Homeownership is still the number one way to build wealth in America—but for too many people, the path feels confusing, risky, or out of reach. In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Money and Wealth, John Hope Bryant breaks down why financial literacy is the civil rights issue of our generation and how ownership can be made actionable for everyday people.

John is joined by Operation HOPE financial coach Lester and HOPE client Leanne Brown, who shares her real-life journey from renting and struggling with credit to becoming a proud homeowner in Memphis, Tennessee. Together, they unpack the mistakes many of us were never taught to avoid, the myths around credit and mortgages, and how mindset, discipline, and the right guidance can change not just finances—but entire family legacies.

This episode goes beyond theory. It’s a step-by-step, lived example of how budgeting, credit repair, and financial coaching can move people from survival mode to stability, from stress to confidence, and from access to true ownership.

If you’ve ever thought homeownership wasn’t for you—or didn’t know where to start—this conversation is proof that wealth is not about luck or privilege, but about knowledge, action, and support. This is what hope with a business plan looks like.