Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ash Cash.

A financial educator and author, shares his journey from working as a bank teller to becoming a leading financial expert. He discusses financial literacy, wealth-building strategies, and the mindset needed for financial success.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

1. Career Growth & Financial Education

   • Started as a bank teller at 19 and worked his way up to private banker and credit union CEO.
   • Transitioned into financial education, writing books, and speaking at events to empower communities.

2. Financial Literacy & Wealth Building

   • Emphasizes the importance of understanding banking, taxes, and financial tools.
   • Encourages people to shift their mindset from fear to knowledge when managing money.

3. Overcoming Financial Struggles

   • Shares personal experiences of financial setbacks and how he rebuilt his wealth.
   • Discusses how negative financial experiences can shape people’s perceptions and behaviors.

4. Mindset & Success Principles

   • Advocates for surrounding oneself with mentors and positive influences.
   • Encourages listeners to focus on their own financial journey rather than comparing themselves to others.

5. Financial Coaching & Community Impact

   • Talks about his work in prisons, churches, and community organizations to teach financial literacy.
   • Highlights the importance of mentorship and education in breaking financial barriers.

📘 About Ash Cash
Ash Cash is a financial educator, author, and speaker known for his culturally responsive approach to teaching financial literacy. He has written multiple best-selling books and is dedicated to helping individuals achieve financial independence.

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

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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:
  1. Is this truly an emergency?
  2. Do I absolutely need to spend this money?
  3. 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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