Musical and Financial Well-being Notes Presented by Judy Woods of Operation Hope

 

Judy Woods is a financial counselor with Operation HOPE inside the Central Library.

June is African American Music Appreciation Month—a time to celebrate the sounds, stories, and soul of a rich musical legacy that has shaped history and inspired generations. From jazz to blues to gospel, hip-hop, and R&B, every genre tells a story layered with struggle, triumph, resilience, and creativity.

Did you know that patrons of the Public Libraries of Jefferson County, including the Birmingham Public Library, can check out books, DVDs, and movies related to African American Music Appreciation Month? Click here to explore our catalog on the subject.

Click below to read tips tying financial wellness to music from Judy Woods, a financial counselor for Operation HOPE's office inside the Central Library downtown.

Much like music, your financial well-being carries its own rhythm. Each decision, swipe, save, splurge, and payment adds a note to the composition of your financial life. And just like a song, your credit report is that compilation—reflecting not just where you’ve been, but also where you’re going.

• What tune are you writing with your money choices?

• Is your credit score echoing harmony or hitting a sour note?

• Are you building a legacy future generations will replay with pride?

Just as great musicians study, revise, and rehearse to perfect their craft, now is a great time to review your financial track. Your credit report reveals a tune—is it a financial song you want played back?

I encourage you this month to be inspired by those who turned adversity into anthems. Explore the legacy of African American music. Whether you're on a solo journey or performing in an ensemble with your family, know that you’re the conductor—and it’s never too late to rewrite the score.

---

Let’s review some musical and financial well-being notes:

On a piano, each key plays a distinct note, but together, they create harmony. Sounds like your financial well-being. When your habits align in the right “key,” they produce a sound financial future. Let’s explore some smart habits and their matching keys:

• C – Credit Awareness
  Like the foundational C note, checking your credit report keeps everything in tune. Know your score and address any discrepancies.

• D – Debt Management
  Don’t let debt dominate your score. Create a repayment rhythm that brings balance to your financial song.

• E – Emergency Savings
  Just as E lifts the melody, your emergency fund supports your financial harmony when life hits an unexpected note.

• F – Financial Goals
  Set short- and long-term goals like a composer setting tempo. It keeps your journey paced and intentional.

• G – Generational Wealth
  Build a legacy like the deep resonance of a bass note—strong, lasting, and meaningful. Homeownership is a great tool.

• A – Accountability
  Stay in sync. Whether it’s with your HOPE coach or a money buddy, accountability helps keep your composition on beat.

• B – Budgeting
  The bridge of your financial song. A budget brings structure and creativity together, helping you spend and save with intention.

Every financial decision strikes a key. When you’re intentional, those notes build into a life of purpose, prosperity, and peace. Make this month about history, harmony, and hitting the right notes with your financial goals.

To make an appointment with Judy Woods of Operation HOPE, email judy.woods@operationhope.org.