Susan's 5 questions for The Organized Money
Feb 23, 2022 – minute read
Susan: The Organized Money is such a good resource for anyone who wants to learn how to plan their lives and organize their finances. What was the moment that started you on a financial planning journey and how did you decide to bring those lessons to others through your YouTube channel?
Alaina: Originally, when I started my financial journey I was just frustrated with my circumstances and wanted a change. I was sick of living paycheck to paycheck, getting late fees on bills, receiving phone calls from debt collectors and being constantly stressed over money. However once I started working on my finances I realized that there was a direct correlation between how financially well off you are and how organized you are. The more organized you are, the more in control you feel, you are likely to plan ahead, and you are able to improve your finances. So I created The Organized Money to share this revelation with others. Through my videos, I share how to get your life organized so you can get your money organized. And once your money is organized you are able to make more, save more, and achieve your financial goals.
Susan: It’s great to see how you tie together wellbeing and financial planning. Can you tell us about why that connection is so important?
I combine wellbeing and financial planning because I promote also taking care of your FUTURE self.”
Alaina: I believe that self care is more than what has been promoted on social media. Yes, I love shopping trips, bubble baths, coffee breaks, and spa appointments but that type of self care only takes care of our current self. I combine wellbeing and financial planning because I promote also taking care of your FUTURE self. Going to your doctor's appointments to stay healthy, putting money aside for retirement, saving for emergencies, and doing your taxes isn't fun at the moment but your future self will have more peace. Taking time each day to plan and get organized helps you to really create a life that you will love.
Susan: Your livestreams every Monday give viewers an opportunity to ask questions about budgeting and planning. What prompted you to start streaming regularly, and what has it taught you about building a community on YouTube?
Alaina: I started livestreaming each Monday (at 4pm CST) on my YouTube channel because I wanted a real time way to connect with my community. I'm able to teach organizational classes in real time, answer their questions live, and give guidance on life organization. This gives them an opportunity to get to know me and my organizational strategies a little better and connect to other women who are also in the same community.
Susan: In addition to your YouTube channel, you’re also an author and you’ve designed a budget planner. What role does YouTube play in your overall business strategy and how does it factor into your future goals?
I have connected to so many people all over the world just by starting a YouTube channel and I know my business would have not grown as quickly or been as successful if it wasn't for the YouTube platform.”
Alaina: YouTube plays a big role in my overall business strategy. I have connected to so many people all over the world just by starting a YouTube channel and I know my business would have not grown as quickly or been as successful if it wasn't for the YouTube platform. My channel has helped me share through my videos the information that I have written about in my book and share tips on how to use a planner successfully. I plan to continue to help others through my YouTube channel and to continue to grow my community.
Susan: What do you hope to take away from being a part of the #YouTubeBlack Voices program this year?
Alaina: I am so excited about the YouTube Black Voices program, the classes that are available through the program, and the ability to connect with other creators that are on the same path as I am.