Everyday, I see the immense need of people, especially of those within the black and brown communities, for financial literacy.

Many millennials are struggling with having conversations with their parents about their finances, wishes and legacy. Very often, I witness aging parents battle with the idea of facing a new reality, become fearful of losing control and refuse to share their financial mistakes with their children. So when that happens, shame sets in, plans are not put in place correctly or at all before the parent transitions and the millennial children are left with cleaning up a mess. This cycle must end!

Unfortunately, I know this frustration all too well. My father worked so hard to provide a wonderful life for his family and leave a legacy that included an investment property for each child only for it to slip through his fingers near the end of his battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He did not put everything in place in order to protect his plan (i.e. life insurance ran out because it was a term policy, POA had other motives, etc.). I’d asked him if he needed help with ensuring things were in order, and he’d always say that everything was taken care of. However, that was not the case. He did not ever want to go into details with me and kept his finances a secret. He did not let me in.

As a result, the lack of planning produced a catastrophic outcome. All but one of the investment properties that were left for our inheritance were sold. His retirement accounts were spent to pay medical expenses. After all of his hard work, time away from family due to work demands and years of sacrifice, there was not much left to create generational wealth. This experience has catapulted me into my purpose!! My goal is to help at least 1,000 households create wealth for three generations within their family tree! It is my life’s mission to help women, specifically Black women, realize their financial sovereignty as well.