Your Money with Dr Boyce: Why Beyonce will Never Go Broke

Beyoncé's latest film, to be honest, reminds us that you don't have to be a great actress to take over the box office. I'm not trying to hate, but let's just say that Beyoncé is still growing when it comes to the big screen. But as a Finance Professor who gives grades on a daily basis, let me also say this: Beyoncé's got serious game when it comes to brand and money management.

In a recent interview, Beyonce explained how she doesn't spend money on luxury items, putting her in direct contrast with colleagues of her hip hop husband Jay-Z, who seem to think that taking baths in Cristal will keep your body clean. To Beyoncé, I must dish out a big, "You go girl", because the singer has learned that you can enjoy your wealth and protect that wealth, all at the same. Also, her father Matthew Knowles seems to realize the significant opportunity that comes from building a brand, managing that brand and expanding it around the world. In Finance and Marketing class, I give Beyoncé and Matthew an A+.

Beyoncé's latest film, 'Obsessed' starring Idris Elba (I still can't believe that Stringer Bell has a British accent in real life), dominated the box office, earning a whopping $28.5 million dollars during its first weekend. This outcome seems to have shocked some, including celebrity gossip columnist Lady Drama, who seems to feel that watching Beyoncé on screen is like going to a bad dentist with rusty drills and no pain killers.

Personally, I have to say that while Beyoncé may not be the most seasoned actress in the world, the fact is that most of her fans really don't care. Truth be told, great movies are not always built on great acting. Great basketball leagues are not usually built on great talent. The business of entertainment is built on one thing: the value and marketability of your brand. So, while there are those who might challenge Beyonce for her skillset, the truth is that her skills are second to none when it comes to building wealth in the Black community.

Beyoncé is sexy, but you probably know sexier women on your street. The difference is that Beyoncé has someone spending money convincing you that she's the sexiest woman on the planet.

Beyoncé is an amazing singer, but she is not the greatest singer in the world. Jennifer Hudson proved that to us in the movie "Dream Girls".

But beyond any doubt, Beyoncé is certainly this: an amazingly talented, singing-dancing-acting machine, whose value is carefully maintained by a delicate financial exercise on the part of corporate America. Fame like this doesn't happen by accident - Fame like this is MANUFACTURED.

Beyonce and Solange Fashion Transformation

In 2001, Destiny's Child won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Song for their hit single 'Say My Name.' Beyonce was 20 years old, and Solange was 15. New to superstardom, these young girls from Texas would take their time developing their sense of style.

Kevin Mazur, WireImage.com

Looking just like her mom Tina, Beyonce began her career with hair extensions based on braids, way before she would "upgrade" to lace-front wigs. Beyonce's mother's taste would continue to influence the her, as she would struggle to develop her own looks apart from her mother's sensibilities.

Jim Spellman, WireImage.com

Working a strange mix of accessories, Beyonce used her ensemble to promote her self-penned hit 'Bootylicious.' We do what we must to reach the top! It was 2001, and still a few more years before Bey would cement her top spot without resorting to desperate fashion moves.

Kevin Mazur, WireImage.com

At the 2001 Teen Choice Awards, Beyonce and Solange fully evoked the over-the-top tacky look that became synonymous with their mother's style choices. Matching neon yellow outfits and braids in clashing shades of auburn were made worse by the wrong make-up colors. Having their mother as their stylist was quite the cross for B. and Solange to bear.

Gregg DeGuire, WireImage.com

In outfits containing a range of colors in clothing, hair, make-up and accessories that defy my capacity for negative description, Solange and Beyonce attended the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards -- wearing more clothes designed by Tina Knowles. Need we say more?

Theo Wargo, WireImage.com

As a teen, Solange grew up in the fast lane. Her braids, scarf, tee and jewelry were clothing any average girl would wear. As much as she needed to develop her sense of style as a star, Solange's deeper struggle would include developing an identity apart from her sister.

Photo AOL

Solange and Beyonce posed together in 2002. This is an uncharacteristically dressed-down look for Bey. Do you think she still has that 'Michael Jackson's Thriller' shirt?

L. Cohen, WireImage.com

Through this two-tone hair sculpture in the form of a lace-front wig, Beyonce shows the world that they do indeed do things big in Texas at the 'Austin Powers In Goldmember' premiere in 2002. While Beyonce began to branch out into acting roles at this time and slightly mature in her sense of style, Solange still seemed like a non-entity totally dressed by Mom.

Gregg DeGuire, WireImage.com

These two sisters made an appearance on MTV's 'TRL' in 2002 wearing distinctly different casual looks. While Beyonce took her relaxed dressing to a costume-like extreme, Solange still looked like a normal young person.

Kevin Mazur, WireImage.com

At the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards, Bey gave a knockout performance and revealed what many would come to term the "Beyonce Look" in full force. The huge blond mane and over-the-top sexy outfits were here to stay.

Frank Micelotta, Getty Images

So, Beyoncé's handlers probably go to bed with the same prayer each night:

1) That she doesn't get arrested for pimp-slapping Jay-Z after the Grammys.

2) There are no secret tapes out there in possession of a jealous ex-boyfriend.

3) That she never decides to engage in any form of righteous, yet controversial activism on any issue whatsoever (I've lost a lot of money for standing up on various issues myself).

If those prayers are answered, then Brand Beyoncé will be worth well over $1 Billion dollars before she is done. Given that she manages her money well, I expect to see Bey live to be a wealthy old woman. Hate on her acting if you want, but when it comes to getting rich, Beyoncé will always be Destiny's Child.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Finance Professor at Syracuse University and founder of YourBlackWorld.com. He makes regular appearances in national media, including CNN, BET and The Wendy Williams Experience. He is also the author of "Financial Lovemaking 101: Merging Assets with Your Partner in ways that Feel Good." For more information, please visit www.BoyceWatkins.com.