Lifestyle

Dr. Constance Craig-Mason: Redefining Success through Financial Empowerment

BLK News Staff

October 23, 2023
10:44 pm

Achieving financial success is a common aspiration for individuals of all backgrounds. However, the journey to financial empowerment can be filled with challenges and unexpected twists. Dr. Constance Craig-Mason, an accomplished financial expert and author, is a shining example of how determination, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning can lead to financial success. In this featured article, we will explore Dr. Craig-Mason’s inspiring journey and her mission to empower Black individuals with the knowledge and tools to achieve financial freedom.

A Unique Path to Financial Expertise

Dr. Constance Craig-Mason’s story is not the conventional narrative of a financial expert. She did not follow the traditional path of earning a degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, or Financial Planning. Her journey began as a Practice Manager for an Ear, Nose & Throat specialist in Baltimore, Maryland. Starting from temporary job assignments, she gradually worked her way up to being promoted as a direct hire. A few years later, she reached the pinnacle of her career in that field when she was promoted to a management position.

While her achievements were commendable and provided a stable income, Dr. Craig-Mason felt that something essential was missing from her life. It was the freedom of time and financial independence that eluded her. Her path to financial expertise took a significant turn when she decided to become a licensed financial services representative. This pivotal decision marked the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey. Dr. Craig-Mason’s journey was not without its challenges, but her unwavering belief in her potential and a commitment to continuous personal and professional growth guided her along the way.

Dr. Constance Craig-Mason: Redefining Success through Financial Empowerment

Photo Credit: pamperrypr.com

Overcoming Financial Hardships

The road to success is often paved with obstacles, and Dr. Craig-Mason’s journey was no exception. Despite early success as a financial entrepreneur, she encountered a severe financial crisis less than a year into her new venture. The lingering effects of the 2008 financial crisis began to affect her clients, causing her appointments and opportunities to dwindle. As clients grappled with the consequences of predatory lending practices, unregulated markets, and mounting consumer debt, Dr. Craig-Mason faced financial challenges of her own.

The situation became so dire that she and her husband had to dip into their 401k plans and emergency savings. Dr. Craig-Mason even took on part-time work at her previous employer to make ends meet. Eventually, they had to file for bankruptcy, all while she remained a licensed financial professional. Despite feelings of shame, guilt, and defeat, Dr. Craig-Mason remained determined to bounce back, a testament to her resilience and perseverance.

Specializing in Financial Empowerment

Dr. Craig-Mason’s journey has led her to specialize in empowering her clients, particularly Black women in business, to manage their finances effectively. Her mission is to help clients achieve financial independence and leave a lasting legacy for future generations. She emphasizes the importance of correctly managing money and investing in one’s values to live a life free from financial worries.

Dr. Craig-Mason’s approach, known as the M.O.R.E methodology, focuses on helping clients create great Memories, seize Opportunities, build healthy Reciprocal relationships, and be Exposed to new experiences. To achieve these goals, she emphasizes the importance of financial literacy, improving financial well-being, optimizing spending and savings, reducing debt, and maximizing credit scores. Her expertise lies in safeguarding income and assets while strategizing short, mid, and long-term investment and retirement goals.

Defining Success

Success, as Dr. Craig-Mason sees it, is a dynamic and evolving concept. She encourages readers to define success in various facets of life, including health, mental well-being, spirituality, social relationships, professional achievements, and financial stability. She believes that success goals should adapt to different stages of life and personal growth. Dr. Craig-Mason also encourages individuals to explore their relationship with money and heal from financial traumas that may be holding them back.

Success, in her view, encompasses healing, elevation, freedom, joy, and gratitude in all aspects of life. It involves nurturing loving and happy long-term partnerships, setting positive examples for future generations, creating transformational impact, and ultimately resting in peace and power, knowing that one’s life was intentional and significant.

What’s Next for Dr. Constance Craig-Mason

Dr. Constance Craig-Mason’s journey continues with the launch of a groundbreaking literary collective, “Money TALK$: Uncut Convos With Financial Experts on How to Grow, Leverage, and Protect Your Assets.” This collaborative effort involves 24 accomplished Black authors who are rewriting the narrative of financial empowerment for BIPOC individuals, families, and small business owners. The book aims to revolutionize the way individuals approach their finances and addresses the critical issue of financial preparedness.

In alignment with National Book Month in October 2023, Dr. Craig-Mason and her co-authors are committed to helping readers establish a $1,000 emergency savings fund through the Money TALK$ Emergency Savings Challenge & Tool Kit. This initiative seeks to address the alarming statistic that 57% of adult Americans are unprepared for a $1,000 emergency.

Dr. Constance Craig-Mason’s journey from a Practice Manager to a licensed financial expert and author is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and lifelong learning. Her mission to empower Black individuals with financial knowledge and tools is an inspiration to us all. By sharing her story, Dr. Craig-Mason reminds us that success is a dynamic and evolving concept, and it is never too late to embark on a path of financial empowerment. Her commitment to rewriting the narrative of financial success is a beacon of hope for those seeking financial freedom. To connect with Dr. Constance Craig-Mason and learn more about her work, visit her on social media, email her, or visit her website.

To learn more about the Money TALK$ Emergency Savings Challenge & Tool Kit and join the movement, visit www.moneytalkschallenge.com.