Four months out and I have faced my first setback.  It is not a true setback.  I am moving to New York in August. This is a great move for my career and family, but it means a location change for my dinner.

Finding a large space to host a dinner party in New York will cost me significantly more than it would in Atlanta.  Since I am funding this entire excursion, I have to think about my bottom line.  This means that I am basically back to square one. 

I will make my Twenty5 great.  Nothing will get in the way!

Free Bree Newsome: Michael Moore Offers To Pay Activist’s Bail After Arrest For Taking Down Confederate Flag

“Filmmaker Michael Moore announced on social media he would pay the bail and “any legal fees” incurred by activist Brittany “Bree” Newsome Saturday, when she is believed to have climbed the flagpole in front of the South Carolina Statehouse to remove the Confederate flag that customarily flies there.” – International Business Times

This African-Themed Show Had Zero Black Models

“The ongoing conversation around cultural appropriation in fashion (and beauty) just got a new talking point. Japanese designer Junya Watanabeshowed his men’s collection in Paris today, at the Museum of Immigration. The collection drew on African influences — including colorful Dutch wax fabrics and Masai-style layered necklaces — while managing to feature exactly zero black models. Much noted on social media was the hair — several white models appeared to wear dreadlock wigs.” – New York Magazine

Three attacks deepen fears about Islamic State’s global reach

“The attacks appeared to have no connection in terms of tactic or target.

The beheading and failed attempt to blow up a chemical plant in France bore no operational resemblance to the suicide bombing of a mosque in Kuwait or the armed assault on a tourist-packed beach in Tunisia.” – The Washington Post

Will Uber Crack Under France Crackdown?

“The paradox that baffles – or the irony that bemuses – observers, about the permanent source of conflict that has become Uber in many places in the world, was on bright display this past week in France:[…]”- Forbes

The California Drought: All You Need to Know

“Pretty much every state west of the Rockies has been facing a water shortage of one kind or another in recent years.  California’s is a severe, but relatively short-term, drought. But the Colorado River basin—which provides critical water supplies for seven states including California—is the victim of a slower-burning catastrophe entering its 16th year.” – Newsweek

2016 contenders react to Obamacare ruling

“From Hillary Clinton (she’s happy) to Jeb Bush (he’s not), candidates take to Twitter after the Supreme Court ruling.” – Politico

For many black Americans, Confederate flag debate a distraction

“As calls grow to remove the Confederate flag from public spaces across America’s South, Vanessa White says she questions whether that would mark real progress for black Americans like her.” – Reuters

Inquiry Blames South African Police in Killings of Miners at Marikana

“The failure ofSouth Africa’s national police force to control its officers or come up with a plan to handle a surge of angry protesters led to the killing of 34 striking miners three years ago, according to a report issued Thursday evening by the government.” – The New York Times

The 15 best workplaces for millennials right now

“Tuesday, Fortune released its first-ever list of The 100 Best Places for Millennials to Work in 2015.

The business publication teamed up with employment review website Great Place to Work to compile the list of companies that cater best to a young professionals’ needs.” – Business Insider

Texas woman thought she was African-American for 70 years before her adoptive mother told her she’s white

“A Texas woman considered herself African-American for 70 years before she found out she’s white, according to reports.” – The Daily News

Millennials outnumber baby boomers; most young children now minorities; new U.S. census estimates

“New population details released Thursday by the Census Bureau illustrate a growing trend and a new milestone for the ever-changing makeup of the country.” – Cleveland.com

African American Family Records From Slavery Era Will Be Available Online For Free

“After centuries of African American slave records have been left in shadows of obscurity and questionable narratives, a major website is closing the gaps on untold parts of history.” – Vibe

Supreme Court rules in favor of same-sex marriage nationwide

“In a landmark opinion, a divided Supreme Court on Friday ruled that same-sex couples can marry nationwide, establishing a new civil right and handing gay rights advocates a historic victory.” – CNN

Not that “B” word, but this one can be just a tough to swallow.  BUDGET!  Budgeting is a key step to becoming financially independent.  To make this easier, we have created the Twenty5 Guide to Money & Spending.  

This is our easy to follow and easy to use budget tracker.  Simply fill in the white cells with the appropriate amounts.  We have included basic expenses, but everyone has unique bills.  Make it your own!  We have also included Monthly Reviews.  This is where you can track your budget against what you have actually spent. 

If you prefer an app or service to help with budgeting, there are several.  Two of our favorites are Mint.com and HelloWallet.com.  Although HelloWallet is a paid subscription service, many companies offer subscriptions in your employee benefits.

This is only the first step, but stick with it.