Dr. Nicole B. Simpson CFP®, CEO and President of Harvest Wealth Financial, delivers a powerful and necessary final conversation on retirement investing for individuals earning a W-2 income. In this episode, she moves beyond contributions and explains the most misunderstood step in retirement planning, how to actually invest the money you are setting aside on the job. Dr. Simpson opens by reminding viewers that standing on business also means minding your own financial foundation. She invites the community to engage directly with her work, ask real questions, and seek clear answers rooted in strategy, not speculation. As she continues her nationwide tour, her message remains focused on equipping people with practical tools they can use right now. This episode centers on the investment portion of employer sponsored retirement plans such as 401(k)s, IRAs, and Roth contributions. Dr. Simpson explains that every company plan is managed by professionals and that workers have the right and responsibility to ask questions, speak to advisors, and understand where their money is being invested. Retirement is not passive. Your money must work for you. She introduces the concept of risk tolerance and explains it in plain language. Risk tolerance is not about chasing returns. It is about understanding what level of market movement you can handle emotionally and financially while still sleeping well at night. She emphasizes that managing money in alignment with your risk tolerance is essential for long term success. For younger workers, Dr. Simpson explains why growth focused strategies matter. She addresses a common fear among younger professionals, the desire to avoid all risk. She clarifies that avoiding market risk entirely creates another danger, inflation. Using real world examples like rising food prices and rent, she explains how money that does not grow loses purchasing power over time. Protecting your money without allowing it to grow still exposes you to risk. Dr. Simpson urges viewers to understand that inflation is real and ongoing. A dollar today will not buy the same goods and services ten, twenty, or thirty years from now. Your retirement investments must at least keep pace with the cost of living if you want long term stability. She then speaks directly to Black and Brown communities, emphasizing ownership, education, and intentional participation in financial systems. She explains that many people jump into the market too late and exit too early because they do not fully understand how investing works. This leads to frustration and mistrust of the market rather than informed decision making. Dr. Simpson walks through different portfolio types including conservative, balanced, growth and income, growth, and aggressive growth portfolios. She explains how age, time horizon, and retirement goals influence where someone may fall within that mix. If retirement is decades away, long term investing matters. Long term does not mean three to five years. Long term means five years and beyond, often much longer depending on when you started working. She emphasizes that retirement timelines are personal. If you cannot access retirement funds until at least age 59 and a half, then your investment horizon must reflect that reality. The earlier you start, the more flexibility and opportunity you have. Dr. Simpson encourages every worker to complete a risk tolerance assessment by contacting their retirement plan provider and speaking with a qualified advisor. A good advisor helps align your goals, dreams, timeline, and comfort level with the appropriate investment strategy. Whether you need more growth or more protection depends on how much time you have and how much volatility you can manage. This episode is foundational for anyone who says they want to be financially free. Dr. Simpson makes it clear that financial freedom is not accidental. It is built through clarity, education, and informed action. Standing on business means taking responsibility for how your money is invested and why. This conversation is essential viewing for anyone serious about retirement planning, wealth building, and long term financial empowerment.

Dr. Nicole B. Simpson CFP®, CEO and President of Harvest Wealth Financial, delivers a powerful and necessary final conversation on retirement investing for individuals earning a W-2 income. In this episode, she moves beyond contributions and explains the most misunderstood step in retirement planning, how to actually invest the money you are setting aside on the job. Dr. Simpson opens by reminding viewers that standing on business also means minding your own financial foundation. She invites the community to engage directly with her work, ask real questions, and seek clear answers rooted in strategy, not speculation. As she continues her nationwide tour, her message remains focused on equipping people with practical tools they can use right now. This episode centers on the investment portion of employer sponsored retirement plans such as 401(k)s, IRAs, and Roth contributions. Dr. Simpson explains that every company plan is managed by professionals and that workers have the right and responsibility to ask questions, speak to advisors, and understand where their money is being invested. Retirement is not passive. Your money must work for you. She introduces the concept of risk tolerance and explains it in plain language. Risk tolerance is not about chasing returns. It is about understanding what level of market movement you can handle emotionally and financially while still sleeping well at night. She emphasizes that managing money in alignment with your risk tolerance is essential for long term success. For younger workers, Dr. Simpson explains why growth focused strategies matter. She addresses a common fear among younger professionals, the desire to avoid all risk. She clarifies that avoiding market risk entirely creates another danger, inflation. Using real world examples like rising food prices and rent, she explains how money that does not grow loses purchasing power over time. Protecting your money without allowing it to grow still exposes you to risk. Dr. Simpson urges viewers to understand that inflation is real and ongoing. A dollar today will not buy the same goods and services ten, twenty, or thirty years from now. Your retirement investments must at least keep pace with the cost of living if you want long term stability. She then speaks directly to Black and Brown communities, emphasizing ownership, education, and intentional participation in financial systems. She explains that many people jump into the market too late and exit too early because they do not fully understand how investing works. This leads to frustration and mistrust of the market rather than informed decision making. Dr. Simpson walks through different portfolio types including conservative, balanced, growth and income, growth, and aggressive growth portfolios. She explains how age, time horizon, and retirement goals influence where someone may fall within that mix. If retirement is decades away, long term investing matters. Long term does not mean three to five years. Long term means five years and beyond, often much longer depending on when you started working. She emphasizes that retirement timelines are personal. If you cannot access retirement funds until at least age 59 and a half, then your investment horizon must reflect that reality. The earlier you start, the more flexibility and opportunity you have. Dr. Simpson encourages every worker to complete a risk tolerance assessment by contacting their retirement plan provider and speaking with a qualified advisor. A good advisor helps align your goals, dreams, timeline, and comfort level with the appropriate investment strategy. Whether you need more growth or more protection depends on how much time you have and how much volatility you can manage. This episode is foundational for anyone who says they want to be financially free. Dr. Simpson makes it clear that financial freedom is not accidental. It is built through clarity, education, and informed action. Standing on business means taking responsibility for how your money is invested and why. This conversation is essential viewing for anyone serious about retirement planning, wealth building, and long term financial empowerment.

Dr. Nicole Simpson, CEO of Harvest Wealth Financial, breaks down why the Black Church must lead the charge toward economic empowerment and how YOU can start right where you are. In this opening episode, Dr. Nicole B. Simpson CFP®, CEO and President of Harvest Wealth Financial, invites viewers into a grounding and necessary conversation about what it truly means to stand on business while navigating difficult and uncertain times. She acknowledges the chaos happening in the world but reassures the community that with clarity, strategy and faith, we truly are going to be all right. As new viewers get acquainted with her mission, Dr. Simpson sets the tone for the entire series by explaining that this journey is about practical empowerment, not shortcuts. Her goal is to help individuals and families, especially within Black churches and Black communities, build a long-term financial foundation through wisdom and stewardship instead of hype or get-rich-quick thinking. Dr. Simpson shares why she believes the Black church must reclaim its place as a leader in financial and cultural empowerment. While the church has historically cared for the soul, it has not always provided the same depth of support for economic well-being. She anchors this conversation in Scripture, reminding viewers of the call to prosper and be in good health, and then bridges that spiritual understanding with her CFP® expertise, offering guidance that is grounded, actionable and designed for long-term transformation. Her approach is pragmatic because true financial freedom requires strategy, not prophecy lines or emotional shortcuts. This episode begins with the first essential step: starting where you are standing. Whether someone dreams of becoming an entrepreneur or is currently working a traditional W2 job, the path to financial freedom starts with understanding the resources they already have. Dr. Simpson explains what it means to exchange time for wages and why, especially in unpredictable economic seasons, a W2 job can still offer a powerful foundation for stability. She encourages viewers to look closely at the benefits their employers offer because those benefits form the first layer of financial protection. She then breaks down the often confusing world of health insurance. With simple, relatable explanations, Dr. Simpson walks through how to evaluate coverage based on personal needs, income, health status and family structure. She helps viewers understand deductibles, networks, coverage levels and how to avoid paying more than necessary for care. For married couples and families, she clarifies when dual coverage matters, when it does not, and how to prevent the common mistake of paying twice for the same protection. Her teaching emphasizes the importance of choosing the best benefit at the lowest cost because every dollar saved becomes a dollar available for future stability. Throughout the episode, Dr. Simpson calls the community to a deeper level of ownership and awareness. She reminds viewers that Black and Brown communities often excel as consumers but have not always been given the tools to become confident owners and financial decision-makers. Minding your business, in her language, means understanding the systems that impact your finances and taking responsibility for the choices that shape your future. Ownership begins long before entrepreneurship. It begins with clarity. This episode lays the groundwork for the entire series. As Dr. Simpson continues teaching, she will move into retirement planning, investing, employer matches, long-term wealth strategy and overcoming financial trauma. But first, she brings viewers back to the basics: knowing where you stand, knowing what you have access to, and knowing how to protect yourself and your family. This is a foundational conversation meant to help viewers step into their financial lives with confidence, intentionality and wisdom. Dr. Simpson continues to remind the community that standing on business means making informed choices today that secure your tomorrow. This episode is the first step in a transformational process for anyone who is ready to engage with their finances on a deeper, more empowered level.

Dr. Nicole B. Simpson CFP®, Reverend, CEO and President of Harvest Wealth Financial, continues the conversation on what it truly means to stand on business while building real financial freedom. In this episode, she speaks directly to individuals earning a W-2 income and breaks down why starting where you are standing is the most powerful financial decision you can make. She reminds viewers that financial freedom does not begin with entrepreneurship, hype, or shortcuts. It begins with understanding your paycheck. Dr. Simpson takes viewers back to their very first job, walking through that universal moment when you realize your check is smaller than expected and you ask, “Who is OASDI and where did my money go?” That moment, she explains, is your first lesson in how the system works, including taxes, Social Security, and deductions coming off the top before you ever touch your earnings. From there, she highlights a critical turning point most people miss, the first time you are given a real choice about your financial future. Unlike taxes, retirement contributions are optional, and that is where many people go wrong. Dr. Simpson explains how, historically, pensions and defined benefit plans gave workers guaranteed income in retirement, but today most people are responsible for funding their own future through defined contribution plans like 401(k)s and 403(b)s. Speaking from her experience as a Gen Xer, she shares how many people delayed saving because retirement felt too far away, and how that delay is now costing them years of extra work. Her message is clear and urgent. The sooner you start, the better off you will be. Time, not income level, is your greatest advantage. She encourages viewers to stop fearing money being taken out of their checks and instead see retirement contributions as an act of ownership and self protection. She also urges workers to review their employer benefits carefully, especially matching contributions, because that match is part of your compensation, not a bonus. This episode lays essential groundwork for long term financial stability and sets the stage for deeper conversations about retirement strategy, employer matches, and comprehensive planning. Dr. Simpson emphasizes that standing on business means making informed decisions today so you do not have to struggle tomorrow. This is Part 1 of a multi part series. Catch the next episode as Dr. Simpson breaks retirement planning down even further and shows you how to start building wealth the right way, right where you are.

In this powerful financial education video, Dr. Nicole B. Simpson, CFP®, CEO and President of Harvest Wealth Financial, shares her real-life story of loss, resilience, and wealth rebuilding after 9/11 and how owning a business became the turning point to financial freedom. After earning over six figures in the financial industry, Dr. Nicole experienced a dramatic income drop to less than $18,000 while raising two children, owning a home, and navigating health challenges following September 11th. What came next changed everything. In this message, Dr. Nicole breaks down how wealthy individuals use business ownership, tax strategy, and financial systems to rebuild, protect, and grow wealth even during recessions and economic uncertainty. This video is for anyone who: Is navigating an income loss or financial pivot Wants to build wealth through entrepreneurship Needs to understand how tax laws actually work Is serious about financial freedom and economic empowerment Wants real financial literacy from lived experience Dr. Nicole explains how turning everyday life into legitimate business expenses, understanding home office deductions, and aligning your gifts and skills with revenue can create long-term financial stability. This is not theory. This is experience. This is strategy. If you’re ready to stop surviving and start building this conversation is for you. Subscribe for more content on financial freedom, Black wealth building, tax strategies, and generational wealth. #FinancialFreedom #BlackWealth #WealthBuilding #BlackEntrepreneurs #FinancialLiteracy #EconomicEmpowerment #MindYourBusiness #StockMarketInvesting #BusinessOwnership #GenerationalWealth #BlackFinance #FaithAndFinance #MoneyMindset #HarvestWealth

Dr. Nicole Simpson, CEO of Harvest Wealth Financial, breaks down why the Black Church must lead the charge toward economic empowerment and how YOU can start right where you are. watch episode to know about: ✨ Why ownership matters ✨ How your employer benefits are your financial foundation ✨ Why health insurance decisions can make or break your budget ✨ And why slow + steady is the REAL wealth strategy If you’re ready to break financial trauma and build a future with intention, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this with someone who’s ready to stand on business too. 🖤💼

Dr. Nicole B. Simpson CFP®, Reverend, CEO and President of Harvest Wealth Financial, continues the conversation on what it truly means to stand on business while building real financial freedom. In this episode, she speaks directly to individuals earning a W-2 income and breaks down why starting where you are standing is the most powerful financial decision you can make. She reminds viewers that financial freedom does not begin with entrepreneurship, hype, or shortcuts. It begins with understanding your paycheck. Dr. Simpson takes viewers back to their very first job, walking through that universal moment when you realize your check is smaller than expected and you ask, “Who is OASDI and where did my money go?” That moment, she explains, is your first lesson in how the system works, including taxes, Social Security, and deductions coming off the top before you ever touch your earnings. From there, she highlights a critical turning point most people miss, the first time you are given a real choice about your financial future. Unlike taxes, retirement contributions are optional, and that is where many people go wrong. Dr. Simpson explains how, historically, pensions and defined benefit plans gave workers guaranteed income in retirement, but today most people are responsible for funding their own future through defined contribution plans like 401(k)s and 403(b)s. Speaking from her experience as a Gen Xer, she shares how many people delayed saving because retirement felt too far away, and how that delay is now costing them years of extra work. Her message is clear and urgent. The sooner you start, the better off you will be. Time, not income level, is your greatest advantage. She encourages viewers to stop fearing money being taken out of their checks and instead see retirement contributions as an act of ownership and self protection. She also urges workers to review their employer benefits carefully, especially matching contributions, because that match is part of your compensation, not a bonus. This episode lays essential groundwork for long term financial stability and sets the stage for deeper conversations about retirement strategy, employer matches, and comprehensive planning. Dr. Simpson emphasizes that standing on business means making informed decisions today so you do not have to struggle tomorrow. This is Part 1 of a multi part series. Catch the next episode as Dr. Simpson breaks retirement planning down even further and shows you how to start building wealth the right way, right where you are.

Dr. Nicole B. Simpson CFP®, Reverend, CEO and President of Harvest Wealth Financial, continues the conversation on what it truly means to stand on business while building real financial freedom. In this episode, she speaks directly to individuals earning a W-2 income and breaks down why starting where you are standing is the most powerful financial decision you can make. She reminds viewers that financial freedom does not begin with entrepreneurship, hype, or shortcuts. It begins with understanding your paycheck. Dr. Simpson takes viewers back to their very first job, walking through that universal moment when you realize your check is smaller than expected and you ask, “Who is OASDI and where did my money go?” That moment, she explains, is your first lesson in how the system works, including taxes, Social Security, and deductions coming off the top before you ever touch your earnings. From there, she highlights a critical turning point most people miss, the first time you are given a real choice about your financial future. Unlike taxes, retirement contributions are optional, and that is where many people go wrong. Dr. Simpson explains how, historically, pensions and defined benefit plans gave workers guaranteed income in retirement, but today most people are responsible for funding their own future through defined contribution plans like 401(k)s and 403(b)s. Speaking from her experience as a Gen Xer, she shares how many people delayed saving because retirement felt too far away, and how that delay is now costing them years of extra work. Her message is clear and urgent. The sooner you start, the better off you will be. Time, not income level, is your greatest advantage. She encourages viewers to stop fearing money being taken out of their checks and instead see retirement contributions as an act of ownership and self protection. She also urges workers to review their employer benefits carefully, especially matching contributions, because that match is part of your compensation, not a bonus. This episode lays essential groundwork for long term financial stability and sets the stage for deeper conversations about retirement strategy, employer matches, and comprehensive planning. Dr. Simpson emphasizes that standing on business means making informed decisions today so you do not have to struggle tomorrow. This is Part 1 of a multi part series. Catch the next episode as Dr. Simpson breaks retirement planning down even further and shows you how to start building wealth the right way, right where you are.

Source: https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-kzkpf-1a1baee Dr. Simpson takes a pause to acknowledge and pay tribute to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and how his life influenced her life journey. She reminds us of the purpose of the I Have a Dream speech. It was rooted in the cry for economic justice more than racial despair. Let us never forget his impact on the culture.

Dr. Nicole B. Simpson CFP®, Reverend, CEO and President of Harvest Wealth Financial, continues the conversation on what it truly means to stand on business while building real financial freedom. In this episode, she speaks directly to individuals earning a W-2 income and breaks down why starting where you are standing is the most powerful financial decision you can make. She reminds viewers that financial freedom does not begin with entrepreneurship, hype, or shortcuts. It begins with understanding your paycheck. Dr. Simpson takes viewers back to their very first job, walking through that universal moment when you realize your check is smaller than expected and you ask, “Who is OASDI and where did my money go?” That moment, she explains, is your first lesson in how the system works, including taxes, Social Security, and deductions coming off the top before you ever touch your earnings. From there, she highlights a critical turning point most people miss, the first time you are given a real choice about your financial future. Unlike taxes, retirement contributions are optional, and that is where many people go wrong. Dr. Simpson explains how, historically, pensions and defined benefit plans gave workers guaranteed income in retirement, but today most people are responsible for funding their own future through defined contribution plans like 401(k)s and 403(b)s. Speaking from her experience as a Gen Xer, she shares how many people delayed saving because retirement felt too far away, and how that delay is now costing them years of extra work. Her message is clear and urgent. The sooner you start, the better off you will be. Time, not income level, is your greatest advantage. She encourages viewers to stop fearing money being taken out of their checks and instead see retirement contributions as an act of ownership and self protection. She also urges workers to review their employer benefits carefully, especially matching contributions, because that match is part of your compensation, not a bonus. This episode lays essential groundwork for long term financial stability and sets the stage for deeper conversations about retirement strategy, employer matches, and comprehensive planning. Dr. Simpson emphasizes that standing on business means making informed decisions today so you do not have to struggle tomorrow. This is Part 1 of a multi part series. Catch the next episode as Dr. Simpson breaks retirement planning down even further and shows you how to start building wealth the right way, right where you are.

Dr. Nicole B. Simpson CFP®, Reverend, CEO and President of Harvest Wealth Financial, continues the conversation on what it truly means to stand on business while building real financial freedom. In this episode, she speaks directly to individuals earning a W-2 income and breaks down why starting where you are standing is the most powerful financial decision you can make. She reminds viewers that financial freedom does not begin with entrepreneurship, hype, or shortcuts. It begins with understanding your paycheck. Dr. Simpson takes viewers back to their very first job, walking through that universal moment when you realize your check is smaller than expected and you ask, “Who is OASDI and where did my money go?” That moment, she explains, is your first lesson in how the system works, including taxes, Social Security, and deductions coming off the top before you ever touch your earnings. From there, she highlights a critical turning point most people miss, the first time you are given a real choice about your financial future. Unlike taxes, retirement contributions are optional, and that is where many people go wrong. Dr. Simpson explains how, historically, pensions and defined benefit plans gave workers guaranteed income in retirement, but today most people are responsible for funding their own future through defined contribution plans like 401(k)s and 403(b)s. Speaking from her experience as a Gen Xer, she shares how many people delayed saving because retirement felt too far away, and how that delay is now costing them years of extra work. Her message is clear and urgent. The sooner you start, the better off you will be. Time, not income level, is your greatest advantage. She encourages viewers to stop fearing money being taken out of their checks and instead see retirement contributions as an act of ownership and self protection. She also urges workers to review their employer benefits carefully, especially matching contributions, because that match is part of your compensation, not a bonus. This episode lays essential groundwork for long term financial stability and sets the stage for deeper conversations about retirement strategy, employer matches, and comprehensive planning. Dr. Simpson emphasizes that standing on business means making informed decisions today so you do not have to struggle tomorrow. This is Part 1 of a multi part series. Catch the next episode as Dr. Simpson breaks retirement planning down even further and shows you how to start building wealth the right way, right where you are.

Dr. Nicole B. Simpson CFP®, Reverend, CEO and President of Harvest Wealth Financial, continues the conversation on what it truly means to stand on business while building real financial freedom. In this episode, she speaks directly to individuals earning a W-2 income and breaks down why starting where you are standing is the most powerful financial decision you can make. She reminds viewers that financial freedom does not begin with entrepreneurship, hype, or shortcuts. It begins with understanding your paycheck. Dr. Simpson takes viewers back to their very first job, walking through that universal moment when you realize your check is smaller than expected and you ask, “Who is OASDI and where did my money go?” That moment, she explains, is your first lesson in how the system works, including taxes, Social Security, and deductions coming off the top before you ever touch your earnings. From there, she highlights a critical turning point most people miss, the first time you are given a real choice about your financial future. Unlike taxes, retirement contributions are optional, and that is where many people go wrong. Dr. Simpson explains how, historically, pensions and defined benefit plans gave workers guaranteed income in retirement, but today most people are responsible for funding their own future through defined contribution plans like 401(k)s and 403(b)s. Speaking from her experience as a Gen Xer, she shares how many people delayed saving because retirement felt too far away, and how that delay is now costing them years of extra work. Her message is clear and urgent. The sooner you start, the better off you will be. Time, not income level, is your greatest advantage. She encourages viewers to stop fearing money being taken out of their checks and instead see retirement contributions as an act of ownership and self protection. She also urges workers to review their employer benefits carefully, especially matching contributions, because that match is part of your compensation, not a bonus. This episode lays essential groundwork for long term financial stability and sets the stage for deeper conversations about retirement strategy, employer matches, and comprehensive planning. Dr. Simpson emphasizes that standing on business means making informed decisions today so you do not have to struggle tomorrow. This is Part 1 of a multi part series. Catch the next episode as Dr. Simpson breaks retirement planning down even further and shows you how to start building wealth the right way, right where you are.

Dr. Nicole B. Simpson CFP®, CEO and President of Harvest Wealth Financial, delivers a powerful and necessary final conversation on retirement investing for individuals earning a W-2 income. In this episode, she moves beyond contributions and explains the most misunderstood step in retirement planning, how to actually invest the money you are setting aside on the job. Dr. Simpson opens by reminding viewers that standing on business also means minding your own financial foundation. She invites the community to engage directly with her work, ask real questions, and seek clear answers rooted in strategy, not speculation. As she continues her nationwide tour, her message remains focused on equipping people with practical tools they can use right now. This episode centers on the investment portion of employer sponsored retirement plans such as 401(k)s, IRAs, and Roth contributions. Dr. Simpson explains that every company plan is managed by professionals and that workers have the right and responsibility to ask questions, speak to advisors, and understand where their money is being invested. Retirement is not passive. Your money must work for you. She introduces the concept of risk tolerance and explains it in plain language. Risk tolerance is not about chasing returns. It is about understanding what level of market movement you can handle emotionally and financially while still sleeping well at night. She emphasizes that managing money in alignment with your risk tolerance is essential for long term success. For younger workers, Dr. Simpson explains why growth focused strategies matter. She addresses a common fear among younger professionals, the desire to avoid all risk. She clarifies that avoiding market risk entirely creates another danger, inflation. Using real world examples like rising food prices and rent, she explains how money that does not grow loses purchasing power over time. Protecting your money without allowing it to grow still exposes you to risk. Dr. Simpson urges viewers to understand that inflation is real and ongoing. A dollar today will not buy the same goods and services ten, twenty, or thirty years from now. Your retirement investments must at least keep pace with the cost of living if you want long term stability. She then speaks directly to Black and Brown communities, emphasizing ownership, education, and intentional participation in financial systems. She explains that many people jump into the market too late and exit too early because they do not fully understand how investing works. This leads to frustration and mistrust of the market rather than informed decision making. Dr. Simpson walks through different portfolio types including conservative, balanced, growth and income, growth, and aggressive growth portfolios. She explains how age, time horizon, and retirement goals influence where someone may fall within that mix. If retirement is decades away, long term investing matters. Long term does not mean three to five years. Long term means five years and beyond, often much longer depending on when you started working. She emphasizes that retirement timelines are personal. If you cannot access retirement funds until at least age 59 and a half, then your investment horizon must reflect that reality. The earlier you start, the more flexibility and opportunity you have. Dr. Simpson encourages every worker to complete a risk tolerance assessment by contacting their retirement plan provider and speaking with a qualified advisor. A good advisor helps align your goals, dreams, timeline, and comfort level with the appropriate investment strategy. Whether you need more growth or more protection depends on how much time you have and how much volatility you can manage. This episode is foundational for anyone who says they want to be financially free. Dr. Simpson makes it clear that financial freedom is not accidental. It is built through clarity, education, and informed action. Standing on business means taking responsibility for how your money is invested and why. This conversation is essential viewing for anyone serious about retirement planning, wealth building, and long term financial empowerment.

Dr. Nicole Simpson, CEO of Harvest Wealth Financial, breaks down why the Black Church must lead the charge toward economic empowerment and how YOU can start right where you are. In this opening episode, Dr. Nicole B. Simpson CFP®, CEO and President of Harvest Wealth Financial, invites viewers into a grounding and necessary conversation about what it truly means to stand on business while navigating difficult and uncertain times. She acknowledges the chaos happening in the world but reassures the community that with clarity, strategy and faith, we truly are going to be all right. As new viewers get acquainted with her mission, Dr. Simpson sets the tone for the entire series by explaining that this journey is about practical empowerment, not shortcuts. Her goal is to help individuals and families, especially within Black churches and Black communities, build a long-term financial foundation through wisdom and stewardship instead of hype or get-rich-quick thinking. Dr. Simpson shares why she believes the Black church must reclaim its place as a leader in financial and cultural empowerment. While the church has historically cared for the soul, it has not always provided the same depth of support for economic well-being. She anchors this conversation in Scripture, reminding viewers of the call to prosper and be in good health, and then bridges that spiritual understanding with her CFP® expertise, offering guidance that is grounded, actionable and designed for long-term transformation. Her approach is pragmatic because true financial freedom requires strategy, not prophecy lines or emotional shortcuts. This episode begins with the first essential step: starting where you are standing. Whether someone dreams of becoming an entrepreneur or is currently working a traditional W2 job, the path to financial freedom starts with understanding the resources they already have. Dr. Simpson explains what it means to exchange time for wages and why, especially in unpredictable economic seasons, a W2 job can still offer a powerful foundation for stability. She encourages viewers to look closely at the benefits their employers offer because those benefits form the first layer of financial protection. She then breaks down the often confusing world of health insurance. With simple, relatable explanations, Dr. Simpson walks through how to evaluate coverage based on personal needs, income, health status and family structure. She helps viewers understand deductibles, networks, coverage levels and how to avoid paying more than necessary for care. For married couples and families, she clarifies when dual coverage matters, when it does not, and how to prevent the common mistake of paying twice for the same protection. Her teaching emphasizes the importance of choosing the best benefit at the lowest cost because every dollar saved becomes a dollar available for future stability. Throughout the episode, Dr. Simpson calls the community to a deeper level of ownership and awareness. She reminds viewers that Black and Brown communities often excel as consumers but have not always been given the tools to become confident owners and financial decision-makers. Minding your business, in her language, means understanding the systems that impact your finances and taking responsibility for the choices that shape your future. Ownership begins long before entrepreneurship. It begins with clarity. This episode lays the groundwork for the entire series. As Dr. Simpson continues teaching, she will move into retirement planning, investing, employer matches, long-term wealth strategy and overcoming financial trauma. But first, she brings viewers back to the basics: knowing where you stand, knowing what you have access to, and knowing how to protect yourself and your family. This is a foundational conversation meant to help viewers step into their financial lives with confidence, intentionality and wisdom. Dr. Simpson continues to remind the community that standing on business means making informed choices today that secure your tomorrow. This episode is the first step in a transformational process for anyone who is ready to engage with their finances on a deeper, more empowered level.

Dr. Nicole B. Simpson CFP®, CEO and President of Harvest Wealth Financial, delivers a powerful and necessary final conversation on retirement investing for individuals earning a W-2 income. In this episode, she moves beyond contributions and explains the most misunderstood step in retirement planning, how to actually invest the money you are setting aside on the job. Dr. Simpson opens by reminding viewers that standing on business also means minding your own financial foundation. She invites the community to engage directly with her work, ask real questions, and seek clear answers rooted in strategy, not speculation. As she continues her nationwide tour, her message remains focused on equipping people with practical tools they can use right now. This episode centers on the investment portion of employer sponsored retirement plans such as 401(k)s, IRAs, and Roth contributions. Dr. Simpson explains that every company plan is managed by professionals and that workers have the right and responsibility to ask questions, speak to advisors, and understand where their money is being invested. Retirement is not passive. Your money must work for you. She introduces the concept of risk tolerance and explains it in plain language. Risk tolerance is not about chasing returns. It is about understanding what level of market movement you can handle emotionally and financially while still sleeping well at night. She emphasizes that managing money in alignment with your risk tolerance is essential for long term success. For younger workers, Dr. Simpson explains why growth focused strategies matter. She addresses a common fear among younger professionals, the desire to avoid all risk. She clarifies that avoiding market risk entirely creates another danger, inflation. Using real world examples like rising food prices and rent, she explains how money that does not grow loses purchasing power over time. Protecting your money without allowing it to grow still exposes you to risk. Dr. Simpson urges viewers to understand that inflation is real and ongoing. A dollar today will not buy the same goods and services ten, twenty, or thirty years from now. Your retirement investments must at least keep pace with the cost of living if you want long term stability. She then speaks directly to Black and Brown communities, emphasizing ownership, education, and intentional participation in financial systems. She explains that many people jump into the market too late and exit too early because they do not fully understand how investing works. This leads to frustration and mistrust of the market rather than informed decision making. Dr. Simpson walks through different portfolio types including conservative, balanced, growth and income, growth, and aggressive growth portfolios. She explains how age, time horizon, and retirement goals influence where someone may fall within that mix. If retirement is decades away, long term investing matters. Long term does not mean three to five years. Long term means five years and beyond, often much longer depending on when you started working. She emphasizes that retirement timelines are personal. If you cannot access retirement funds until at least age 59 and a half, then your investment horizon must reflect that reality. The earlier you start, the more flexibility and opportunity you have. Dr. Simpson encourages every worker to complete a risk tolerance assessment by contacting their retirement plan provider and speaking with a qualified advisor. A good advisor helps align your goals, dreams, timeline, and comfort level with the appropriate investment strategy. Whether you need more growth or more protection depends on how much time you have and how much volatility you can manage. This episode is foundational for anyone who says they want to be financially free. Dr. Simpson makes it clear that financial freedom is not accidental. It is built through clarity, education, and informed action. Standing on business means taking responsibility for how your money is invested and why. This conversation is essential viewing for anyone serious about retirement planning, wealth building, and long term financial empowerment.

Dr. Nicole B. Simpson CFP®, Reverend, CEO and President of Harvest Wealth Financial, continues the conversation on what it truly means to stand on business while building real financial freedom. In this episode, she speaks directly to individuals earning a W-2 income and breaks down why starting where you are standing is the most powerful financial decision you can make. She reminds viewers that financial freedom does not begin with entrepreneurship, hype, or shortcuts. It begins with understanding your paycheck. Dr. Simpson takes viewers back to their very first job, walking through that universal moment when you realize your check is smaller than expected and you ask, “Who is OASDI and where did my money go?” That moment, she explains, is your first lesson in how the system works, including taxes, Social Security, and deductions coming off the top before you ever touch your earnings. From there, she highlights a critical turning point most people miss, the first time you are given a real choice about your financial future. Unlike taxes, retirement contributions are optional, and that is where many people go wrong. Dr. Simpson explains how, historically, pensions and defined benefit plans gave workers guaranteed income in retirement, but today most people are responsible for funding their own future through defined contribution plans like 401(k)s and 403(b)s. Speaking from her experience as a Gen Xer, she shares how many people delayed saving because retirement felt too far away, and how that delay is now costing them years of extra work. Her message is clear and urgent. The sooner you start, the better off you will be. Time, not income level, is your greatest advantage. She encourages viewers to stop fearing money being taken out of their checks and instead see retirement contributions as an act of ownership and self protection. She also urges workers to review their employer benefits carefully, especially matching contributions, because that match is part of your compensation, not a bonus. This episode lays essential groundwork for long term financial stability and sets the stage for deeper conversations about retirement strategy, employer matches, and comprehensive planning. Dr. Simpson emphasizes that standing on business means making informed decisions today so you do not have to struggle tomorrow. This is Part 1 of a multi part series. Catch the next episode as Dr. Simpson breaks retirement planning down even further and shows you how to start building wealth the right way, right where you are.

In this powerful financial education video, Dr. Nicole B. Simpson, CFP®, CEO and President of Harvest Wealth Financial, shares her real-life story of loss, resilience, and wealth rebuilding after 9/11 and how owning a business became the turning point to financial freedom. After earning over six figures in the financial industry, Dr. Nicole experienced a dramatic income drop to less than $18,000 while raising two children, owning a home, and navigating health challenges following September 11th. What came next changed everything. In this message, Dr. Nicole breaks down how wealthy individuals use business ownership, tax strategy, and financial systems to rebuild, protect, and grow wealth even during recessions and economic uncertainty. This video is for anyone who: Is navigating an income loss or financial pivot Wants to build wealth through entrepreneurship Needs to understand how tax laws actually work Is serious about financial freedom and economic empowerment Wants real financial literacy from lived experience Dr. Nicole explains how turning everyday life into legitimate business expenses, understanding home office deductions, and aligning your gifts and skills with revenue can create long-term financial stability. This is not theory. This is experience. This is strategy. If you’re ready to stop surviving and start building this conversation is for you. Subscribe for more content on financial freedom, Black wealth building, tax strategies, and generational wealth. #FinancialFreedom #BlackWealth #WealthBuilding #BlackEntrepreneurs #FinancialLiteracy #EconomicEmpowerment #MindYourBusiness #StockMarketInvesting #BusinessOwnership #GenerationalWealth #BlackFinance #FaithAndFinance #MoneyMindset #HarvestWealth

In this powerful financial education video, Dr. Nicole B. Simpson, CFP®, CEO and President of Harvest Wealth Financial, shares her real-life story of loss, resilience, and wealth rebuilding after 9/11 and how owning a business became the turning point to financial freedom. After earning over six figures in the financial industry, Dr. Nicole experienced a dramatic income drop to less than $18,000 while raising two children, owning a home, and navigating health challenges following September 11th. What came next changed everything. In this message, Dr. Nicole breaks down how wealthy individuals use business ownership, tax strategy, and financial systems to rebuild, protect, and grow wealth even during recessions and economic uncertainty. This video is for anyone who: Is navigating an income loss or financial pivot Wants to build wealth through entrepreneurship Needs to understand how tax laws actually work Is serious about financial freedom and economic empowerment Wants real financial literacy from lived experience Dr. Nicole explains how turning everyday life into legitimate business expenses, understanding home office deductions, and aligning your gifts and skills with revenue can create long-term financial stability. This is not theory. This is experience. This is strategy. If you’re ready to stop surviving and start building this conversation is for you. Subscribe for more content on financial freedom, Black wealth building, tax strategies, and generational wealth. #FinancialFreedom #BlackWealth #WealthBuilding #BlackEntrepreneurs #FinancialLiteracy #EconomicEmpowerment #MindYourBusiness #StockMarketInvesting #BusinessOwnership #GenerationalWealth #BlackFinance #FaithAndFinance #MoneyMindset #HarvestWealth