Dear Black Female Journalists, What's with the Silent Treatment?

When you're a journalist of color in any newsroom, it's always reassuring when a veteran takes you under their wing to show you the ropes. It's even better if the veteran journalist is a person of color. 

And if you're a woman of color new to the gig, having another woman who looks like you guide you through the male-dominated profession is an added bonus. 

Millennials Show Us What ‘Old’ Looks Like

Basquiat's Multimillion Dollar Portriat

(Jean-Michel Basquiat Untitled, 1982)

It always amazes me how much a deceased artist makes at auctions.

A self-portrait by Jean-Michel Basquiat sold for a worldwide auction record of $57.3 million at a Christie's contemporary art sale in May, according to the Associate Press.

Basquiat's self-portrait, Untitled, 1982, which portrays the young artist as a fiery demonic figure, was snapped up by Japanese online retailer, Yusaku Maezawa.

Prior to the auction, it had a $40 million pre-sale estimate.

Various artists have made millions after their death, but where does all that money go? The family? An estate that divides the money into a non-profit organization?

Right now, I do not have the visible funds to acquire any of Basquiat's original works. But I wonder how much a print of Untitled cost? For now, I guess I'll have to admire Basquiat's work from a distance.

Related Stories: 

Basquiat Stripped

Read more here: http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/entertainment/article76873007.html#storylink=cpy

Wednesday at the Met via SnapChat

Snap in on the fun on SnapChat. Add TCsViews to your line up.

Money Method: Several Ways to Maximize Your Tax Refund

As your tax refunds start making its way to your checking accounts, make sure not to spend it all in one place before the direct deposit hits. 

The thought of having a couple of extra grand in your account may make you feel like a baller but there are better things you can do with that money. 

Steve Siebold, author of How Rich People Think, and a self-made multi-millionaire, says, "If you’re going to spend the money, make sure there is some benefit or return on investment so you’re not just throwing that money away.”

Siebold suggests to consider the following:

Focus on financial freedom: The long-term results of financial freedom and abundance that comes with paying off your credit cards, student loans and any other debt. Most people with credit card debt don’t understand that with interest rates at 20% or more, they’ll be paying off their credit cards forever. That extra money can help put a significant dent in your overall balance.   

TC's Tip: If you have a solid track record of paying your high interest credit card on time, call your credit card company and ask for a lower interest rate. If they say no, then ask why and how can you lower it in the future.

Invest in yourself: If you want to spend your refund, invest wisely in yourself by committing to never-ending personal growth and development. Take a professional development seminars and look into coaching/mentoring programs. The goal is to use the money to improve your skills.

Start a side business: Use your talents and passions to solve a problem that people are willing to pay for. 

TC's Tip: For example, that small business around the corner may need your help with social media. Why not set up an LLC, a website, business cards and find that first client who needs help setting up social media platforms for their business. I'm currently on the hunt for my first client. (Details coming soon)

Don’t get caught up in the moment: Write a list of the pros and cons of spending the money vs. investing it or paying off debt.

TC's Tip: It doesn't take much to start investing and you don't have to put down a six figure deposit. There are companies out there that will suite the needs of entry-level investors to the mass affluent. Take a look at automated investing companies like Betterment, Personal Capital and Wealthfront.

 How do you plan to utilize your tax refund? Leave your comments below or email views to TCsViews@gmail.com.

Related Money Methods:

• Tax Scams You Should Steer Clear From
  
• Tips to Buying More Time to File Your Taxes
  
• Money Method: Roth IRA for Beginners