The Steve Harvey Morning Show

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Anne Lester.
A financial expert and former head of retirement solutions at J.P. Morgan Asset Management. The discussion focused on saving strategies, financial psychology, and overcoming behavioral biases to achieve long-term financial success.
🔑 Key Themes & Highlights
Overcoming Financial Mistakes
Lester shared that despite managing billions in assets, she made every financial mistake possible early in her career.
Her book, Your Best Financial Life, combines 30 years of asset management experience with lessons from her own financial missteps.
Saving Strategies & Behavioral Hacks
She emphasized that saving is possible at any age, but requires commitment and planning.
A key strategy: Save at least half of every raise to prevent lifestyle inflation.
Emergency Funds & Smart Spending
Lester advised building an emergency fund of 3-6 months’ expenses before investing.
She outlined three questions to ask before tapping into emergency savings: Is this truly an emergency?
Do I absolutely need to spend this money?
Do I need to spend it right now?

Subscription Detox & Hidden Expenses
Many people unknowingly overspend on subscriptions, leading to financial waste.
Lester recommended avoiding auto-renewals, using a credit card with an upcoming expiration date, and rotating streaming services to cut costs.
Investing vs. Traditional Savings
She clarified that long-term savings should be invested, not kept in low-interest accounts.
Retirement funds should be diversified across stocks and bonds for growth.
📘 About Anne Lester
Anne Lester is a financial strategist, speaker, and author, known for her expertise in retirement planning and behavioral finance. She spent over 30 years at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, leading retirement solutions and helping individuals build financial security.
Her book, Your Best Financial Life, provides practical strategies for saving, investing, and overcoming financial biases.

#STRAW
#BEST
#SHMS
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Valerie Obaze.
Founder of R&R Skincare.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
Highlight Valerie Obaze’s entrepreneurial journey in founding R&R Skincare.
Challenge stereotypes about Africa’s capabilities and resources.
Promote African-made beauty products and their global relevance.
Inspire others, especially women and diaspora Africans, to invest in and build businesses rooted in African heritage.
🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Breaking African Stereotypes
Valerie and Rushion discuss how Africa is often misrepresented in Western media.
Valerie emphasizes that ignorance is not always malicious, but it’s time to reframe the narrative through firsthand experience and platforms like social media.
“Ignorance doesn’t always have to be an insult. If you don’t know, you just don’t know better.” – Valerie Obaze
2. The Birth of R&R Skincare
Inspired by the birth of her daughter, Valerie sought natural skincare solutions.
She discovered liquid shea oil, which became her first product.
The brand name “R&R” stands for Rebecca Rose (her daughter’s name) and also Rest & Relaxation.
“I wanted to create a product that makes using these raw materials from the continent enjoyable.” – Valerie Obaze
3. From Garage to Global
Valerie started in her mother-in-law’s garage, turning it into a compliant mini factory.
She had no formal business plan, relying on her PR and branding background.
The brand now has three stores: one in Lagos and two in Accra, including one at the airport.
4. Authenticity and African Pride
Valerie insists on maintaining the African identity of her brand.
She uses locally sourced ingredients and ensures cruelty-free testing.
The brand supports women in the supply chain, creating economic opportunities.
“We don’t intend to hide that in any way. We just wanted to make raw materials sexy.” – Valerie Obaze
5. Expansion to the U.S.
Valerie is expanding R&R Skincare to the U.S., leveraging social media, activations, and PR expertise.
Products are manufactured in Africa, but distributed from U.S. warehouses to ensure timely delivery.
“We found our tribe over here… and this was the right time to come back to America.” – Valerie Obaze
🧴 Product Highlights
Shea Oil – First product, moisturizing and healing.
Body Butter – Whipped, light, and rich in essential oils.
Liquid Black Soap – Modern take on traditional African cleansing.
Hand Cream – Convenient and portable for dry conditions.
🌍 Big Picture Vision
Valerie’s goal is to grow an African brand globally, showcasing the richness of African resources and empowering local economies.
“This is just a small representative of the entire continent and what it is capable of.” – Valerie Obaze
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Charles Cofield.
Thanks! The transcript from this episode of Money Making Conversations Masterclass features an inspiring and high-energy interview with CPA and financial educator Carter Cofield, co-founder of Melanin Money. Here's a breakdown of the key highlights and takeaways:
🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Melanin Money: A Mission-Driven Firm
Co-founded by Carter Cofield and a financial advisor friend to serve the Black community.
Focuses on helping business owners save on taxes and invest wisely.
Aims to close the wealth gap and promote financial independence.
2. Authenticity as a Brand
Carter left corporate America after being told to hide his success and identity (e.g., facial hair, tattoos, car).
Built his brand by being unapologetically himself—fun, energetic, and passionate about financial literacy.
His authenticity has helped him connect with a wide audience and become a standout in a traditionally “boring” industry.
3. Personal Tragedy & Financial Awakening
Lost both parents by age 16.
Used grief as motivation to excel academically and professionally.
Learned the importance of financial literacy after receiving only $5,000 from a $25,000 life insurance policy following his father’s death.
4. Financial Literacy & Health
Believes “health is wealth and wealth is health.”
Poor financial decisions often lead to poor health decisions (e.g., fast food due to affordability).
Financial stress can directly impact physical and mental well-being.
5. Melanin Money Awards
Annual event in Atlanta (July 18–20) celebrating Black wealth and financial milestones.
Awards given for reaching net worth goals ($100K, $500K, $1M, $10M).
Designed to make wealth-building visible and celebrated in the Black community.
6. Generational Wealth: Redefined
Not just about leaving money to your kids.
True generational wealth means your money lasts for multiple generations.
Involves setting up trusts, investments, and financial education for future heirs.
7. Free Weekly Financial Classes
Carter hosts free money classes every Wednesday at 7 PM ET.
Accessible via his Instagram: @cofield_advisors
💬 Notable Quotes
“Fear is Finally Exiting Average Reality.”
“It’s okay to sleep in late when your money woke up early.”
“The scariest thing is getting to the end of your life and realizing you never truly lived.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Pastor Dexter Jenkins.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview aimed to educate and inspire listeners about wealth creation through real estate and financial literacy, particularly for individuals over 50. Pastor Jenkins shared strategies for building generational wealth, shifting mindsets about money, and leveraging real estate as a primary tool for financial independence.
Key Takeaways
Intersection of Faith, Finance, and Business
Pastor Jenkins emphasizes that faith and financial success are not mutually exclusive. He advocates using biblical principles as a success manual, especially from Proverbs.

Real Estate as “Low-Hanging Fruit” for Wealth
Real estate is one of the simplest and most effective ways to build wealth because land is finite and historically valuable.

Mindset Over Money
Wealth building starts with changing beliefs about money. Many misconceptions learned in childhood or church need to be unlearned.

Refire, Don’t Retire
For those over 50, Jenkins encourages leveraging life experience to create new income streams instead of slowing down.

Social Security Reality Check
The average Social Security check (~$1,400/month) is insufficient for most Americans, highlighting the need for personal wealth strategies.

The SHIP Method
Stewardship: Direct your money intentionally.
Ownership: Own assets that appreciate and generate cash flow.
Entrepreneurship: Consider business ownership as a wealth-building tool.

Education Before Action
Start with learning—books, podcasts, seminars—before diving into real estate or other ventures.

Community Wealth Building
Jenkins supports initiatives like “buying back the block” to revitalize neighborhoods and build collective wealth.

Secrets to Success
Desire, planning, education, and execution are essential. Dreams without plans remain dreams.

Upcoming Resources
Jenkins is releasing a book: The Real Estate Wealth Creation Blueprint, offering practical steps for using real estate to build wealth.

Notable Quotes
“Real estate is the lowest hanging fruit on the wealth creation tree.”
“People came here to work the land—now it’s time for us to own it.”
“It’s not time to retire; it’s time to refire.”
“Social Security was designed for a different era. You can’t live on $1,400 a month in America.”
“The Bible is more than religion—it’s a success manual.”
“If you don’t have a desire for wealth, we can talk all day and nothing will change.”
“Stewardship, Ownership, Entrepreneurship—those are the pillars of wealth.”
#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
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
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