Gearing up for the New Year In January 2009 Teanna and Tamika set out to conquer the world. What started out as a small dream has blossomed into not one but two amazing business ventures that these wonderful women would like to share with not only their peers but the world. DuetothehighdemandfortheirheavilyanticipatedSocialButter-fly(SB)eventsandtheirstunning jewelrycreations, these ladieshavede-cidedtorevamptheirlookandfeelfortheupcomingNewYear.Asaresult,thefoundersandcreatorsofKeturahandSocialButterflieshavedecidedtonotonlyre-launchtheirnewsletter,butcompletelyalterthedesignandthequalityofinformationprovided. Pleaseenjoytheupdatedlookaswellastheamazingarticlesandin-formationalpiecesspecificallywithyouthereaderandSBmemberinmind.OnceagainthankyouforallofyoursupportaswehereatKeturahandSBhopeyouare inspired,blessed,andmotivatedtomakeyourowndreamscome true.

Sincerely,The Ladies of KeturahTeanna and Tamika

~ What’s Inside ~

Meet The FoundersFabulous Finds

Getting Personal with Mclean Emmanuel

What does your financialreport card say about you?

What’s the T Gurl?SB challenge of the month

Ask TTHoroscopes

Events

Add Spice to your Event by Hosting a Shopping Party with Keturah...

Not sure how? E-mail or Call a Keturah Rep. today to be on your way to having one of the most talked about events of

the year.For more information contact 626.497.8295 or

e-mail: keturah_dezignz@yahoo.com Check out our Blog @ http://keturahdesigns.blogspot.com

Social Butterflies (SB) is an exclusive social networking group. Its sole purpose is to inspire, motivate and empower women from all walks of life. SB meets every other month with a different theme and discussion topic to promoteand stimulate personal growth.

September/October

2009

Bi-Monthly Publication

Meet the Founders With dynamic style and sophistication it’s hard tonot know or love the wonderful founders of Keturah. How-ever,thereareafewfolksouttherenotfamiliarwiththeseladiesandit’stimeintroductionsaremade.PleasewelcomeTamika and Teanna Founders and Creators of Keturah De-signsandthebelovedSocialButterfliesNetworkingGroup! Tamika is a Fresno,CalifornianativewhohasaBAinBusinessfromDillardUniversitybywayofLouisiana,andis currently seeking her Master’s in Marriage and FamilyTherapywithanemphasisinAfricanAmericanFamilyStud-ies fromPacificOaksCollege.She isabrightandenergeticyoung woman who prides herself on providing quality work andapositiveattitude.Withasharptongueandasarcasticcharm Tamika can be the life of any party as well as bring a sophisticatededgetoKeturahandSocialButterflies. Teanna is a Pasadena, California nativewho has aBFAinVisualCommunicationsfromAIUofLosAngelesandiscurrentlyseekingherMBAfromUniversityofPhoenix.Sheisverycreativewithadistinctivelaughthateveryoneknowsandloves.Sheisaproudmotherofahandsomeyoungman.HerbrightspiritanddynamicpersonalitybringsasofttouchtoKeturahandSocialButterflies. TamikaandTeannametatJohnMuirHighSchoolinPasadena,Californiawheretheybecameveryclosefriends.Forthepast2yearsbothhaveenjoyedworkingtogetheratSIA.TheseladiesaretrulyforcestobereckonedwithintheJewelryandBusinessworldastheircreativityanddetermi-nationtrulysetsthemapart.

Why we started SB? SocialButterflies(SB)wasstartedtomotivate,em-power,andcelebratewomenfromallwalksoflifenomattershade or age. We strive to provide women with a forum to sharetalents,products,andserviceswithotherladiesinthecommunity.Moreover, at every SB eventwe highlight sig-nificanttopicsaffectingourcommunitywherewebegintodialogueaboutsolutionsforchange.Inaddition,ourgoalistoprovidenewandexcitingoutingstobreaktheredundancyofourstressfulworkweeks,andmakeavailableapeacefulenvironment for us to all have fun and be ourselves.

AllandallSBisawonderfulorganizationthatstimulatesper-sonal growth and is a strong new force in the community. Withthehelpofallwomenwhoparticipateinourmeetingswecandefinitelychangelivesandchangeminds.

“If you can’t do something right get a woman to do it” ~ M. Taylor

Become a Social Butterfly

It’s Free!Membership Benefits:

10% off Purchases of $30 or more, $5 off your Official SB T-Shirt, Free Birthday Gift, Keturah Goody Bag

for Hosting a Shopping Party, Exclusive Access to SB Members

Products & Services.

Fabulous Finds

Attentionallmakeupdivasandmakeupdivasintraining,thereisagreatsiteouttherewithamazingcosmeticfindsandtipsknownase.l.f.No,notthekindthatrollswithSantaoryouhearaboutinfairytales,buttheawesomesiteofEyesLips&FaceCos-meticsbetterknownase.l.f.Thissitecontainsproductstokeepyoulookingandfeelingamazing.Butwehaven’ttoldyouthebestpart!For that diva on a budget who is constantly looking for recession freeitemslooknofurtherase.l.f.offersgreatcosmeticsandacces-soriesforaslittleas$1dollar!Noyoureyesarenotdeceivingyouitemsstartaslowas$1dollar.IknowthepriceseemstolowtobeofgoodqualitybuttrustmewhenIsaytheyhavesomeexceptionalproducts. Theirliquideyeshadowandtheirsoftyetdurablemakeupbrushes areamazing.Not tomention their incrediblenail polishthatgoesondarkandcreamy.AndunlikeanyotherpolishI’vetried(trust I have triedplenty) thispolishdoesn’t require10 cotes togetthedesiredshadeandtexture.However,theunbelievablepartabouttheseitemsistheprice!CanyoubelievethatalloftheitemsI purchasedwerebetween$1 and$3dollars? So if you are juststepping up your makeup game or an old pro that is looking for an affordableandexcellentway to support yourhabitplease checkoute.l.f.Cosmetics.

For more information please visit www.eyeslipsface.com and todiscoverothergreatfinds,make-uptipsandtogetthescooponvarious beauty products checkout Clumps of Mascara @ clumpsof-

mascara.com&UrbanFrugalChic@urbanfrugalchic.com.

IfyouareafanofshowslikeSexandtheCity,Girlfriends,LivingSingle,andtheGoldenGirls,butcravedanewtakeonthesethemesthenyoushouldknowaboutNoah’sArc.Formanyofmygirlfriends this was the show to watch as it made you laugh out loud, talk to your television set, and containedmoredramaandsassinessthenanyoftheothershowscombined.Oh,andletmenotforgettomentionthatitsurroundsthelivesoffourblackgayfriends dealing with everyday trials, tribulations, triumphs andtragedies in beautiful Los Angeles, CA (snaps for the kids). TheshowfeaturedcharactersbythelikesofWade,thehandsomeandsexuallyconfusedscreenwriter;Noah,theshowscentralcharacterwhose failures in lovekept you rooting forhimwitheach show;Alex the HIV/AIDS educatorwhose catchy sayings and loud per-sonalitymadeyoudoubleoverwithlaughter;Ricky,thesuccessfulentrepreneurwhosesexualescapadeswouldmakeanyoneblush;andChance,thelovinghusbandandfatherwhosecareerasacol-lege professor made him the more level headed of the group. Forfansoftheshowmemorablesayingslike“What’stheteagirl”blurtedinalmosteveryepisodebyRodneyChesterwhoportrays Alex on the hit “dramedy” (drama/comedy), kept audi-ences on the edge of their seats to see the latest drama that would unfoldwitheachepisode.Noah’sArcwasafantasticshowthatcul-minatedinDecember2008withthegroundbreakingmovieNoah’sArc:JumpingTheBroom.Forthosewhowishedtheywereapartoftheexcitementthatsurroundedthisshoworwouldliketorelivesome of their favorite moments please be prepared for the upcom-ingSocialButterflyevent.SB’spleasegetreadyforthe“Noah’sArc:Drinks and Laughter” events where we will revisit each season with drinks, snacks and plenty of discussion, and conclude the eventwiththewonderfulfulllengthfeaturefilm. Ifyouwould likemore informationon thiseventpleaseemail us at keturah_dezignz@yahoo.com. Hope to see you all there forthisexcitingtime!

Have you heard of E.L.F? The Best Kept Secret in Television..

Getting Personal with McLean Emmanual“The Journey to Financial Independence”

ThemovetoAmericaintheearly80’sbroughtMcleanEm-manuelanewsenseofhopeforthefuture,asmoreopportunitieswereon thehorizon.Though,his journey to living theAmericanDreamwasnotpavedwithgold,orclearlymappedoutMcleanEmmanuel now referred to as “Coach Mac” by colleagues andfriends,hastrulysurpassedtheoddsandisnownotonlylivingbutembodyingtheAmericanDream.Mr.Emmanuel,neversoughttokeepupwiththeJones’sbuthasnowbecomethemashiscontin-uedsuccessintheFinancialServicesIndustryhasallowedhimtheopportunitytoprovideforhisfamilyandcontinuegrowingasuc-cessfulbusiness inthesehardtimes.Moreover,hehasremainedhumbleasoneofhisgoalsistoteachothershowtoattainalevelofsuccessthatwillsuittheirneeds.Additionally,McleanEmmanuelhas proven that anything is attainable through hardwork, plan-ninganddetermination.Thisismadeevidentinthewayhespeaks,ashispassiontohelpothersbecomefinancially independentaremade apparent every day. The willingness to share successes and to lay the footsteps for others to follow is highly commended. We are honored to have had the opportunity to pick his brainabouthis journey, and to sharehis knowledge inhopesofempowering you to know that all goals are achievable if you want it bad enough and will work hard enough for it.

SB: Provide our readers with your history? What were you doing prior to starting your career in the financial services industry?ME:My parents always heard that in America the streets werepaved with gold so in 1983 they decided they wanted a bettereducationfortheirkidsandsaid let’smovetotheUnitedStates.Ihadvarious jobsmainly inretail; I’veworkedforPaylessShoes,DiscountTires,ChiefAutoPartsandothers.ButIneverlastedlongwithanyofthesejobsIneverstayedlongerthanayearasIwasnothappyaboutmycurrentsituationandwasalwayslookingforbetteropportunities.RightbeforeIbecameRegionalVicePresidentinthefinancialservicesindustryIwasworkingforPacificEnterprises(GasCompany).IbeganmycareerattheGasCompanyasaJanitor.AtthetimeIwasatemp,andtheycalledmeinonedayandaskedifIknew how to screw in light bulbs or move shelves around and I

replied any dummy can do that and that is how I got started at the GasCompany.

SB: Prior to getting into the field you’re in today what were your ideas about credit and finances? ME:My parents stressed the importance of having good credit.However, I lookedat thepeople aroundmewhohad credit andtheywerestillbroke.Sothatleadmetobelievethatpeoplewhohad credit were in fact broke and were borrowing money which madenosense tome.So I focusedonmakingmoneyandusingcash instead of credit.

SB: Were you aware of the importance of a good credit score? Was it something discussed in your household? What were your friends and families views on credit and finances and how did that affect you on your journey to financial independence?ME:IwasawarecreditwasimportantbutIstillthoughtpeoplewhousedcreditwereborrowingmoneyanddidn’thavecashof theirown. I looked at the use of credit as a loan and I never wanted to be inthatsituation.WeneverusedcreditcardsintheIslands.Socom-ingtoAmericaIrealizedIcouldgetapieceofplasticandIcouldgo run it up. When I obtained credit whether it was from Target oranywhereelse Iwouldchargethemaximum.Eventhoughmyparents stressed the importance of credit and that I would one day needittobuyahouseIwasyounganddidn’tunderstand.I’vesincelearnedthatcreditisleverage,andgivesyoumorebuyingpower.NowthatI’molderandwiserIknowthatpeopleneedtoseeyourcredithistorybeforefinancingyoutobuyahouseorcar.

SB: With that said what motivated you to get into the financial services industry, who were your mentors/motivators?ME:One of the things thatmotivatedmewas a close of friendofminewasgoing toafinancial services seminarand suggestedIattend.Shetoldmeaboutherbrother-in-lawwhowasworkingforthiscompanymakinganextra$1000to$2000amonthsellingsometypeofinsurance.Iwasn’tthemostqualifiedapplicantatthetime,asIhungaroundguysinmyneighborhoodwhowereuptonogood.Iwasinvolvedinalotofunnecessaryactivitiesbutnevergotcaughtupinthesystem.However,becauseIwaslookingforachangeformeandmyfamilyIdecidedthatitwouldn’thurttogotothisseminar.AtthetimeIwasonlymaking$23kayearattheGasCompanywhichbackinthedaywasgoodmoneybutIstillwantedsomethingmorefulfilling.ByattendingtheseminarIwasexposedtopeoplewhoweremaking$100k-$200kayearlegallyandhadtheopportunitytomeetGaryKornegay.Hisstoryandvisionmo-tivatedmetodobetter.Also,IhadjustgotwithmywifewhoisabeautifulChristianwomanandatthetimeIwasarebelandreal-izedIhadsomethingspecialandwantedtogivehertheworld.ButIwasmybiggestmotivator,becauseIhadabigvisionandIknewthatmycurrentjobwasgoingtosmothermydreams.

SB: Did you get apprehension about your decision from your peers or family members?

Do you need Financial Planning? or Want to earn extra Income?Well look no further!

Contact Teanna Ross @ 626.644.1521 or Tamika Wyatt @ 626.497.8295We specialize in helping people save and make money

ME:Yes.IgotalotofapprehensionfrommybrotherbecauseIwasnolongerabletohangout.MymotherinitiallysupportedmebutonceIquitmy“GoodJob”attheGasCompanyshebegantoques-tionmydecision.Also,onceIstartedwalking,talking,anddress-ingdifferentlyIgotalotofflakfrommyoldneighborhoodfriends.PeoplethoughtIhadjoinedacultandwasondrugs.IfIwouldhavelistened to them I would not be where I am today.

SB: What kept you focused on your goals and provided you with the strength to withstand the adversity you encountered?ME: My mother and father are both very successful and hardworking individuals. I watched my mother struggle as we came to thiscountrybroketogiveusabetter life.Wedidnothaveacarandwalkedeverywhere,spentalotoftimeinlaundromatsaswecouldn’taffordtheluxuryofhavingourownwasher/dryerandsheneveroncecomplained.AsamatteroffactI’vetracedmyancestrybacktomycountryandlearnedIcomefromabloodlineofstrong,dedicatedandhardworkingpeople.SonaturallyIinheritedagoodwork ethic.

SB: During your process to financial independence/freedom what was or were the silliest things you spent your money on?ME:Norealregrets.Oneofthethingswelearnedinthisbusinessis to invest inappreciatingassets likeowningahome.Whenwemadeourfirst$100,000wewerestilllivinginafour-plexinabadneighborhood.Sowehaveneverreallydonesillythings,Ilikegad-getslikeremotecontrolcarsandairplanes.ButwehavenotdoneanythingthatwouldmakeyougoWOWwhydidwedothat?

SB: Learning from your mistake/mistakes what do you feel are the top 3 things people waste their money on? And what advice could you give?ME:Themistakespeoplemakeareinvestingmoneyindepreciatingassetssuchascars,clothes,andentertainment.ThepointofyourcaristogetyoufrompointAtopointB.Don’tbuythingstoimpresspeople;youdon’tgetanythingfromimpressingpeople.Thebestadvice I could give is to not live above your means and make sure youhaveabudgetinplaceyouworkoffofconsistentlyandmostimportantlypayyourselffirst.

SB: What was the best financial advice you ever received and how did you apply it to your everyday life?ME:ThebestfinancialadviceIreceivedwastobecomedebtfree.Once debt is eliminated your able to save more. You want to be able to save money so money can save you.

SB: What do you feel are the major areas people can work on to achieve the same level of success you have?ME:Firstandforemostyouneedtherightvehicle.Havingtherightvehicle and being in the right business can take you where you

want to go. Do your research. Learn about the business you want tobeapartof.SETGOALS!Aseverythingrevolvesaroundthegoalsyouset.WRITEthemDOWN!Agoalnotwrittenisawish.Onceyouset goals internalize them so that they become you. Create an ac-tionplanandexecuteit.Onceexecutedallhellwillbreakloose,butyou have to remain focused. I have made it a requirement that all membersofmyteamcreatedreamportfolioswithgoals,dreamsandaspirationstheywanttoaccomplish.Thisallowsthemtohavea visible plan that they see every day and work towards. Whenever you feel like you want to give up put your goals and dreams in front of you.

SB: What advice would you give to a young person just starting out on how to invest their money? ME:StartNow.Theearlieryoustartthebetter.Youhavetounder-standhowmoneyworks,onceyouunderstandthatyouhavetheability to appreciate the value of money. Me and my Wife value moneynow.We’vealwayshadmoneybutbeforewestartedinfi-nancial services we would spend our money on unnecessary items like buying clothes and she would get her hair done twice a week. We look back realize that the money spent on those items could have been invested. With anything that you do discipline is a must. Saveand investyourmoney,youhearpeople saygetoutof themarketbutthat’sbecausetheydon’tunderstandthemarket.Theonly way to get wealthy today is through the market. You have to havediscipline,findoutwhatyouwant, investyourmoneylong-termandtalktosomebodywhoknowsinvestments,someonewhoreallycaresaboutyourfinancialwell-beingnottheaveragepersonwhohandlesinvestmentsthatcanhaveyoufilloutanapplicationand take a check. Do your research.

SB: And what are 5 important tips you can give to our readers that you wish you would have known about money and reaching financial stability?ME:Savemoney,understandtheimportanceofgoodcredit,devel-oppeopleskills,knowthevalueofstartingandbuildingabusiness,andknowtheimportanceofbeinginapositiveenvironment.IwishI would have known the importance of saving money 25 years ago. I started my business at 26 years old but wish I would have known aboutstartingandbuildingabusinessat18yearsold.IwishIhadbetter people skills before getting into the business. It tookme2years to reallygrasphowtodealwithpeople.Being inaposi-tiveenvironmentisalsoimportant,lookingbackthatissomethingthatshouldhavebeenimportantbutwasnot.Successisthesamewhetheryouarea leaderofa churchora largeorganization.Tobecome successful you have to separate yourself from everybody else.Lookatwhateverybodyelseisdoinganddon’tgodownthatsame road.

What does your financial report card say about you? Lookinggoodisatthetopofjustabouteveryone’sprioritylist.Niceclothes, fabuloushairandaswaggerthatscreams“youareamazing”Butareyou?Ladiesit’stimethatwenotonlyworkonourouterappearancebutourfinancialcreditappearance.WealltrytokeepupwiththeJones’sbutwouldn’tyouratherbetheJones’s? Sowiththatsaidhowdoyou lookfinanciallyandwhatdoesyourcreditsayaboutyou? Asweallknowcreditisveryimportant,yetalotofusstillhave yet to understand why this three digit number carries so much weight.We’veallbeenyoungandirresponsiblewithourcreditatsomepoint.Whetheritwasnotpayingapastduecellphonebill,beinglateonacreditcardpayment,orco-signingforanirrespon-siblefriend/pastlove(insertingsideeye)wehaveallmadehorribledecisions. We know that the New Year is quickly approaching and everyyearoneofthemostpopularresolutionsistopayoffdebtorsavemoney.Asaresult,whatwillyoudotobetteryourfinan-cialsituationfortheupcomingyear?Ifyouneedassistancepleasecontinuereadingasthisnewsletteralongwithotherswillprovideinformationtoguideyouonyourjourneytofinancialfreedom. Haveyouevernoticedthataswomenwetendtotakeonmorethanwecanchew?Wecontinuouslytrytopleaseourfamilyandlovedoneswhichcanultimatelygetusintotroublewithourfinances.Money,toalotofushasnovalueandwehaveatenden-cytogiveitawaytoappeaseothers,butwhataboutyourneeds?Womenaremoreinclinedtoputonthat“SuperWomanCape”andrescueothers,thatweforgettothinkofus.Iknowweliketolookgoodbutyouneedtofeelgoodaswell,andwhenyourfinancesareoutoforderthat’sdefinitelynotagoodfeeling. So let’sgettothenitty-grittyaboutfinancesandthemainingredient“credit”,andhowithasamajorimpactonourlives. Didyouknowthatyourcreditfollowsyouyourentirelife?Andifyoueverwanttoborrowmoney,getfinancedforacar,orbuya home the lender will look at your credit to determine if they are willingtolendyoufunds.Inaddition,manyemployersarecheckingcreditwhenhiringpotentialcandidatestodeterminewhowouldmake a good employee. Not only does your credit determine your eligibility to receive financing, but it also determines howmuchitwillendupcostingyou toborrow. Individualswithhighcreditscores are seen as less of a risk and therefore will naturally receive lower interest rates. Those individuals with lower scores are viewed asmoreofarisksotheirinterestrateswilltypicallybehigher.Soit’sveryimportanttoknowwhereyoustand. Moreover,beginto lookatyourcreditscoreasagrade;the higher the number the higher the grade and vice versa. Now ask yourself do you want to get tutored or lend money to the per-son with an “F” in the class of life or are

youmoreinclinedtorespecttheideasofthepersonwithan“A”?….don’tworryI’llwait. Additionally,knowinghowyourcreditscoreiscomprisedwill help in your decision making process. All credit scores take into considerationvariousinformationfromyourcreditreportthatsaysa lot about you. Somepartsof your credit history arenaturallymore important than others and will weigh more heavily on your overall score. Your FICO score is basically made up of the following: (braceyourselvesandpraythatJesuswilltakethewheel) •Paymenthistory35% •Totalamountofdebtowed30% •Lengthofyourcredithistory15% •Applicationsfornewcredit10% •Typeofcreditinuse10%(car,studentloans,credit cardsetc.)As you can see the bulk of your credit score depends heavily on your payment history and how much debt you owe. These two itemscombinedaccount for65%ofyour total scoreandare thetwomajorcomponents thatneedtobeanalyzed inorder to im-prove your credit. Whathappensifyou’vemadeacouplemistakes?Nottofret my pet we have all been there and have had a come to Jesus sessionwithourselvesaboutthis.Sotrynottoworryasyourcreditscore is steadily updating. If you are beginning to improve yourcreditmonthlybytakingtheinitiativetomakepaymentsontime,your credit score will be sure to follow. Reducingyourtotalamountofdebtwillsignificantlyhelpraise your credit score as well. Please keep in mind these things do not happen overnight as you did not accumulate this debt over night. And more importantly please note that many of these items remainonyourcreditreportforuptosevenyears,solookatthesechangesasamarathonandnotasprinttothefinishline.

Tips to help eliminate debt:Don’t spend what you don’t have – If you can’t pay for it now with cash you don’t need it! Putthecreditcardsawayandusecashmoreoften!Cut

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If not I have the solution!

themup ifyouhavetoo.Theonlywayyou’regoingtoeliminatedebtisbynotincurringnewdebt.Usingcashwillgetyouintouchwith reality regarding the money you actually have and help elimi-nateyourdesiretospendmoneythatyoudon’t.Ifyouwanttouseacard,useadebitcardthatwithdrawsmoneystraightfromyourchecking account, without interest. Everyone has expenses, butminimizeyourexpendituresasmuchaspossibleandconcentrateonputtingyourmoneytowardthepaymentofdebtyou’vealreadyincurred.

Build up a cash cushion – I know this is difficult, that dress you have been wanting is now on sale so it’s time to make a decision Ideally,youshouldhavethreemonths’expensessetasideforemergencieslikejobloss,disabilityordivorce/breakup.Forex-ample,ifyourbillsare$3,000amonth,youshouldhavea$9,000cashcushion.Startsavingitnowandconsiderthatmoneyuntouch-able.

Get a financial planner – If you need help GET IT! Hiringfinancialhelpisn’tjustfortherich,anditdoesn’thave to be that expensive. Do your research and utilize peoplearoundyouwhoembodythequalitiesyouwishtohave.

Put everything in writing – If your list is more than a standard sheet of paper you need to get YOUR LIFE IN ORDER! Createawrittenlistoraspreadsheetitemizingeachcredi-toryouowewithinterestratesincluded.Forsomepeople,thisstepwillbeabigeye-opener.Youmayfindoutthatyouhavewaymoredebtthanyouthought.Forothers,puttingallyourobligations inblackandwhitewillbearelief ...you’lldiscoverthingsaren’tasbadasyouimagined.Havingeverythinginwritinggivesyouareal-isticlookatwhereyoustandandyouareabletovisuallyseewhereall of your hard earned money has gone and ways to improve upon those bad habits.

Call up creditors and negotiate – Don’t be scared, they call you so beat them to the punch and give them a ring Consumersdon’trealizethattheycancalluptheircredi-torsandaskforlowerinterestrates,orrequestthatlatechargesorannualfeesbewaived.Often,creditcardcompanieswillloweryourrateonthespot,simplybecausetheydon’twanttoloseyourbusiness.It’sacompetitivemarket—creditcardcompaniessendoutnearlyfivebillionofferstoconsumerseachyear—andmostcredit card issuers know that customers will switch cards if their interestrateistoohigh.Sousingyourlistofbillsyoucreatedinthepreviousstep,callupeachcreditorandstartnegotiating.

Cut spending and apply savings to debt – You know that dress that was on sale? You don’t need it!! Lookforwaystoslashyourspending.Forexample,ifyouownacar,youcanrefinanceyourautoloanandsavebigbucks.

Pay at least three times the minimum due – That $10 payment is not helping you put a dent in your debt. It’s only prolonging the time it will take to pay it off. Credit card companies typically ask that you pay just 2percentoftheoutstandingbalance.Butifyouonlymakeminimumpayments,you’llnevergetoutofdebt.Forexample,ifyoucarryabalanceof$13,000onyourcreditcardsandpay15percentannualinterest,making just theminimumpaymentswill takeyoumorethan25yearstopayoffthatdebt—andthat’sassumingyouneverchargeanotherdime!Thesolution:Alwayspaymorethanthemini-mumdue.Ifyoucanswingit,payatleastthreetimestheminimumrequiredpayment. Remember: “minimum”payments now reallymean“maximum”paymentsinthelongrun!

Try a new approach – For all you credit card addicts this one is a doozy. There are many ways to cut spending habits that may not soundveryglamorous,butmaybeeasierandmorebeneficialthanyou imagined. You can shop at wholesale outlets instead of retail-ers,takeacouplehoursonSundaynighttomakeyourlunchesinbulkfortheweek,andperhapsyoumightwanttobreakoutthecoffeemakerinsteadofstoppingatyourfavoritecoffeeshopeverymorning.Remember,youdon’thavetomaketheselifestylechang-esforever, just longenoughtoeliminateyourdebt.Whoknows,youjustmayenjoythem.

Whats the T Gurl?This section allows our readers to weigh on the discussion topic and how it has impacted their lives.

*Names have been changed to protect the innocent*

MA

RY

KA

YBeauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a BudgetBeauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a BudgetBeauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a BudgetBeauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a BudgetBeauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a BudgetBeauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a BudgetBeauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a BudgetBeauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a BudgetBeauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a BudgetBeauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a BudgetBeauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a BudgetBeauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a BudgetBeauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget Beauty on a Budget

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I wish back in high school that instead of learning about HistoryandEnglishmy teacherswouldhave stressed the impor-tance of credit and how it would impact my life. I know you always here credit is important but when you have cash why do you need creditwasmymentality.NOTANYMORE! It doesn’tmatter howmuchcashyouhavewithoutcreditkissyour lifegood-bye.AfterhighschoolIwentcreditcardcrazy..CHARGEIT!ItwasfunwhileitlastedbutIrealizedIhavetopayallthatbackandthat’swhenthemusicstopped.I’vegottenmarriedandwhat’sthefirstthingyouwanttodo?Yes,youguesseditbuyahouseandmycreditwasahotmess.SoIhadtore-visitallthedebtIhadaccumulatedandyesPAYITBACK!AsyouknowthistakestimeanddisciplinebutIhadadreamIneededtoaccomplishandfast!Soafterayearandhalfofmakingpaymentsontimeandpayingoffmydebtmycreditscorehas jumpedupbut it’sstillnotwhere Iwant it tobe.However, IaccomplishedmygoalandI’mreadytomoveinmyNEWHOUSE!Hardworkanddisciplinegoesalongway.I’mexcited!

ExcitedandReady

Parents!!!Pleasestopputtingcreditcardsandyourutilitybills inyourchildren’sname.Youaretrulydoingyourchildadis-service and hindering their ability to live full and successful lives. Sowhenyou’rebabygrowsupandcomplainsofnotbeingabletogetthatnicecar,dreamhouse,orthatwellpayingjobitisimpera-tivetonotethatit’snotbytheirfaultalone.Justbecauseyoumadebadfinancialdecisions inyour lifeandcan’tgetapieceofcandyoncreditdoesn’tmeanyourchildshouldsufferthesameconse-quences.

ThanksforthetimetoshineUpsetChild

Iopenedafewcreditcards(yesIsaidfewsopleasedon’tjudge)andthoughtnothingof ituntil Iwenttobuymyveryfirstcar.IwassoexcitedandfeltsoproudwhenIsteppedonthelotasthiswasthefirstgrownupmomentIhaduptothispoint.Well Ican’tevenbegintotellyouhowshockedIwastofindoutthatthefabulouspurchasesImadeatExpress,Victoriasecret,andcount-lessotherretailerswouldputmeinapositiontohavetobegsome-onetocosignonmycar!!Ican’ttellyouhowbadlyIwishsomeone,anybodywouldhavetalkedmeoutofgettingthesecardsoratleasthelped to limit my ability to use them. Now what was suppose to helpmebuildagoodcreditratinghassincecreatedhugeproblemsinmylife.TrustandbelieveI’velearnedmylessonandamworkingharder to not make the same mistakes.

SincerelyFlyWalkingCutie

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Sendyourquestionsto:questions4tt@yahoo.com

Ask TT

***AskTTisanAdviceColumnintheSocialButterfliesNewsletter.AskTTisnotalicensedtherapistandadvicegiven is solely for entertainment purposes.***

HeyTT, I am a budding young entrepreneur and I have a bad habitoftellingpeopleaboutmyideasandthey(friends/family)continuetohateonanypossiblesuccessImayhave.WhatshouldIdo?Ilovemyfamilyandfriendsandwantthemtoshareinallblessingsthatcomemyway.AmIbeingtodramaticaboutthisorshouldIsaysomething?Sincerely,Dream DeferredPasadena,CA”

DearDreamDeferred, IwouldsaythatIfeelsorryforyou,butIreallydon’t.Andas much as I hate to say it you really need to keep your mouth closed!!Weallwanttoincludeothersonourjourneytosuccessbutthetruthofthematterismostofthefolksweinvitefortheridecan’tfit,arenotsmartenoughtoknowhowtogetonandstaywithit,orholdtherideup.Asaresultit’simportanttoknowthattherearesomepeoplethataren’treceptivetoyourdreamsorcan’tfathomthelevelofsuccessyou’reseekingtoaccomplish.Unfortunately,inmostcaseswefindthatourbiggestcriticsareourfamilyandfriends,andoncewerealizethatwe’redreamingforusandnotforthemallthingswillfallintoplace.It’simportanttoknow(andtrustmeIknowit’sahardpilltoswallow)thatit’snotnecessarytofeeltheneedtoshareeverylittlesuccessnordomostpeoplewanttohearaboutit!I’mallforbeingpositiveandcongratulatingsomeoneonajobwelldone,butifyouexpectmetostrokeyouregoeveryotherdaythenImustsayitgetsalittleannoying!Soallinallkeepdreaming,keepthriving,butpleasekeepyourmouthclosed!

Keepthedreamalive,~TT

TT, I consider myself a very stand up young lady and a nice person.Iamallforkeepingitrealnomatterifit’swithafamilymemberorfriendbutIneverintendtocomeoffrudeordisre-spectful.WellmyproblemisI’veknownthisgirlforoverayearandwestartedoffasgoodfriendsbutsheissonegativethatIreallycan’tstandtotalkorbearoundheranymore.Isitwrongtotellherthatshe’sahotmessandthatIdon’twanthercallingmeanymoreorismycurrentstrategyofavoidancethebetteroption?Sincerely,Sonottryingtoberude,Altadena,CA

Heysonottryingtoberude, Youareawomanaftermyownheart!IlovelovelovethemessinessofyoursituationandasmuchasIwanttogiveyousound advice like talk it out and friends are important I am so not theone!Look,noteveryoneismeanttobefriendsandnotev-eryone is going to get along. It never fails there is always a group of5reallyclosefemalefriendsbutwithinthecliquethere’sasubcliquesothinkofyoursituationassuch.Therearecertainpeoplethatyoumeshwellwithandothersthatyoucan’tstandandthereisnoneedtofeelbadaboutitorfakebeingsomeone’sfriendswhichisworsethanjustavoidingherortellingheryou’renotfeel-ingherattitude.IfIwereyouIwouldtellherhowIfeltaboutherandhowhernegativityissomethingIcanlivewithout.Youneverknowshemayormaynotcomearound.However,becarefulhowyousaythingsbecauseit’snotwhatyousaybuthowyousayit.

~TT

HoroscopesVirgoSeptemberisastrongmonthformakingyourintentionsknownandmak-inganimpression,dearVirgo.Whileyoumaybefeelingmisunderstoodattimes, youareneverthelessgettingnoticedandappreciated,even ifit’ssimplyadmirationfromafar.Loveaffairs,activitieswithchildren,andcreativeendeavorsareespeciallyrichandrewarding.Challengeswithin-creasedresponsibilitiesandunexpectedchangesofcoursefigurenow.Apartnermightbehardtorelyupon.RelationshiptestsorchallengesarisearoundtheFullMoononthe4th.Youarecalledupontotakeasupportiverole.Activitieswithgroupsorfriendsareenergizingthismonth.

LibraFocus is on career, friendships, long-term goals, andweeding out thatwhich is unnecessary or holding you back from accomplishment this month,dearLibra.Aseriousassessmentofyourattitudetowardslifemid-month brings you to awhole new life plan andmotivates you to startcompletely fresh.Rigoroushonestywithyourself isnecessarynow.Thestrength you derive from this assessment is especially clear by the last weekofSeptember,whenothersbegin to takenoteofyournewfoundconfidenceandpositivity. Friendsareespecially supportive,andyouofthem.

ScorpioYoursocialcircle,community,andmoreexpansivegoalscomeintostrongfocusthismonth,dearScorpio.Connectionsmadethismonthmaybesur-prisingandespeciallyrewardingatthesametime,bothonpersonalandprofessionalfronts.Youmightfindyourselfcreatingbridgesbetweenoth-ersandenjoyingtheprocess.TheneedforadventurousexcitementandmentalstimulationisstronginSeptember,andimpelsyoutoreachoutfornewexperiences, fresh ideas, and interesting friendships.Romanticex-citementislikelyaroundtheFullMoononthe4th.Atugofwarbetweenafriendoryourattentiontoactivitiesandalovermightfigure.

SagittariusSeptemberisatimetoshineonaprofessionalorpubliclevel,dearSagit-tarius.Themoreresponsibleandcompetentsideofyournatureisactivat-ed,andothersmoreeasilyplacetheirfaithinyou.It’sagoodtimetoaskforwhatyouhavebeenwantingfromahigher-up,orforpromotionandsponsorship. While your personal life may be on the backburner much of September, your family and domestic life requires special attentionaroundtheFullMoononthe4th.Personalresponsibilitiesbecomeclear.Youcookupanew,moreresponsibleplanforyourcareermid-month.

CapricornImpatienceissomethingtowatchforthismonth,dearCapricorn,inyourdrivefornewexperiencesthattakeyoufarbeyondtheordinary.Withthatincheck,youcouldenjoyarich,playful,andspiritedmonth.Intensityinapartnershiporothercloserelationships is likely inSeptember. It’snotthetimetosweepanythingunderthecarpet.Grievancessurface,andit’sbesttomanagethempromptly,orevenproactively.Thehighergoalistoconnectatadeeper level.Businessmattersbegintotakemoreprioritytowards the end of the month.

AquariusWork,research,andpartnershipsarebigthemesforyou inSeptember,dearAquarius.Committedrelationshipsareespeciallyrewarding.Signifi-cant others and their agendas are assuming more importance in your life thanyourpersonalgoalsnow.Youhavemuchenergytopourintowork,healthroutines,andtakingcareofbusiness.Drawingupabudget,orseri-ouslyassessingsharedfinances,loans,anddebts,isfavoredmid-month.Drawing upon support from others is easier now than usual. A spirit for adventure and increasing your knowledge grabs hold in the last week of the month.

PiscesYouattractstrong, supportive,andpowerfulpeople toyou thismonth,dearPisces.Relationshipswithothersarespirited,dynamic,andinstrongfocus.Youareespeciallywillingtopleaseapartner,butnotafraidtotaketheleadeither.EmotionsrunhighinthedayssurroundingaFullMooninyoursignonthe4th.Responsibilitiestoothers,andespeciallyapartner,aremagnifiedmid-month,andcouldbefrustratingorfelttobelimiting.Afeelingthatyoudon’tknowwhereyoustandwithasignificantothereasestowardsmonth’send.Workispleasurable,andsoisleisuretime.

AriesWorkresponsibilitiesandchallengesarehighlightedthismonth,dearAr-ies,particularlyinthedayssurroundingthe18th.Reviewofprojectsyouthought were complete becomes necessary. You possess much energy for workonandinyourhome,aswellasactivitieswithfamily.Althoughyourmain focus isonworkandorganization inSeptember,othersareeasilycharmed by your warmth and sincere approach to the world. You may be investingmoremoney inhobbies, creativeactivities, andpastimes thismonth,withlessfocusonsavingsandsecurity! TaurusHobbies, enjoyable pastimes, activitieswith children, and romance arealltoppriorityforyouinSeptember,dearTaurus.Gettingseriousaboutaromanticrelationshiporcreativeprojectislikelyinthedayssurround-ingthe18th,leadingtoafreshstartorsenseofrenewal.TheFullMoononthe4thbringstheneedtohelpoutafriend.Yourhomelifeissatisfy-ingandheart-warmingthismonth,andyoumightfinddomesticactivitiesespecially rewarding. Energetic conversations and communications arehighlightedinSeptember.Youarepresentingyourideaswithpassion.

GeminiSeptember is a strongmonth for harmonizing, collecting yourself, andpeacemaking for you, dearGemini. Your larger focus is on your home,family, and domestic activities. The need to assumemore responsibil-itywith familyarisesmid-month, leading toa senseof renewal on the domesticfront.Increasedawarenessofyourneedforasolid,functionalhomebasecomesnow.Money-makingactivitiesandplansareenergeticthismonth,althoughyoumightnotalwaysagreewithothersregardingthesematters.The4thbringsaflurryofactivityonaprofessionallevel. CancerAsociableandenergeticmonthisinstore,dearCancer.Youhavebigplansand plenty of spunk in September, sometimes surprising those aroundyou.Youarefeelingespeciallyindependentanddetermined,andyoure-ceiveanenergeticboostfromthecosmosthathelpsyoutoaccomplishmuch.Yourneedforhealthyandlightsocialinteractionisclear.However,a serious discussion mid-month helps to renew your focus on what is most importantinyourlife.Conversationsoftenturntothepast.Makingpur-chasesandinvestmentsforluxuryitemsisanurge.

LeoSeptemberisamonthinwhichyourdesireforpleasureandcomforttendstorule,dearLeo.ThegoddessofLove,Venus,isoccupyingyoursignuntilthe20th,andyou’llfind thatothersareespeciallyappreciativeofyoursenseofstyle.Althoughyouaretypicallyastraightforwardgo-getter,thismonthyou’reinamorereceptivestate,takingalittleextradowntimeandperhaps engaging inmore private activities and passions. Financial re-sponsibilitiesneedattention,especiallyaroundthe18th,whenit’sagreattimeforcreatinganewbudget.

Social Butterfly EventsJ Spot Comedy Club - Wed thru Sunday9/9/2009 - 12/31/2009Show times start @ 8:30pm. To R.S.V.P for a show visit www.jspotcomedyclub.comfor additional information

Los Angeles County Fair - Pomona Fairplex*9/25/2009Donna Summer: “Queen of Disco” Show Time: 7:30pm

9/26/2009R&B Singer CiaraShow Time: 7:30pm

10/2/2009Funk Stars Charlie Wilson & the Gap Band with The Brothers JohnsonShow Time: 7:30pm

Keturah presents...theSocialButterfliesNewsletter1090MountainAve.Ontario,CA91762

PlaceStamp Here

CheckoutournewWebsite@www.keturahdezignz.comlaunchingOctober1,2009ToobtainaJewelryCatalogcontactustoday@626.644.1521or626.497.8295.

FormoreinformationaboutKeturahorSocialButterfliescheckoutourbloghttp://keturahdesigns.blogspot.comorE-mailketurah_dezignz@yahoo.com

For more events go to BlackNLA @ blacknla.comCheck out GoldStar Events @ goldstar.com for upcoming events and discount tickets.

Wine Camp: An Introduction to Wine from Learn About Wine*10/4/2009Loft 218, Los Angeles, CAStart Time: 3:00pm

Toy Story and Toy Story 2 in 3D: Double Feature at the El Capitan*10/2/2009 - 10/11/2009El Capitan Theatre, Hollywood, CAShow Time: 7:00pm

LA Oktoberfest: German Beers, Wines, Music, and More*10/10/2009LA Mart, Downtown Los AngelesStart Time: 1:00pm

*Go to goldstar.com for pricing and to purchase tickets.