THE ART OF WEALTH GENERATION
Dr. Jennifer Harris
Impactful Legacy in Real Estate and Equity Empowerment
Powerhouse entrepreneur Dr. Jennifer Harris effortlessly manages multiple roles with precision. She is known as the woman with the “Midas Touch,” because her endeavors consistently evolve into lasting legacies. Dr. Jennifer’s formidable presence is felt across various industries as she operates in multiple capacities: Real Estate Broker, Speaker, Coach, Philanthropist, Author, and Founder/CEO of Purses, Pumps, and Power Network™ and Ladies First Capital™. Her secret? It’s simple—she remains anchored in her brands’ fundamental principles and meticulously times each venture for optimal success.
Dr. Jennifer’s remarkable journey within the real estate industry and her dedication to female empowerment caught the attention of VBD Magazine. From the onset of our interview, Dr. Jennifer was engaging and forthcoming. She graciously accepted the praise and recognition that accompanied her status as a seasoned entrepreneur with over three decades of experience, before we were immersed in her narrative. Throughout our conversation, Dr. Jennifer candidly shared her entrepreneurial pursuits, wealth-building strategies, triumphs over challenges, and advocacy work, which has become a driving force in her life.
FORMATIVE EXPERIENCES
Hailing from the vibrant city of Raleigh, North Carolina, Dr. Jennifer’s early years were marked by a passion for sports, with her father serving as her first coach, igniting a spirit of ambition and excellence within her. Inspired by her family’s example of having a “side hustle,” Dr. Jennifer embarked on her entrepreneurial path at the age of 19. Guided by her father, who imparted invaluable lessons in leadership, self-development, and goal setting, she laid the foundation for her future success.
Dr. Jennifer earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a concentration in Marketing and Engineering from North Carolina State University in Raleigh. After obtaining her degree, she found herself navigating through a shifting network engineering job market where positions were being outsourced overseas. It was at this pivotal moment that she made the bold decision to enter the real estate industry, a move that would define her career for the next twenty years.
LEADING THE WAY
Dr. Jennifer founded Purses Pumps and Power Network™ with the aim of assisting women in achieving seven purses of wealth—a Business Purse, Career Purse, Real Estate Purse, Stocks Purse, Forex and Cryptocurrency Purse, Savings Purse, and Investments Purse. “What sets me apart from others is that I have a 10-year plan to help 10,000 women and families reach financial freedom and leave a legacy that includes equity for all. I do that through workshops, financial assessments, events, courses, coaching, and legacy planning,” Dr. Jennifer states. She continues to pave the path to financial freedom with the introduction of her podcast show Buy It Own It™ and her real estate investing fund Ladies First Capital™, where she aims to empower female entrepreneurs and CEOs to build equity through real estate.
With a portfolio spanning various women and veteran boards, Dr. Jennifer has received several real estate awards including the RE/MAX Hall of Fame. Recognitions such as the “Phenomenal Woman” title from Black Girlz Rock, the ICN Distinguished Leadership Award, and the ICN Women Add Value Award from IChange Nations Global Organization underscore her exceptional contributions. Recently, she assumed the role of liaison advisor for the office of the Development King in Ghana, West Africa. Dr. Jennifer’s dedication to entrepreneurship is evident through her completion of the Women’s Entrepreneurship certificate program at Cornell University and her esteemed memberships in the Milestones Circles Alumni at the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center and ForbesBLK.
With a deep-rooted commitment to supporting veterans and military families, Dr. Jennifer passionately aids in tackling homelessness, financial burdens, transportation needs, and employment opportunities. Her dedication stems from honoring her father, Wilbert Harris Jr., a proud veteran of the 82nd Airborne. Collaborating closely with elected officials in North Carolina, including congressmen, senators, and secretaries, she tirelessly advocates for essential programs benefiting veterans.
WEALTH-BUILDING FUNDAMENTALS
To improve your financial health and long-term wealth accumulation, Dr. Jennifer recommends three foundational steps that can significantly impact your financial future:
1. Build or Bolster an Emergency Fund
An emergency fund is your financial safety net designed to cover unexpected expenses without derailing your regular budget or forcing you to dip into long-term savings or investments. Ideally, this fund should cover 3-6 months of living expenses. If you haven’t started one yet, make it a priority. If you already have an emergency fund, review it to ensure it’s adequate for your current living costs. Start small, if necessary, and build it up over time.
How to Start: Open a savings account specifically for your emergency fund if you don’t already have one. Automate regular transfers into this account each payday to build it steadily without having to think about it.
2. Pay Down High-Interest Debt
High-interest debt, especially from credit cards, can significantly hamper your ability to save and invest. It can also add unnecessary stress to your life. The interest payments alone can eat into your potential savings, slowing down your financial progress. Prioritizing debt repayment, particularly targeting high-interest debts first, a strategy known as the debt avalanche method, can free up more of your money for saving and investing.
How to Start: List all your debts in order of interest rate, from highest to lowest. Focus on paying as much as you can on the debt with the highest rate while maintaining minimum payments on time with the others. Once the highest is paid off, move to the next, and so on. This is how I paid off 23 credit cards in less than 2 years back in the nineties and early two thousands.
3. Start Investing Early, Even If It’s a Small Amount
Investing can seem intimidating, but thanks to technology and financial products, getting started is easier and more accessible than ever. The key is to start as early as possible to take advantage of compound interest over time. Even small, regular investments can grow significantly.
How to Start: Research low-cost index funds or ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) as a beginner-friendly option. Many platforms allow you to start investing with as little as $5. Consider setting up automatic contributions to make the process consistent and hands-off.
Bonus Tip: Buy an Existing Business and Educate Yourself Financially
While not a direct action with your money, increasing your financial literacy can profoundly impact how you manage and grow your wealth. Spend some time each week reading financial news, books, or even taking a course on personal finance. This knowledge will empower you to make more informed decisions with your money.
WEALTH-BUILDING STRATEGIES
“I have witnessed first-hand the challenges and barriers to achieving financial independence, through personal experiences or those close to me. These understandings fuel my commitment to empowering others,” Dr. Jennifer shares.
For individuals looking to grow their wealth effectively, she recommends:
1. Set Clear Financial Goals
Start by setting clear, realistic financial goals. Whether it’s saving for retirement, buying a home, buying a business, or funding an education, knowing what you’re working towards can help you to tailor your saving and investment strategies.
Read more about Dr. Jennifer Harris: Subscribe to VBD Magazine's April 2024 Issue (Free)
Connect with Dr. Harris:
Website: https://ladiesfirstretreats.com
Website: https://ladiesfirstcapital.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjenniferharris
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