Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Jackson.

It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?

I was born in Muskegon, Michigan. After high school, I attended Western Michigan University on an academic scholarship. I majored in accounting and always had an attraction to numbers. After college, I worked as an Accounting Supervisor for a major insurance company. However, it was the passing of my mother in 1995 that shed light on the disproportionate knowledge everyday people have about life insurance and retirement. Then, when my father died fifteen years later, underinsured, is when I discovered how to marry my love for numbers and helping people. It birthed my 24-year career as a financial expert. For me, this is not work; it’s my purpose.

I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?

Like many people, I have had many challenges over the years. Some of those challenges have been a result of external circumstances, and some have been self-inflicted wounds. Many of the self-inflicted challenges can be traced back to either a lack of disciple or lack of knowledge. I was an accounting major in college, but never learned about personal finance. That’s why I am so passionate about financial education. When it comes to external challenges, the obstacles are too many to quantify in this interview. Think about things like racial and gender wealth gaps, stock market volatility, and the impact of taxes. So, in my profession, you must deal with all of those factors personally, while still serving our clients. Unfortunately, many people in minority communities have a historic distrust of banks, financial advisors, and insurance agents, and for good reasons. So, I have to continue to be on top of my game. I am constantly learning so that I can pass that knowledge on to the people I work with. Staying consistent is the real key to overcoming challenges and getting a breakthrough.

Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?

I am committed to improving the accessibility of financial education in minority communities. I am the founder of The Real Money Coach, which provides training, mentoring and advocacy though strategic partnerships. We have successfully partnered with NCDOT, NCHUB, and the California African American Chamber of Commerce, among others. I recently wrote my first book, Increase, Protect, and Dominate Your Money™, a practical guide for money management and wealth planning. I am the host of The Real Money Coach broadcast, an educational series airing weekly on Facebook Live and iHeart Radio. So, I am a busy guy, but it’s all about serving my community and clients. I have been told that I have unique, God given ability to take complex financial concepts and transfer them into simple, easy to understand strategies. That’s what I have been doing for almost 25 years. That’s what the book is all about. In the book, I share real life stories to help readers understand the financial strategies that I provide in the book.

What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?

Outside of one’s relationship with God, I don’t know if I necessarily believe that there’s a single piece of advice that will help someone find success. It takes a compilation of advice along with learning from your life experiences to be successful. Certainly, having a grasp of your passion and purpose in life is important. This is important so that you channel your time and energy in the right direct. Mentors can also play a significant role. One of my mentors shared some advice with me. I am going to paraphrase it for you, “If you chase excellence, success will chase you.” In other words, strive to be excellent at everything you do professionally, spiritually, in your relationships, etc. If you do that, I believe you will be successful.

Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?

That’s always an interesting question to me because the word success is so broad. I believe success is not a destination but it’s a journey. We can have success in various pockets of our life. For example, I can have a successful career, or I can be successful financially. What about the other areas of your life? What about relationships and people you love and the people who love you? I would say success is leaving everyone you encounter better. Starting with your immediate family and extending out to the rest of your family & friends, then on to people you do business with all way down to the stranger you meet on the street.

What’s next for you?

In the short-term, as mentioned earlier, I have written my first book, which will officially be released on Feb 22nd, which is also my birthday. The virtual book launch will begin at 7pm EST, and will include some guest speakers who are pioneers in financial education. Pioneers like Dr. George Fraser, Dr. Dennis Kimbro, and Dr. Boyce Watkins. The virtual book launch is free and your readers can register at www.ipadyourmoney.com. My goal for the book is that it will be a resource that will expose readers to financial concepts and strategies that have not been well known in our community. It will do so in a simple, digestible way that will help them to take action. Professionally, I want to continue striving to be a culturally-relevant financial education influencer, and to serve my customers with the very best of my ability. At home, my goal is be the best husband, father, and grandfather that I possibly can. Spiritually to serve God with all my heart, all of my mind, and all of my soul both in the church and in the marketplace.

Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?

The best way to reach me is to go to www.TonyJackson.biz. From there, you’ll be able to get to my websites, social media, email, phone number, etc.