Journey To Launch : Personal Finance, Early Retirement & Business

This week’s guest, Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, read the entire 880-page economic relief package so you don’t have to. On the podcast, she explains who qualifies for stimulus checks, power money moves you can make now, the truth behind the programs available to individuals and small businesses, and more. Lynnette is a personal finance expert, television and radio personality, and author of numerous books. Her book, Zero Debt: The Ultimate Guide to Financial Freedom, is a New York Times bestseller. Lynnette had been on numerous TV shows including The Oprah Winfrey Show, the Tyra Banks Show, and more. She knows what she's talking about, and in this episode, she is giving you information about how you can thrive and survive now. In this episode you’ll learn: The truth behind the Stimulus Package About programs, you need to take advantage of now  Power money moves you can make during the Coronavirus pandemic   The best time to file your taxes if you want to qualify for a stimulus check How can you come out of this eco

A millionaire mom and retired before 50, Jackie Cummings Koski, is on this week’s podcast episode sharing her path to financial freedom. She went from poverty to wealth and learned a lot about investing along the way.   Throughout most of her career, Jackie made less than six-figures a year. She prioritized saving and investing and reached her financial independence number three years before planned. Jackie created a resilient investment portfolio that continued to grow even in uncertain times like today. In this podcast episode, Jackie shares her tips about how to keep calm and survive the current market turmoil. In this episode you’ll learn: What is financial independence (FI) and how to calculate your FI number Different ways to learn about investing so you can invest with confidence How to reduce your taxable income The first place where you can start investing What is a Health Savings Account (HSA) and how to use it The best times to double down in the market, and more  Check out today’s sponsor of the

In this bonus episode, this week's guest Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez opens up about how her business and life has changed because of Coronavirus. Stefanie and I share tips on how to cope and deal with the negative impact to your income (and career) due to the current state up events so that you can financially survive and thrive. Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Learn more about the Statement Event Get Statement Cards for ambitious women in your life. Get the Free Journeyer Jump Start Guide here Check out the other tools that help me with my finances and business here. Check out the Journey To Launch Podcast index here which categorizes all of the Journey To Launch podcast episodes by subject. Now you can binge on your favorite topics or type of episode. Join The Weekly Newsletter List Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! Watch me on News12  Watch my latest segments on News12 YNAB –  Start managing your mone

This week’s guest Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez is on a mission to help women get more from their money so that they can unapologetically go after what they want.  In this episode, Stefanie shares tips about building your network, thriving in entrepreneurship, and leveraging your skill sets to make more money. We talk openly about managing your money with inconsistent income and how to pivot from one industry to another which is so relevant for what’s happening in the world today.  In this episode you will learn: About life behind the scenes of entrepreneurship Ways to build credibility in a new industry The importance of networking and creating genuine relationships What are soft skills and how to get paid for yours How to manage your money when you have inconsistent income Why all entrepreneurs need to pay themselves a salary, and so much more Check out today’s sponsor of the podcast Empower. Save more with Empower plus get $5 when you use the code JOURNEY at sign up. Other related blog posts/links mention

I am excited to bring with you a real and honest conversation about money featuring my fellow amazing podcast sisters, Rana Campbell (host of the Dreams & Drive podcast), Dr. Joy Harden Bradford (host of the Therapy for Black Girls podcast), Nicaila Matthews Okome (host of the Side Hustle Pro podcast) and Art Steele (host of the Inksecure podcast). We chat about all things money; how our childhood with money shaped how we handle money today, our money hang-ups, money goals and so much more.  In this episode you’ll learn: How my guest say their upbringing with money impacts them today The importance of of a financial plan  Tips to handle your money as an entrepreneur How to follow your “dreams” and be financially responsible If you should follow your passion or the money plus so much more  Check out today’s sponsor of the podcast Empower. Save more with Empower plus get $5 when you use the code JOURNEY at sign up. Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Check out Empower’s article on H

It’s more important now than ever to think about ways to increase and diversify your income.  In this week’s episode, my guest, Sandy Smith shares how to start your own side hustles, and leverage your skills to earn more. You’ll also hear her amazing story of going from $130,000 in debt to owning $1.1M in real estate.   In this episode you’ll learn: How to add up your debt and tackle it strategically Steps you can take to increase your income when you aren’t making enough Ways to build your business at work and find your next side hustle  The real buying power of People of Color and what you can do with it Techniques to leverage real estate, and so much more Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: You can sign up for the Elevate Influencer Conference here If you liked this episode you might also enjoy, The Black Tax: The Cost of Being Black in America with Shawn Rochester. I use Michael Hyatt’s Full Focus Planner to keep me focused so I get things done. If you are looking for a planner co

I want you to live your best life when it comes to money. So, in this week’s Journey to Launch podcast episode I am answering your questions about rebuilding your credit, investing, how to get started on your financial independence journey, having money conversations with your partner, and so much more. Get ready to take notes because this is an episode packed with money gems.  In fact, you might need to listen to this episode more than once.  In this episode you will learn: Tips on rebuilding your credit Things you should know about your employer’s retirement plan The differences between a Roth Individual Retirement Account and a Brokerage Account The steps and stages to achieving financial independence and retiring early  Tips to talk to your partner about finances The difference between FinCon and the Financial Freedom Summit, and more Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Check out these awesome episodes I mentioned in the podcast:  Episode 37: Credit 101: Understanding Credit &

In this bonus episode, I discuss the biggest concern in the world at the moment, the Coronavirus. You may be worried about your money, job, health and family and I am sharing my thoughts on how to get through these times.  In this episode I discuss: How to protect yourself as much as you can. What to do if you deal with anxiety and depression. How this impacts your investments and what to do about it. What to do if your work and income are being affected. Why it is very important to focus on emergency funds. Cancellations of travel and events. Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Go to Journeytolaunch.com/freedomsummit to join me at the Financial Freedom Summit in May. I use Michael Hyatt’s Full Focus Planner to keep me focused so I get things done. If you are looking for a planner consider using this one. Check out the other tools that help me with my finances and business here.  Check out the Journey To Launch Podcast index here which categorizes all of the Journey To Launch podcast e

This week’s Journey to Launch Podcast is going to blow you away. Wealth Strategist, Dr. Pamela Jolly is on the show and we have a dynamic conversation about wealth building strategies, economically empowering people of color, generational wealth, and more. Everyone aspiring to build wealth, must listen to this episode. Dr. Jolly’s advice will inspire you to take action and reclaim your wealth today! Dr. Pamela Jolly has over 20 years of experience in the financial sector. As a Wealth Strategist, Dr. Jolly is committed to guiding men, women, business owners, pastors and young professionals to achieving legacy wealth. She is also the CEO and Founder of Torch Enterprises, a firm committed to developing minority enterprises. Over the past twelve years, Torch has been instrumental in raising both capital and awareness for minority enterprises across the country.   In this episode you will learn: How to define wealth for yourself What is the wealth reset and why it matters The difference between venture capital an

This week on the Journey to Launch podcast, Sarah Li Cain of Beyond the Dollar shares how she became a six-figure freelance writer with a six-figure net worth. She went from teaching and living abroad, to a writer, mom, and wife, with more money and freedom to enjoy life.  Through her writing and podcast, Sarah blends practical tips and mindset strategies for those trying to change their financial life. She also integrates physical, spiritual, and mental wellness in her advice so you learn how to use money as a tool to enhance your life.  In this episode you will learn: What is geoarbitrage and how to use it to boost your net worth The pros of a teaching career and how to find a job teaching overseas  Steps to building a successful freelance writing business How to achieve semi-retirement, a different form of financial independence Ways to find balance between work, family, and your self-care How to add value to a client so you can get paid your worth, and more Special thanks to our podcast sponsor, Empower

Your path to financial freedom and wealth doesn’t have to be complicated. This week’s Journey to Launch podcast episode lifts up the veil of overcomplicated investing strategies to show you a more simple path to wealth. Well known author and blogger, JL Collins, is on the show discussing his path to Financial Independence through index investing and his successful book, The Simple Path to Wealth.  JL Collins went from working in an ice cream parlor for $1.25 an hour (he was 13) to accomplishing Financial Independence & Retiring Early (FIRE) before it was even a thing. In this episode, JL Collins breaks down the stock market and everything you need to know about investing in index funds.  In this episode you’ll learn:  What is F-you money and why you need it Ways to enjoy breaks or sabbaticals throughout your career What are index funds and tips on investing in the market Why your house is a terrible investment (his words, not mine) What is a Chautauqua, and so much more Special thanks to our podcast sp

This week on the Journey to Launch podcast Brian from Done by Forty and I are talking about the secret behind accomplishing Financial Independence & Retiring Early (FIRE), economic opportunity, and the power of an education.  We get very honest about the role of income and how important it can be on your FIRE journey. Brian is not afraid to talk about privilege, race, and their impact on wealth. We dive into it all and more on the podcast. You’ll also learn some valuable tips to help you lower your expenses and how to get a free education.  In this episode you will learn: The key to accomplishing FIRE How to get a free degree Tips to raise your income and improve your odds of getting a new job The one thing Brian thinks you should go into debt for, and so much more Special thanks to our podcast sponsor, Empower. Get $5 into your account when you download the Empower app and reach your savings goal. Enter code JOURNEY at signup here. Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Brian recomme

Love is in the air and we are talking about love and money in this week’s episode.  LeDo and Shameka McDowell talk about their relationship and how they paid off $32,000 in debt and built $100,000 in net worth. Once they got on the same financial page, they were unstoppable.  LeDo and Shameka are creators of the podcast The Marital Mission, a podcast about married life for young couples. In this episode, we have an honest conversation about how to get your partner on board with your financial goals, the struggles that come with becoming debt-free, how to have the money talk with your partner, and more. In this episode, you will learn: Practical ways to get on the same financial page with your partner How to cut your expenses and reach your financial goals The importance of putting communication first The difference between the avalanche and the debt snowball debt payoff methods and more Special thanks to our podcast sponsor, Empower. Get $5 into your account when you download the Empower app and reach your

In this week’s Journey to Launch podcast episode, I answer the question, “Can you really reach financial independence?” Plus, I am celebrating because it’s my birthday!  As I reflect on the past year, I am sharing my personal goals for 2020, which include taking better care of me. Listen to this episode to find out how I plan to focus on myself and prioritize what really matters in life. I am also sharing ways on how you can create a life you love.  In this episode you will learn: Tips that will make you resilient on your FIRE journey Examples of ways to take care of yourself in 2020 Why it’s important to focus on your journey and not the outcomes How to make more time for things that really matter  All about setting moon goals, and more Also, to help celebrate my birthday week, I’m opening doors to the Money Launch again this week. The Money Launch Club is the online membership that can help you reach your financial goals of saving more, paying off debt so that you can reach Financial Freedom. Join us whil

Did you know that after ~400 years of being in the US, African Americans in the United States only own two percent of U.S. wealth? This week on the Journey to Launch podcast, my guest, Shawn D. Rochester talks about how this dismal stat came to be with data-based research and discusses what we can do about it using concrete solutions. Shawn is the CEO of Good Steward, LLC and author of The Black Tax: The Cost of Being Black in America.  In his book and presentations at Google, and several universities across the United States, Shawn examines the true cost of being Black in America. He outlines what factors impact the Black community and explains how you can help close the wealth gap.  Everyone must listen to this episode. I hope this interview sparks powerful conversations, deep thought, and inspires you to build black wealth and make strides to level the economic playing field. In this episode you will learn: What is the Black Tax and how it’s impacting your wealth How to identify unconscious

This week’s Journey to Launch podcast episode features Anita Dhake, also known as Thriftygal. Creator of the blog The Power of Thrift, Anita, worked as a corporate attorney for several years. Then, one day she committed to her dream to retire early and live her best life. In one year she paid off $95,000 of student loan debt and started aggressively saving 85 to 95 percent of her income. By age 33, Anita was able to retire with over a half of million dollars in investments. For the last few years, Anita has been traveling the world and doing what makes her happy. On her blog, she shares stories about crossing items off her bucket list, her latest reads, and her daily successful habits. Previously featured in Forbes, Crain’s Chicago Business, and the ABA Journal, Anita’s has also been on television twice. Anita’s FI story can be found in her book, Operation Enough! How to Retire Remarkably Early. In this episode you will learn: How to accelerate your path to financial freedom and early retirement The benefit

David Carlson is answering all your student loan questions on this week’s episode of the Journey to Launch podcast. Previously featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, Forbes, Slate, and NBC’s KARE 11, David is a personal finance author and speaker.  In this week’s episode, David is discussing the truth and misconceptions about student loan debt, loan forgiveness programs, debt consolidation and more.  In 2012, David launched his website Young Adult Money with a mission to help millennials earn more, save more, and live better lives. He recently started focusing on student loan debt because he and his wife had a combined balance of $100,000 after graduating college. David is on the path to becoming debt-free and is sharing his story and student loan debt advice with others along the way.  In this episode you will learn: Several misconceptions about student loans The truth about student loan refinancing  The good, bad, and ugly about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program How taxes and forgiv

Kyara and Khalil Uqdah of Charm City Buyers started investing in real estate right after college in September 2012. Their first property was in a depressed neighborhood in Connecticut. However, with a vision, networking, and creative financing they turned that one property, which they still own, into over 20 properties in Baltimore, Maryland. They have literally bought a block and are now focused on community development, mentoring other real estate investors, and building an empire and generational wealth.  In this week’s podcast episode both tell their story of humble, hustle beginnings, and share tips on how to get into real estate investing, set goals, and run a business that thrives.  Kyara and Khalil have built a results-based system that allows them and others to experience success in real estate investing. They retired from the rat race a few years ago and now enjoy life as full-time entrepreneurs and loving parents.  In this episode you will learn: Several ways to get started and build your real est

In 2020, you cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought. This is just one of the amazing takeaways I discovered in my latest read, You Can’t Afford the Luxury of a Negative Thought: A Book for People with Any Life Threatening Illness--Including Life. This podcast episode will arm you with confidence, motivation, and knowledge to have your best year yet!  Reaching a goal starts in the mind. Therefore, negative thoughts are too expensive and could cost you your dream or your purpose. In this week’s episode I share 13 takeaways from this book, as well as, my thoughts on how you can stay motivated to create and accomplish your goals in 2020.  In this episode you will learn: The power of positive thinking and how to combat negative thoughts What it means to take responsibility How to be open to all methods and schools of thought Ways to combat fear How preparing for death is actually living and so much more Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: If you enjoyed these takeaways, check out t

I made it through my first year as a full-time entrepreneur! Check out solo episode 132 where I dive into the business side of Journey to Launch and explain why I spent most of this year investing in myself. As I reflect on 2019, I share more about the financial impact of going from a corporate job to full-time entrepreneur, and how we prepared for this moment. I also report how I tripled Journey to Launch’s income since last year. Lastly, the episode wouldn’t be complete without highlights from this year and a sneak peek about what’s next for Journey to Launch. In this episode you will learn: The importance of investing in YOU How to increase your business income as an entrepreneur Methods to help you to reflect and how to say no How planning and budgeting can maximize your finances and your time My realities of being a full-time entrepreneur The real deal about business income, expenses, taxes, and so much more Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: I use Michael Hyatt’s Full Focus Plan