leaders.  BrandStar Entertainment features a full array of creative services that include distribution, sound stages and production/post production facilities. BrandStar Entertainment is known for producing content driven shows like The Balancing Act on Lifetime Television, the only morning show in America produced by women specifically for women. BrandStar proudly carries a WomenCertified® Seal, demonstrating leadership in women friendly programming. BrandStar Entertainment’s The Balancing Act airs daily on Lifetime at 7 a.m. ET/PT. For more information, visit BrandStar Entertainment’s website for The Balancing Act at www.thebalancingact.com.