Let’s talk about money… Earlier this year JP Morgan Chase & Essence magazine partners to launch an exciting and impactful initiative called Currency Conversations. The initiative which consists of a series of powerful conversations with amazing women across the country both on & offline, was created to support the financial education and growth of women of color, (specifically Black women). In addition to education and sharing of resources, the program offers reassurance support to those looking to learn & grow their finances.

One of the key leaders behind the movement, is Thasunda Brown Duckett, CEO of Chase Consumer Banking and the 7th most powerful woman in finance today. Duckett’s mission is to inspire people to take their savings seriously. Not only does she want individuals to invest in themselves with intention; she also wants them to realize that the word “savings” doesn’t just apply to the future—it applies to everyday life.

assets.sourcemedia.jpg — “I’m passionate about the question, ‘What are you saving for?’

Thasunda Brown Duckett, CEO of Chase Consumer Banking

Duckett explains “… because savings is not just about investing or planning for your retirement.” “While those are so important, so is short term savings!”

By prompting individuals to answer the question—whether they’re funding their next trip to the grocery store, buying a plane ticket for a getaway weekend, or storing money away for retirement—this simple query inspires people to connect their savings goals to their day-to-day lives. And when people connect why they are saving to a specific goal they really care about—like being able to travel now, buying a house soon, or having financial independence later—they are more likely to stockpile their money, alleviating financial anxiety, and as a result, make the most out of their lives.

“It’s not only my passion to get people to save,” Duckett says. “It really is my responsibility. I take that responsibility seriously; not just as a CEO, but as the daughter of Otis and Rosie Brown.”

“What you’re *really* saving for is the ability to be the best version of yourself,” she explains.

According to: Currency Conversations website: Black women have made significant strides, yet face more hurdles to financial success than any other group in the United States. But, there's strength in the sisterhood. And together we can change that dynamic through education, reassurance, and support.

Only by releasing what is weighing us down are we able to move forward–lighter, freer, and inspired. Only by sharing these perceived secrets can we take away their power, and replace them with the energy needed to propel ourselves forward. Stop looking back and start looking forward. What are your currency confessions?

Through conversation with one another as well as with experts, we can shed what weighs us down and pursue our dreams.

The program has a heavy emphasis on connecting with other women & having financial conversations, (once culturally considered as private matters) to publicly to release any stigma and also share knowledge; as well as saving money by paying yourself first as a priority every month.

1. Connect - Meet and discuss money matters with other women.

2. Pledge - Take the pledge, (there is an actual pledge on the website)

Pay yourself first by saving money off top every month before making any other payments.

3. Engage - engaging one other to take action and share knowledge & resources within these conversations.

We love anything that further educates, edifies and empowers women… especially financially!To learn more visit the the Currency Conversations Website.