Some of the many problems which continue to face our communities have to do with financial instability and poor money management. However, many of these issues can be cured for most by simply becoming aware of one's options and creating a plan. It's one thing to be afraid and distrusting of money management -- it's another thing altogether to master the system and use it for our benefit. Contrary to the belief of some, there is a considerable amount of wealth and purchasing power in the Black Community -- it just needs to be channeled correctly. And while many people often express interest in learning more about proper money management, they are unaware of credible and easy-to-understand sources of such information.

It's important that you understand and adapt to the system if we want to bring about change. Use it for your benefit to enact change. Remember, change and revolution are one and the same - economic depression is oppression.

Learn what's provided here and stay focused - it's the Guerrilla Way.

As you seek to embrace the concept of financial empowerment, we have outlined the process that it will take to get you there. Wealth building is a continuum that will require focus, energy and patience. Don't let any stage of the process frustrate you. Just hang in there and you will achieve your ultimate goal.


1. Knowledge

Learn about the basics of money management and investing. Read the financial pages daily and join chat groups and bulletin boards on the web.

2. Commitment

Once you have acquired knowledge, make a plan to pursue a program of wealth building.

3. Investment

Put into practice what you have learned. Use a portion of your disposable income to place in savings and such vehicles as stocks, bonds and mutual funds.

4. Portfolio Management

As your confidence builds, allocate your assets and develop a diversified portfolio based on your goals, age and risk tolerance.

5. Wealth

Successful portfolio management enables you to achieve wealth. Careful estate and tax planning allows you to keep it.

Completing the Circle Through Reinvestment
By gaining true wealth, you can reinvest in children, businesses and communities. It is through these means that we can ensure that our dollars remain in the black community.

Our program seeks to empower you by changing your attitude toward money management and revealing comprehensive savings, investment and consumer strategies. We encourage you to embrace the above-referenced Circle of Wealth, which details the stages of wealth accumulation. The hard work begins with you. You must gain knowledge. You must make the commitment. You must apply the principles. You must change habits and adopt new behaviors. Why? Because the future is in your hands.

Join other financially savvy African Americans who are making wealth building their own personal goal by committing to the Declaration of Financial Empowerment -- the 10 principles of wealth.