Harris Financial Coaching Blog

I read books that helped me understand Black history not as a separate topic, not as something boxed into one month, and not as something disconnected from everyday life. I read these books because history does not stay in the past. It shows up in where people live. It shows up in how schools are funded. It shows up in who gets access to jobs. It shows up in how laws are enforced. It shows up in who gets believed, who gets protected, and who has to keep proving they belong.

You can work hard, pay your bills, stay out of trouble, and still feel like your family is one emergency away from falling behind. That feeling is real for many households. It is not because Black families do not work hard enough. It is not because they do not care about money. The bigger issue is that many Black families have been trying to build wealth without the same starting point.

The United States did not become wealthy by accident. That is a hard sentence to sit with, but it is an important one. Wealth does not just appear. It is built through systems, labor, access, ownership, policy, and power. In The Half Has Never Been Told: Slavery and the Making of American Capitalism, Edward E. Baptist makes a clear argument: slavery was not separate from America’s economic growth. It was deeply connected to it.

Inheritance discussions are often avoided, but silence creates confusion and conflict. Learn how to start simple family conversations that strengthen any financial plan.

The holidays should bring joy, not credit card regret. This year, set yourself up for a stress-free season with a holiday budget you can actually stick to. I’ve rounded up simple strategies—and a few affordable Amazon tools like planners, cash envelope wallets, and even fun savings gadgets—that make it easier to spend wisely and avoid January debt.

Get practical tips for managing finances as a couple and tackling debt together. Learn simple budgeting methods, debt reduction strategies, and how to maintain your lifestyle while paying off credit cards—perfect for couples ages 30-45 who want financial peace.

Discover the 12 best personal finance books for beginners, expertly curated to transform your financial future. From debt elimination to wealth building, these proven guides offer practical strategies to achieve financial freedom. Start your journey today.

Are you looking for creative ways to secure your child's financial future? Three innovative saving strategies can help.