The T.D. Jakes Foundation has announced Life Forum 2025, a comprehensive virtual financial education initiative designed to address the growing financial pressures facing young adults. The free program, which begins in September and culminates with a main event on October 4, comes at a critical time when 36 states now require personal finance courses for graduation, up from just 21 in 2020, yet many students still lack practical money management skills.
Presented in partnership with Wells Fargo and Paul Quinn College under the theme "Leveraging Income for Financial Empowerment," the forum targets the specific financial realities young adults face, including student debt, side hustles, career transitions, and economic uncertainty. The initiative aligns with the Foundation's core pillar of Financial Inclusion, aiming to provide not just knowledge but also the confidence needed to make informed financial decisions and build long-term security.
"Financial literacy is about more than numbers, it is about access, confidence, and opportunity," said Kelley Cornish, President and CEO of the T.D. Jakes Foundation. "Through Life Forum 2025, we are bringing together some of the most powerful voices in financial education to show young adults that they have the tools and the talent to take control of their futures and build lasting wealth."
The forum features an impressive lineup of financial experts and influencers who will address key topics including budgeting, credit management, entrepreneurship, investing, and generational wealth building. Notable speakers include Wallo267, who will join Chairman T.D. Jakes in exploring how cultural mindset shifts can transform financial struggles into opportunities. Milan Griffin, Executive Vice President of HomeFree-USA, will share strategies for building generational wealth through real estate investments.
Tiffany "The Budgetnista" Aliche, New York Times bestselling author, will break down intentional budgeting techniques, while Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings, founders of Earn Your Leisure and InvestFest, will demonstrate how to leverage online platforms for income generation. Teri Ijeoma of Trade and Travel will provide practical trading strategies for beginners, and Egypt Sherrod will teach asset protection and transfer strategies. Participants can register for the free virtual event at https://life.vfairs.com/.
Tozyea Reed, Vice President of Programming and Outcomes at the T.D. Jakes Foundation, emphasized the program's lasting impact, stating that "LIFE is more than a program. It is a chance to discover how every dollar you earn can become a tool for freedom. When people learn how to leverage their money, they do not just manage it. They multiply opportunities for themselves and their communities."
The forum's significance extends beyond the October 4 main event, as all sessions will be available on-demand through the Foundation's website at https://tdjfoundation.org/, creating a lasting educational resource. This approach recognizes that financial empowerment requires ongoing access to relevant information rather than a one-time intervention. The initiative represents a critical step toward addressing systemic financial education gaps that disproportionately affect young adults from underserved communities.
As financial pressures continue to mount for younger generations, programs like Life Forum 2025 provide essential tools for navigating complex economic landscapes. By offering culturally relevant content from trusted voices in the financial education space, the forum aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ultimately contributing to greater economic mobility and wealth building opportunities for participants and their communities.
