I am writing this blog in response to a tweet I saw by Dr. Roshawnna Novellus.

I can't speak for others but I can share what worked for me. As someone who came from modest means (aka poor af), I can tell you once I learned the importance/discipline of saving and investing, my life changed. I was 22 and was influenced by a guy who was 19.

While serving onboard the USS Aspro (SSN 648) I was in the chow line and was talking with a shipmate. The conversation turned to money and he revealed to me that he had $20,000 in mutual funds. Coming from my back ground you were RICH! So my ears perked up as I asked him how did he do it. Before I get to that let me explain where I came from. 

My story is not unique to a lot of people from all races and background who grew up poor. Broken home, lights, gas, water turned on and off, mother (RIP) who worked 2 jobs, etc. My mother passed away without any money in savings. I helped support her toward the end of her life and she is no different than my dad or other relatives. 

I was not motivated to save or invest because in my mind I didn't have the money to save or invest WHICH was not true. I was not DISCIPLINED or influenced in a way that motivated me to save or invest. I started working at age 15 because I wanted a moped and my momma said, if you want it, you better work to get it; I think Britney was listening in on our conversation. 

So that is exactly what I did. She helped get me a job at Dairy Queen and the rest is history. From that point until this day I've never been without a job. So back to my friend in the Navy. He told me he would put money into mutual funds and let it sit and grow over the years. He save his allowance (I didn't have one of those), he saved money from odd and end jobs he did as he was growing up (I spent mine on stuff), and once he joined the Navy since the majority of his daily needs were met, he put back over 50% of his earnings. (Are you out of your mind?! That's what I was thinking.) 

So I decided to mimic what he did. I began putting money into Janus mutual funds. Watching my money grow, motivated me to save and invest more. All of my needs where met so I had a decent amount of money going into mutual funds. As the years past on, I had a good like stash. I then met another friend who traded stocks. He showed me what he did. As before, I mimic that too. Soon, my little stash grew even larger. There were days were I was making 5 figures and was totally losing my mind. Never in a million years would I ever thought I'd have money like that. 

Fast forward to Bitcoin. That completely changed the game for me and my family. As a result of being early (more on that later) I was able to retire my mom before she passed. She was getting $1100 a month from Social Security and I was providing her some in addition. I eventually paid off her mortgage and presented her with her deed. Again never in a million life times did I imagine that. 

Back to me being early with Bitcoin. I have a strength (revealed to me by taking the StrengthFinders 2.0 test) called Futuristic. I enjoy being an early adopter. I was try out stuff and many times it falls flat. I got lucky. Bitcoin didn't fall flat and in fact is probably going to become the global reserve standard of money. 

So to answer Dr. Novellus question: How do we fast track the understanding of finance within the community? I don't think we can "fast" track it. I believe it will take generational effort to encourage, motivate, and discipline those black people who were in a situation like mine or worst. My cousin was far worse than me, but he worked hard, he showed up, he earn, he saved, and he was disciplined with his money. He is doing amazing while his brothers are not. Why? Some people just can't grasp money management, time management, or individual responsibility. Instead, they blame others, esp white people, for their lack of. 

Reading is fundamental and black people who are of modest means, IMHO, should read. A book that helped me is THINK and GROW rich. Don't let the title fool ya. It's not just about making money but having a mindset to make money. It's a mental game and some black folks minds haven't been conditioned in that way. 

Let me end by saying, in complex situations (and this one is incredibly complex) broad generalizations and categorizations are dangerous. Rarely is it "ALL" or "NONE" it's some. The "Black Community" doesn't comprise all that are black because there are a lot of wealthy black folks right? So, back to Dr. Novellus question, for me? I am starting with my own family. I am focusing on them because that's within my circle of influence. If I can get them to save and invest (they are doing it! Yay,) then their children will see that example and hopefully follow suit. Soon it will move outside my family to the community. From the community maybe to the city. If we can get cities of people who take financial literacy serious, maybe the state will catch on. If the states begin, one day the entire nation will be better all because we individually have made it a priority. 

Sorry for the scattered thoughts but I will try to put more out later :) Thanks for reading if you go this far.