We recently connected with Leslie Walton and have shared our conversation below.

Leslie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Great question. You know, my mission with A Cents Of Change is deeply personal. I grew up in a single-mother household where money was a constant stressor. My mom worked hard, but the numbers at the end of the month never seemed to add up the way they should. I watched her struggle, and I saw the emotional toll it took on her and, in turn, on our family.

So when I talk about financial empowerment, I’m not just tossing around a catchy phrase. I’ve lived the alternative, and I’ve seen the ripple effects it can have. I don’t want any woman to feel shackled by financial limitations or to have her dreams stifled by economic barriers. That’s why I go beyond just talking about budgets and spreadsheets. I dig deep into the emotional and psychological aspects of money because I know that’s where true transformation begins.

That’s my mission: to give every woman the tools she needs to create her own financial freedom and emotional peace. I want to change the narrative, not just for individuals but for entire communities. It’s not just about breaking the chains; it’s about forging new links of empowerment, education, and self-worth. That’s what drives me every single day.

Leslie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Leslie Walton, the driving force behind A Cents Of Change. My venture into this transformative work began back in 2011 while I was earning my Master’s Degree. Though the spark was there, it took a backseat until 2019 when I decided it was time to fan those flames into a full-blown mission. I grew up in a single-mother household, a setting where every dollar had a name but we rarely spoke the language of financial empowerment. That experience ignited in me a deep-seated passion to redefine how we engage with money.

Fast forward to today, I’ve conducted over 120 workshops, primarily focusing on returning citizens through our collaboration with the nonprofit, Determination, Inc., and of course, women. From business startups to mindset-first budgeting, our workshops equip you with not just knowledge but the confidence to own your financial future.

But let’s get something straight—we’re not just changing numbers at A Cents Of Change; we’re changing lives. Our unique approach goes beyond traditional financial advice to address the emotional and psychological aspects of financial well-being. I’m particularly proud of our holistic method, which sets us apart in an industry often bogged down by numbers and spreadsheets.

So, if you’re looking to rewrite your financial narrative, A Cents Of Change is more than a service; it’s a partnership. We’re committed to guiding you on this enriching journey towards not just financial freedom but personal transformation. And I invite you to be a part of this change, a change that’s not just measurable in dollars, but in self-worth and lasting impact.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Absolutely, the atmosphere we cultivate is crucial to our mission. At A Cents Of Change, our networking events and our annual Women with F.U.E.L. Weekend are not just get-togethers—they’re transformative experiences. We curate these events to foster an energy that’s both invigorating and supportive. The vibe is electric, buzzing with the collective passion of dynamic women ready for change.

It’s an environment where vulnerability is not just accepted, it’s celebrated. By setting this tone, we make it easier for women to shed preconceived notions and limiting beliefs, paving the way for true financial empowerment. It’s this unique, vibe-rich atmosphere that helps attendees not only connect with each other but also reconnect with themselves. That sense of community and shared vulnerability creates the ideal setting for women to be honest, to recalibrate their mindset, and to build healthier relationships with their finances.

So, when you walk into one of our events, you’re stepping into a space intentionally designed for openness, for growth, and most importantly, for change.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Growing up in a single-mother household, the value of money was ingrained in me from a young age. It was easy to equate my financial standing with my self-worth, as if my bank statement was a measure of my capabilities, my potential, or even my worthiness as a person. This mindset clung to me well into my adult years, driving me to relentless hard work but also leading me to measure my value in dollars and cents.

The turning point came when I realized that my relationship with money was deeply connected to my emotional and psychological well-being. Money is a tool, not a testament to my value as a human being. I had to unthink years of deeply rooted beliefs and learn to separate my net worth from my self-worth. That realization was like breaking free from invisible shackles. It allowed me to take a more holistic approach to financial empowerment, which is at the core of what I teach today at A Cents Of Change.

Learning this lesson has been both liberating and transformative. It helped me build myself up past the spreadsheets and focus on what truly matters: fostering a balanced life full of genuine relationships, meaningful experiences, and yes, financial security. But most importantly, it’s given me the insights to help other women embark on this same journey of self-discovery and financial freedom.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.acentsofchange.com/
• Instagram: @cents_of_change
• Facebook: A Cents Of Change
• Linkedin: A Cents of Change & Leslie Walton