Journey To Launch : Personal Finance, Early Retirement & Business

In this solo episode, I’m revisiting a blog post I wrote eight years ago—one where I boldly declared that I wanted to retire by 40. You’ll hear me read the post out loud and reflect on what actually came true, what’s changed since then, and the parts I didn’t expect.  If you've ever thought about what your life could look like beyond the 9–5 or you're just starting to dream about a different path, remember that it’s okay for your definition of success to evolve—and that you’re never too late to start. In This Episode, I Share: The blog post I wrote when I first dreamed of retiring early and what I actually made happen—like quitting my job and turning Journey to Launch into a business How my view of retirement has shifted and what I didn’t expect emotionally and mentally about entrepreneurship Why I’ve become more flexible with money and life goals over time How I used my FIRE Calculator to model my exit strategy—before I felt “fully ready” Other Links Mentioned in episode: 

In this solo Q&A episode, I answer your top questions around investing, financial independence, and managing money through the ups and downs of real life. From overcoming investing fears to navigating inconsistent income, I share personal insights and strategies that have helped me make progress on the path to financial freedom. You'll hear my thoughts on balancing debt payoff with investing, how to approach FIRE with an average income, and why mindset plays a bigger role than many realize. In this episode, I share: How you can start investing even when it feels overwhelming & one money habit that changed everything Thoughts on Coast FI and Barista FI for parents or part-time workers plus is FIRE in high-cost cities like NYC or LA possible?  Ways to calculate your FIRE number even when your future feels uncertain, and how to factor pensions and Social Security into your long-term plan. How to rewire limiting money beliefs from your upbringing and how to stay motivated when your progress feels slo

In this special crossover episode, originally recorded for the Brown Ambition Podcast, Mandy Woodruff-Santos sits down with me and my sisters—Shaina McGregor and Imani Manning—for an honest conversation about our individual and shared journeys. We dive deep into our unique paths in entrepreneurship, wellness, and culinary arts. From Jamaica to New York and everywhere in between, this episode explores family dynamics, building dreams, overcoming self-doubt, redefining success on your own terms and so much more! In this episode, we share:  How sisterhood shaped our paths in entrepreneurship, wellness, and culinary arts Shayna’s pivot from dance to wellness coaching and social work Imani’s journey as a chef—feeding kids gourmet meals while growing her catering biz Real talk on money, mindset, imposter syndrome, and giving yourself grace along the way Other Links Mentioned in episode:  Check out the Brown Ambition Podcast here. Get the FIRE Calc Tool For Yourself Here. Join

In this solo episode, I’m diving into a topic that’s been on my mind lately—how to balance lifestyle goals with financial goals. Inspired by a recent girls trip and conversations about how much life has changed, I reflect on what it really means to live a fulfilling life while still being smart about money. I share some insights straight from my book Your Journey to Financial Freedom, including how to define your goals, prioritize them, and create a realistic plan that works for you. In this episode, I discuss:  The difference between life goals (like flexibility and travel) and financial goals (like retirement and savings) Why separating and labeling your goals helps you create a clearer plan My FI Formula and the five financial goal types: income, spending, saving, debt payoff, and investing How to do a goal dump, organize your goals, and figure out how long they’ll take to reach The 5 Journeyer Stages and how they can guide how you approach spending vs. saving Other Links Mentioned in e

In this solo episode of the Journey to Launch Podcast, I break down how to navigate the financial turbulence caused by recent economic changes. Whether it’s the unpredictable stock market, rising costs, or job insecurity, I’ll walk through the 2 intangible and 4 tangible steps you can take today to protect and grow your money. You’ll obtain actionable strategies that will help you feel more in control during uncertain times. Key Takeaways: Mindset & Habits: Slow down, don’t panic. Regularly check in on your finances to stay grounded and make informed decisions rather than reacting emotionally. Income: Evaluate the stability of your industry and job. Consider upskilling or starting a side hustle to boost financial resilience. Expenses & Assets: Trim non-essential spending and pause major purchases. Prioritize building your emergency fund—even in small amounts—and keep cash accessible. Debt Management: Stay on top of your debts. Focus on minimum payments, avoid taking on new liabilities, and explore op

April is Financial Literacy Month, and in this episode of the Journey to Launch Podcast, I’m celebrating by sharing how you can take control of your financial future and start your journey toward financial independence today. Financial literacy can feel overwhelming, but I’m here to guide you through simple steps to help you build wealth and reach your goals. I talk about my FIRE CALC tool, which I created to make financial planning easier and more accessible, plus I touch on the significance of generational wealth, mindset shifts, how to take control of your finances and much more. I also cover some key questions from the free discussion guides for my book “Your Journey to Financial Freedom”, giving you even more ways to reflect on and take action in your financial journey. In this episode, you’ll learn: The importance of financial literacy and why taking small, actionable steps toward financial freedom matters. How to shift your money mindset, overcome limiting beliefs, and start building wealth. The FIRE

In this episode, I introduce you to the FIRE Calc tool—a powerful resource I created to map out financial independence strategies. I share my personal journey of using the FIRE Calc to plan my exit from corporate America and explain how this tool can help you visualize your financial future with real numbers. Whether you’re just beginning your financial independence journey or looking to refine your strategy, this episode is packed with insights to help you take control of your financial future. In this episode, I explain:  The origins of the FIRE Calc tool and the power of seeing your FI journey mapped out visually. Key financial independence concepts like the 25x rule and 4% rule. How to plan for unexpected life events and incorporate potential career changes or business ventures into your FI plan. How I used the FIRE Calc to convince my husband about financial independence. Other Links Mentioned in episode:  Get the FIRE Calc Tool For Yourself Here. Join the Journey t

Is pursuing Financial Independence (FI) truly worth it, or is it just a fool’s errand? In this solo episode of Journey to Launch, I’m unpacking the hidden struggles of the FI journey—the sacrifices, the emotional rollercoaster, and the reality that more money won’t magically fix all your problems. From feeling cash-poor while building invisible wealth to navigating shifting goals and unexpected challenges, here is the ugly truth about FI and how to stay motivated without putting your life on hold. In this episode, I share: The Illusion of Wealth & Invisible Abundance- How Financial Independence often means accumulating invisible wealth through investments and assets rather than cash, making people feel “broke” despite growing net worth. Sacrifices and Trade-Offs – The journey to FI requires cutting back on spending, which can feel restrictive and lead to burnout if not balanced with enjoying life. "Each Level Has Its Devil" – Reaching FI doesn’t magically solve all problems; new challenges arise, such as

In this episode of the Journey to Launch Podcast, we welcome back entrepreneur, investor, and bestselling author Grant Sabatier. Grant shares insights from his new book, Inner Entrepreneur: A Proven Path to Profit and Peace, and reflects on his 10-year journey since reaching financial independence. He discusses how his financial philosophy has evolved, his experience selling and repurchasing Millennial Money, and his latest venture—opening a brick-and-mortar bookstore in Columbus, Ohio. Grant also offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and content creators navigating today’s competitive digital landscape. In This Episode, Grant shares: How he reached financial independence in just over five years Insights into selling Millennial Money to The Motley Fool and later buying it back The increasing competition in digital spaces and why picking a single platform to master is crucial. Why he decided to open a bookstore and how it differs from online businesses Other Links Mentioned in e

This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I’m sharing some strategies to help you uncover extra money in your budget without working harder. By making small but impactful changes, you could potentially save hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars. I’m walking you through a simple five-day challenge designed to help you cut unnecessary expenses, lower your bills, and take control of your cash flow. In This Episode, you’ll learn: How a spending freeze can help you reset your financial habits Why you should cancel unused subscriptions and recurring expenses How negotiating or switching service providers (such as car insurance or internet) can result in significant savings The importance of tracking your savings and intentionally allocating found money toward your financial goals & more! Other Links Mentioned in episode: Download the 5 Day Money Saving Challenge spreadsheet at journeytolaunch.com/saving Get your copy of my book: Your Journey To Financial Freedom! Join Th

In this episode of the Journey to Launch Podcast, I explore the question: Do you really want to quit your job, or are you just bored? I dive into the motivations behind financial independence and why so many people feel dissatisfied with their jobs. Reflecting on my own journey, I encourage you to ask yourself whether quitting is truly the right solution or if you simply need a shift in your work environment, role, or mindset. I’ll walk you through important questions to consider before making a big career move. I cover self-awareness, workplace dynamics, career alignment, and even alternative paths like entrepreneurship. I challenge you to think about whether you actually want to stop working or if you just need a break.  In this episode I discuss:  How self-reflection can help determine if your dissatisfaction is caused by the job itself or if there is a deeper issue, such as recurring work struggles or personal patterns. Whether frustration stems from low pay, lack of respect, or a toxic work environment,

This week on the podcast, I am joined by Shannah Game, certified financial planner, trauma of money specialist, and author of Unraveling Your Relationship with Money. Shannah shares her journey from overcoming financial fears to becoming a money expert, emphasizing the emotional aspects of money management. We dive deep into overcoming financial shame, fear, and anxiety, exploring money personality types, emotional blocks around money, and practical ways to navigate financial decision-making. Shannah introduces four money personality types: Nightingale (nervous), Lion (risk-taker), Turtle (conservative), and Wolf (analytical). She recommends practices such as journaling and financial forgiveness, in order to understand financial emotions and behaviors. Shannah also shares her career evolution and goals, aiming for a balanced life with financial freedom and continued personal growth. In this episode, Shannah shares: How money beliefs and emotional barriers impact financial progress The power of financial forg

This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I chat with Jessica and Brandon Norwood, co-hosts of the Sugar Daddy Podcast, about their financial journey and advice for listeners on how to build wealth and achieve financial freedom. Jessica, a former teacher now in tech, and Brandon, a licensed financial planner, emphasize the importance of understanding one's financial background and having open conversations about money in relationships. They introduce their "DREAM framework" for financial planning, which includes diving into past financial experiences, reflecting on current behaviors, engaging in detailed goal-setting, and actively managing finances. Their insights provide a practical roadmap if you’re looking to take control of your finances, strengthen your financial partnership, or create a future of financial security and freedom. In this episode Jessica and Brandon share: How couples can have honest discussions about their financial backgrounds, goals, and expectations to avoid conflicts and build a st

In this special birthday episode, I’m sharing five powerful reflections on life, financial freedom, and personal growth as I celebrate another year! I’ll be diving into why time is our most valuable asset, the power of detaching from outcomes, shifting perspectives to find peace in the present, embracing the journey as the true destination, and giving ourselves permission to evolve at any stage of life. Tune in as I reflect on the lessons I’ve learned over the years and offer insights to help you navigate your own path with intention, grace, and patience. Key takeaways from this episode: Time is your most valuable asset—be intentional with how you use it and don’t delay happiness for a future milestone. Detach from outcomes by focusing on what you can control and releasing attachment to specific results. Shift your perspective to find peace in the present by recognizing and appreciating what’s already working in your life. The Journey is the Destination Enjoy the process, not just the finish line. Embrace ch

In this week’s episode of the Journey to Launch podcast, I’m exploring the concept of "over-saving" and its potential to hinder financial growth and life enjoyment. You’ll hear about my personal journey of saving, a habit deeply instilled in me by my family, and how it has enabled me to achieve significant milestones throughout my life. However, I also mention how an overemphasis on saving, driven by fear or outdated goals, can prevent you from taking risks, making investments, and enjoying your money. I encourage you to understand your “enough point”—the amount needed to sustain a comfortable lifestyle—and align your saving and spending habits with your evolving financial goals. In this episode, I share: The importance of balancing saving with spending, and how to reflect on whether your saving habits are holding you back from opportunities and personal growth.  The concept of the "enough point," the income and savings level needed to sustain a desired lifestyle, and how to align your financial goals with t

This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I am joined by Aja Evans, a licensed mental health counselor, financial therapist and author of Feel Good Finance. Aja discusses her financial awakening in her 20s, which led her to explore and merge her interests in mental health and financial well-being. She highlights the importance of addressing money-related emotions and breaking down barriers to achieve financial independence. We explore topics such as financial infidelity, the challenges of entrepreneurship, the role of cultural and generational influences in shaping financial behaviors plus much more. In this conversation, Aja shares: Her transition from general mental health counseling to focusing on the intersection of emotions and money.  Why resolving emotional patterns tied to money is key to making better financial decisions and building confidence. Practical advice on improving self-worth, creating healthy money habits, and fostering open communication about finances, especially in relationships and

In this episode of the Journey to Launch Podcast, I spoke to Jessica Moorhouse, a financial expert and author of Everything But Money: The Hidden Barriers Between You and Financial Freedom. Jessica discusses the emotional and psychological challenges that hinder financial progress, highlighting the impact of unresolved trauma and negative self-talk on financial behaviors. Drawing from personal experiences and innovative therapies like EMDR and Internal Family Systems, she shares insights on how to identify and address hidden barriers to success. Jessica also encourages listeners to pursue their passions with purpose while maintaining a balance between ambition and joy.  In this episode Jessica discusses:  Her unhealthy relationship with money, despite outward appearances How unhealthy friendships and being a middle child affected her leading to a negative self-perception and how it impacted her career trajectory. The different forms of therapy she tried, including EMDR and Internal Family Systems (IFS) and h

This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I’m joined by Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni, co-hosts of the Frugal Friends podcast and authors of Buy What You Love Without Going Broke. We dive into the true meaning of frugality, breaking away from the common perception of it being about deprivation or cheapness. Instead, Jen and Jill frame frugality as intentional, value-driven spending that supports your goals and priorities. They share insights on understanding spending habits, using a 90-day transaction inventory to uncover patterns, and how dopamine fasting can reprogram spending behaviors. Tune in for practical tips and strategies to help you spend with purpose, align your money with what truly matters, and find joy on your path to financial freedom. In this episode you’ll learn:  That frugality is not about wanting less but wanting different and embracing the desire for big things in life. It’s about good stewardship of all resources. The need for flexibility and fluidity in spending decisions, especially d

This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast we have a returning guest, Jordan Grumet, a financial independence and wellness expert, discussing his new book, "The Purpose Code," which explores the concept of purpose in our lives. He differentiates between "little p" purpose, which is process-oriented and joyful, and "big P" purpose, which is goal-oriented and often stressful. Jordan emphasizes that true happiness and impact come from engaging in activities that bring joy, rather than striving for grand achievements. He also addresses the misconception that lack of time or money prevents one from finding purpose, suggesting that youth, energy, and community can be leveraged. Jordan advocates for building a life of purposeful activities, which in turn fosters deeper connections and long-term impact. In this episode, Jordan discusses: His transition from being a hospice doctor to focusing on understanding and helping others find their purpose. The difference between meaning and purpose and why p

This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I have a gift for you! I’m sharing the 1st chapter to my book, Your Journey to Financial Freedom. In this chapter I start off my book defining Financial Freedom and Independence and addressing the various financial independence approaches. I highlight the importance of setting financial goals, even if they seem unattainable initially, and the personal growth achieved through the pursuit of FI. Financial Independence doesn’t necessarily mean you need to quit working, instead it's about having options and control over your financial life.  In the first chapter of my book I share:  How to choose a path other than the basic personal finance and elite FIRE approaches and create your own financial path to Financial Freedom That financial independence is not about accumulating wealth but about the personal growth and skills gained along the journey. That the idea that retiring early is impossible or unrealistic is a common misconception. This decision is personal & ca