Pearlie McClelland
Work & Money
Hello Golden Divas!
My Golden Diva Interview for September is a timeless beauty who is full of zest, wisdom, and knowledge. She just celebrated her 72nd birthday last Thursday and is looking forward to many more blessings to come! I met her at the most magnificent church in the world at New Faith Baptist Church International (shameless plug) a few years ago and although, she is considered a senior this golden diva is in the prime of her life. She is a woman who walks by faith and loves to help others in their time of need. I want to introduce to you, my friend…
Pearlie McClelland
She was born in the state of Mississippi and the light of her life is her daughter, Dawn. Faith was always a part of her daily life thanks to the teachings of her maternal grandmother. Pearlie was an apt pupil and graduated from Montgomery High School with an athletic scholarship.
Pearlie’s career began in the Credit Dept. of the renowned Spiegel Corp. Where she 
thrived at learning foundations of creditworthiness. Later, she worked as a Credit Analyst for the iconic Wieboldt’s Dept. store furthering her skills and knowledge in credit and collections. This experience and passion for more knowledge led her to seek a position with the Encyclopedia Britannica in the 1990’s; where she worked directly with the three major credit bureaus.
Lastly, at Money Management Intl., Pearlie gained momentum and acquired skills through training, to provide certified counseling services for credit and mortgage financing. This knowledge proved to be a major victory for those seeking relief from financial trauma and gained her many supporters who are now living well-ordered lives. Pearlie continues to volunteer her services throughout the community.
IN CONVERSATION WITH PEARLIE McCLELLAND
C50: Tell us about the field of work you did before you officially retired?
PM: I was a Housing and Credit and Budget Counselor. I worked with clients and lenders on pre-purchase default mortgages reverse mortgages and mortgage modification for more than 20 yrs.
C50: What are some valuable lessons you felt you have learned over the course of your career?
PM: I learned to live within my income and the value of good credit. Making the meaningful sacrifice and being a good steward of all things; also I know the meaning of a NEED and a WANT.
C50: When you started approaching retirement age were you prepared to transition out or were you forced out?
PM: No I planned to work until I was 70 years young but due to some health issues I retired at age 66. I had planned to have more retirement saved. I lost a considerable sum of retirement income when the market crashed.
C50: As a retired woman, why is it so important to stay busy?
PM: It helps me to stay FOCUS, and it’s like keeping an eye on the prize. I am still learning more and more in the word and new things in the world. Remember you are never too old to keep learning and most important passing it on to others that might be seeking assistance.
C50: Do you volunteer? If so what are some things that keep you motivated?
PM: Yes, I am in a kindergarten school helping young children get started on the right beat. It keeps the CHALLENGE going knowing someone CARES about your education. Making sure our children can be all they can be. Demonstration of LOVE when it is needed, PRAISES when required, making our children feel WANTED. Helping them to understand that we will need them to CARRY the LOAD when they grow up as well as making our children RESPONSIBLE for their actions.
C50: After leaving the workforce was it hard to accept your new normalcy?
PM: No. I knew where I was financially, and health wise and what I needed to do to keep my life and financial situation stable.
C50: Have you ever thought about coming out of retirement?
PM: Maybe on my terms and with reason.
C50: In your previous line of work, why is it so crucial for you to go back and help others?
PM: We all need help in one way or another whether we admit it or not. If we share information, we can help the world become a better place to live.
C50: Do you ever feel vulnerable financially because you’re retired, and your income is set in stone?
PM: No it is what it is. Making adjustment by reducing in areas I can eliminate some things I no longer need by getting assistance in other things, these steps helped me to embrace my retirement years with joy.
Bonus Question
C50: From your expertise and wisdom, tell us how you can assist someone in need if they desired your help now while you are retired?
PM: I still know the job, and I have the experience. I keep up with the rules and 
regulations in housing, credit reports and scores, credit cards financing and personal loans and home referencing and rules.
C50: There you have it ladies my Golden Diva for September Ms. Pearlie McClelland on ‘WORK & MONEY!”