You may recall one of my goals for One Money Design in 2010 was to find a staff writer who could help contribute and provide value added content here at One Money Design for readers and visitors. Well…I’m pleased to announce the addition of a new staff writer, Lakita (Kita) Humber!
I’ve been following Lakita for a while now at her personal finance blog, Personal Finance Journey. I’ve found her posts to be informative, helpful and inspirational. But not only has Lakita written some great articles, she is highly active in the personal finance blogosphere by commenting on other blogs and connecting with people through social media. Her comments are always well thought out, add value and help others based on her knowledge and experience.
Lakita brings a unique perspective to the Christian personal finance space in that she is a female writer. You may agree there is a shortage of articles that can specifically help women in the area of personal finance and some unique challenges they face. While this won’t be Lakta’s only focus in writing here, she will provide some articles focused in this important area of women and personal finance.
As you learn more about Lakita in the below interview, it will become obvious she has a passion for following God’s plan for her finances, making progress along her own financial journey, and helping others do the same. Feel free to welcome Lakita in the comments!
Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Lakita. I’m originally from Buffalo, NY. The military brought me out to the Midwest where I spent 3 years employed as a Communications / Computer Officer for the United States Air Force. I’m a graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. After serving in the military, I was employed as an IT contractor and currently work as a systems administrator.
Aside from work, it’s been my pleasure to serve my church in a variety of capacities over the years including youth & dance ministry president. I’ve also been blessed with the opportunity to minister outside of my church and travel through various ministry assignments. I love the Lord with my whole heart and it is my desire to bring Him glory in all that I do.
What motivated you to start blogging about personal finance?
A couple years ago I reached a point where I said “enough is enough”. My debts were going nowhere fast, I was working hard and had nothing to show for it. As if that weren’t enough, ministry endeavors where being hindered because I didn’t have the necessary finances.
I know the Lord is a provider, and that He would not give me assignments that I was not capable of completing. As I sought the Lord for guidance, I realized that the provisions were there…I was misappropriating them! Everything belongs to God, and being a faithful tither and giver does not make you a good steward if you can’t account for the rest.
I was determined to become a good steward. I spent over a year reading multiple personal finance blogs (like OMD) and books, and creating a plan to get out of debt. In 2009 I was blessed with the opportunity to share what I’ve learned at a Christian conference. It became evident that there are many with similar stories. There are people that want to change, but don’t know where to start. Personal Finance Journey was birthed out of a motivation to help people make a change, but also walk the path of financial stewardship together with transparency and accountability.
What’s the most important personal finance tip someone should remember?
That it’s personal! I think often times we forget that. Rarely will there be a decision that will work for everyone. Rather the decision is to buy or rent, save or invest, or use credit or cash…do what works for you. My advice to people is to count the cost and make an informed decision. The only bad plan is no plan.
Who’s your favorite personal finance author? What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from this person?
Dave Ramsey. The most important thing I learned from him was written in Total Money Makeover: personal finance is 80% behavior and 20% head knowledge
I’ve read other finance books before Total Money Makeover, but it wasn’t until I started reevaluating my habits, behaviors, and thought patterns that everything else came into place.
What do you hope to accomplish with your blog, Personal Finance Journey this year?
My main goal this first year is to reach as many people as possible that are looking for education and support on their own path to financial liberty. I know one of the greatest helps to me was an accountability partner. I’m looking to establish a community where people will share and interact from all levels and those looking for accountability will know that they don’t have to walk the journey alone.
You also enjoy working with dance and youth ministries. Can you tell us a little bit about your involvement?
I served as the youth ministry president for my church from 2005-2008. That was a such rewarding experience to be a part of their lives inside and outside the church through teen bible studies, youth conferences and various outings. I also have the distinct privilege of being the dance ministry president. We have 3 dance ministries JOYED UP (children), Revelation (Teens), and Spirit of Elijah dancers (adults). I’m also the founder of Paneh Praise Dance & Mime Ministry which exists to teach & equip others to minister through dance and mime in His presence. To accomplish that vision Paneh hosts the Equipping the Saints Conference in St. Louis, MO. In 2009, we were blessed with International registrants and we are greatly anticipating the gathering in September 2010.
Lakita’s first post will be up next week. Feel free to welcome her in the comments.
About Jason Price