September isn’t just for back-to-school shopping or squeezing in one last summer getaway—it’s also the time to celebrate Black businesses! On the heels of Black Business Month,  The Bold Maven is all about acknowledging the remarkable Black-owned businesses that fuel our economy and drive social change. And let’s be honest: who doesn’t love a reason to celebrate the phenomenal entrepreneurs who are rewriting the rules of business?

Let’s rewind to 2004, when Frederick E. Jordan and John William Templeton decided to give Black-owned businesses the spotlight they deserved. Their goal? To spotlight and support the 2.6 million African-American businesses that are too often overlooked. Jordan, who faced his own uphill battle for funding, wanted to change the narrative and ensure that Black entrepreneurs could thrive despite the odds.

From barbershops and tobacco stores in the 1800s to the thriving Black Wall Street of the 1920s, Black entrepreneurship has a rich history that deserves to be celebrated. By 1915, Booker T. Washington was championing Black business through The National Negro Business League, laying the groundwork for the economic powerhouse that Black-owned businesses would become. Fast forward to today, and Black-owned businesses are not just surviving—they’re thriving, with Washington D.C. boasting the highest ratio of Black-owned businesses at an impressive 28%.

Black women-owned businesses are blazing trails and shattering glass ceilings in the entrepreneurial world, and the stats speak volumes. These dynamic entrepreneurs are not just participating in the market—they’re transforming it. According to the 2023 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report, Black women own 22% of all women-owned businesses in the U.S., a remarkable figure that highlights their significant contribution to the economy. These businesses are thriving in diverse sectors, from tech startups to beauty salons, and they’re growing at a staggering rate of 164% over the past decade. Black women are also leading the charge in job creation, with their enterprises generating thousands of new jobs and contributing billions to the national economy. Celebrating Black women-owned businesses isn’t just about acknowledging their success—it’s about recognizing their role in driving economic empowerment and innovation.

But why exactly should we care about Black Businesses and Black Business Month? For starters, it champions equity. By focusing on Black-owned businesses, we’re helping to level the playing field and encourage more people from African-American communities to dream big and start their own businesses. It’s not just about celebrating successes; it’s about acknowledging the strides made and paving the way for more entrepreneurs to rise.

Supporting Black-owned businesses also means supporting minority communities as a whole. These businesses often face unique challenges, including systemic racism, which makes our support all the more crucial. And let’s not forget the importance of inclusivity and diversity in the business world. By backing Black-owned businesses, we contribute to a more diverse and dynamic economic landscape which has a remarkable impact on the GDP.

So, how can you get involved? Start by using Black directories to find local Black-owned businesses for your everyday needs. Follow the #BlackFoodFridays movement on Instagram and check out apps to discover Black-owned restaurants in your area. And while you’re at it, why not dive into some inspiring literature about Black entrepreneurship? Books like “The Color of Money” by Mehrsa Baradaran and “The Little Black Book of Success” by Elaine Meryl Brown offer valuable insights and inspiration.

Black Business Month is more than just a celebration; it’s a movement that yields exponential results. It’s a chance to honor the incredible Black entrepreneurs (many of which are women-owned) who are changing the game and to support their continued success. So let’s raise a glass—and a shopping bag—to the Black-owned businesses that make our world a better, more vibrant place. Get involved, get inspired, and help make Black Businesses a true celebration of success and progress.

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Defining Post-Secondary Attainment

Post-secondary attainment encompasses any educational credential received after high school. This includes everything from associate and bachelor’s degrees to professional certifications and master’s degrees. But here’s the kicker—it’s not just about the traditional college route. Post-secondary attainment also covers vocational training, bootcamps, and certifications that can open doors to lucrative career opportunities. These credentials are pivotal in today’s job market, where specialized skills often outshine generic degrees.

The Power of High-Income Earning Skills

In today’s economy, specialized skills often lead to high income. Let’s start with the tech world. Positions like software engineers, and cybersecurity specialists frequently demand specific certifications rather than a traditional degree. For instance, an AWS Certified Solutions Architect can command a salary of $130,000 or more. These certifications are not just pieces of paper; they’re gateways to lucrative positions.

Similarly, roles in finance and real estate also benefit greatly from certifications. Mortgage loan officers, insurance agents, and real estate brokers often achieve impressive income levels through industry-specific credentials. Becoming a Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) or obtaining a real estate broker’s license can significantly boost earning potential and career prospects.  Digital marketing, content/course creation, machine learning and project management are all pathways that lead to prosperity.  So take inventory of the skills you have, and see what additional certifications, accelerators, or education you can leverage to enhance your income.  There are many programs that are self paced, others have timelines that range from 6-8 weeks to 18 months.  Developing your skills and enhancing your knowledge base is a radical form of self-love pays off in big way.

Financial Benefits of Continuing Education

The numbers don’t lie. Data shows that individuals with certifications or specialized training often enjoy higher salaries compared to those without. For example, financial analysts with the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation can see salaries surpassing $130,000. Moreover, specialized roles like cloud architects and machine learning engineers frequently command salaries upwards of $150,000.

Beyond income, continuing education provides job stability and career growth.  Not to mention the immediate boost in confidence and pride that comes with being a savvy learner. As industries evolve, those with specialized skills and subject matter experts are better positioned to adapt and thrive. The job market is growing for these roles, with projections indicating continued demand and opportunities for advancement.

Creating Wealth Through Education

Investing in continuing education is not just about earning a higher salary; it’s about building wealth. Specialized skills lead to high-paying roles, financial stability, and long-term wealth creation. By investing in yourself through certifications and advanced training, you’re paving the way for a secure and prosperous future.

A Final Word

The value of post-secondary attainment is clear. Whether you’re eyeing a career in tech, medicine, finance, or real estate, investing in specialized training and certifications can unlock doors to impressive financial success. So, why not take the leap? It’s a radical act of self care, with a solid return on investment that comes in the the form of bigger paychecks, peace of mind, and a clear pathway forward to greater financial freedom. Back to school isn’t just for the kiddos.  It’s also for the queens who want to sit on their throne of abundance.  Consider the myriad of opportunities available through continuing education and watch as your financial dreams become reality. Remember, your next big break could be just a certification away.

40 High-Income Earning Skills and Careers 

1. Data Scientist
   • Salary: $120,000 – $150,000
   • Education: Data Science or related field
2. Software Engineer
   • Salary: $100,000 – $140,000
   • Education: Computer Science/IT
3. Cybersecurity Specialist
   • Salary: $110,000 – $150,000
   • Certification: CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
4. Cloud Architect
   • Salary: $130,000 – $160,000
   • Certification: AWS Certified Solutions Architect
5. Machine Learning Engineer
   • Salary: $120,000 – $150,000
   • Education: Machine Learning or related field
6. Healthcare Administrator
   • Salary: $110,000 – $150,000
   • Education: Master’s in Healthcare Administration
7. Financial Analyst
   • Salary: $100,000 – $130,000
   • Certification: CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
8. Project Manager
   • Salary: $110,000 – $140,000
   • Certification: PMP (Project Management Professional)
9. UX/UI Designer
   • Salary: $100,000 – $130,000
   • Education: IT/Design or related field
10. DevOps Engineer
    • Salary: $120,000 – $150,000
    • Certification: AWS Certified DevOps Engineer
11. AI Engineer
    • Salary: $130,000 – $160,000
    • Education: Machine Learning/AI 
12. Blockchain Developer
    • Salary: $120,000 – $150,000
    • Certification: Certified Blockchain Developer
13. Legal Consultant
    • Salary: $110,000 – $150,000
    • Education: Juris Doctor (JD)
14. Actuary
    • Salary: $120,000 – $150,000
    • Certification: Associate or Fellow of the Society of Actuaries
15. Marketing Director
    • Salary: $130,000 – $160,000
    • Education: Marketing/ Digital Marketing
16. Operations Manager
    • Salary: $110,000 – $140,000
    • Education: Business Administration
17. Financial Planner
    • Salary: $100,000 – $130,000
    • Certification: CFP (Certified Financial Planner)
18. Economist
    • Salary: $120,000 – $180,000
    • Education: Master’s or PhD in Economics
19. Risk Manager
    • Salary: $120,000 – $150,000
    • Certification: FRM (Financial Risk Manager)
20. Quantitative Analyst
    • Salary: $130,000 – $160,000
    • Education: Financial Engineering
21. Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
    • Salary: $100,000 – $160,000
    • Education: Bachelor’s in Life Sciences or related field
22. Technical Account Manager
    • Salary: $120,000 – $150,000
    • Education: Sales or Computer Science
23. Database Administrator
    • Salary: $110,000 – $140,000
    • Certification: Oracle Certified Professional
24. Digital Marketing Manager
    • Salary: $100,000 – $130,000
    • Education: Marketing 
25. Construction Manager
    • Salary: $100,000 – $140,000
    • Education: Construction Management
26. Engineering Manager
    • Salary: $130,000 – $160,000
    • Education: Bachelor’s in Engineering 
27. Real Estate Broker
    • Salary: $100,000 – $150,000
    • Certification: State Real Estate License
28. Interior Designer
    • Salary: $90,000 – $150,000
    • Certification: NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification)
29. Clinical Research Coordinator
    • Salary: $90,000 – $130,000
    • Certification: CCRP (Certified Clinical Research Coordinator)
30. Registered Nurse (RN) with Specialization
    • Salary: $100,000 – $140,000
    • Certification: Specialty Certification (e.g., Pediatric, Oncology)
31. Supply Chain Manager
    • Salary: $100,000 – $140,000
    • Certification: APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional
32. Healthcare Consultant
    • Salary: $110,000 – $150,000
    • Education: Healthcare Administration 
33. IT Manager
    • Salary: $110,000 – $140,000
    • Certification: CompTIA Project+ or similar
34. Strategic Communications Manager
    • Salary: $100,000 – $130,000
    • Education: Bachelor’s in Communications 
35. Human Resources Director
    • Salary: $120,000 – $150,000
    • Certification: SHRM-SCP (Society for Human Resource Management – Senior Certified Professional)
36. Financial Controller
    • Salary: $110,000 – $150,000
    • Certification: CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
37. Content Director
    • Salary: $100,000 – $130,000
    • Education: Content Creation/Journalism 
38. Sales Director
    • Salary: $120,000 – $160,000
    • Education: Sales/ Business Administration 
39. Insurance Professional
    • Salary: $90,000 – $130,000
    • Certification: Life Insurance Professioal orCertified Insurance Counselor (CIC) or Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU)
40. Mortgage Loan Officer
    • Salary: $90,000 – $130,000
    • Certification: Mortgage Loan Originator License

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The journey to financial freedom begins with cultivating a wealth consciousness—a mindset that expects abundance, prosperity, love, and joy in every aspect of life. By embracing this mindset, women can harness their innate magnetism to attract positive opportunities effortlessly. It’s essential to silence the inner critic of lack, negativity, and self-doubt, which may hinder the path to wealth creation and sustainability.

Crafting a personalized wealth plan is the next crucial step toward financial empowerment. This involves envisioning the desired financial landscape and creating a deliberate roadmap to achieve those goals. Most women have never talk to financial advisors, which is imperative to start by strengthening your financial knowledge base. By equipping yourself with essential financial literacy and seeking guidance from reputable financial advisors, you can chart a course towards financial security and independence.

Regardless of marital status, every woman should prioritize her financial well-being and future security. Women typically live longer than men, underscoring the importance of having a wealth plan tailored to individual aspirations. Even in partnerships, it’s crucial for women to take an active role in financial decision-making and planning to ensure alignment with personal goals and values.

For single women, a personal wealth plan serves as a foundation for longevity and alignment. Prioritizing individual financial knowledge and goals before considering joint plans with a partner can prevent financial conflicts and empower women to make informed decisions independently. By taking ownership of their financial futures, women cultivate self-esteem and confidence in navigating both financial and relationship matters.

Finally, financial execution and accountability are paramount to the path of financial freedom. Strategic financial management requires discipline and personal responsibility to stay on track toward long-term goals. While budgeting is fundamental, exploring avenues for wealth creation, such as investments, real estate, and passive income streams, is equally important. Diversifying revenue sources and optimizing returns on investments can secure financial well-being and enable women to live their best lives, both now and in the future.

In conclusion, financial freedom is not just a goal—it’s a mindset, a lifestyle, and a journey. Maven Money Gems is here to guide and empower women on their path to financial freedom. By embracing abundance, creating intentional wealth plans, and executing strategic financial decisions, women can unlock the true essence of freedom and live life on their terms. So welcome to Maven Money Gems—let’s grow our wealth together.

The post Unlocking Financial Freedom for Women: Financial Freedom is the Only Freedom appeared first on The Bold Maven™️.

The ‘feminization of wealth’ heralds a new era of financial empowerment for women, with longer-living women set to inherit windfalls of the Great Wealth Transfer which is estimated between $80 trillion to $120 trillion. To capitalize on this opportunity, women must prioritize arming themselves with financial knowledge and mapping out comprehensive plans for their financial futures, encompassing retirement, investments, and legacies. By proactively preparing for the Great Wealth Transfer, women can position themselves to thrive in the changing economic landscape and make history on their own terms.

Here are three key ways the Great Wealth Transfer can affect women and how they can leverage this transformative opportunity:

1. Inheritance: As beneficiaries of the wealth transfer, women may receive substantial inheritances directly or indirectly through spouses. It’s essential for women to educate themselves on financial strategies that maximize wealth growth beyond traditional savings accounts. By understanding investment options and planning for long-term financial security, women can ensure their inheritances have a lasting impact on their financial well-being and their future generations.
2. Impact Investments and Venture Capital: Research shows that women-led startups only receive about 3% of all fundraising in venture capital. Indicating growing opportunities for women to participate in impact investments and support women-led ventures and female-focused philanthropic efforts. The Great Wealth Transfer presents a significant opportunity for women to invest in initiatives aligned with their values and passions.  By investing in women-led missions and organizations, women can drive positive social change while achieving financial returns.
3. Financial Empowerment: The Great Wealth Transfer represents a pivotal moment for women’s empowerment, as women step into greater levels of financial power and freedom. However, many women still lack financial confidence due to historical disparities in access to capital and wealth. Over the next 5-10 years, this is poised to change, as women gain increased access to over $30 trillion dollars. By equipping themselves with financial knowledge and seeking guidance from experienced financial planners, women can navigate this transition with confidence and decision making power to make smart money moves.

In conclusion, the Great Wealth Transfer is a transformative moment in history, offering women unprecedented opportunities for financial empowerment and long-lasting impact. So Mavens, it’s time to prepare and embrace this opportunity by educating ourselves, seeking wise counsel, and proactively planning for our financial futures. By doing so, we can harness the power of the Great Wealth Transfer to create lasting prosperity and leave a meaningful legacy for our future.

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