The host of PBS’s The Color of Money presents his bestselling guide to personal wealth for African Americans. Nationally renowned financial expert Kelvin Boston offers basic money management advice tailored for African Americans. It is an inspiring, clearly written, and easy-to-use book that will show readers the smart money moves they need to make to start on the road to financial security.

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How to hold onto hard-earned prosperity.

In college, I started on a journey that would see me filing bankruptcy at age 30. I did not understand finances and was not taught in school. In addition, the books I read regarding money seem to have excluded some of the major challenges African-Americans face in the financial arena. This book was written to help young black people in America understand how to manage their money and achieve wealth so they do not suffer the same consequences I did.

Whether you're an African-American working full time, entering college, graduating college or retiring, it's not too late to move toward financial freedom. Gregory D. Bethel outlines seven steps to take now to ensure a brighter future. While he positions his message for African-Americans, anyone can use his guidance to achieve financial independence. In plain language, he explains how to reduce debt, conduct financial research, build capital, invest, monitor growth, and enjoy life to the fullest. One critical lesson you'll learn is how to manage debt and credit. Both can lead to dangerous paths if you rely on them too much. Once you commit to living on a budget, you'll reduce debt and have the wherewithal to create an emergency fund. The guide includes worksheets so you can determine your net worth, create a budget, track expenses, calculate debt, and more.

"Jesse Brown puts money in your pocket, answers all your questions, and gives you the know-how to create the future you want for yourself and your family." -- From the Foreword by Tavis Smiley "If you have no money in the bank, you think your paycheck is too small, and you're determined to change your life, READ THIS BOOK!" -- Melvin B. Miller, Director of the Boston Bank of Commerce Author, How to Get Rich When You Ain't Got Nothing "Mr. Brown does an excellent job of guiding readers through the financial pitfalls to attainable wealth and financial security. THIS BOOK WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE." -- Will Horton, Publisher and CEO, NASABA Magazine "Need help setting financial goals, funding a college education, planning a retirement? Then turn to financial expert Jesse Brown." -- Library Journal Let Jesse Brown put you and your family on the road to success. This easy-to-follow personal finance book gives you the answers to all your questions about how to get out of debt and stay out of debt-and how to make money work for you instead of against you. As Jesse Brown and Tavis Smiley say, "Things just don't happen. You've got to claim your destiny. Educate yourself. Get a plan. And take charge of your financial life." From stories of other people's mistakes, you can learn: * How to stop spending money you don't have * How to stop paying more than everybody else * How to stop being a day late and a dollar short * How to stop relying on get-rich-quick schemes and the lottery and start believing in yourself, your spirituality, and your determination to change your life Let Jesse Brown, Money Makeover columnist for ABC News.com and nationally syndicated personal finance columnist, show you how to get the money you need. Make your move now from financial destitution to financial knowledge and empowerment.

"How do we help make black America better? Jesse Brown reminds us that we gain financial success and security when we pay ourselves first."-Tavis Smiley, author of How to Make Black America Better: Leading Black Americans Speak Out "Jesse Brown's commonsense approach is a surefire way to watch your money grow."-Myra J., The Tom Joyner Morning Show Achieve your financial freedom with step-by-step instructions from award-winning investment manager Jesse B. Brown. Discover the easy-to-follow, down-to-earth secret to living your dreams, whether it's buying a new home, buying a new car, sending your children to college, retiring rich, or going on that once-in-a-lifetime vacation. Pay Yourself First is a must-have reference guide for all African Americans who want to experience their own financial security. If you make less than $30,000 a year-or if you are simply a first-time investor-here is your financial "411" on: * How to get out of debt and stay out of debt permanently * How to avoid the most common mistakes people make with their money * How to put time and money to work for you instead of against you * Everything you need to know about today's best investment options, including IRAs, insurance, stocks, bonds, and mutual funds Jesse Brown has already shown thousands and thousands of African Americans how to successfully manage their money-and make even more while they're doing it. Now you can begin your own journey to wealth. From free money for family emergencies to the fundamentals of saving and investing, Jesse Brown will give you the help you need to secure the things you want and be a winner.