C&J Financial Foundations

09/24/2026

Always a pleasure to reconnect with familiar faces 🤝

C&J was delighted to connect with Cohort 2 participants at Own Our Own’s Business Development Center in Homewood. We’re excited to support and coach several participants as they continue their entrepreneurial journey!

Looking forward to helping these business owners grow and thrive ✨

09/23/2026

As the years pass, memories of September 11th can begin to fade, but the significance of that day—and the lives lost, sacrifices made, and heroes who served—must never be forgotten. 🇺🇸

In honor of 9/11, C&J (and special guest Casey) helped deliver a meal to Medic 2, serving the Knoxville, Bon Air, Allentown, Mt. Oliver, Carrick, Brookline, and Overbrook neighborhoods in the City of Pittsburgh.

Justin, one of the supervisors, graciously received the meal, provided compliments of C&J Financial Foundations and Beanz Catering. The team was out responding to calls, but we were grateful for the opportunity to show our appreciation for the first responders who continue to serve our communities.

09/07/2026

Last week James and I attended Rikia Abdullah’s Painting with a Purpose event last week. She is a multifaceted leader, advocate, and creator driven by lived experience and a deep commitment to change. With a background in homelessness advocacy, trauma-informed coaching, and creative storytelling, Rikia uses her voice to drive meaningful reform, foster emotional intelligence, and empower others to break generational cycles.

I first met Rikia during the Justice Impact Challenge held earlier in the summer at Community College Allegheny County’s – Allegheny Campus.

Rikia plans to hold more Wellness Wednesday events. I must say a fun time was had by all and some great connections were made…. Which is what it’s all about!

09/03/2026

Had the great honor to assist Ye Olde Kopper Kettle with introducing the Preventative Care Benefits Program to their employees recently. With this program, they saved enough to add a Retirement Plan for their employees

04/13/2026

If you're not subscribed already, our newsletter over on Linkedin is getting an exciting addition... Cindy's Corner.

If you’re a business owner, nonprofit leader, or aspiring entrepreneur, this one’s for you. Stay tuned!

April brings a deep breath for many business owners. With the March 15 tax filing deadline behind us for S‑Corporations and Partnerships, and the March 31 electronic filing deadlines completed, this month marks the transition from reactive compliance to proactive business building.

03/20/2026

How many opportunities have you second-guessed yourself out of?

Studies show that women are less likely to apply for a position unless they feel they meet most of the requirements.

Men are far more comfortable applying—even when they don’t.

In this clip, Tammy Spencer Bey reminds us that confidence often matters just as much as credentials.

The truth is—most job descriptions are a wishlist, not a checklist.

"𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗷𝗼𝗯 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻... 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻."

03/19/2026

This month, C&J Financial Foundations is proud to highlight women who are leading with purpose and creating lasting impact in their communities. This month, we recognize Tammy Spencer Bey Vice President and Community Development Market Manager for Citizens Bank in Western Pennsylvania.

Tammy Spencer Bey is the Vice President and Community Development Market Manager for Citizens Bank in Western Pennsylvania, where she leads strategy and partnerships that expand economic opportunity, strengthen neighborhoods, and advance equitable access to capital. With more than 25 years of cross‑sector experience, Tammy is known for her collaborative leadership, deep community connections, and commitment to driving measurable, long‑term impact.

In her role, Tammy oversees Citizens’ Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) initiatives across the Pittsburgh region, working with nonprofit partners, government agencies, and internal business lines to deliver high‑impact financial education, affordable housing, workforce development, and small business programs. Her work supports underserved communities through capital deployment, homeownership pathways, financial empowerment, and strategic investments that help families and businesses thrive.

Tammy Spencer Bey’s leadership is a powerful reminder that investing in people and communities creates meaningful, lasting change—something we celebrate this Women’s History Month and beyond. Look out for clips from her interview with Cynthia A Underwood in the coming days!

02/13/2026

Ownership is powerful — but cash flow is what makes it sustainable.

This month especially, we’ve been reflecting on the role real estate plays in building wealth and legacy within our community.

Many Black property owners have built their portfolios without generational playbooks — learning through experience rather than inheritance. That often looks like:

• Self-managing longer than is financially efficient
• Reacting to maintenance and tax increases instead of planning ahead
• Measuring success by property count rather than cash flow strength

And let’s be clear — this isn’t a failure.
It reflects access gaps, not ability gaps.

We often hear: “I own property, but I still feel financially stretched.”
That feeling usually comes down to one thing: cash flow management.

Strong cash flow systems help property owners:
✔ Plan for repairs and vacancies
✔ Stabilize personal income
✔ Reduce financial stress
✔ Make confident decisions about growth

Ownership is the first step.
Financial control is what turns it into long-term stability and generational wealth.

If you’re ready to strengthen your systems and improve your cash flow visibility, we’re currently preparing the next cohort of our Landlord Training Program.

📩 Complete this form to register your interest in joining us!

Thank you for your interest in the Landlord Care Ownership Program. This program is a collaboration between Terry Doloughty, Cindy Underwood and James Carter of C&J Financial Foundations — who are passionate about building equity in local communities. This course is for landlords ready to transfor...

01/27/2026

Entrepreneurs are great at budgeting money.

Fewer are intentional about budgeting their health.

Dr. Mike Silvestri explains why your health isn’t a “nice to have” — it’s the asset that determines how well you lead, decide, and sustain growth over time.

Energy, focus, clarity, and stamina don’t come from hustle alone. They come from taking care of the system that runs the business: 𝙮𝙤𝙪.

How are you investing in your health this year ❓