We had the good fortune of connecting with Bridgette Long, MPA and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bridgette, do you have a budget? how do you think about personal finances?
I have a Budget, both personally and with my business too. My spending decisions are planned and accounted for in the monthly budget. It is essential to plan your money to accomplish your financial goals and for tracking purposes. My personal money experiences have propelled my “Debt-Free” mindset. As a result, I operate my household and business finances with little to no debt, with the exception of student loans. Our family will be mortgage free by the end of 2021. When I decided to crush our family debt it was planned and methodical. In 2008, I was a Realtor and my income was affected by the Great Recession due to the housing market crash. That experience of a declining household income was a gamechanger. Serious decisions had to be made and action was needed. I created a solid financial plan for my family to survive. Debt elimination was the main component. If you eliminate debt, you become less financially vulnerable. Seeing the debt decrease was exhilarating and it became additive to “Crush” all debt. By eliminating debt and lowering our househould expenses gave us extra money for more rewarding experiences with our family, The overall goal for my personal finance is to obtain financial freedom and to create generational wealth for my children. My husband and I are making that happen!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am a Financial Coach and Wealth Builder. I help families gain clarity around their money. I bring a wealth of financial service experience and knowledge when it comes to money and mindset. Having twenty plus years of combined banking, real estate, insurance, and teaching financial education sets me apart from most coaches. I can offer expertise coaching in the main areas of concern for many families. Since 2006, I have ran a property management firm helping property owners/investors manage their properties, along with assisting tenants with affordable and well maintained units. I am most proud about helping owners provide quality housing for families, while assisting owners with their financial goals. I’ve had owners pay off their mortgage and/or sell their properties with a nice profit, due to my tenant retention practices. I have helped tenants become homeowners as well. My tenants are respected and valued! Looking back to the start of my business, it was challenging because I was still working a 9 to 5. After the influx of business within the first two months, I was able to leave my job. However, I was planning to leave due to fear of layoffs. I was a newbie in real estate but I have always been a quick learner. All of the operations were not in order but I manage to maintain things even with a learning curve. Honestly, I overcamed the challenges by investing in continuing education classes and day to day operations. I always put my Clients first and was Super accessible. After being in business for several years, I noticed that many of the tenants and clients I worked with had challenges gaining knowledge about insurance products that could help them to achieve their goals and provide financial stability for their family.  I obtained my life and health license to help individuals with their insurance needs.  I assisted with counseling and making sure I found the types of coverages that best served my clients needs.  This is a big, but underappreciated, component of financial planning.  What I have learned a long the way is to keep learning. Strive to be the Best in your field. People want true and knowledgeable professionals. Make a budget for professional education. I care about giving clients the Best experience and helping them reach their financial goals. My vision is to help more families gain financial freedom and build wealth.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Some of my favorite spots are vegeterian/vegan eateries. I am a vegeterian foodie at heart. The plan to visit my top ten between breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Local Green Plant Based Pizzeria (Hawaiian and Philly pizza) Healthful Essence Cafe Sunflower Go Vegan Grill- breakfast is Everything (Thursday—oxtails) Slutty Vegan Life Bistro (seafood pasta and kale wrap w/sweet potato baco) Tassili Raw Reality (mixed mild/spicy wrap) Soul Vegetarian Herban Fix (fine dining) Dessert: Hebrew Cakes (vegan bakery) I love to do a day trip to Helen, GA for the wineries…Serenity Cellars. The wine is Everything! My girlfriends and I love the spa and anything else pampering. We would definitely visit Sole Spa for the Indulgence package. We woudl visit Rebel and Dolls for EVO 2 Gel manicure. Then, to Graceful Glow for the best facial Ever.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mother was a great influence on my money mindset. She taught me the value of a dollar and the importance of savings. She preached against frivolous debt and impulse spending. My mother was a school bus driver and ran her own Avon business. I learned from my mother how to run a business when I was a little girl. I helped with ordering products, filling orders, delivering orders, and giving the best customer service. My mother paid off her house with a modest income while I was in high school. Her financial moves shaped my financial mindset and business practices today. I strive to assist families with the Best customer service Ever!!! Another mentor I want to mention is Mrs. Chiquita Board. She was instrumental in giving me an opportunity to teach financial education workshops within non profit organizations. Through her kindness, she opened doors for me through her network. She was a genuine mentor and I learned so much from her. Her support and encouragement helped me to believe it was possbile to teach the masses. Mrs. Board took a chance on me and I appreciate her Everyday!

Website: bridgettelonginsurance.com

Instagram: @bridgettelongmpa

Linkedin: Bridgette Long, MPA

Twitter: @msbridgettelong

Facebook: @Bridgette Long, MPA

Image Credits
Brand New Consulting Group : Jarvis Releford

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