Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Zach Shefska.

Co-founder of CarEdge, a consumer-focused automotive platform he launched with his father in 2019. CarEdge was created to bring greater transparency, fairness, and efficiency to the car-buying experience through pricing data, negotiation tools, consumer education, and AI-powered resources.

The conversation explores the current automotive market, rising vehicle prices, strategies for buying and selling cars, the role of AI in negotiations, and practical advice for consumers seeking to avoid costly mistakes.

Purpose of the Interview 1. Educate Consumers About Car Buying

Zach's primary objective was to help consumers become smarter car buyers by understanding vehicle pricing, trade-ins, inspections, warranties, financing, and negotiation tactics.

2. Promote Transparency in the Automotive Industry

CarEdge was founded to level the playing field between dealerships and consumers by providing tools and information that reduce confusion and increase buyer confidence.

3. Showcase the Power of AI and Technology

Zach discussed how AI is being used to assist consumers with vehicle negotiations and purchasing decisions, making the process more accessible and less intimidating.

4. Share an Entrepreneurial Success Story

The interview highlights how Zach and his father transformed a simple YouTube channel into a nationally recognized platform that helps hundreds of thousands of consumers each year.

Key Takeaways 1. Car Prices Have Reached Historic Levels

One of the most eye-opening parts of the discussion was Zach's explanation of today's automotive market.

• Average new vehicle prices exceed $50,000.
• Average used vehicle prices exceed $28,000.
• Affordable entry-level vehicle options have become increasingly rare.

Lesson: Consumers need to carefully budget and research before making a vehicle purchase.

2. Never Skip a Pre-Purchase Inspection

Zach repeatedly emphasized that a pre-purchase inspection is the most important step when buying a used vehicle.

An independent mechanic can uncover issues that may not appear on vehicle history reports.

Lesson: Spending a small amount upfront on an inspection can prevent major repair expenses later.

3. Do Most of Your Homework Before Going to a Dealership

Today's buyers can complete much of the purchasing process online.

Consumers should:

• Research prices
• Compare vehicles
• Review financing options
• Understand ownership costs

The dealership visit should mainly be for the test drive and final inspection.

Lesson: Preparation creates leverage and confidence.

4. Think Beyond the Monthly Payment

Many consumers focus only on monthly payments when evaluating vehicles.

Zach recommends considering:

• Depreciation
• Insurance
• Fuel expenses
• Maintenance
• Repairs
• Financing costs

Lesson: The true cost of ownership extends far beyond the monthly note.

5. Extended Warranties Can Be Negotiated

Many consumers assume warranty packages and protection plans are fixed-price products.

Zach explains that buyers should:

• Ask for the total cost
• Understand what is covered
• Negotiate the price if interested

Lesson: Everything in the finance office is part of the negotiation process.

6. Separate Trade-Ins from Vehicle Purchases

A major strategy discussed was treating a trade-in as a separate transaction.

Befo

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Zach Shefska.

Co-founder of CarEdge, a consumer-focused automotive platform he launched with his father in 2019. CarEdge was created to bring greater transparency, fairness, and efficiency to the car-buying experience through pricing data, negotiation tools, consumer education, and AI-powered resources.

The conversation explores the current automotive market, rising vehicle prices, strategies for buying and selling cars, the role of AI in negotiations, and practical advice for consumers seeking to avoid costly mistakes.

Purpose of the Interview 1. Educate Consumers About Car Buying

Zach's primary objective was to help consumers become smarter car buyers by understanding vehicle pricing, trade-ins, inspections, warranties, financing, and negotiation tactics.

2. Promote Transparency in the Automotive Industry

CarEdge was founded to level the playing field between dealerships and consumers by providing tools and information that reduce confusion and increase buyer confidence.

3. Showcase the Power of AI and Technology

Zach discussed how AI is being used to assist consumers with vehicle negotiations and purchasing decisions, making the process more accessible and less intimidating.

4. Share an Entrepreneurial Success Story

The interview highlights how Zach and his father transformed a simple YouTube channel into a nationally recognized platform that helps hundreds of thousands of consumers each year.

Key Takeaways 1. Car Prices Have Reached Historic Levels

One of the most eye-opening parts of the discussion was Zach's explanation of today's automotive market.

• Average new vehicle prices exceed $50,000.
• Average used vehicle prices exceed $28,000.
• Affordable entry-level vehicle options have become increasingly rare.

Lesson: Consumers need to carefully budget and research before making a vehicle purchase.

2. Never Skip a Pre-Purchase Inspection

Zach repeatedly emphasized that a pre-purchase inspection is the most important step when buying a used vehicle.

An independent mechanic can uncover issues that may not appear on vehicle history reports.

Lesson: Spending a small amount upfront on an inspection can prevent major repair expenses later.

3. Do Most of Your Homework Before Going to a Dealership

Today's buyers can complete much of the purchasing process online.

Consumers should:

• Research prices
• Compare vehicles
• Review financing options
• Understand ownership costs

The dealership visit should mainly be for the test drive and final inspection.

Lesson: Preparation creates leverage and confidence.

4. Think Beyond the Monthly Payment

Many consumers focus only on monthly payments when evaluating vehicles.

Zach recommends considering:

• Depreciation
• Insurance
• Fuel expenses
• Maintenance
• Repairs
• Financing costs

Lesson: The true cost of ownership extends far beyond the monthly note.

5. Extended Warranties Can Be Negotiated

Many consumers assume warranty packages and protection plans are fixed-price products.

Zach explains that buyers should:

• Ask for the total cost
• Understand what is covered
• Negotiate the price if interested

Lesson: Everything in the finance office is part of the negotiation process.

6. Separate Trade-Ins from Vehicle Purchases

A major strategy discussed was treating a trade-in as a separate transaction.

Befo

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Teri Ijeoma.

A stock trader, entrepreneur, educator, and New York Times bestselling author of The Risk Worth Taking. The conversation focuses on her journey from elementary school assistant principal to successful investor, her philosophy on risk-taking, and her mission to teach financial literacy and wealth-building through stock market investing.

Purpose of the Interview

The primary purpose of the interview was to:

1. Promote Teri's new book, The Risk Worth Taking.

   • The book uses a fictional story inspired by her own journey to teach investing while helping readers overcome fear and uncertainty.

2. Educate listeners about investing and financial freedom.

   • Teri explains her investing philosophy, online courses, and practical framework for making investment decisions.

3. Inspire entrepreneurship and courageous decision-making.

   • She shares how leaving a toxic work environment and traveling the world led to her successful business and investing career.

4. Show how faith, education, and calculated risk-taking can create opportunities and wealth.

   • Teri emphasizes that financial success often follows courageous action and consistent learning.

Key Takeaways 1. Success Begins with a Willingness to Take Risks

Teri left her position as an assistant principal and chose an uncertain path that ultimately transformed her life. Her story illustrates that meaningful growth often requires stepping beyond comfort and security.

Lesson: Major opportunities frequently exist on the other side of uncertainty.

2. Fear Is a Bigger Obstacle Than Knowledge

After teaching more than 40,000 students, Teri discovered that many people understand investing but hesitate to act because of fear.

Lesson: Financial success requires both knowledge and the confidence to take action.

3. Investing Creates Freedom

Teri views investing as more than a way to earn money. She believes it provides flexibility, options, and the ability to pursue one's passions.

Lesson: Wealth should be viewed as a tool that expands life choices and personal freedom.

4. Simple Education Drives Results

One reason for her success is her ability to explain complex financial concepts in an accessible way. Her teaching style removes intimidation and helps people build confidence.

Lesson: Complex subjects become achievable when taught clearly and practically.

5. Courage Comes Before Clarity

Teri challenges the belief that people need a perfect plan before taking action. She argues that courage is often required first, with clarity developing afterward.

Lesson: Waiting for perfect certainty can prevent progress.

6. Faith and Purpose Shape Success

Her educational journey from MIT to Dallas Theological Seminary influenced both her career and worldview. She sees teaching investing as a calling that helps people improve their lives.

Lesson: Combining talent with purpose creates greater impact.

7. AI and Economic Change Will Increase the Need for Financial Literacy

Teri believes technological changes may disrupt traditional employment. She hopes more people will learn to invest so they can create income and opportunities independently.

Lesson: Financial education is becoming increasingly important in a rapidly changing economy.

The Four C's Framework

A central concept in The Risk W

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Teri Ijeoma.

A stock trader, entrepreneur, educator, and New York Times bestselling author of The Risk Worth Taking. The conversation focuses on her journey from elementary school assistant principal to successful investor, her philosophy on risk-taking, and her mission to teach financial literacy and wealth-building through stock market investing.

Purpose of the Interview

The primary purpose of the interview was to:

1. Promote Teri's new book, The Risk Worth Taking.

   • The book uses a fictional story inspired by her own journey to teach investing while helping readers overcome fear and uncertainty.

2. Educate listeners about investing and financial freedom.

   • Teri explains her investing philosophy, online courses, and practical framework for making investment decisions.

3. Inspire entrepreneurship and courageous decision-making.

   • She shares how leaving a toxic work environment and traveling the world led to her successful business and investing career.

4. Show how faith, education, and calculated risk-taking can create opportunities and wealth.

   • Teri emphasizes that financial success often follows courageous action and consistent learning.

Key Takeaways 1. Success Begins with a Willingness to Take Risks

Teri left her position as an assistant principal and chose an uncertain path that ultimately transformed her life. Her story illustrates that meaningful growth often requires stepping beyond comfort and security.

Lesson: Major opportunities frequently exist on the other side of uncertainty.

2. Fear Is a Bigger Obstacle Than Knowledge

After teaching more than 40,000 students, Teri discovered that many people understand investing but hesitate to act because of fear.

Lesson: Financial success requires both knowledge and the confidence to take action.

3. Investing Creates Freedom

Teri views investing as more than a way to earn money. She believes it provides flexibility, options, and the ability to pursue one's passions.

Lesson: Wealth should be viewed as a tool that expands life choices and personal freedom.

4. Simple Education Drives Results

One reason for her success is her ability to explain complex financial concepts in an accessible way. Her teaching style removes intimidation and helps people build confidence.

Lesson: Complex subjects become achievable when taught clearly and practically.

5. Courage Comes Before Clarity

Teri challenges the belief that people need a perfect plan before taking action. She argues that courage is often required first, with clarity developing afterward.

Lesson: Waiting for perfect certainty can prevent progress.

6. Faith and Purpose Shape Success

Her educational journey from MIT to Dallas Theological Seminary influenced both her career and worldview. She sees teaching investing as a calling that helps people improve their lives.

Lesson: Combining talent with purpose creates greater impact.

7. AI and Economic Change Will Increase the Need for Financial Literacy

Teri believes technological changes may disrupt traditional employment. She hopes more people will learn to invest so they can create income and opportunities independently.

Lesson: Financial education is becoming increasingly important in a rapidly changing economy.

The Four C's Framework

A central concept in The Risk W

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Teri Ijeoma.

A stock trader, entrepreneur, educator, and New York Times bestselling author of The Risk Worth Taking. The conversation focuses on her journey from elementary school assistant principal to successful investor, her philosophy on risk-taking, and her mission to teach financial literacy and wealth-building through stock market investing.

Purpose of the Interview

The primary purpose of the interview was to:

1. Promote Teri's new book, The Risk Worth Taking.

   • The book uses a fictional story inspired by her own journey to teach investing while helping readers overcome fear and uncertainty.

2. Educate listeners about investing and financial freedom.

   • Teri explains her investing philosophy, online courses, and practical framework for making investment decisions.

3. Inspire entrepreneurship and courageous decision-making.

   • She shares how leaving a toxic work environment and traveling the world led to her successful business and investing career.

4. Show how faith, education, and calculated risk-taking can create opportunities and wealth.

   • Teri emphasizes that financial success often follows courageous action and consistent learning.

Key Takeaways 1. Success Begins with a Willingness to Take Risks

Teri left her position as an assistant principal and chose an uncertain path that ultimately transformed her life. Her story illustrates that meaningful growth often requires stepping beyond comfort and security.

Lesson: Major opportunities frequently exist on the other side of uncertainty.

2. Fear Is a Bigger Obstacle Than Knowledge

After teaching more than 40,000 students, Teri discovered that many people understand investing but hesitate to act because of fear.

Lesson: Financial success requires both knowledge and the confidence to take action.

3. Investing Creates Freedom

Teri views investing as more than a way to earn money. She believes it provides flexibility, options, and the ability to pursue one's passions.

Lesson: Wealth should be viewed as a tool that expands life choices and personal freedom.

4. Simple Education Drives Results

One reason for her success is her ability to explain complex financial concepts in an accessible way. Her teaching style removes intimidation and helps people build confidence.

Lesson: Complex subjects become achievable when taught clearly and practically.

5. Courage Comes Before Clarity

Teri challenges the belief that people need a perfect plan before taking action. She argues that courage is often required first, with clarity developing afterward.

Lesson: Waiting for perfect certainty can prevent progress.

6. Faith and Purpose Shape Success

Her educational journey from MIT to Dallas Theological Seminary influenced both her career and worldview. She sees teaching investing as a calling that helps people improve their lives.

Lesson: Combining talent with purpose creates greater impact.

7. AI and Economic Change Will Increase the Need for Financial Literacy

Teri believes technological changes may disrupt traditional employment. She hopes more people will learn to invest so they can create income and opportunities independently.

Lesson: Financial education is becoming increasingly important in a rapidly changing economy.

The Four C's Framework

A central concept in The Risk W

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Pierre Johnson.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

This interview serves three primary goals:

1. Educate the public on women’s health disparities
   • Especially the high maternal mortality rate among Black women and fibroid-related issues.
2. Showcase Dr. Pierre Johnson’s expertise and mission
   • As an OB‑GYN (“Fibroid Slayer”) focused on minimally invasive care and advocacy.
3. Inspire through mentorship, representation, and perseverance
   • Highlighting his nonprofit, book, and mentorship platform to develop future professionals.

🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Health Disparities Are Rooted in Systemic Inequality

• Black women face significantly higher maternal mortality rates, driven by:
  • Historical mistreatment
  • Lack of access to care
  • Low representation of Black doctors
• These issues are systemic, not isolated.

✅ Insight:

• Representation + access + empathy are critical to improving outcomes.

“Representation in medicine matters… people that look like you will have more empathy.” [DR. PIERRE JOHNSON | Txt]

2. U.S. Healthcare Has Broader Structural Problems

• Even white women experience high maternal mortality compared to other countries.
• Causes include:
  • Poor lifestyle habits (diet, obesity)
  • A healthcare system driven by economics rather than outcomes

✅ Insight:

• The issue is both racial AND systemic, tied to national health culture.

3. Fibroids Are Common but Often Mismanaged

• Fibroids are benign uterine growths that can become severe and debilitating.
• Many women delay treatment due to:
  • Fear
  • Misinformation
  • Historical trauma around surgery

✅ Insight:

• Education and modern surgical options can reduce fear and improve outcomes.

“Fibroids are benign growths of the uterus… but they can become very large masses.” [DR. PIERRE JOHNSON | Txt]

4. Fear and Medical Mistrust Are Major Barriers

• Generational trauma from harmful procedures (e.g., hysterectomies) creates fear.
• Patients often avoid care due to:
  • Lack of trust
  • Poor doctor communication
  • Limited access

✅ Insight:

• Healing disparities requires rebuilding trust and improving patient experience.

5. Purpose-Driven Career Path

• Dr. Johnson chose OB‑GYN to:
  • Make an impact on Black women’s health
  • Use his surgical skills and passion for precision

✅ Insight:

• Career success comes from aligning skill + purpose + lived experience.

6. Entrepreneurship + Personal Brand in Medicine

• He built a global reputation (“Fibroid Slayer”) through:
  • Social media
  • Patient ed

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Pierre Johnson.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

This interview serves three primary goals:

1. Educate the public on women’s health disparities
   • Especially the high maternal mortality rate among Black women and fibroid-related issues.
2. Showcase Dr. Pierre Johnson’s expertise and mission
   • As an OB‑GYN (“Fibroid Slayer”) focused on minimally invasive care and advocacy.
3. Inspire through mentorship, representation, and perseverance
   • Highlighting his nonprofit, book, and mentorship platform to develop future professionals.

🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Health Disparities Are Rooted in Systemic Inequality

• Black women face significantly higher maternal mortality rates, driven by:
  • Historical mistreatment
  • Lack of access to care
  • Low representation of Black doctors
• These issues are systemic, not isolated.

✅ Insight:

• Representation + access + empathy are critical to improving outcomes.

“Representation in medicine matters… people that look like you will have more empathy.” [DR. PIERRE JOHNSON | Txt]

2. U.S. Healthcare Has Broader Structural Problems

• Even white women experience high maternal mortality compared to other countries.
• Causes include:
  • Poor lifestyle habits (diet, obesity)
  • A healthcare system driven by economics rather than outcomes

✅ Insight:

• The issue is both racial AND systemic, tied to national health culture.

3. Fibroids Are Common but Often Mismanaged

• Fibroids are benign uterine growths that can become severe and debilitating.
• Many women delay treatment due to:
  • Fear
  • Misinformation
  • Historical trauma around surgery

✅ Insight:

• Education and modern surgical options can reduce fear and improve outcomes.

“Fibroids are benign growths of the uterus… but they can become very large masses.” [DR. PIERRE JOHNSON | Txt]

4. Fear and Medical Mistrust Are Major Barriers

• Generational trauma from harmful procedures (e.g., hysterectomies) creates fear.
• Patients often avoid care due to:
  • Lack of trust
  • Poor doctor communication
  • Limited access

✅ Insight:

• Healing disparities requires rebuilding trust and improving patient experience.

5. Purpose-Driven Career Path

• Dr. Johnson chose OB‑GYN to:
  • Make an impact on Black women’s health
  • Use his surgical skills and passion for precision

✅ Insight:

• Career success comes from aligning skill + purpose + lived experience.

6. Entrepreneurship + Personal Brand in Medicine

• He built a global reputation (“Fibroid Slayer”) through:
  • Social media
  • Patient ed

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Pierre Johnson.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

This interview serves three primary goals:

1. Educate the public on women’s health disparities
   • Especially the high maternal mortality rate among Black women and fibroid-related issues.
2. Showcase Dr. Pierre Johnson’s expertise and mission
   • As an OB‑GYN (“Fibroid Slayer”) focused on minimally invasive care and advocacy.
3. Inspire through mentorship, representation, and perseverance
   • Highlighting his nonprofit, book, and mentorship platform to develop future professionals.

🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Health Disparities Are Rooted in Systemic Inequality

• Black women face significantly higher maternal mortality rates, driven by:
  • Historical mistreatment
  • Lack of access to care
  • Low representation of Black doctors
• These issues are systemic, not isolated.

✅ Insight:

• Representation + access + empathy are critical to improving outcomes.

“Representation in medicine matters… people that look like you will have more empathy.” [DR. PIERRE JOHNSON | Txt]

2. U.S. Healthcare Has Broader Structural Problems

• Even white women experience high maternal mortality compared to other countries.
• Causes include:
  • Poor lifestyle habits (diet, obesity)
  • A healthcare system driven by economics rather than outcomes

✅ Insight:

• The issue is both racial AND systemic, tied to national health culture.

3. Fibroids Are Common but Often Mismanaged

• Fibroids are benign uterine growths that can become severe and debilitating.
• Many women delay treatment due to:
  • Fear
  • Misinformation
  • Historical trauma around surgery

✅ Insight:

• Education and modern surgical options can reduce fear and improve outcomes.

“Fibroids are benign growths of the uterus… but they can become very large masses.” [DR. PIERRE JOHNSON | Txt]

4. Fear and Medical Mistrust Are Major Barriers

• Generational trauma from harmful procedures (e.g., hysterectomies) creates fear.
• Patients often avoid care due to:
  • Lack of trust
  • Poor doctor communication
  • Limited access

✅ Insight:

• Healing disparities requires rebuilding trust and improving patient experience.

5. Purpose-Driven Career Path

• Dr. Johnson chose OB‑GYN to:
  • Make an impact on Black women’s health
  • Use his surgical skills and passion for precision

✅ Insight:

• Career success comes from aligning skill + purpose + lived experience.

6. Entrepreneurship + Personal Brand in Medicine

• He built a global reputation (“Fibroid Slayer”) through:
  • Social media
  • Patient ed

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

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