Make it Make Cents: A Conversation with Philip Dancy
Philip Dancy joined one of the top investment banking firms upon graduating from Hampton University in 2017. After starting his career in New York City and getting his first check, he understood that this “adulting” life was not going to be simple. However, the one thing he knew he had to do was create a budget for himself. Through several conversations, Philip understood that there was a disconnect between individuals and saving for the future. The disconnect occurred because people were not able to visualize their financial future given their current circumstances (i.e. credit card debt, student loans, living their best life and FOMO). As a result, Dancy With Money was created to help others on their journey to financial freedom. Li-A-Ping Financial, Inc. spoke with Phil to learn more about his journey.
What is your current profession?
Currently, I work at a bank in NYC as an Auditor.
What is a day in the life like for you?
Outside of work, I am listening to podcasts to keep me abreast of the current environment and personal finances, watching Netflix, and thinking of new ways to improve DWM.
Tell me more about Dancy With Money.
Dancy With Money was created to help others on their journey to financial freedom. DWM is a one stop shop for all things personal finances. The platform provides several resources ranging from articles on various topics, a safe place to ask your questions (#AskDWM), and even one-on-one coaching sessions.
What does Make it Make Cents mean to you?
What Make it Make Cents means to me is taking hot topics that are in the personal finance space, and shedding light on them in a way that everyone can understand. These conversations are ultimately held in order to bring awareness to these important topics.
You are emerging as one of the next leaders in personal finance, why is this important to you?
Being in the personal finance space is important because I believe knowledge is power. When you have that knowledge, your mindset changes which result in making better financial decisions. Whether it is knowing more about budgeting, credit scores, or even vehicles to help grow your money, I am just really happy to provide a resource for individuals to tap into.
Tell us about your savings challenge.
Dancy With Money’s 52 Week Savings Challenge was designed to help everybody who participates save an additional $2,600 in 2020. The goal of this challenge is really to encourage everybody to build that muscle of “paying yourself first” all while showing that it doesn’t take much to build your savings. So whether it is $50, $25 or even $100, it will grow over time if you are consistent. Additionally, it was created to help participants make SMART goals all why remembering their “why” for starting it.
How has the reception and participation been?
If I am being honest, the reception and participation have been great! From the number of reposts, the engagement, and even people sending me screenshots of their accounts to show they are following is dope. Even a few individuals that are participating have mentioned they were doubling up on the challenge for 2020. Ultimately, I am just excited to see folks are participating and at the same time, saving for their future.
What are your short and long term goals for DancyWithMoney?
Some goals for Dancy With Money are just to continue to put out quality content/articles that everybody can understand, create different products (e.g. eBooks, workshops), and just to help as many people as possible on their journey to financial freedom. Now that I told you the, definitely hold me accountable (lol).
What is an interesting fact about you others would be surprised to know?
People might be surprised to know that I actually lived overseas in Germany and South Korea for roughly five years. Heidelberg, Germany has some of the best bakeries hands down.
Favorite track from Dark Lane Demo Tapes?
Man, I like the whole album. But if I had to choose a favorite track, it is a toss-up between Desires and From Florida With Love.