By Special Press Release
Deborah Owens, a nationally recognized financial advisor, author, educator, and champion for women’s financial empowerment, died on Jan. 4 at the age of 66. Her passing marks the loss of a powerful voice in the movement to close the wealth gap and equip women, particularly women of color, with the tools to build lasting financial security.
Known across the country as “America’s Wealth Coach,” Owens was the CEO and founder of WealthyU, a financial education company she built with a singular mission: to demystify investing and make wealth-building accessible to women from all walks of life. Under her leadership, WealthyU grew into a vibrant community of thousands, offering courses, coaching, and a supportive network that helped women gain confidence, overcome financial barriers and take control of their futures.
Owens began her career in the financial services industry at a time when few women, and even fewer Black women, held leadership roles. She rose to become a vice president at Fidelity Investments, where she developed a reputation for her ability to translate complex financial concepts into clear, actionable guidance. Her early experiences in the industry shaped her lifelong commitment to expanding financial literacy and advocating for equity in wealth-building opportunities.
A prolific writer, Owens authored five influential books on personal finance, including “A Purse of Your Own,” “Nickel and Dime Your Way to Wealth,” “Confident Investing” and her most recent work, “Wealth Secrets.” Her books blended practical advice with stories of resilience, discipline, and generational legacy, reflecting her belief that financial empowerment is both a skill and a mindset. Her writing inspired countless readers to rethink their relationship with money and to pursue wealth not only as a personal goal but as a family inheritance.
Beyond the written word, Owens reached audiences through broadcast media. She hosted financial advice programs on Morgan State University’s WEAA radio station and later on the BlackStar Network, where her show Get Wealthy became a trusted resource for viewers seeking guidance on investing, entrepreneurship, and financial well-being. Her warm, direct style and her ability to speak to the lived experiences of her audience made her a beloved figure in the world of financial education.
Owens also shared her message on national stages, touring with Bishop T.D. Jakes and radio personality Tom Joyner. Through keynote speeches, workshops, and live events, she delivered powerful lessons on financial stewardship, legacy building, and economic empowerment. Her work helped shift the national conversation around wealth, emphasizing that financial literacy is not a luxury but a necessity—and that every woman deserves the knowledge and confidence to build wealth for herself and her family.
Her influence extended far beyond her professional accomplishments. Owens was known for her generosity, her mentorship, and her unwavering belief in the potential of others. She inspired not only through her expertise but through her example: a woman who carved her own path, lifted others as she climbed, and remained committed to service throughout her life.
Owens is survived by her husband, Terry; son, Brandon; daughter, Olivia; sister, Caressa Thomas; brother, Casydaryl Thomas; two grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. Her family, friends, colleagues, and the many women she empowered remember her as a visionary leader, a gifted communicator, and a steadfast advocate for financial freedom.
A celebration of her life was held on Friday, Jan. 23, at Bridgeway Community Church, 9189 Red Branch Road, Columbia, Md.