Real $tories Episode 68: Lorrena Black

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For Lorrena Black, saving money when she was young didn’t come naturally. Raised by a hard-working single mother, she modeled a deep work ethic but struggled to save. When she joined the Army, her discipline and sense of duty grew — but her spending habits stayed the same.

Her real turning point came years later, during a short-lived career as a financial advisor. Helping others with their finances forced her to take a closer look at her own. Though she eventually pivoted her career in a new direction, the lessons she learned about budgeting, saving, and planning for the future finally began to click.

Today, Lorrena channels that hard-won wisdom into mentoring and leadership development, with a focus on serving veterans. She’s passionate about helping others unlock their potential — financially, personally, and professionally.

Key Moments

2:25 Lorrena’s upbringing influences her work ethic.

5:01 When she joins the military, she ends up spending all the money she makes.

7:58 She incurs some credit card debt in her 20s but eventually leverages her budget to pay it down.

12:01 She starts a career as a financial advisor and applies the teachings to her own life.

14:54 Lorrena retires from the army and loses some of her financial focus initially.

17:46 She launches a small business.

21:19 She strives to develop leaders, with a focus on veterans.

22:32 She talks about her goals related to her business, retirement and giving.

23:20 She shares her favorite money tip: pay yourself first.