The Steve Harvey Morning Show

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Leketa Hawkins.
Also known as the Pocketbook Strategist. She is a financial literacy advocate and business consultant based in North Carolina, offering tools and resources to help individuals and small business owners take control of their financial futures.
🔑 Key Themes and Takeaways: 💼 About Dr. Leketa Hawkins
Founder of PocketbookStrategies.com, which offers financial literacy programs, tools, and resources.
Also runs Hawdleigh.com, a platform for financial education courses and templates.
Her mission is to provide low-cost or no-cost financial education to underserved communities.
💡 Financial Literacy & Upbringing
Like many, Leketa grew up in a household where money was not discussed—a common cultural norm that left many unprepared for adult financial responsibilities.
She emphasizes the importance of breaking generational cycles by involving children in financial conversations early.
🧠 Emotional Spending
One of the most common financial pitfalls she sees is emotional spending—buying things to cope with stress, boredom, or celebration.
She recommends tracking spending for one week to identify patterns and triggers.
Online shopping makes emotional spending easier and more dangerous due to its convenience.
📊 Budgeting Strategies
Advocates for the 50/30/20 rule: 50% for needs
30% for wants
20% for savings or debt

Encourages people to “name your money before you spend it”—assign every dollar a purpose.
👧🏾 Youth Financial Literacy
Stresses the importance of teaching kids that money is a tool, not a goal.
Encourages parents to: Let kids ask financial questions.
Teach saving from every dollar earned.
Explain compound interest and the value of investing.

👩🏽‍💼 Empowering Women Financially
Many women feel overwhelmed or disempowered financially.
Dr. Hawkins encourages women to take small steps toward financial clarity and view financial wellness as a form of self-love.
💬 Final Lessons
“Money doesn’t change who you are—it amplifies who you are.”
Understanding the difference between assets and liabilities is foundational: Assets put money in your pocket.
Liabilities take money out.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMI
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Jocelyn Pearson.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview on Money Making Conversations Masterclass with Rushion McDonald and Jocelyn Pearson aimed to:
Share Jocelyn’s journey of graduating debt-free by securing $126,350 in scholarships.
Educate families on how to avoid student loan debt through her proven system, The Scholarship System.
Dispel myths about scholarships and provide actionable steps for parents and students.
Key Takeaways
Scholarship System Approach
Jocelyn developed a six-step process to simplify scholarship applications and avoid overwhelm.
Focus on breaking the process into small, manageable steps rather than a vague “go get money” directive.

Common Myths Debunked
Too early or too late to apply: Start by junior year; it’s never too late—even college seniors can apply.
Only perfect students or low-income families qualify: Many scholarships don’t require high GPA or athletic ability.
All good scholarships are gone: Smaller, local scholarships ($500–$5,000) add up over time.
It takes too much time: With a system and reusable materials, effort decreases each year.

Avoiding Scholarship Scams
Beware of “easy,” “enter to win,” or sweepstakes-style scholarships—they often sell personal data.
Real scholarships require effort and personalization.

Role of Parents
Parents should help with planning and identifying legitimate scholarships but not complete applications for students.
Committees can detect when parents write essays.

AI in Scholarship Applications
Jocelyn warns against copy-pasting AI-generated essays.
Her platform introduced TESS, an AI assistant for ethical guidance and support.

Financial Aid Basics
Submit FAFSA even if you think you won’t qualify; some colleges and states require it.
Combine all sources—government aid, institutional aid, and private scholarships.

For Current College Students
Check with financial aid offices, academic departments, and organizations for scholarships available after freshman year.

Entrepreneurial Journey
Jocelyn turned her passion into a business by starting with a book, building an email list, and launching webinars.
She emphasizes persistence and ignoring naysayers.

Notable Quotes
“I had to accumulate my way to getting college paid for—the mere mortals’ way to going to college without tons of debt.”
“Most families want scholarships, but they get stuck in the overwhelm.”
“There’s no big red easy button—but with clear steps, it feels less daunting.”
“We’re saying no to the broken system… It takes, on average, 21 years to pay off student loans.”
“With great power comes great responsibility—AI can help, but only if used ethically.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Latrease Price-Gistard.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to educate listeners on the mortgage industry, highlight the role and benefits of working with an independent mortgage broker, and provide practical advice on home financing options, credit challenges, and programs that support homeownership. It also shares Latrease’s entrepreneurial journey and lessons learned.
Key Takeaways
Background and Career Path
Latrease has a finance degree and started in investment operations in 1999.
Transitioned from auto financing and co-owning a car dealership to mortgage lending.
Became an independent mortgage broker in 2022 after being laid off during rising interest rates.

Role of an Independent Mortgage Broker
Holds her own license and partners with multiple lenders to offer tailored loan products.
Advocates for borrowers to ensure they get the right product, not just approval.
Specializes in helping first-time buyers, self-employed individuals, and those with unique challenges.

Home Financing Insights
Reverse Mortgages: Typically for seniors 62+, often used by those 75+ with equity and limited retirement funds. Provides tax-free cash without monthly payments; debt settled upon sale or refinance.
Zero Down Payment Programs: Offers up to 3% for down payment, attached to the mortgage; other programs provide up to 5% for down payment and closing costs.
FHA 203K Program: Allows buyers to finance home purchase and renovations in one loan—ideal for fixer-uppers.

Credit Challenges
Programs exist for credit scores as low as 500, but require higher down payments (10–20%) and result in higher interest rates.
Latrease consults and provides “what-if” scenarios to help clients improve credit over time.

Entrepreneurial Lessons
Mistakes: Starting without enough capital and a strong pipeline; economic timing matters.
Advice: Build capital, secure a solid client pipeline, and understand market conditions before going independent.

Notable Quotes
On independence:
“As a broker, you serve as that advocate for your borrower to make sure they’re getting the right loan product.”

On reverse mortgages:
“The beauty of it is there are no monthly payments going back to the institution. The debt is paid off when the home is sold or refinanced.”

On credit challenges:
“Programs go as low as 500 credit score, but those borrowers need 10–20% down.”

On entrepreneurial advice:
“Make sure you have strong capital and a solid pipeline before stepping out on faith.”

On perseverance:
“It’s all about follow-through. It’s all about your dream and whether you want to make it happen.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Keith Milner.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs by sharing Keith Milner’s journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship. It emphasizes discipline, leadership, risk-taking, and strategies for building generational wealth, particularly for underrepresented communities.
Key Takeaways
Foundational Lessons from Childhood
Growing up in a disciplined, hardworking family taught Keith accountability, integrity, and the principle of choices and consequences.
Education was highly valued in his household, shaping his drive for success.

Corporate vs. Entrepreneurial Mindset
Corporate careers can feel secure but are often riskier because you lack control over your destiny.
Entrepreneurship offers greater control and potential for generational wealth.

Leadership and Teamwork
Lessons from sports—teamwork, discipline, and leadership—translate directly into business success.
Establishing a common goal and coaching employees is crucial, but underperformers must eventually be let go.

Risk and Value
Many African-Americans view entrepreneurship as risky, but Keith argues it’s less risky than employment in an at-will state.
Success depends on creating value that customers are willing to pay for.

Franchising Journey
Relationships opened doors to Jersey Mike’s franchise ownership.
Entrepreneurship requires hands-on involvement—Keith still works in his stores when needed.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Adopt a growth mindset and positive attitude.
Follow the Five P’s: Plan, Prepare, Produce, Pivot, Persevere.
Understand that entrepreneurship is a daily grind—“Every morning in the jungle, the lion wakes up running.”

Notable Quotes
On discipline and accountability:
“If you said you were going to do something, you did it. If you were told to do something, you got it done.”

On choices:
“We make choices every day, and if you don’t make the right choice, there are consequences.”

On entrepreneurship vs. employment:
“Entrepreneurship and small business ownership is the best way to create generational wealth.”

On leadership:
“There are very few things in life you can do alone. You need people, you need a team.”

On success formula:
“You control the inputs, and therefore you can charge what you want—as long as you generate enough value.”

On entrepreneurial mindset:
“Plan, Prepare, Produce, Pivot, Persevere.”

Swahili proverb:
“Every morning in the jungle, the lion wakes up running… The question becomes, who’s going to run the fastest?”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jasmine Young.
Founder and president of the Financial Literacy Institute. Here's a summary of the key themes and highlights from the conversation:
🎙️ Interview Highlights Jasmine Young’s Background
Born in Jackson, Alabama, and raised in a rural, close-knit community.
Attended Alabama A&M University on a full scholarship, where she decided early on to become a CPA.
Emphasized the value of her HBCU experience in building confidence and professional readiness.
Financial Literacy Mission
Jasmine’s passion for numbers and financial education began early and was nurtured by her family’s practical financial habits.
Her parents instilled financial discipline and responsibility, which she now channels into her mission to spread financial literacy “one family at a time.”
Cultural and Historical Awareness
Jasmine discusses the legacy of Black Wall Street and the importance of economic empowerment in the Black community.
She organizes the Black Wall Street Black Business Expo, which honors the past while promoting modern Black entrepreneurship and civic engagement.
Social Impact and Civic Engagement
Inspired by the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder and the economic power of the Black community, Jasmine emphasizes the importance of using financial influence to drive social change.
She’s considering law school to further her impact, though she currently focuses on financial literacy and community empowerment.
Personal Insights
Jasmine shares her journey from feeling ashamed of her rural upbringing to embracing it as a source of strength and heritage.
She also reveals her musical background and Cherokee ancestry, adding depth to her personal story.

#STRAW
#BEST
#SHMS
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