BLUEPRINTS
TO BELIEVE IN
40% of Americans won’t have enough money to retire, and that number hits especially hard in marginalized communities.
At TIAA, we believe in the right to retire securely. That’s why, throughout 2024, we will highlight real individuals’ success stories, showcasing diverse paths to financial goals. Swipe through their Blueprints to Believe In for unique perspectives on building a brighter future.
Shelly-Ann
N. Eweka
TIAA Institute
I grew up on Long Island, NY.
I was 16 when my parents split up, and I saw my mom struggle as a single parent of four.
I often worked two jobs in college.
I prioritized maxing out my 401k over owning a car.
I bought a multi-family home. Lived in 1 unit, rented out the other 2.
I sold rental property for a profit and bought a new house outright.
When I retire, I hope to spend time in Nigeria with family and promote diversity in financial planning careers.
Advice I’ve Lived By
Spend less than you earn.
Budget what matters and live below your means to start building surplus wealth.
Think of saving as an expense and pay yourself first.
When prioritizing savings, think about paying yourself first.
Work with a financial professional.
Remember, you do not have to do it on your own! No matter the size of your bank account, you can work with an expert to help you chart a course that works for you.
For young people of color building their future:
Focus on what is important to you. Make sound financial decisions, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Work efficiently and make sacrifices to reach your goals.
Dr. LaVie Leasure, Ph.D.
Winston-Salem
State University
I grew up with a brother, sister, and two parents who loved us but it was a modest upbringing. My father was college-educated but did not find stable employment until I was in college.
I paid for college and graduated school via scholarships, a Pell Grant, and often working two jobs.
I married Al in 1994. Even with dual income, we lived frugally off of Al’s salary and benefits as well as the income from my two part-time jobs.
We became parents to two daughters, Ciara and Camille!
Once I began working full-time in academia, I started to focus on my future by investing in my retirement plan.
When I retire, I look forward to travel, philanthropy, consulting, and watching my daughters and granddaughter, Emory, thrive.
Advice I’ve Lived By
Invest smart and early.
Be considerate to your future self and start to grow your money for the long run.
Hope for the best, have 6 months’ of savings for the worst.
There’s no way to predict what life has in store. I rest easier when I have at least six months’ savings in the bank.
Pay for things strategically.
For big purchases, I use a credit card with no interest and rewards or cash and always think about the implications of interest and debt.
For young people of color building their future:
See yourself and your future as investments! A wise sage told my husband the following: “Let the young man/woman take care of the old man/woman.” In other words, do what needs to be done today financially/health wise so that your older self will thank you for taking care of him/her.
Nadir
Settles
Global Head of Real Estate Impact at Nuveen
My mother raised my three siblings and me in the Bronx.
Money was tight, but we grew up with love and a real understanding of the importance of family.
I completed my bachelors and two masters degrees, and became more financially literate.
Over the past 15 years, I found security and success in the real estate investment management industry.
Little by little, I paid off student loans.
I saved enough to buy a home and save for my children’s future.
When I retire, I want to cover my children’s college tuition fully and travel the world with my wife.
Advice I’ve Lived By
Live below your means.
Saving a portion of your paycheck builds emergency and retirement savings quicker than you think.
Slow and steady wins the race.
Always pay towards your debt, even when it seems like the balance is extremely large and will never get paid down.
Find inspiration.
Identify financial literacy gaps and seek knowledge from reliable sources. The Earn Your Leisure podcast offers great insights for Black Americans interested in retirement savings and entrepreneurship.
For young people of color building their future:
We don’t learn a lot about investing or saving early, because there is often not enough for the basics, yet alone to save. I would say it’s extremely important to start saving early, even if it is small amounts.
Wyclef
Jean
Musician, Rapper, and Producer
I was born in Haiti.
My family immigrated to New York.
I witnessed my dad’s hustle, which took us from Brooklyn projects to a Jersey home.
High school music teacher saw some talent and believed in me.
My parents hoped I’d be a doctor or lawyer.
Instead, I am now a 3x Grammy winner, hip-hop legend.
I didn’t take success for granted and keep investing for tomorrow.
I’m raising my daughter to see the value of hard work.
Advice I’ve Lived By
Have a grind mindset.
I always say that the success, in order to love it and to respect it, it comes from that original story of that grind and that hard work. And you got to put in that time.
Don’t get complacent.
Every dollar that I make, I’m mindful of. What I have today might not be here tomorrow.
There is no money tree.
Even if you’ve made it, if you don’t save for a rainy day, you find yourself in trouble.
When you know better, you do better.
Ask what you don’t know, never be ashamed. Because what happens is you have a chance to actually turn the key.
For young people of color building their future:
When I was in my 20s, retirement wasn’t on my mind- it’s just not what you think of when you’re young and dreaming big. But the truth is, once you make that future more secure, that’s where real confidence comes in. A dollar today is worth more every day you don’t spend it. Don’t make emotional buys that won’t help you tomorrow. Keep choosing yourself.