As we make our way through Financial Literacy Month, experts spoke with News 12’s Kristie Reeter on the lessons they’ve learned about money. 

Jude Bernard has a real estate background and says he had to learn money lessons the hard way. Now, he is the founder and executive director of The Brooklyn Bank, a nonprofit focused on helping people of color develop financial literacy and economic empowerment.  

“I think people should focus on three main things. Reducing debt, managing your time… and budgeting,” said Bernard.  

Bernard says when reducing debt, paying the highest interest rate debts first is the most important, adding that being intentional about your debt payoffs coincides with budgeting. 

For budgeting, Bernard says that this doesn’t only apply to money, but time as well.  

“Building wealth and educating yourself financially, it is a job so you have to invest some time into that, you have to read the books, you have to surround yourself with the people who have the information," said Bernard.  

Bernard also emphasizes the importance of staying on track with budgeting and making sure the dollars that come in have a role in what they do to help you financially.