Brown Ambition

Our hearts are with the families and victims of last night's attack at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester. Spread a little love in the world today, BA fam — we could all use some!--Want to ask a question or share a story with us?Hit us up on our Facebook page: Facebook.com/brownambition Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As mentioned on the show, check out these helpful resources to find about more about student loan refi options: MagnifyMoneyLoan consolidation vs. refinancing Curious about opening an FSA? Check out these explainers. What's an FSA? - Healthcare.gov Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're back! If you're new to the show and want to show your support, we would so appreciate it if you could leave us a review on iTunes. It gives us a huge boost and helps others find the show!Yours in brown ambition,Mandi & Tiffany Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thanks for letting us take a mini hiatus, BA Fam!We are back with a packed show. So. Much. Has. Happened! Serena's preggo?Bill O'Reilly is out of a job? Shea Moisture lost their damn minds? We cover it all.And today's reader question comes from D: Was I right to tell my sister I wouldn't co-sign her mortgage?Then, don't miss our interview with Blavity.com co-founder Morgan DeBaun, who's talking all about her new lifestyle brand 21ninety.com and how she's working to help other women -- including herself -- take better care of themselves both at work and at home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is our last episode before we take a brief hiatus so that Mandi can enjoy her honeymoon!We will be back the week of May 8 with a brand new episode!In the meantime, we are going out with a bang. On this episode, we're cleaning out our inbox and answering some of your burning questions: 1. How did Tiffany really build her six-figure business? She is opening up and telling us the REAL truth -- the ugly truth -- about entrepreneurship. 2. What do I do if I'm not happy with my employer's 401(k) options?3. How am I supposed to balance work, life, relationships and health? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You know how family sit coms used to always do one "wedding episode" and the entire thing revolved around all the drama surrounding the Big Day?After a year of planning, our girl Mandi is FINALLY tied the knot April 7 in Savannah. Tiffany was there and she's spilling all the details. Check out some pics of the Big Day below: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

*Today's show is dedicated to Titi Branch — a phenomenal woman, entrepreneur, and sister. We love and thank you for every contribution you made toward helping women embrace their natural beauty.*Miko Branch, the phenomenal cofounder of Miss Jessie's sits down with Mandi and Tiffany to talk about creating the Miss Jessie's hair care line with her big sister Titi in their Brooklyn brownstone over a decade ago. The sisters mixed their products in the kitchen of their Brooklyn brownstone and bootstrapped the company themselves without any of the usual trappings of entrepreneurship (they didn't have MBAs, or a team of wealthy investors to back them). Word spread about their signature product, their "curly pudding", and soon enough they went from begging NYC-area stores like Ricky's to carry their products to lining up deals with major retailers like Target.But, of course, there were some bumps along the road to success. After Titi's sudden passing in 2014, Miko has made it her mission to not only continue to grow the company they created as a team but also to focus even more on her own personal happiness, health and balance in life. "I make happiness and health a priority right up there with business," she says. "I think money is a tool that you can use to do many things but I don't think money has much to do with your character or your decision making." Check out Miko's book, "Miss Jessie's: Creating a Successful Business from Scratch---Naturally". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it possible to save TOO much? And should you quit your job if you've got a shot at getting your student loans forgiven if you stick it out?We're answering your questions today on BA. If you have a question on life, money or career, hit us up at brownambitionpodcast.com. But first... we recap the movie "Get Out" that has EVERYONE talking *Major spoiler alert -- skip ahead if you haven't seen it yet!).We talk about the mind tricks money can play on us... and when it's sometimes not such a good thing to be cheap all the time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Check out www.brownambitionpodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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On today's show, an EXCITING update on Tiffany's real estate adventure.-How she found her dream home (and what she's doing to make sure the deal goes through!) -The strategy she's using to become a homeowner once again after facing a foreclosure during the recession If you're a first time homebuyer, check out this guide Mandi mentioned on today's show: Have a question for us? Drop us a line at brownambitionpodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have questions about money or your career? Hit us up at brownambitionpodcast.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a Mad World, y'all. We couldn't start our show today without acknowledging the troubling events of the last few days.We eventually get down to business and take reader Angelique's question on sold off debt."When a lender sells my debt and closes the account, do I still owe that debt?"We've got an answer for her and a huge Brown Ambition hug to everyone out there impacted by Lord Voldemort's refugee and muslim immigrant ban. If you'd like to share your story, send us a note at Brownambitionpodcast.com or at [email protected]. Much love,Mandi & Tiffany Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you dumped your big bank yet? On today's show, we've got a super special guest: Lisa Servon, author of the new book "The Unbanking of America: How the New Middle Class Survives" joins us for a conversation about how payday lenders and check cashing facilities are taking the place of big banks in our neighborhoods. Lisa didn't just write about these businesses. She actually worked for months at a check cashing business in the South Bronx in New York City and a payday lender in Oakland, California, where she talked to real people using these services to find out why — and how banks have let them down.On Servon's website, she has tips on how to ditch your big bank and find banks with lower fees: https://www.lisaservon.com/Also on today's show: Suffering from an Inaugural hangover? Here's one way to feel better: Speak Up! Contact your local representatives and tell them how you feel about the direction our country is heading. We have voices. Let's use them! Here's where to find your local reps: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officialsToday's listener question: "Should I stop paying an account that's been charged off?" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So much to cover, so little time! First of all, thank you for making January our biggest month for downloads yet!If you haven't, please take 2 minutes to leave us a review on iTunes. This is a HUGE factor in how many people are able to find our show on iTunes, and every review counts!Here are the hot topics and links we covered on today's show: Mandi's Brown Boost this week featured two of her favorite money- and time-saving tools (these are NOT paid endorsements!)LevelMoney: Find out exactly what you can afford to spend each day.andHello Fresh: How she makes great dinners without ever going to the store. Today's question: How do I even begin to find a financial planner? Resources: LearnVest Financial Planning Review via MagnifyMoneyHidden Investment Fees to Watch Out ForMandi's $246 Flights to ItalyFor the full scoop on how Mandi used credit card points to book her honeymoon to Italy for $246, check out this post on Yahoo Finance > Tiffany's win this week featured Lucinda Cross, founder of the "Activate Movement." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've missed you and we're BACK BA Fam! On today's show:-Find out how Mandi booked a European honeymoon for FREE and Tiffany got her wedding dress for FREE. We are kind of killing this wedding planning thing, y'all. -All you need to know about joining Tiffany's Live Richer Challenge: Credit Edition, a free online program that will help you finally pay down your credit card debt. To sign up visit http://LRCCredit.com.-Balance Transfer: What it is, how to use one and mistakes to avoid.-Mandi shares a Ted Talk that blew her mind and Tiffany opens up about learning to be a taker as well as a giver. See the Ted Talk here > Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oh, prenups. On today's show, we are tackling this sticky taboo topic and telling y'all how to convince your partner to get on board with a prenup. Tiffany updates us on her real estate investment journey and spills ALL the details on how she and Superman saved up for their first property, how they got preapproved for a mortgage lickity split and everything that went into their decision process so far. Have a question you want featured on the show? Drop us a note at Brownambitionpodcast.com!Check out these snaps from Mandi's trip to Mumbai! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're back! And you do not want to miss this show, y'all. We just went international.On today's jam-packed show: -How to deal with the mania of Christmas and holiday shopping when you have kids-Mandi reveals the BEST travel rewards credit card on the market right now. Can you say "100,000 bonus miles"? -The pros and cons of leasing a car-Tiffany's big cameo on The Real has aired!See her in action on the show right here > Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We cover a LOT of ground today, BA Fam. You do not want to miss this ep!Here's just a sample: -Mandi spills the beans on how she and fiance boo saved a bundle on their new car AND got an amazingly low auto loan rate....AND found a sweet new apartment all in one week. -Tiffany shares her rules for working with friends-Mandi FINALLY gets her wedding dress...and manages to save $400!-Tiffany and Mandi share tips on how to split gifts for the holidays Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We are so grateful for your love and support. Don't forget to send us love by leaving us a review or sending us a note at brownambitionpodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Group hug everyone. Love,Mandi & Tiffany Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everyone knows investing is a key component of a healthy financial life....but how the heck are you supposed to get started when you A) have no idea what you're doing and B) can hardly make ends meet as it is? On today's show, we're joined by Eric Patrick, founder of the Black Market Exchange, a financial education website empowering millennials to get in the investing game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have a question for us? Head to brownambitionpodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BA Fam -- You have asked for it and we are delivering! We want to answer your toughest questions on debt for an upcoming series on the podcast.Here are the topics we're covering:Relationships & DebtPaying off credit debtDebt vs. SavingsStudent Loan Debt payoff strategiesDebt recovery -- how to bounce backSubmit a question at brownambitionpodcast.com (just let us know if you want to remain anonymous) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've missed you BA Fam! We are back this week with a fresh episode and trust us...we are making up for lost time in BIG way.First *drumroll please* one of us has a personal update we've all been waiting for....find out in the first 5 minutes of this week's show. We've got a feeling no one saw it happening like this.Then we catch up on all the latest headlines, from Solange's new album to FLOTUS' legendary NYT cover story to the latest Election drama (can we just fast forward to Nov. 9th already? Please and thank you?)Finally, we are taking YOUR questions on today's show. Have a question for us? Go to brownambitionpodcast.com to ask us anything.One listener is worried she signed up for a student loan payment scam. Mandi does a little digging to find out what she's really paying for.And lastly, another listener is worried she isn't cut out for her job and is considering quitting and going back to grad school. Is it worth the risk or should she stick it out? You don't want to miss Tiffany's answer on this one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the podcast, we're cleaning out our inbox and answering YOUR biggest questions about money, careers and relationships. Tiffany shares the secret behind her relationship success...Hint: it starts with her closet!Can you really write a letter to credit bureaus to get negative marks removed from your report? We've got your answer. And finally, what do you do if you haven't built up enough credit history to get approved for new types of credit? To send us your questions, head to BrownAmbitionPodcast.com and submit a question through our handy "Ask Us Anything" form. We'd love to hear from you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you seen our new look? Check out the new BrownAmbitionPodcast.com!----On this week's show: BA Anniversary dinner recap! Tiffany and Mandi weigh in on the teacher from Georgia whose envelope-pushing ensembles have everyone talking. Tiffany shares tips on how to qualify for student loan debt forgiveness. For more details, check out this in-depth article with more tips > Have a question? Ask us anything! ----- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy Anniversary, BA Fam! By now we hope you have checked out our newly redesigned website and are loving the fresh new look. We are so thrilled to be celebrating our 1-year anniversary. We couldn't have gotten here without YOU! Thanks for listening, thanks for your support. Please help us ring in our near year on a high note by leaving us a review today on iTunes> On Today's show: What does it really take to become CEO? We've got the results of a new LinkedIn study that reveals exactly what you need to do to have the best shot at a spot at the top of the office food chain. We also take a question from single mom "Kim" who earns $92,000 and still feels like she's broke. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy Brown Ambition Tuesday!We've got a packed show for today: Buzzworthy: Lena Dunham. Why? Just why? The Black-Owned Bank Movement everyone's talking about Questions: What's the right amount to give at weddings? Do you really need travel health insurance? Tifffany's book selection for this week: "The Gatekeepers are Gone" by Lamar Tyler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We can hardly believe it, BA Fam...the Brown Ambition podcast is turning 1! To celebrate our pending anniversary, we're hosting an epic contest and treating a whole group of lucky listeners to a special evening with us — your hosts! Win a Night of Dinner + Drinks with Mandi and Tiffany! To enter, send an email [email protected] and answer this question: What does Brown Ambition mean to you personally, whether in your personal life or your career? This is a shot to tell us why you are proud to be part of the #BrownAmbition family. Submissions are Due by Sept. 1 and winners will be notified by September 4th. The dinner will be hosted in Manhattan on the evening of Friday S Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest needs no introduction but we gon' give her one anyway! Luvvie Ajayi has turned her hilarious pop culture blog AwesomelyLuvvie.com into a media sensation. For the last 13 years she bas been cracking up the Interwebs with her bitingly funny and whip smart takes on celebrity, TV, film, technology, politics and more. This year, the self-proclaimed "professional troublemaker" caught the eye of none other than Oprah Winfrey herself, who included Luvvie on her first annual Super Soul 100 list. This September, Luvvie is releasing her first book, "I'M JUDGING YOU: The Do-Better Manual". Pre-order it on Amazon or wherever books are sold. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We can hardly believe it, BA Fam...the Brown Ambition podcast is turning 1! To celebrate our pending anniversary, we're hosting an epic contest and treating a whole group of lucky listeners to a special evening with us — your hosts! Win a Night of Dinner + Drinks with Mandi and Tiffany! To enter, send an email to [email protected] and answer this question: What does Brown Ambition mean to you personally, whether in your personal life or your career? This is a shot to tell us why you are proud to be part of the #BrownAmbition family. Submissions are Due by Sept. 1 and winners will be notified by September 4th. The dinner will be hosted in the NYC area, so keep that in mind before entering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome Dream Catchers! If you're just finding the show, be sure to check out our Facebook page and take the time to leave us a review on iTunes. On today's show, we chat with Keona Harris, a Houston, Texas-based mother and entrepreneur. After going through a divorce, buying a new home, and starting her own business — all within the last year! — Keona decided there was no better time to plan a cross country road trip with her 9-year-old daughter. "I was one of those people who when I had PTO days I couldn’t or wouldn’t use them because work would get backed up," Keona told us. "I just had to look at my situation and ask myself what is more important to me? My child was going to daycare and school all day. I didn’t get home until it was time to put her to bed. I didn’t want that life for her. I didn’t want that life for us… I don’t need to give the best of my years and my times to an institution when my daughter needs me most." We talked to Keona about why she decided to plan this journey for her daughter and, of course, how she saved up the money to fund it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode.... We recap Michelle Obama's EPIC Democratic Convention speech. Watch it here or read the transcript here. Resources mentioned on this week's show: We tell a listener whether or not she should refinance her mortgage. Check out the tools we mention: Smart Asset mortgage refinance calculator and Bankrate And Mandi tells you about finding a financial planner through the XY Planning Network, a network of financial planners who specialize in Gen X and Y professionals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions? E-mail us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just 7 years ago, Patrice C. Washington was scraping up all the change in her purse to buy baby formula for her newborn daughter. Now, Patrice is a best-selling author and founder and CEO of Seek Wisdom Find Wealth, a boutique personal finance consulting firm based in Atlanta, GA, and is a featured financial coach on the Steve Harvey Show. On Jan. 19, Patrice is publishing her new book "Real Money Answers for Everyday Women" in bookstores nationwide. Patrice joined us last fall to talk about hitting rock bottom and how she clawed her way back to the top. She also has some tough advice for everyday women looking to get ahead. "When people are unfulfilled in their careers that leads them to mismanage their finances," she says. "I meet so many women who are quick to go the mall because they're frustrated with everything they've been through all week." As always, send us your money questions at [email protected] or hit us up on Facebook.com/BrownAmbition or Twitter @theBApodcast. **This episode originally aired Nov. 17, 2015** Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Group hug everyone. We could all use one. Today's reader question: Should I refinance my car loan? Resources: How to get out of a bad car loan MagnifyMoney auto loan comparison tool Have a question for us? Send us an email at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We LOVE getting your lovely e-mails and all the great feedback you have on the show. Please take the time to share the love in an iTunes review. It helps others find the show and we will love you forever for it! Now, down to bidness: Today on the show: -The BET awards recap (ALL HAIL JESSE WILLIAMS) -Mandi and Tiff's latest book suggestions "Grit: The power of passion and perseverance" by Angela Duckworth "What I Know For Sure" By Oprah Winfrey -A question from reader who wants to know what comes first: business expenses or credit card debt? We will not have a show next week due to the Fourth of July! We'll be back on the air Tuesday July 12. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brown Ambition is a weekly podcast about juggling life, career, family and building wealth on your own terms. Send us your financial and career questions at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#LoveOrlando. To find out how you can help the victims of this senseless tragedy, check out this link. ************* We have a great question today from a single mom who's not happy with her paycheck. If you have a question, hit us up at [email protected] or send us a message on le Facebook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have a question for the show? Hit us up at [email protected]! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Keep in touch, BA Fam! E-mail us your money and career questions at [email protected] (you can remain anonymous!) Or hit us up on Twitter @TheBApodcast and Facebook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stay in touch! Send us any and all finance/career questions: [email protected] Twitter: @TheBApodcast Facebook: Brown Ambition Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.