Story & Lesson Highlights with Tonya Cornelius of Columbia

Tonya Cornelius shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Tonya, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
People often assume I’m just trying to sell them something they don’t need — and that couldn’t be further from the truth.

What I do through Freedom Through Financial Literacy isn’t about products — it’s about PROTECTION, PREPARATION, and POSITIONING. I’m here to help families and small business owners understand how money really works, so they can make informed decisions that set them up for financial freedom, not just temporary comfort.

I’m not selling a policy.
I’m offering Peace of Mind.
I’m not pitching an investment.
I’m sharing a pathway to Generational Wealth.

When people realize that I’m here to educate first, everything shifts. They stop seeing a salesperson — and start seeing a partner, a guide, and someone who truly cares about their legacy.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Tonya L. Cornelius, but most people know me as Coach T!

I’m the founder of Freedom Through Financial Literacy, and I’m passionate about helping people just like you take control of your finances and create lasting wealth. My mission is to EDUCATE, EMPOWER, and ELEVATE individuals and families with the tools they need to build legacies — starting with financial literacy, life insurance, and smart money decisions.

This work is personal for me. I’ve seen what happens when we don’t have access to the right information — and now I’m committed to changing that, one conversation at a time. You deserve to live free, with options and ownership. Let’s get there together.

I’m also working on getting my non-profit FreeMind Financial Literacy up and running. Looking forward to partnering and collaboration in our communities with tax and credit specialist, realtors, life coaches and etc to bring workshops in person or virtual. STAY TUNED!

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The version of me that played small so others could feel comfortable.

The version that dimmed her light to avoid attention.

The mindset that survival was enough, when I was created for abundance. (We all are)

It’s time to release fear, doubt, and playing it safe.

What’s next requires CONFIDENCE, CLARITY, and COMMITMENT!

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Public speaking and using my voice.

For years, I shrank in rooms I was meant to stand tall in.
I questioned if my story mattered…
if my voice was “enough”…
if I’d say the “wrong thing.” (overthinking)

But here’s the truth: Staying silent didn’t protect me. It only delayed my purpose.

The very thing I feared (using my voice) is what I now use to Educate, Empower, and Elevate others.

No, I’m not perfect. (It doesn’t exist)
But I’m walking in my purpose, not fear.
And if my voice helps one person shift their mindset, protect their family, or build their legacy — then it’s worth it. Every. Single. Time.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I used to believe that the only path to success was going to school, getting a good education, landing a good job, and working HARD for money — for 30 or 40 years. (Sometimes 50🤯)

That belief was deeply ingrained in me. It’s what I was taught, and honestly, it’s what many of us were told growing up — especially in middle-income and Black communities. But I’ve since realized: that mindset was never designed to create FREEDOM — only survival.

The truth is, education matters — but financial literacy, ownership, and building multiple income streams matter just as much, if not more. Working hard is admirable, but working smart and having your money work for you is TRANSFORMATIONAL!!

I no longer chase job security — I teach people how to build financial security. That shift changed everything for me. Now, my mission is to Educate, Empower, and Elevate others so they can break out of that same cycle and design a life with OPTIONS, not limits.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say, “She made an IMPACT — not just in my life, but in the lives of my generations after me.”

More than anything, I want to be remembered as someone who showed up with purpose, who taught people how to take control of their finances, their future, and their freedom. Someone who didn’t just chase success, but made it her mission to EDUCATE, EMPOWER, and ELEVATE others along the way.

I hope the seeds I’m planting now — in families, small business owners, and young adults — grow into trees of Generational Wealth and Wisdom. If people can look back one day and say, “Because of her, we do things differently,” then I know I’ve fulfilled my PURPOSE.

Legacy is living in such a way that your values, your lessons, and your light keep showing up — even after you’re no longer here. It’s about leaving more than memories — it’s about leaving a blueprint.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://moneysherlock.bizzfunnel.com/moneysherlockbizzfunnelcom-TLC-Wealth-Building
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonya_l_cornelius?igsh=MWE0dDV1cHpwamUwbw==
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonya-cornelius-1b02952b0?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EdL77qcRw/