Money Talk "Between the cost of checking accounts, ATM fees and overdraft fees, you probably spend at least $40 more than you need to each month. That's a potential savings of $480 per year," notes Sakina Spruell. Read more tips in the November issue of EBONY.

Plan the Life You Want! by Sakina P. Spruell The McElroys are learning the importance of setting goals to prepare an effective financial plan. After reading the August 2012 Black Enterprise Financial Fitness Contest winner's story, Michael Elroy, 34, and his wife of three years, Nia, 38, realized they were not saving nearly enough for the life they pictured in retirement. Read More at www.blackenterprise.com

Living Large on Less by Sakina P. Spruell Three ESSENCE readers -- a teacher, an accountant and an entrepreneur -- give up the goods on how to afford the things you love. These women know that real wealth is a mind-set and a lifestyle that is built over time with equal measures of hard work and sacrifice. These African-American women tell how they look and live well while building wealth. Read how in Essence.