Spring Break
CAU learns 'how to get their money right'
By: Kiera Manison
Issue date: 10/24/08 Section: Student Life
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Despite the pouring rain, "The Get Your Money Right Hip-Hop Summit," sponsored by Wal-Mart, returned in October with an abundance of information to build a reputable personal finance foundation.
Destiney Mathis, freshman mass media arts major said, "Although it's raining I still came out because I think the financial advice will help me in the long run."
Dr. Benjamin Chavis, President and CEO of Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, introduced the panel as well as special guests Chingy and Ludacris.
Among the panelist were: Ryan Williams, financial specialist; Shanti Vas, Universal Motown Executive Vice President; V- 103's on-air personalities Greg Street and Frank Ski; Roberta Shields, President of Ludacris foundation; Gorilla Zoe, Block Entertainment rap artist, Brian-Michael Cox, producer; Kenny Burns, T.V. host; D. Woods, Bad Boy recording artist; Young Joc, Atlantic Records rap artist; Kevin Liles, President of Warner Music Group and Russell Simmons, entrepreneur and philanthropist.
The seminar educated students on ways to build a stronger personal financial background now with intentions of preparing them for future decisions. "The first step is having the courage and willingness to do it," Simmons said.
One artist shared with the audience that it takes a personal commitment to want to get their finances right for the future. Woods said in order to make money you have to work hard. "I had to hustle to get to where I am today," she said. "It's about using the resources that you have and networking is very important too."
However, Ski had a different philosophy on how to obtain financial stability. He said that a person should surround themselves with the kind of people that influence them the most. "If you want to make good money, hang around wealthy people, it's as simple as that," Ski said.
The panelist discussed a major issue that often prevents people from holding on to their money which is credit cards. A lot of students are told to throw away credit card offers and that they do not need it, but in actuality they do need them. "Credit is important and everyone needs it," Lyles said. He said without credit you cannot buy a car or a house, therefore having a credit card is a must. It is a matter of being smart when you get one.
