What is Financial Literacy?
“I Am African & I Can” is a women’s empowerment blog highlighting stories of black women’s struggles and successes.
By Hadiatou Wann | 02/14/20
While some have a money phobia because they associate money with evil, Shneidine Chery proudly dubs herself a money magnet and millennial mom money expert.
Shneidine was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and at age 6 moved to Stamford, Connecticut--where she witnessed drug dealing in her neighborhood.
Her father's wish was to raise his children in a safe environment. He went to school and with a nursing degree was able to move his family out of the ghetto and into the suburbs.
In middle school, she recalls her principal going in her classroom and lecturing students on setting a great example for themselves, their teachers, and community. This was a constant reminder to Shneidine that she had to always have a winner's mindset.
A sure-fire way to put yourself in a financial hole, according to Shneidine, is over spending, impulse spending, or emotional spending (E.g., lending a friend money even though it's hurting your pocket.)
"You only let people borrow money when it's not hurting your pocket," she advised.
A life-altering moment was when Shneidine was 19 years old and found herself in financial dent. She co-signed with her father a brand new 2002 Toyota Camry that had only 1mile on it.
Within 6 months, she co-signed for her girlfriend, which then accumulated 72K in her name. Shneidine's girlfriend made late payments,and it affected her credit. Luckily, her friend paid it all off and restored her credit.
"Life is unpredictable, people lose their job. Do not co-sign for anyone because it doesn't benefit you in anyway," she advised.
Shneidine holds an Associates Science degree, a Pharmacology license, and studied acting. For 3 years she's been the Executive Producer of "The Youth Empowerment Show," which is a merge of 106 & Park and Teen Summit. Celebrities and influencers appear on the show to inspire the youth, and they tape before a live studio audience. Their show airs every Thursday at 6 p.m. on Bronxnet.
She explains that financial literacy is the breaking down of finances (I.e., how to use the money that you have.)
Chloe Natacha and Shneidine work closely with her organization ANS Association.
"ANS Association search for women who are consistent, supportive, and lead by example. Women that are committed and encourage others to dream. Shneidine is the example of what all young women need to achieve their goals. She is a power house and focus on moving mountains," Chloe said.
"Shneidine is an amazing woman who strives for excellence. She is very professional, maintains a positive relationship with many women, the youth, and leads with high expectations," she added.
With many years of experience with money, Shneidine noticed that people have different feelings about money. But wants everyone to know that, "You control money. Money does not control you."
The millennial mom money expert left her corporate job in 2019 and since has been organizing full-house, 2-hour workshops in different states to teach people about money. Recently, she has partnered with TD Bank to help attendees improve their finances, and plan better for the future.
Next month, she has a book coming out about financial literacy and aims to be a #1 bestseller. Also next month, she will kick start a 6-week action steps webinar, which will focus on educating people about credit, wealth preservation, retirement planning, financial security, planning for your financial future, investing, budgeting, savings, living expenses, monetization. She will also have other experts share their knowledge, as well as provide templates and bonuses. Everyone is welcome to join!
"My parents always taught me that if you discipline yourself and you have a goal, you will achieve your goal," she said.
After making many financial mistakes, Shneidine is now educating others about financial literacy so they don't make the same mistakes she made in the past. In the near future, she also wants to create an organization for single mothers and their families. With her expertise and a great work-ethic, she proved to have applied the advice given by her parents, middle school principal, and continues to strive for financial freedom.
Welcome to Shneidine’s World
“A strong woman is a woman of faith. She never makes excuses. She has to take care of her children even if she’s sick. And she never gives up even if all odds are against her.”
Shneidine has 2 daughters. She enjoys going to theme parks, cooking, and spending time with family.
“The key to being successful is always, always, always follow up! If you don’t follow up, you won’t get the deal. If you don’t follow up, you won’t get the job.”
Watch Shneidine’s News 12 Interview
Connect with Shneidine
Facebook: Shneidine Chery
Instagram: @schery75
Email: Shneidine@yahoo.com
Read other success stories here: www.iamafricanandican.info/blog
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