Episode Details

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Teri Williams.

Thanks! The transcript from this episode of Money Making Conversations Masterclass features a powerful and informative interview with Teri Williams, President, COO, and owner of OneUnited Bank, the largest Black-owned bank in the United States. Here's a breakdown of the key highlights and takeaways:

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. OneUnited Bank’s Mission & Reach

• Formed by merging four Black-owned banks in Boston, Miami, and Los Angeles.
• First Black-owned digital bank (since 2005).
• Serves customers in all 50 states.
• Offers accessible, affordable financial services and promotes financial literacy.

2. Digital Banking for Underserved Communities

• OneUnited provides:
  • Mobile check deposit (via smartphone).
  • Early direct deposit (get paid 2 days early).
  • Access to 100,000+ surcharge-free ATMs (including Walgreens, 7-Eleven, Chase, Citibank).
• Designed to combat financial deserts and predatory check-cashing services in Black communities.

3. Financial Literacy & Trust

• Teri emphasizes the need for Black communities to trust Black-owned institutions.
• OneUnited is FDIC-insured and uses cutting-edge technology, including AI.
• Financial literacy is key to building generational wealth.

4. WiseOne AI Tool

• An AI-powered financial assistant that:
  • Tracks spending and subscriptions.
  • Offers insights on saving and debt reduction.
  • Aggregates data from multiple accounts to show net worth, cash flow, and financial health.

5. Youth Financial Literacy – “I Got Bank” Contest

• 15th annual contest for kids ages 8–12.
• Participants submit an essay or artwork based on a financial literacy book.
• Ten winners receive $1,000 savings accounts.
• Book: I Got Bank by Teri Williams (available free at oneunited.com/book).

6. OneTransaction Concept

• Focuses on six key financial transactions to build generational wealth:
  1. Homeownership
  2. Life Insurance
  3. Investments
  4. Profitable Business
  5. Credit Score
  6. Savings
• Encourages individuals to focus on just one to start their wealth-building journey.
• Learn more: oneunited.com/one transaction

💬 Notable Quotes

• “We are a real bank, not a fintech. We are FDIC-insured.”
• “We are great with money. We just haven’t always had access.”
• “Focus on one transaction. That’s all it takes to start building generational wealth.”