For Financial Literacy Month – We are sharing stories and tips for gaining financial knowledge, financial lessons learned early on in your entrepreneurship journey, personal finance tips and savings goal advice.

We have CEO and Founder Jeri Godhigh sharing her story and tips.

Jeri Godhigh is a driven leader in the Acworth, Georgia community, a dynamic public speaker and life-changing coach. She leads by example and real life experiences in her coaching. Godhigh is exhilarating, humorous and engages her audience with charisma and passion. Godhigh is the founder and real estate broker of the Godhigh & Associates Realty Company that she started in 2017. Before the inception of her company Godhigh has led a successful real estate career for the past 16 years. Godhigh is naturally talented in the art of real estate sales and leads over one million in revenue. Godhigh desires to help millennials through the home buying experience and help to make it an excellent experience. She has built a solid foundation of corporate clients and relocation throughout her 16 year tenure in the industry. She is a current real estate instructor with the American Real Estate University where she teaches the fundamentals of sales.

Godhigh is also the CEO, Agency Owner of the Godhigh Agency Allstate Insurance Company in Kennesaw, Georgia where she leads a seasoned sales team. She and her team are invested in being trusted advisors to families, individuals and executives in their local community. She has built an impressive financial portfolio consisting of life, auto, retirement and home insurance within a short period of time. Insurance sales falls right in Godhigh’s wheelhouse of skills, she enjoys consulting and educating the community on their options in insurance and in the home buying process.

Godhigh has been recognized for her work and was featured in Formidable Magazine as one of the “Queens of Real Estate” in the Atlanta Metropolitan area. She has also been featured in the American Lifestyle Magazine showcasing real estate articles. She is a minister and the chaplain of the Love Jones Foundation and has served as a district and local leader for the Georgia PTSA. In her downtime Godhigh loves spending time with her family and friends. She has been married for 30 years to her husband Robert Godhigh and they have four wonderful children and six beloved grandchildren.

This year Godhigh will be partnering with her daughter, Jamia Ponder, to bring you Jeri & Jamia: Unfiltered. a powerful and necessary movement, created to help mothers & daughters heal and break generational curses. Both ladies are certified life coaches who help mothers and daughters make strides to heal completely. “Unfiltered” has launched a podcast aimed to heal a nation of mothers and daughters and help break generational curses often carried over in silence. Godhigh and Ponder also offer the “Unfiltered” coaching program, designed to help coach mothers and daughters to a healthy space, to release past hurts, grudges, and pain. In addition, they intend to launch an annual “Unfiltered” Brunch designed to celebrate and bridge mother and daughter relationships.

What are some of the lessons you have learned early on in your business about finances? 

As I began to start my businesses I learned quickly that it takes money to make money. It wasn’t always that you needed a ton to get started but it certainly made me realize that “scared money don’t make money”. It is imperative to make strategic moves at the right times in your business and being ready when opportunities knock at your door. I also learned making vital connections with others is key to propelling my businesses along the way.

What is the name of your business? What type of business is it?

Godhigh Agency Allstate Insurance, Godhigh & Associates Realty Company, Jeri & Jamia Enterprises, LLC – I have three thriving business in which they all operate, exist and require financing to make a difference in others lives. One company is an Insurance Company, the other is a Real Estate Company and the last but not least is a Life Coaching Company.

What does financial stability mean to you?

Financial Stability means everything to me. My goals are centered around ensuring that I leave a legacy for my family and those God place in my life and businesses. It is a necessity to me to be financially free so I will be able to Bless others with opportunities for their growth and lifestyles and to be able to support worthy causes. Being financially stable also allows me/you the ability to make an impact in the world.

What advice would you share about how to raise funds or capital for your business?

Small Business loans is a great place to start along with the business programs and training they have to offer. Most times it is a great start to getting the financial doors open to you. Business partners are also a great way to raise capital to give you a financial push to advance your start. Angel Investors are a good alternative as well. I am also a firm believer in taking what you have saved and make lemonade out of the lemons you already have obtained…metaphorically speaking. In other words, using the money you have to start somewhere…right where you are. Begin..Start right there!

What are 2 financial tips you would like to share?

1) Seek assistance from an Accounting Specialist always

2) Be surrounded around the right people who can help you achieve your goals and #3..Trust God!

Share your top 2 Finance or Wealth Building books and why?

Girl Make Your Money Grow – I am a firm believer in helping women realize their worth and growth. This book is a great tool for sharing knowledge of how to get it done.

The Total Money Makeover by John Ramsey – it teaches how to make smart money moves, get out of debt and take control over your money.

What financial obstacles have you overcome and how did you overcome them?

I have had financial obstacles in which they seemingly felt like I would never overcome. One of the obstacles was derived from an incurable disease that occurred in my life and caused me to be in and out of the hospital frequently. Our family and finances were affected. By the Grace of God, I went into healing and remission and God gave me a renewed look on life. It took courage, determination, energy and creativity to get my businesses off the ground and thriving. But it could not have happened without God and family to believe in me.

How did you find the right financial advisor or accountant?

I interviewed a few advisors that were referred to me by financial specialists through the Insurance company. Great referrals are essential and key to your success.

How important is having an accountant or bookkeeper for your business?

It is very important to having professional support that understands the legal ease of what is needed for your company, accountants, attorneys, etc.

Who do you go to for financial advice?

I believe you should have a team of successful people that is in your corner to guide you along the way. I have a financial advisor, a life coach, a counselor and a life partner.

What’s next for you in your business/brand? What can readers look forward to from you?

My Real Estate Company is opening our second office in South Carolina thus giving us one office in Acworth, GA and one office in Conway, SC. My Insurance company is expanding its staff and leadership team and our Coaching Company where my daughter and I are the founders will be doing our first Book Release of our brand new book with a Launching Gala in June of this year.

Is there anything else you would like to share with me?

It is a Blessing to be an Entrepreneur and operate your own business. With such freedom comes much responsibilities and requirements of you but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. It is definitely divinely orchestrated and I am forever grateful to God.

Godhigh & Associates Realty Company Website

Godhigh Agency Allstate Insurance Website

Jeri & Jamia Unfiltered – Coaching Business Website