April 30, 2025
Uplift LA continued its impactful mentorship series with a session at Gardena High School,
where 18 young men participated in an engaging discussion on the topic of budgeting.
The session was led by Paul Turner, who facilitated alongside Dr. Rodney S. Brooks.
Financial insights and personal experiences were also shared by Marcus Bedford,
Rodney Jones, and Keffus Robinson, each offering valuable perspectives on the
importance of budgeting and saving money.
Paul Turner’s presentation provided a comprehensive overview of budgeting, covering
essential topics such as building and maintaining credit, managing credit card debt,
understanding taxes, and distinguishing between needs and wants.
The conversation explored real-life examples of spending choices—such as buying clothes,
video games, or a new car—and the importance of making smart financial decisions by
prioritizing needs over wants. Price comparison strategies and maintaining responsible
financial relationships were also highlighted.
A significant part of the discussion focused on financial literacy among professional athletes.
The mentors highlighted examples of athletes who successfully invested their earnings, including
Magic Johnson and Shaquille O’Neal, as well as those who faced bankruptcy due to poor
financial decisions. The importance of establishing an emergency savings fund was also
emphasized as a foundational step toward financial stability.
The young men were highly engaged and enthusiastic throughout the session, asking
thoughtful questions and participating in meaningful discussions.
As a token of appreciation for their active participation, each student received a gift card,
recognizing their commitment to learning and engaging with the mentoring team.
They are eagerly anticipating the next workshop, where they will begin learning how to
create and apply a personal budget.