Welcome to Zero to One Million Podcast Episode 9 The Churches Role in Economic Empowerment! A great majority of my community are hard working church going people who are not financially literate. I want to take a moment to discuss this important topic that often gets overlooked in our expectations, the role of the church to promote financial literacy. In the United States, we have approximately 344,000 religious congregations contributing a staggering $418 billion to the economy. That’s not just a number; it’s a powerful testament to the influence that churches have—not only spiritually but also economically.

Just like a CEO leads a nonprofit organization, pastors are at the helm of their congregations. Their influence shapes not just the spiritual lives of their parishioners but also their spending habits and financial priorities. Yet, many churches fall short in teaching their members about economic empowerment, leaving them ill-equipped to manage their finances effectively.

This is where I believe the church has a crucial responsibility. We often talk about stewardship in the context of tithing, but stewardship goes beyond that; it encompasses the wise management of all resources—including financial ones. When we think of stewardship, we should also consider how we can empower our congregations to be financially literate, to budget wisely, save for the future, and use their resources in a way that aligns with their values.

The principles of stewardship, justice, and care for the poor are deeply embedded in our religious teachings. If we truly care for the marginalized and the economically disadvantaged, we need to equip them with the tools to achieve economic empowerment. This is not just charity; it’s about creating pathways for self-sufficiency and financial independence.

Now, I’m not suggesting that every pastor needs to have an MBA or become a financial guru. However, some basic financial and business acumen can go a long way in effectively leading a church. By understanding fundamental concepts like budgeting, resource allocation, and financial planning, pastors can better manage church finances, create sustainable budgets, and make informed decisions that support the mission of the church.

Moreover, when pastors have this financial knowledge, they can engage with their congregations in meaningful ways. They can spark conversations about economic empowerment, facilitate workshops on budgeting, and even invite financial experts to share advice on saving and investing. This not only benefits individuals but also strengthens the entire community.

Summary

In this conversation, Vendarryl Jenkins discusses the concept of emotional intelligence, emphasizing the importance of self-control and the lessons learned from childhood experiences. He highlights how these early lessons can shape our understanding of emotional awareness and the necessity of not acting on every impulse.

Takeaways

• Emotional intelligence involves advancing to a higher understanding.
• Childhood lessons play a crucial role in emotional growth.
• Self-control is essential in managing impulses.
• Not every thought needs to be acted upon.
• Emotional awareness can lead to better decision-making.
• Understanding what you have to lose is vital.
• Emotional intelligence is a lifelong journey.
• Learning from past experiences enhances emotional skills.
• Self-regulation is a key component of emotional intelligence.
• Emotional intelligence can improve personal and professional relationships.

Zero to One Million Podcast where we are striving to build a community of hustlers with audacious dreams to explore the journey of building wealth, financial literacy and economic empowerment. Today, we’ll take a unique look at making larger investments and creating generational wealth by paralleling the story of a young investor with the timeless narrative of “The Lion King”. Just like Simba’s journey in the Pride Lands, this young investor navigates the challenges and triumphs of life, seeking to break free from the rat race and leave a legacy for future generations.

I am your host Vendarryl Jenkins

Let’s Make Money while we sleep

I see you

I have been You

I want to empower you

Family

Imagine a young investor, let’s call him Vennie. Like Simba, Vennie starts his journey filled with dreams and aspirations but burdened by the weight of financial struggles. He’s working a nine-to-five, trading his precious time for money, feeling trapped in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Inspired by books he read he learns about people who have achieved financial freedom, Vennie delves into the world of side hustles.

Vennie begins small—he starts baking pies and cakes, offers tax services, and programming cash registers for businesses. Each hustle is like Simba’s playful adventures in the Pride Lands, filled with excitement and the promise of something greater. With each successful project, Vennie learns valuable lessons about investing in himself, understanding cash flow, and identifying what truly resonates with his passions.

As he grows, so do his streams of income. He transitions from a chaotic existence of juggling multiple side hustles to establishing consistent passive revenue streams like commercial apartment buildings, laundromats, coin vending and ATM machines. Like Simba, who learns the importance of leadership and responsibility, Vennie realizes that financial freedom isn't just about making money; it’s about building a life that aligns with his values and dreams. But as Vennie revels in his newfound financial freedom, he faces a harsh reality: time is finite. As he grows older, the urgency to secure his future becomes palpable. It’s a turning point, much like Simba’s realization of his role as king. Vennie understands that building wealth isn’t just for him; it’s about creating a legacy for his family—an inheritance that will last beyond his lifetime.

we’re diving deep into a topic that is crucial for anyone looking to escape the rat race of exchanging time for money and It's perpetual cycle of spending the money and waiting for the next paycheck let’s learn about building economic empowerment and a stable financial future with streams of income.

Now, what do we mean by “streams of income”? Simply put, income streams are various sources from which you earn money. Today, we’ll touch on two key types:

1. **Active Income**: This is the money you earn from working—a job, freelance work, or any activity where you trade time for dollars.

2. **Passive Income**: This is income earned with little to no effort on your part once the initial setup is complete. Think rental properties, royalties from creative work, or affiliate marketing.

By keeping income streams that are both connected and diversified, you create a more resilient financial structure. If one stream experiences a drought, the others can sustain you.

In today’s episode, we’ll explore practical strategies for developing these various streams, how to identify your unique expertise for passive income opportunities, and ways to diversify your income in a manageable and effective manner.

EPISODE 4

Go underground to make a change

Why don’t people dare to dream big and reach for an extraordinary life larger than most people can imagine. Following their plans and initiating a journey that they can’t see?

It’s insufficient investment capitol, fear of loosing their money, lack of financial literacy and financial inertia (tendency to stick to the status quo rather than make a change or analysis paralysis and they never move.

Less than 20 percent of americans follow their dreams and become entrepreneurs.

Anchoring and Action is next

I want to share a story with you—a story about growth, resilience, and the journey of anchoring before launching out on a journey. Getting in the underground lab create the magic. Imagine, if you will, a young tree. It starts its life not by reaching for the sky but by delving deep into the earth.

That’s where The Tree's Journey Begins

Just like that tree, when we embark on a new venture, we must first grow downward—to anchor ourselves. The tree’s roots dig into the soil, searching for moisture and nutrients, ensuring it is well-equipped to thrive. Similarly, before launching a business, we must anchor ourselves in knowledge, and preparing systems.

The Importance of Knowledge

With a book you can Surrounding Yourself with the Right People

Surround yourself with those who nurture your growth—individuals who challenge you, inspire you, and hold you accountable. According to studies, people who have strong professional networks are more likely to achieve their goals. This network is crucial as you cultivate the traits needed for success:

Let’s talk about the power traits, habits, characteristics and tendencies

The Stability of Roots is being anchored

Consider the professionals you need to surround yourself with:

- **An Accountant or CPA**: They will help you manage your finances, ensuring your financial health.

- **A Lawyer**: This expert will advise you on business structure and compliance with local ordinances, protecting you from legal pitfalls.

- **Marketing and Sales Experts**: They can assist in creating an effective website and promotional campaigns that reach your target audience.

- **A Business Mentor or Industry Expert**: This person will provide invaluable insights, share experiences, and guide you through the nuances of your business.

- **A Banker**: They will be crucial in helping you understand your financing options and managing your investments.

Before a tree can grow upward toward the sun, it must first establish strong roots. Similarly, before we can reach for our dreams and aspirations in our journey, we need to ensure we are well-prepared, well-supported, and well-connected. Anhored

By anchoring ourselves in knowledge, surrounding ourselves with the right people, and building a solid support system, we create the conditions necessary for success.

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I said in the first episode you will only go as far as your preparation and systems will take you. You really won’t know until you start the journey.

Starting a business or a new career or a wealth journey can be a daunting experience. It often comes with uncertainty, self-doubt, and a steep learning curve. This is where a mentor can make a profound difference. A mentor is not just a guide; they are an invaluable resource that can help you navigate the complexities of your chosen path.

Let’s make money while we sleep

I see you

I have been you

And I want to empower you

let’s discuss:

confidence

Tapping into the Mentor's Network

Training and Technical Skills

Exposure to Inside Intricacies

Growth in your Competence

Wise Counsel for Business Decisions

how, do you find a mentor?

What is a mentor’s looking for

I

The Sacrifices

Sticking to the budget

a. Come too far from where I started from

b. Draw on passed experiences of resilience

c. Lean on a community

Learning to balance aspiration with family

a. They can’t see it

b. Having some give

c. Bring them aboard

90 percent is your mental space

a. Educate yourself

b. Self Discipline

c. Develop permanent healthy habits

Changing your PPT “people places and things”

a. Crabs in the barrel

b. Find your new community

c. Everybody is not going to be happy with the new you

Making hard choices

a. Getting rid of those things

b. One step back to make two steps forward

c Cutting entertainment/ travel

Time

a. Missing family time

b. Health fitness, friends, and job

c. Keep your eye on the long term outcome