I am now back to writing after my hiatus, in which I transitioned into motherhood after the birth of my daughter. Thank you for your support, encouragement, and kind words – the Charisse Says community has truly journeyed with me. As we’ve been discussing all year, it’s all about embracing change, and clearly I am experiencing change as well.

If you have time this holiday weekend, watch the ABC special “'The Dropout': The Rise and Fall of Elizabeth Holmes,” of which you can watch a clip of here. It’s fascinating, sad, and thought-provoking all-in-one. Holmes was a college dropout who founded Theranos, once worth $9 billion, and then was effectively forced to step away from the company.

I’ve been reflecting on March Madness, or the NCAA’s three-week extravaganza for women and men to compete for a national basketball championship, that is now over. This year’s NCAA ‘ingredients for hitting the goal’ is powerful inspiration for us in our everyday lives as we pursue the wealth and the life that we want. And, here are a few articles that will help you to keep striving for what you want and hit the mark.

Since many of you are already parents, I suspect that many things have changed in your life with the arrival of your little people, and growth of them into big people. I have no doubt that your money and strategies to pursue wealth have been influenced by your children. Well, as I embark on this journey, I look forward to hearing your stories, sharing my stories, and putting a new spin on how I see the world.

For me, the last few weeks have been about intentionality. I’ve started to repeat an intention at the beginning of the day to keep me focused on who I am in this world, how I want to interact on this day, and what is my purpose.

At the end of last week, one story dominated financial headlines. I’m talking about Kraft Heinz’s abysmal earnings report. If you (or know anyone you know) eat(s) Jell-O snacks or Lunchables, or drinks Maxwell House coffee, amongst many of the more widely associated brands, then you know Kraft Heinz. We must pay attention as consumers, and it’s important to recognize how change is affecting this institution as there are lessons in here for us.

As we celebrate Black History month, I want you to know the name Annie Malone. You might be saying – who is she? Well, before there was Madame C.J. Walker, there was Annie Malone, the original beauty pioneer for the grooming needs of black women who mentored to Madame C.J. Walker.

I’ve missed you, and I’m ready to journey with you in 2019. Are you ready to journey with me? I hope that you’ve had the chance to reflect over the last few weeks about 2018 and what you want in 2019. Remember, the world is your oyster, regardless of how old or young you are – it’s about your attitude to claim what’s yours.

You’re getting ready for the holidays, as I am. So, my gifts for you today aim to enrich your life over the next few days/week as we fully wrap up 2018. Don’t even think about that stock market too much – it has the potential to depress the best of us because it continues to be a roller coaster. Remember, keep staying the course and looking for opportunities. Read all the way through as you won’t want to miss all the goodies….

As you prepare to close out the final weeks of the year, I want to leave you with a few thoughts as it relates to this holiday season and your money: So, get your money right and continue to closeout 2018 strongly. Check out the formula for success.