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Managing your finances effectively is more important than ever, and the right budget app can make all the difference. Whether you’re trying to track your spending, grow your net worth , or make smarter investing decisions, using a well-designed budgeting tool can help you stay on top of your financial goals. With so many options available, we’ve rounded up the best budget apps for 2025 to help you find the one that fits your needs. 1. Monarch Money Rating: 4.9/5 (App Store), 4.8/5 (Google Play) Platforms: iOS, Android, Web Cost: Free trial, then $14.99/month or $99/year Monarch Money is a rising star in the budgeting space, offering powerful financial planning tools for individuals and families. It allows users to track spending, set financial goals, and even monitor investments, making it an excellent choice for those looking to grow their net worth. Unlike many free apps , Monarch provides a premium experience with a clean interface, collaboration features for partners, and...
A new year is on the horizon, which means more opportunities to connect. AFROTECH™ has strategically rolled out a series of activations designed to empower Black individuals from diverse backgrounds, creating opportunities for them to connect, thrive, and excel. These efforts culminate in the annual AFROTECH™ Conference, which made quite the splash in November 2024, drawing an impressive crowd of over 37,000 attendees to Houston, TX. “We are the architects, the innovators, the disruptors, the builders of tomorrow, and the future is not something that’s happening to us,” Morgan DeBaun, Blavity co-founder and CEO, said during the conference’s welcome ceremony, according to Houston Landing. “It’s something that we certainly can create.” For the upcoming year, you can expect to see a return of the conference and smaller-scale events across various cities to keep the momentum going. Kicking things off is AFROTECH’s MEETUP series, which will return in March 2025. The event draws in...
Editorial Note: Opinions and thoughts are the author’s own and not those of AFROTECH™. The tech industry has been experiencing a wave of layoffs, with many companies citing economic uncertainty and restructuring as the reasons. However, this trend has disproportionately affected Black tech professionals, who are already underrepresented in the industry. According to a report by Layoffs.fyi, Black employees are 1.5 times more likely to be laid off than their white counterparts.. In this article, we’ll explore the challenges faced by Black tech professionals in the current job market and provide guidance on how to stay resourceful and adaptable in the ever-changing tech landscape. The Rise of Layoffs for Black Tech Professionals The recent layoffs have been particularly devastating for Black tech professionals, who have worked hard to break into the industry. Some of the most notable layoffs include: Twitter’s layoffs, which affected 25% of its Black employees. Meta’s layoffs, which...
We often hear that the future is decided at the ballot box, and it’s true—voting matters. Electing leaders who shape policy is important. But let’s be honest, another, perhaps even more powerful force is quietly shaping our world. This isn’t happening in legislative chambers but in the coding rooms, the boardrooms, and the innovation labs. The future is being crafted by tech leaders who wield unprecedented influence over how we live, work, and connect. At AfroTech, this reality isn’t just understood—it’s celebrated. As our community prepares to gather for one of the most transformative experiences of the year, we’re not just networking and exchanging ideas. We’re stepping into a space that’s redefining influence for the 21st century. Here, tech dreams intersect with cultural revolution, and innovation is fueled by a collective drive to build a more equitable future. For years, political campaigns have dominated our conversations around change. We’re told that progress depends on who...
The special thing about AFROTECH™ Conference is that even as new people are introduced to it each year, there are also those who have been there since the beginning in 2016. The “OGs” of the conference have not only seen AFROTECH™ grow but have also experienced their own development over the years. Among those who jumped on board since the inaugural conference in San Francisco, CA, is Ruben Harris, CEO of Career Karma and OutRival. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ruben A. Harris (@rubenharris) Harris’ work is centered on education and career placement, helping people and organizations connect with top talent while simplifying workflow and integrating efficient models through technology and AI. The admissions teams at Career Karma use OutRival’s technology to create conversational AI agents to serve millions of people a month who visit the site for career advice. Currently, OutRival owns Career Karma, and Harris is the leader of both entities. Because of his emerging...
Editorial Note: Opinions and thoughts are the author’s (Lisa Mae Brunson) own and not those of AFROTECH™. The power of community. For many of us, showing up at events like AFROTECH™ Conference isn’t just about collecting business cards or finding the next big career move — it’s about immersing ourselves in a space that validates and celebrates our unique experiences as Black professionals, creators, and innovators. But here’s the thing: to truly make the most out of AFROTECH™ (or any other event for that matter), we have to show up with a plan. With years of experience organizing conferences and building spaces for marginalized communities, I’ve learned that being intentional about your goals and tapping into the power of community can make the difference between a fleeting connection and a transformative experience. Here are seven ways you can create impact and community at this year’s conference. Set Your Intention Before You Arrive I can’t emphasize this enough: Before you step...
If “International Players Anthem” by UGK has ever been in your song rotation, then you are very likely familiar with the talent and personality of Texas native Bun B. Bun B entered the entertainment industry in 1987, and with his groupmate Pimp C, the two helped pioneer a significant era in rap music, particularly in the South. With a slew of hits like “One Day” and “Diamonds & Wood,” UGK’s impact has been referenced and appreciated by peers and emerging artists. After a successful career in music, Bun B decided to highlight another skill set and enter the restaurant business. According to a previous AFROTECH™ report, the 51-year-old entered the food service industry in 2021, specializing in smash burgers, burgers with super-thin, crispy-edged patties. “For years I’ve been fascinated with the culinary scene, trying to find the best entry point for me,” said the rapper in an Instagram post . “Today, I can say I’ve found it.” Bun B’s restaurant Trill Burgers now has a brick-and-mortar...
It’s crucial for Black professionals to not just follow technological advancements but to drive them. Jeff Nelson, co-founder and chief operating officer (COO) of Blavity Inc., embodies this approach. With over 10 years of pioneering work at the company, now reaching millions of users each month, he has contributed significantly to its technology and software development. As the former chief technology officer, he was responsible for development, data analytics, and technical infrastructure, his LinkedIn mentions. In 2022, Nelson stepped into the role of COO, tasked with responsibilities centering data, product, engineering, and audience development, as well as furthering the support for Black professionals through AFROTECH™ and Talent Infusion, which is designed to connect top diverse candidates with employers. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Talent Infusion (@talent.infusion) AFROTECH™ AI Hackathon With the upcoming AFROTECH™ Conference set to return on Nov. 13-16,...
A new season has dawned — and that is AFROTECH™ Conference season. The 2024 iteration of the conference is just three months away, happening Nov. 13-16 in Houston, TX. AFROTECH™ Conference always provides an incredible opportunity for people to gather worldwide to learn more about business and tech, expand their network, and immerse themselves in a top-tier experience highlighting Black excellence and achievement. Even Jay-Z understands the vibe, evidenced by his 2017 song, “Legacy.” “We gon’ start a society within a society That’s major, just like the Negro League. There was a time America wouldn’t let us ball Those times are now back, just now called Afro-tech.” In 2016, Blavity Inc. Co-founders Morgan DeBaun and Jeff Nelson were inspired by the conferences held by tech giants like Meta (formerly Facebook) and Google. The duo sought to create something of similar merit for a BIPOC audience, as they believed Black and brown communities are disproportionately underrepresented at...
In light of recent legislative changes and the evolving social and political climate, AFROTECH™ continues to stand firm in its commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the technology and business sector. Our mission, to highlight the talents and achievements of Black professionals in technology, has never been more critical. The Supreme Court’s 2023 decision to overturn affirmative action and recent laws enacted in some states pose challenges to DEI initiatives, particularly at colleges and universities. However, it’s important to emphasize that this decision does not alter the law governing corporate diversity programs (New York State Bar Association Report on Advancing Diversity, 2024). Abandoning diversity initiatives at this juncture can pose significant risks for companies, including discrimination litigation, pay equity enforcement, public relations backlash, shareholder derivative suits, and more. We are immensely proud of our partners who have...
Written by: Carolynne Mims Christoff In a world where professional landscapes are ever-evolving, the pursuit of continuous learning has become more than just a choice; it’s a strategic move. For Black professionals navigating their career paths, staying ahead of the curve is not only a testament to resilience, but a key to unlocking unprecedented success. We all know there’s really no such thing as a “traditional career trajectory” anymore. Between the exponential speed at which technological advances keep changing every aspect of our work and lives and the way the market keeps shifting to keep up, professionals are recognizing the need to upskill continuously. UC Berkeley Extension is leading the way with this movement, offering a gateway to achievement through professional certificates and continuing education courses . The days of relying solely on a degree are a wrap. Instead, we are walking into an era in which specialized knowledge and skills hold the key to career...