Having a separate fund for the things in life that happen, helps keep the emergency fund in tact in case you lose your job or income.

I also admire my pastor, John K. Jenkins Sr. (First Baptist Church of Glenarden). My pastor taught me the importance of tithing and giving back, that it has to be at the top of my budget. And he is one of the most generous folks I know.

Money may not be able to buy you love, but conflicts about it can certainly bankrupt your relationship.

We know intellectually that money can't buy happiness yet we spend and go into debt as if it does.

I think you can save and spend to live for however long you live. You just have to be flexible if things don't go as plan.

My experience may be different than theirs, readers can identify with trying to save for retirement or their own kid's college fund. In truth, the name of the column, "The Color of Money," has less to do with my race than the fact that the color of money is green and it's green we all need to live a good life.

Many debt collectors offer a lump sum option so ask. And if you get it, make sure it's in writing and you keep the payoff statement FOREVER.