🎙️ Asking Questions Based on Your Circumstances

📋 Show Notes

In this episode, Dr. Renée Jordan shares a deeply personal story about declaring herself financially independent after her first year of undergrad. FAFSA said her parents could pay—but the reality was different. Growing up in a Black middle-class family in Prince George’s County, Maryland, she had to find her own way through college with discipline, resilience, and creativity.

From navigating a temp agency in downtown D.C. to learning hard lessons about professionalism (and humility) on the job, Dr. Jordan reflects on how asking the right questions based on her real circumstances opened doors to financial resources, growth, and independence.

This episode isn’t about a blueprint that applies to everyone—it’s about the courage to align your decisions with your reality. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or simply navigating your own path, you’ll walk away encouraged to tell the truth about what’s possible and move accordingly.

❓ Reflective Questions for Listeners

1. What financial or life realities are you currently navigating that the “standard advice” doesn’t reflect?

2. How can you align your work, studies, or hustle with your actual circumstances instead of following what others are doing?

3. What recent mistake could become a powerful lesson if you stopped to ask, “What is this trying to teach me?”

4. What honest conversations about money, time, or energy do you need to have—with yourself, your family, or your community?

5. What small financial or practical decision today could create long-term stability for your future?