I am a retired Veteran with a passion of helping individuals and families through education on money matters. My task is simple, educate as many people as possible to help move them from financial insecurity to financial independence. “It’s what we think we know already that often prevents us from learning”, I am a true believer that, as a people, we do not have much because we don’t know much, and this is something I am fighting to change by way of education. We just have to be willing to learn and take action towards our financial goals, and not be afraid to confront our money issues.
About Raymond Donegan Jr
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’m from a military and business-minded family. We are also a family of community service from Chicago, New Orleans, and several cities in Texas.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I work for the Department of Homeland Security, and away from the Government, I am a Financial Educator. I love what I do because I have a chance to interact and help with our community on a personal level and also on a business level.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
The advice I would give to people is to read often and learn as much as they can to improve themselves in health, finance, and personal growth.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5 to 10 years from now, I still see myself helping educate our communities but with a larger platform with more productive tools to pass on.
Raymond Donegan Jr. & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I really don’t eat out much, so I do not have a favorite restaurant.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived and worked in the San Diego community off and on since December 1986
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Wow…there are so many interesting people I have met over the years. I can’t just put to just one person. The one person that comes to mind is Gordon Brown Sr, the founder of the San Diego Inner City Junior Golf Foundation Inc.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Young Black N’ Business
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The one very unique thing about our community is that it is a true melting pot of many different cultures. It is a true and honest representative of the United States of America.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
Mr. Barack Obama, our 44th President. Why? Just to learn or be inspired by his vision and what we can do more for our local communities. We would have lunch at Bud’s Louisiana Cafe.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I really don’t have a favorite show, but I used to love Martin back in the day.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
What people really don’t know about me is that I just started studying digital film editing…so you creators better watch. I’m coming for your lunch…lol.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
5, some progress, but I still have a lot of work to do
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
What inspires me to do better, knowing that the fact is that our communities are not well-informed on many matters pushes me to do better. This requires me to strive to become a good steward within our community.
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
YBNB, Black Chamber Of Commerce, BAPAC SD, SCAIR, Inc.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Stay curious: The idea here is never to stop learning and exploring. Curiosity can lead to new discoveries, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of the world around you. Follow your passion: Pursuing what you’re truly passionate about can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life. It often results in higher motivation, resilience, and success. Never give up: Persistence in the face of challenges and setbacks is often a key factor in achieving your goals. The “never give up” mentality can lead to eventual success.
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
Marina District
What I love about my Neighborhood:
I love that my neighborhood is close to pretty much everything. Downtown, I would say it is almost equal distance from many places in San Diego.
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
Just relaxing and taking on the sights and sounds of San Diego.
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Three words: Family, Love, and Joy. Phrase: #1“Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave, and grow old wanting to get back to.” #2 Bless our house as we come and go. Bless our home as the children grow. Bless our families as they gather in. Bless our home with love and friends.”
