Kemberley “Kemcents” Washington, CPA is the co-founder of Washington CPA Services, LLC and the B.A.D.G.E.® plan as well as an author, educator and personal finance news contributor. Her Bible plan The Ten Commandments to a Financial Healing was the most downloaded plan on YouVersion in June of 2014 and her books The Ten Commandments to a Financial Healing, Are you wearing the B.A.D.G.E.? Financial Planner, 21 Days of Powerful Breakthroughs are centered around the objective of helping people live financially free.
Kem first got into finance at the age of 16 while working for her father as his bookkeeper and the financial lessons she learned from him would go onto to set the foundation for the work she would one day make her profession.
BGWP: What’s one financial goal you think every young woman should have?
Kemberley Washington, CPA: Saving is key. In my own life, if I hadn’t started saving earlier I don’t know how I would have made it. Hurricane Katrina happened after I purchased my first home and at that point in my life I had the money saved to take care of those unexpected expenses.
Small steps really do matter when it comes to money. People think they need a lot of money to [budget] but it’s really the small money that makes a difference.
[clickToTweet tweet=”‘Small steps really do matter when it comes to money.’ – @kemwashcpa” quote=”‘Small steps really do matter when it comes to money.’ “]
BGWP: What do you think keeps people from sticking to a budget?
KW: Not being disciplined. It’s really hard. You have to force yourself because though it’s often one of the last things you want to do it’s really one of the first things you should do.
If you don’t set your own budget all your financial goals will get away from you. When you don’t have a lot of money that’s when you should budget the most because you can’t afford a mishap.
BGWP: What’s your top money tip for college students?
KW: As soon as they graduate from college, if they choose to work, they should participate in their company’s 401K plan. If not, they’re leaving free money on the table.
BGWP: What does it mean to you to be a black girl with purpose?
KW: I think it means much, especially for those who look up to us. I remember when I was a younger woman and I had just gotten out of college. I saw this young black woman who was a CPA in her 30s or 40s and she had this really nice sports car and the license plate read “CPA.” When you see women doing things it inspires you to keep going and that’s what it’s all about.
BGWP: What is the hardest part about walking in your purpose?
KW: It takes a lot of focus and a lot of sacrifice but it becomes one of the easiest parts when the dream manifests itself. It’s worth it. You know that you’re set apart so you’ve got to do things different.
[clickToTweet tweet=”‘You’re set apart so you’ve got to do things different.’ – @kemwashcpa ” quote=”‘You’re set apart so you’ve got to do things different.'”]
BGWP: How do you stay encouraged?
KW: I pray a lot and if I feel like I’m getting discouraged I immediately ask for God to direct me. I have a different scriptures I go to for direction.
Jeremiah 33:3 – “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
Psalm 23:1 – “The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I lack.”
Psalm 119:133 – “Order my steps.”
When I need to know the truth more than anything I go to 1 John 2:27. When I feel like I’m at the bottom and I really need help Psalm 107:7. When I feel fearful – Psalm 34:4. The main scripture I feel like my life is based on is Luke 1:37 – ‘For nothing shall be impossible with God.’
BGWP: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
KW: Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all His righteousness and all things will be added unto you (Matthew 6:33). So many times in our culture we seek everything else. We think if I connect with this person or network with this person then these things shall happen. But scripture tells us that’s wrong.
Start your day with prayer. Be grounded in that because the one thing you don’t want to do is move on a path God never intended you to be on. There’s a scripture that says “There is a way that seems right to a man but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:22) You really have to ask God “Is this the way for me?”
Bring everything before God. If He says no ask for the power of the Holy Spirit to help you let it go.
You can stay in touch with Kem by visiting her website at kemberley.com. She offers financial courses, one on one training and CPA services and has several books that help individuals better manage their finances. Check her out on social media @KemWashCPA for her #kemcents tips.