💸 Uncle X on Money, Manhood & Making Smart Moves

Guest: Uncle James Terrell 👔

Topic: Money, mindset, and making choices that set you up for success

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💬 Meet Uncle X

Hey Sugars 💕 — you already know Ask Your Auntea isn’t just for the aunties. This week, we’re flipping the script and letting an uncle drop some serious gems.

Meet Uncle James Terrell — financial advisor, author, DC native, and proud dad of three girls (and three nieces!). He’s here to spill the tea on money, choices, and what it really means to grow up wise.

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🏦 From Southeast to Wall Street

Uncle X didn’t start out dreaming about finance.

“My background was computer science — I was a geek,” he laughed. “I took apart computers and put them back together.”

But when he got a chance to work on Wall Street at 17, everything changed.

“They liked how I built spreadsheets and financial models. I ran with it. I spent nine years there, became a registered broker, and learned that success comes from consistency.”

💡 The Tea:

Sometimes your calling finds you. Just be ready when it does.

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🏠 Growing Up in Southeast DC

Before the spreadsheets and the success, Uncle X was just a kid from Southeast DC — and life wasn’t always easy.

“It was the early 90s — before gentrification. My mom raised twins by herself. She’d say, ‘It’s not about where you live, it’s how you live.’”

He stayed close to home, avoided trouble, and started hustling early.

“I used to take out everyone’s trash for 50 cents,” he said. “That was my first business — I didn’t even know I was an entrepreneur yet.”

💡 The Tea:

Small hustles teach big lessons — discipline, respect, and responsibility.

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👶🏾 A Teen Dad’s Turning Point

At 17, life got real.

“I had a son on the way my senior year,” he shared. “I stopped caring about prom and senior pictures. I worked extra hours on Wall Street because I wanted to provide.”

He admits now he regrets missing those moments, but it shaped his mission:

“I tell my kids — don’t skip your youth trying to be grown. Enjoy it while you can.”

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💕 Sugar Q: “How do I know if my BAE is really into me?”

Uncle X kept it 100:

“Look for what they do without you asking. If they make time, plan dates, or learn what you like — that’s real effort.”

And if they don’t?

“People make time for what they want. Don’t chase effort that isn’t being given.”

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💸 Sugar Q: “My boyfriend keeps asking me for money. What should I do?”

“Leave him,” he said flatly. “That’s a sign of what’s coming.”

Uncle X didn’t sugarcoat it:

“If he’s always asking for money now, imagine 20 years from now. You’re working with a baby on your hip while he’s still asking for cash.”

💡 The Tea: 

You’re not his bank or his babysitter.

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🧠 Sugar Q: “Should I date an older guy since boys my age are broke?”

“If a man your age can’t get a job, you don’t need to date — focus on yourself,” he said. “Older guys chasing young girls usually have motives. They want control, not connection.”

💡 The Tea: 

Real men your age are growing. Let them — and you — mature first.

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🎓 Sugar Q: “I got into college, but my boyfriend didn’t. He wants me to stay home.”

“Go to college,” Uncle X said without hesitation. “You don’t get that chance twice.”

He broke it down like chess:

“Life’s a game of strategy. Every move counts. Don’t let someone else’s fear block your next move.”

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👜 Sugar Q: “I can’t save for a Gucci bag — should I trade or bet for fast money?”

“No ma’am,” he said, laughing. “But if you really want it, show initiative. Find a side hustle. Do odd jobs. Ask family what you can do to earn it.”

💡 The Tea: 

Fast money fades. Earned money lasts.

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🚫 Sugar Q: “Should I use marijuana since everyone else does?”

“Absolutely not,” he said. “If you’re under 21, it’s illegal — and it can damage your brain.”

He didn’t mince words:

“You don’t know what’s in that stuff. You only get one life. Don’t experiment with it.”

💡 The Tea: 

Staying sober is self-care.

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🎀 Simi’s Sip

Whew, Uncle X came through with the real uncle energy. From Wall Street wins to Southeast lessons, his story reminds us that your start doesn’t define your finish.

So take notes, sugar: build your future, protect your peace, and never settle for less than what you deserve.

Not a lecture, just a sip of tea. ☕💋

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💁🏽‍♀️ Meet Uncle James Terrell

James Terrell is a DC-born financial advisor, author, and founder of XNE Financial Advising, LLC. His book Budget It Yourself: Escape to Financial Freedom teaches everyday people how to take control of their money and their mindset.

✨ Follow him at : @XavierEpps