Subscribe
Hellobeautiful Featured Video
CLOSE

For the last few days, the topic of discussion almost everywhere has been centered around CNN and Soledad O’Brien’s “Black in America Special: Almighty Debt.” From debates in beauty salons and barbershops to seemingly angry tweets and Facebook status updates, the discussion about the role faith plays in the finances of African Americans has become multi-dimensional.

While many have taken the stance that prosperity preaching pastors may be to blame, others have questioned both the irresponsibility of some of the families profiled on the special, as well as the advice provided to them.

With valid points on all sides of the argument, there is one reality that continues to be glossed over: many people are just plain delusional about their debt. At the root of the issue, no matter what side you’ve chosen, the bottom line is that at some point there is a disconnect with reality when it comes to financial matters for many people, Black or otherwise. If you’re not careful, you may fall into this delusional state too!

5 Signs You’re Delusional About Your Debt

1. You don’t know how much debt you really have. The worst thing you can say if someone asks you how much debt you have is, “Uhhmmm, about . . . . ” Numbers are very black and white. They are what they are. Either you know it or you don’t. How will you ever get out of debt if you don’t even know who you owe and what you owe them?

2. You won’t open the mail or answer the phone anymore. Believe it or not, dodging creditors doesn’t make your debt magically disappear. Avoiding your financial blunders can only snowball the problem. What could have been a simple flurry can become a blizzard if you’re not upfront about the mess you’ve created.

How To Live Big On A Small Budget

3. You use the church as an excuse to be stupid. Harsh, right? I know. But if I hear one more person who continuously lives beyond their means say, “I tithe, so God will provide,” I don’t know what I’ll do! Tithing is not an excuse for poor money management. Don’t pick and choose the parts of the Bible you like for convenience. There are hundreds, if not thousands of verses which relate to money and none of them involve tithing being a valid rationale for over spending and under saving. Not to mention, how can you be the giver you are called to be if you’re riddled with debt and barely making it yourself?

Read More

3 Signs You’re A Financially Healthy Woman

For 2024’s iteration of MadameNoire and HelloBeautiful’s annual series Women to Know, we knew we wanted to celebrate the people who help make the joys of film and television possible. To create art is to create magic. This year, we spotlight Hollywood Executive’s changing the face of cinema.