First Sip

A few years ago, I thought success meant hitting big goals — closing more deals, making more money, buying that first property. But once I got there, it didn’t feel like “arrival". I realized the finish line keeps moving…and maybe it was never real in the first place. In this episode, I unpack what that realization taught me, and why so many of us in our 20s and 30s get stuck chasing the next...

What did you think about this episode? -------------------------------- Get the First Sip Field Notes:  A weekly newsletter for curious people building better businesses, careers, and lives. You'll also get a free tool to help you decide if that idea you're sitting on is actually worth building. https://firstsipfieldnotes.beehiiv.com/subscribe CONNECT WITH DEKIMBE:  YouTube Instagram   F...

Watch the full episode on YouTube The latest jobs report changed everything. With job growth weaker than expected and revised numbers showing major cracks, the Fed looks set to cut rates this month, so what does that mean for us? In this episode, I break down: • Why the jobs market is weaker than we thought • How Fed rate cuts could shape the rest of 2025 • Why mortgage rates dropped to the low 6s...

Watch the full episode on YouTube What’s the key to building a 20-year real estate career? In this episode, I sat down with a seasoned Philadelphia Broker who shares how networking, mindset, and discipline helped him stay in the game. Earnest Key is a real estate professional with over two decades of experience and the owner of a Philadelphia-based brokerage, Key Legacy Realty. He’s built his busi...

Watch the full episode on YouTube   Is your “hustle” draining more life than it’s giving you? In this episode, I’m breaking down 5 simple habits that completely shifted my energy, focus, and even my finances. I used to wake up feeling drained, foggy, and wondering why I couldn’t stay consistent. But once I locked into these routines, everything started compounding. Better health, better work, more...

Watch the full episode on YouTube! Are home prices, mortgage rates, and income out of sync? In this episode, I break down Realtor.com's latest housing affordability report and what the 30% rule means in 2025. From Los Angeles to Philadelphia, I went over where homeowners still have a fighting chance, and what the government is doing to help. If you're feeling priced out or planning to bu...

Federal Reserve news... rate cuts... mortgages... credit cards. In this episode we tackle the big question: Why isn’t the Fed cutting interest rates yet, and how does that choice hit your wallet right now? Subscribe to the newsletter, First Sip Weekly - for show updates, and weekly breakdowns that turn complex economic news into realistic moves you can make today! Chapters: 00:00 Federal Reserve&a...

 Trump wants a massive rate cut, but will the Fed actually do it? In this episode, I break down the 2025 interest rate debate, why Trump is pressing Powell, and what it all means for your money.  Chapters 00:00 The Fed's Dilemma: Interest Rates and Economic Growth 02:57 Trump vs. Powell: The Political Pressure on the Fed 05:53 The Impact of Rate Cuts on the Economy 08:58 Navigating Financial...

Is the housing market finally turning in 2025?  Welcome back Family! This week I’m answering that question as I break down what the latest real estate data actually means for renters and first-time buyers, including shifts in home prices, inventory trends, and whether this could be the moment you’ve been waiting for. We’ll explore the root causes of today’s frustrating market conditions, what rece...

Not sure which of your skills to lean into? You’re not alone. This episode is for the multi-talented but directionless.  In this episode, I talked about what it feels like to have a bunch of ideas or talents but still no clear plan. I break down how to stop overthinking, pick something to test, and start moving forward with confidence, even if you’re not 100% sure it’s the right move. You'll...

Student loan debt, wage garnishment, tax refund seizures... What happens now that student loan collections are back in full force? In this episode, I break down how student loan debt ballooned to over $1.6 trillion, why millions of borrowers are at risk today, and the new collection tactics being implemented in 2025. What did you think about this episode? -------------------------------- Get the F...

Welcome back family — in this episode, I break down Trump’s renewed push for tariffs and what it could mean for your wallet, mortgage rates, and the overall economy. Prices are rising, rates are swinging, and we’re all trying to figure out what to do next. If you’re preparing to buy a home, invest, or just want to stay informed, this one’s for you. What did you think about this episode? ----------...

In this episode, Isaiah Gaymon and I talk about how trusting yourself, collaborating with the right people, and showing up for your community can open doors both personally and professionally. We get into what it really looks like to pivot careers, and turn your skills into income. What did you think about this episode? -------------------------------- Get the First Sip Field Notes:  A weekly news...

Could a trade war lower home prices?  In this episode, I broke down how a trade war and recession could impact mortgage rates, home prices, and your financial future. With the economy facing uncertainty, I dive into why consumer confidence is shifting, what it means for the housing market, and how to prepare for potential rate cuts. 00:00 - Could a Trade War Lower Home Prices? 01:20 - Why Mortgage...

Want to learn how to save money & build wealth? In this episode, I sat down with Certified Financial Planner, Chris Skutnik, to learn about smart ways to save, invest, and stay on track with your money. Chris shared tips on  how to make the most of employer matches, why saving regularly matters, and how to stay disciplined with your finances. Chapters 00:00 Starting the Journey: The Importance...

Watch the Full Episode on YouTube President Trump is back in office, and he's making bold moves—tariffs, mass deportations, and a push for lower interest rates. But will any of this actually help homebuyers and renters? 00:00 - Trump’s Economic Moves: Tariffs & Deportations 01:00 - How Immigration Affects the Construction Workforce 02:10 - Impact of Immigrant Labor on Housing Costs 03:25...

Watch the Full Episode on YouTube 💰 Tax Season Is Here – Are You Ready? Want to keep more of your hard-earned money this tax season? Whether you're a 9-5 employee, self-employed entrepreneur, or real estate investor, this episode will show you how to legally reduce your tax bill and maximize your refund in 2025. I sat down with tax expert David Colon to break down everything you need to know...

Watch the Full Episode on YouTube Renting your first apartment? It’s not as simple as scrolling Zillow and signing a lease. Many first-time renters make costly mistakes that can lead to financial strain, bad rental experiences, or missed opportunities. In this episode, I’m breaking down the top 5 mistakes renters make, and that I made—and how to avoid them! What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ Wh...

Watch the Full Episode on YouTube In this episode, I’m breaking down the evolving antitrust lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice against six major landlords, including Greystar and Blackstone's LivCor.  The DOJ claims these companies used RealPage’s pricing algorithm to coordinate rent increases, pushing millions of renters into financial strain. What did you think about this episo...

Watch the Full Episode on YouTube In this episode, I sit down with the incredible team behind Sankofa Properties to uncover their unique journey from college friends to real estate trailblazers. Khalia, Erica, and James share how their African-centered studies inspired a mission-driven real estate business. Learn about their strategic approach to building multiple revenue streams, the importance o...

Watch the Full Episode on YouTube In this episode, I sat down with Josh Giddings, lending expert and mortgage partner, to discuss the realities of today's housing market. From navigating rising interest rates to understanding the misconceptions about affordability, Josh shares actionable insights to help you make informed decisions in 2025.  📅 Connect with Josh Giddings: Schedule a call: htt...

Watch the Full Episode on YouTube On this episode I reconnected with Jarred Smith to do a recap of the biggest challenges buyers are dealing with, and why the idea of buying a home with "no money down" may be giving people false hope. But it's not all serious-Jarred shared some wild and hilarious real estate stories, from bizarre home tour encounters, to saving clients from attack d...

Welcome back Family! In this episode we dive into the growing trend of young adults (ages 18-34) moving back in with their parents. Is it a smart financial move or a sign of a struggling economy? Let’s talk about: 🔸 Why this trend is increasing and what it means for the economy. 🔸 How cultural differences shape financial decisions. 🔸 The importance of building a financial foundation before step...

Welcome back Family! In this episode of  the "First Sip Podcast", we’ve got a lot to unpack! A new president is in office, and the Fed has just cut interest rates again. 🏛️ But what does all this mean for the housing market and our wallets? We break down how Trump’s return and the latest economic moves are impacting real estate, interest rates, and home prices. We’ll discuss: - The housi...

Welcome back Family! This week I’m diving into what Vice President Kamala Harris and President Donald Trump are promising to do about the housing market. 🏡 With interest rates skyrocketing and a huge housing shortage, affordable housing has become a serious issue—especially for young buyers trying to get into the market. I break down some key points, like Harris’s plan to offer $25K in down payme...