It’s Take Control Tuesday, and Mansa Musa is breaking down a topic many couples overlook: joint accounts — and how they can quietly limit your financial power. Here’s the quick version: Joint accounts help creditors, not couples.Two names mean two people to collect from — but it also means you share credit limits, utilization, and risk. Your borrowing power is limited.Every person only gets so much credit capacity. When everything is joint, you cut that capacity in half. Keep accounts separate and you double what your household can do.

When it’s Tuesday, you already know—Mansa Musa is on the line, helping us break down the money moves that truly matter. Over the last few weeks, we’ve talked about using statement dates, shifting payments, and protecting your cash flow. Today, we’re taking it further. We’re digging into why these strategies matter and how one number can move your credit score up—fast. That number is your credit utilization ratio, or C-U-R. It simply measures how much of your available credit you’re using. If your limit is $5,000 and your balance is $1,000, you’re at 20%.

Maurice Griffin walked into our Detroit studio glowing — and it wasn’t just the lights. The Sunday Best alum and powerhouse worship leader has been moving through a season of clarity, healing, and bold decisions. In addition, his new single, “You Matter,” is a direct reflection of that journey. But before we got into the music, Maurice caught us up on life. He shared how a major move to California opened doors in ministry, film, and TV. Then, life shifted again. His pastor passed away — but not before preparing him for the next chapter.

Some voices shake the room. Pastor Jamel Strong carries one of them. He’s an ordained minister, songwriter, worship leader, and—if we’re honest—a vocal force that makes you stop and say, “Who is THAT?” When Jamel and I connected, the conversation flowed easily. He’s walked with gospel giants, written songs that travel far beyond his name, and ministered with legends like Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, The Clark Sisters, Kim Burrell, Bishop Jason Nelson, and so many more. Yet he carries all of it with humility. And that humility shows up in his music.

Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers carry nearly 50 years of gospel history, but they still sound as fresh and fiery as ever. Their roots go back to the late 1970s, when Lisa’s grandmother, Willie Mae Richmond, formed the original group. Lisa joined in elementary school and grew into the powerful lead voice fans know today. Most people assume the group members are siblings, but Lisa cleared that up. They’re family—just not sisters. The lineup includes her aunt, her mother’s first cousin, her god-sister Sierra, and now Lisa’s daughter, who steps into her grandmother’s place.

It’s Take Control Tuesday, and that means Mansa Musa is back with more practical tools to help you manage your money with confidence. Last week, we talked about how your credit card’s statement closing date can help you control your cash flow. Today, we’re taking that same date and using it to boost your credit score. Let’s break it down. Your statement closing date is the day your credit card company reports your balance to the credit bureaus. Whatever amount sits on your card that day becomes part of your…

Some conversations instantly feel like catching up with an old friend. That’s exactly how it felt when I spoke with Sharonda K. Mitchell—a powerhouse vocalist from Memphis whose heart beats gospel, hope, and healing. Sharonda grew up surrounded by music and ministry. Before stepping into the spotlight, she spent years backing gospel greats like Smokie Norful and Sheri Jones-Moffett. Now, she’s answering a higher call. The Palmist's debut project, VoiceNotes: I Am Healed, doesn’t just tell her story—it declares victory. In 2024, her world changed overnight. No warning, family history or symptoms.

It’s Take Control Tuesday! And this week, Mansa Musa kicks off a new two-part series on cash flow control — strategies that help you stretch your dollars without spending a penny more. This advice applies to everyone with a credit card — whether you pay your balance in full, carry one month to month, or are just working to get caught up. The best part? It doesn’t take any additional money to make this work. Here’s how it starts: every credit card operates on a billing cycle, usually about 30 days long.

Get ready to praise, Detroit—Hallelujah for Heat is back! The beloved community gospel concert returns for its 14th year on Friday, October 25, at Fellowship Chapel (7707 W. Outer Dr.). Doors open at 6 p.m., and the celebration starts at 7 p.m. with Pastor John P. Kee and the New Life Community Choir, plus Jeremiah Towner and the Highest Praise Choir. When I sat down with Mark Jones and Don Defoe from DTE’s Community Engagement team, their excitement was contagious. “We’re celebrating 40 years of partnership between DTE and The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW),” Mark said.

This week on Take Control Tuesday, Mansa Musa shared something many people still don’t realize — you can now get a free copy of your credit report every single week. That’s right! It used to be once a year, but now you can check it weekly to keep tabs on your financial health and protect yourself from identity theft. How to Stay on Top of Your Credit Report Go to the right website.Visit AnnualCreditReport.com — the only official site backed by the federal government. Avoid any look-alike sites that might try to charge you.

Interest rates are dropping—and that creates both opportunities and challenges. The good news? Lower rates can help if you have debt. The not-so-good news? They can hurt your savings. Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com This week, Mansa Musa shares four smart ways to take advantage of a declining interest rate environment: Refinance or buy a home.Lower rates can reduce your monthly mortgage payment—or allow you to qualify for more house with the same payment. Shop for a car loan.With lenders competing for your business, you may be able to lock in better terms.

Living paycheck to paycheck is stressful—and surprise fees make it worse. This week, Mansa Musa shares a simple but powerful tip: create a cash flow calendar. By tracking when money comes in and when bills go out, you’ll see patterns, spot problems early, and even adjust due dates to avoid financial crunches. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in reducing stress and taking control of your money. Take a listen below to hear the full conversation with Mansa Musa. Tune in to The Randi Myles Show…