My Big Mama is my No. 1 financial role model. Much of my advice stems from what she taught me. She never made more than $13,000 a year, yet she paid off her home before she retired. She saved money from every paycheck. She taught me to be skeptical. It makes me cry to think that I'm a nationally syndicated personal finance columnist for one of the world's best newspapers and my core advice comes from my black grandmother who was a nurse's aide with just a high school education.

You need to know everything. You both need to be comfortable with sharing everything. If you can't you are NOT ready to get married.

I usually find that my gut doesn't steer me wrong when it comes to my money!

I love teaching people how to handle their money and I've built a brand on that skill.

You are NOT a financial failure if you rent. You are getting something for your money. A roof over your head.

It's why this election was HORRIBLE. It was either Hilary is the devil and Trump a saint. Or Trump the devil and Hilary a saint. Can't we all have a decent, civil conversation without throwing "shade?"

Always keep an eye out for other opportunities.