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

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to educate entrepreneurs—especially women business owners—on how to secure funding responsibly, avoid scams, and develop a strategic financial plan. It also highlights Katrina Fitten’s expertise as CEO/CFO of New Day for You Financial and her mission to help startups and small businesses access capital.

Key Takeaways

1. Funding Opportunities & Qualifications

   • Katrina helps women business owners secure up to $100,000 in 100 days or less, with same-day approval and next-day funding.
   • Basic qualifications include:
     • Credit score of 680+
     • Existing credit lines (at least $10,000)
     • A clear business mission and low-risk profile.

2. Avoiding Scams

   • Beware of unsolicited emails/texts promising easy money.
   • Do your homework:
     • Check companies on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
     • Look for testimonials and partnerships with reputable banks (e.g., Chase, American Express).
   • Never share sensitive information without verifying legitimacy.

3. Importance of a Business Plan

   • Funding is not free money—you need a strategic plan.
   • Katrina calls it a “money mission”: know exactly how funds will be deployed.
   • Without a plan, money disappears quickly, leading to debt and bad credit.

4. Family & Friends Lending

   • Treat personal loans like business loans:
     • Have written agreements with terms, repayment schedule, and penalties.
     • Decide upfront if it’s a gift or a loan.

5. Services Offered by New Day for You Financial

   • SBA loans, equipment loans, purchase order financing.
   • Lines of credit and 0% interest credit cards (18–21 months).
   • Credit card stacking for higher funding amounts.
   • Credit restoration referrals for those with poor credit.

6. Success Story

   • Example: A tax accountant secured $160,000 in less than a week due to strong credit, revenue history, and a solid business plan.

Notable Quotes

• “If you don’t have a plan for your money, your money will have a plan—and you’ll look up and it’s gone.”
• “We don’t want to be out here racking up good debt and then you’re not going to be responsible.”
• “You have to vet companies. Go to BBB, Google them, and check their credibility.”
• “If I give you money, I decide—is it a gift or a loan? There are rules to borrowing money.”
• “We say if you don’t get anything, we don’t get paid.”

#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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Christina Dukes Brown.

CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Paterson and Passaic, NJ

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aimed to:

• Raise awareness about the Boys & Girls Club’s impact on underserved communities in Paterson and Passaic, NJ.
• Issue a call to action for volunteers, mentors, corporations, and donors to support youth programs.
• Highlight challenges faced by marginalized communities and how the Club addresses them through education, nutrition, and character-building programs.

Key Takeaways

1. Community Impact

   • The Club serves 1,400 children and teens daily across two main clubhouses and 11 satellite sites.
   • Programs include academic support, tutoring, arts, athletics, and life skills development.

2. Challenges in the Community

   • High rates of homelessness, food deserts, and low literacy and math proficiency (only ~20% literate and ~15% proficient in math in Paterson).
   • Stereotypes and “deficit ideology” that assume poor or minority youth lack capacity for success.

3. Programs and Initiatives

   • Academic Support: Homework help, tutoring, and Saturday sessions.
   • Creative Outlets: Dance, musicals, and arts.
   • Sports & Aquatics: Swimming program praised for breaking stereotypes.
   • Young Adult Support (18–24): Internships, skill-building, and career readiness for those not pursuing college.

4. Call to Action

   • Volunteers and mentors needed to inspire youth.
   • Corporations and entrepreneurs encouraged to provide internships and teach business skills.
   • Donations critical—$4M annual fundraising goal to sustain programs.

5. Dr. Brown’s Motivation

   • Rooted in her upbringing in Jersey City during the crack era.
   • Believes in being part of the solution, not just complaining about systemic issues.
   • Emphasizes building “efficacious spirits” and affirming unique skills in youth.

Notable Quotes

• On Motivation:
  “I can’t complain about the position of Black and Brown people in society if I’m not going to do the work necessary to support its elevation.”

• On Stereotypes:
  “Deficit ideology assumes that if you are poor or minority, you do not have the capacity to be successful. We fight that every day.”

• On Community Support:
  “My community got me where I am today… I’m calling on the village to support what we’re trying to do.”

• On Youth Potential:
  “No matter where you come from, and no matter what you look like, you have the capacity to become great.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.