Shakema Wilson is a single mom of four, minister, teacher, and social media influencer who knows firsthand what it's like to face financial hardship with nothing but faith and determination. After finding herself suddenly on her own with four kids—including a four-month-old—she didn't just survive; she became debt-free (except for her mortgage). Today, she leads First Love Ministries and Titus Two Women, a global community of women learning to live whole, well, and free in every area of life, including their finances.

What You'll Learn

• How one single mom went from barely making ends meet to completely debt-free—and how her journey can inspire yours
• Why budgeting alone won't get you out of debt, and what actually has to shift first
• How getting your finances in order directly unlocks more freedom to say yes to what God is calling you to do
• Why a double-minded approach to money keeps so many believers stuck—and the mindset shift that changes everything
• How pastors can teach biblical financial principles with both truth and compassion, without becoming a financial crutch for their congregations

Key Quotes

• "How can we finance the kingdom if we have debt hanging over our heads and we're paying interest to somebody else?"
• "I never asked God to make me rich. I asked God to give me seeds to sow."
• "I had to let this mind be in me, which is also in Christ Jesus. Whatever He said about me, that was what I said about me."
• "Don't allow yourself not to get ministry just because you're trying to feed the ministry or do the ministry. You need ministry too."
• "I'm not at the point of shame. If I have an issue, I know how to say, 'Hey, I got an issue.'"

Practical Takeaways

• Schedule your "budget committee meeting"—even if it's just you. Sit down, pull out every number, and look at the full picture. What you can name, you can tackle.
• Start where you can, not where you wish you were. Shakema began by learning to coupon and putting every extra dollar toward debt. Small, consistent steps add up to big results over time.
• Check your self-talk. What are you saying to yourself about money, debt, and what's possible for you? Start speaking what God says instead—and mean it.
• Find one safe person you can be honest with about your financial situation. Not someone to judge you, but someone who's been there and can walk beside you.

Resources Mentioned:

• Financial Peace University

Connect with Shakema:

• Facebook: Shakema Wilson
• YouTube: 1Mom2Girls2Boys8InAll
• Instagram: @Shakema_Wilson
• TikTok: @ShakemaOneMom

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The Pastors & Money Podcast helps pastors, ministry leaders, and churches start thriving financially using money as a tool to fuel God's mission in our churches and families.

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