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We are just about halfway into the sixth season of Bravo’s hit show The Real Housewives of Atlanta and there has already been enough drama to keep us filled until the next season. From divorces to canceled shows and questionable “is he real” boyfriends, the ladies from the ATL have never left us with a dull moment. Even with all of their craziness would you believe there are some takeaways we can learn from these Georgia peaches when it comes to money? Here are some financial takeaways from The Real Housewives of Atlanta.
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Keep your dependents in check
Isn’t it funny when you support someone financially that they think they are entitled to tell you what you should and shouldn’t do with your life? Sorry Mama Joyce, but you have stepped out of line plenty of times throughout this season showing us colors we didn’t know you had in your closet. One of the biggest dilemmas this season has been the tug of war (well it’s mostly one-sided) between Kandi, her mother and fiancè Todd.While it’s one thing to want the best for your daughter, it’s a completely different story to go out of your way to destroy a relationship and talk about a man being an opportunist, especially when from what we see, your daughter is the one who seems to be footing many of your bills. Don’t bite the hand that helps to financially feed you.
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Downsizing can be a good thing
Even if some of her castmates want to throw her shade, there’s nothing wrong with downsizing your home as it’s a good way to try and live within your means. We all remember the eviction drama that took place over the summer involving Kenya and her former friend/landlord. Cops were called and Ms. Moore was forced to look elsewhere for a place to live. Finding a temporary residence in a so-so part of town, Kenya looks to have finally settled into a more quaint home that she is making her own — at least for the time being.
Be real about your financial situation
Perhaps Kenya should have a sit down with her co-star Porsha Stewart (now Williams) as she could learn a thing or two about living within your means. The former trophy wife of retired NFL quarterback Kordell Stewart, Porsha made the hush-hush decision to move into an 8,000 square foot home an hour outside of Atlanta, one street over from NeNe. Now obviously a person can do what they want with their money, but the keyword in this statement is “their money” as Porsha’s finances continue to be uncertain. Sure it’s great to have faith that things will work out, but there needs to be some action backing that belief in order to make it a reality. Always be real with yourself about your personal finances as you want to make forward progress, not be held back by past debt you couldn’t pay.
Brand expansion is good
One should always look for ways to enhance their brand thus creating new pipelines for financial gain. Compared to many of her castmates, Kandi has been quite the hustler since her earlier days on the show. A Grammy award-winning songwriter/singer/producer, Kandi stepped outside the box with her successful line of pleasure products (Bedroom Kandi) and late night web series, Kandi-Coated Nights. Looking to try something new this season we see the former Xscape singer take a stab at producing her own stage play.
Business and marriage don’t always mix
While things appear to be on the come up with Cynthia Bailey and her husband Peter, they have definitely had their share of financial woes over the past few seasons. From the looks of things, Cynthia appears to be calculated when it comes to her money while Peter is driven on emotions that may or may not pan out. And while there is nothing wrong with how a person approaches business (within reason), you might want to be careful about putting your money in ventures with someone who differs so much from your philosophy. We have seen the financial ramifications of past entrepreneurial endeavors that have put a strain on their marriage. Bottom line: Think twice about going into business with your spouse.
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Keep money in reserve for downtime
It was not too long ago that NeNe Leakes was telling us how “very rich” she was. Landing a role on the primetime sitcom The New Normal and a reoccurring character on Glee, NeNe was sitting very pretty for a time being. That was until NBC cancelled her show and Glee delayed calling her back due to scheduling. Regardless it appears the original castmember is still coined up as she hints to having a healthy savings. It’s always a good idea to keep a nice portion of your finances saved for the just in case as you never know the opportunities that will come and go. And now there are rumors she’s starting a new production company in her free time.
Read How to Save for a Financial Emergency
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Don’t lose sight of your hustle
It’s no wonder why Phaedra Parks and Kandi get along so well on the show, they are both going for theirs! Even with the potential scandal swirling around her husband Apollo and castmate Kenya, Phaedra has not missed a beat when it comes to making moves and collecting a check. Not only does she run her own law firm but is finishing up the necessary requirements in the mortuary arts. In addition, she took a stab at a fitness video and recently published a book, Secrets of a Southern Belle which all add various streams of income into her household.
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Beware of unexpected house guests
no surprise, when a person randomly shows up and invites themselves to stay in your home for two months, it would make a household a little hostile to say the least. Thankfully it looks like Cynthia’s sister Mel won’t be a big financial burden on her and Peter (hopefully) though the same cannot be said about those of us who find ourselves in this same situation. While it is commendable to want to help out loved ones, there’s a fine line between helping someone out and over-stretching your resources that can land you in debt. Sometimes you have to say no not because you are trying to be mean but because it’s not feasible in your budget.
Give long-term investments serious thought
Whether you have money or think you do, it’s crucial that you give any and every financial decision you make some thought, especially if it’s going to be long-term. Kenya Moore has made it no secret how much she wants to have her own family and seems to have made up her mind about having a child, possibly with her mysterious African boyfriend. Aside from the sheer fact that such a partnership needs to be super solid, a child is not only the future generation but also a hefty financial responsibility. Always make sure that you give such ideas good thought as you don’t want to be in over you head.
It’s never too late to do for yourself
Even though many of us could have predicted the outcome of Porscha’s marriage to Kordell Stewart, that does not mean all hope is lost for her. Whether you were in a similar situation or another that didn’t pan out the way you wanted, there is always time for you to better your situation should you be willing to put in the work. Never count yourself out for the count as you just never know how things will turn out.
