Journey To Launch : Personal Finance, Early Retirement & Business

This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I am sharing my journey of running my first half marathon at the Reggae Marathon in Negril, Jamaica, drawing the parallels between the lessons learned from running and those from my financial freedom journey. This race aligned with the one-year anniversary of my book “Your Journey to Financial Freedom” and had me reflect on the power of setting ambitious goals, embracing challenges, and finding joy in the journey. I also share the pleasure I had to be able to stay at two boutique, family-owned resorts—Rondel Village and Travelers Beach Resort, and being able to reunite with former podcast guests, Tiffany Grant and Tanya Taylor. Through the lessons drawn from the race, I talk about the importance of community, preparation, and maintaining an optimistic mindset, while celebrating serendipitous moments that reflect life’s magic.  In this episode I share:  The race details, waking up at 3:45 AM for the shuttle to the starting line, starting the race at 5:15 AM, shared

In this episode of the Journey to Launch podcast, I had an amazing conversation with Tiffany Grant, an accredited financial counselor and entrepreneur, about her journey to achieving financial freedom and her decision to relocate from the United States to Jamaica. Tiffany shares how she created a career in personal finance through her blog, podcast, and coaching business, Money Talk with Tiff and recounts the challenges of transitioning from corporate America to full-time entrepreneurship. Tiffany also dives into her life in Jamaica and talks about the cultural, educational, and healthcare differences compared to the U.S. She shares how her move was motivated by a desire for a simpler, more community-focused lifestyle and better opportunities for her children. Tiffany emphasizes the importance of financial preparedness, adaptability, and building a support system when making a significant life change. In this episode, Tiffany shares: The impact of becoming a teenage mother at 17, which motivated her to get s

This week on the Journey to Launch podcast, I’m joined by Aaron Thomas, a Harvard-educated family law expert and founder of Prenups.com. Aaron takes us through his journey from public defender to family law attorney and entrepreneur, highlighting the critical role of financial planning in marriage through prenups and postnups. These agreements help couples establish clear financial boundaries and expectations, reducing potential conflicts both during the marriage and in the event of a divorce. Aaron explains that every couple is already subject to a default "prenup" defined by state laws, but creating a personalized agreement allows couples to take control of their financial dynamics. He stresses that prenups aren’t just for the wealthy—they’re valuable tools for any couple looking to avoid common financial disputes and strengthen their relationship In this episode, Aaron shares: Aaron clarifies the difference between a prenup and a postnup and the benefits of creating a customized agreement. The emotional b

This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I’m joined by Kara Perez, founder of Bravely Go and author of Green Money. Kara shares her inspiring journey from paying off $65,000 in student loans to creating a financial education company. She emphasizes the impact of values-based budgeting and reducing waste as key strategies for building wealth. Kara also discusses how to use money as a force for positive change, including aligning your finances with ethical practices like switching banks, and introduces the concept of "financially secure YOLO," offering practical advice on balancing financial goals with enjoying life. In this episode Kara shares:  How to align your spending with personal values in a social media-driven world that may encourage overconsumption & strategies to resist unnecessary purchases. How individuals can contribute to environmental sustainability through financial choices, like moving money to ethical banks. Examples of collective financial solutions like babysitting co-ops and barter

This week on the podcast, I’m having a real talk with my sister, Imani, about her financial habits and goals. Imani started a Roth IRA back in 2020 and has seen it grow nicely, but she’s had trouble staying consistent with contributions—mainly because of concerns about accessibility and wanting to enjoy her money now (can you relate?) We dive into why opening a high-yield savings account, automating her Roth IRA contributions, and paying off her credit card in full each month are game changers. Imani gets the long-term benefits of these moves and is open to making changes, but she shares the challenges of balancing saving for the future with enjoying the present. Together, we talk through realistic strategies to overcome financial hesitations and why small, steady steps can lead to big wins when it comes to financial stability and growth. In this episode Imani shares:  Her excitement on seeing her initial investment double in her Roth IRA from 2020, and the importance of regular contributions and the value o

In this episode of the Journey to Launch Podcast, I speak with Judy McCutcheon, a Caribbean human resources expert, who shares her inspiring life story. Judy grew up in Tobago with humble beginnings, raised by a single mother facing financial challenges. Despite a childhood marked by scarcity, she became the first in her family to attend university. Her journey through self-sabotage, overcoming poverty, and healing from emotional struggles transformed her perspective on self-worth and financial well-being.  In this episode, Judy shares:  Despite earning a good income as a consultant, she still struggled with financial discipline because of her mindset around money, influenced by her upbringing, leading her to spend rather than save and invest. How a pivotal moment in her journey was reading The Secret, which led her to deep self-reflection and building self-love. The challenges of self-reflection and the importance of addressing deep-seated beliefs about oneself. How her Disruptive Leadership Conference aims

This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I’m reflecting on my own financial freedom journey so far and defining key concepts around financial independence. Not too long ago my growing family and demanding commute to my corporate job fueled my desire for a more flexible, fulfilling life. My husband and I saved and invested $169,000 in two years, I began my journey of entrepreneurship, wrote my book “Your Journey to Financial Freedom” and today I get to choose what I want to do with my time. I’m also reviewing my framework for achieving financial freedom, starting with calculating your financial independence number (the amount needed to live off investments without active work) and progressing through my "Journeyer Stages" from stabilizing finances to achieving full work flexibility or "financial independence." I’m encouraging you to embrace your journey towards financial independence and find fulfillment along the way.  In this episode I share: The challenges of balancing work and family, and how it starte

This week on the Journey to Launch podcast, I am speaking to Christine Benz, Director of Personal Finance at Morningstar. Christine shares her insights on how to retire and addresses certain issues that come up during retirement such as safe spending rates and the under-spending problem. She advises early retirees to be flexible with withdrawals, highlights the importance of finding balance in retirement, such as community service and hobbies and stresses the value of micro joys and small daily activities that bring joy and purpose. In this episode Christine shares: Her entrepreneurial role within Morningstar, where she has freedom to build the personal finance vertical while enjoying the security of a paycheck. The importance of communication skills and building subject matter expertise which can lead to better career opportunities. How spending in retirement often fluctuates, why you should diversify income streams and advice on balancing tax-sheltered accounts and taxable savings for more flexibility in e

In this week’s solo episode of the Journey to Launch Podcast, I explore the concept of wealth and what it means to be truly rich. While wealth is often defined by an abundance of money or material possessions, I discuss the distinction between "visible wealth" (like possessions) and "invisible wealth" (such as financial security, time freedom, and health). I also emphasize the importance of avoiding comparisons to others, especially in affluent environments, and instead focusing on your own financial journey.   In this episode I share:  How exploring middle school options for my oldest son has me questioning the true value of wealth and financial freedom  Why you should reflect on how you view wealth and financial freedom in your own life. How different people may perceive wealth and how it can lead to misperceptions about one's financial status. Why it’s crucial to appreciate the wealth you already have, without seeking external validation. How to find value in the invisible wealth that people cannot see, s

This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I’m joined by Naseema McElroy, a nurse, financial expert, and founder of Financially Intentional. Naseema, who has been a guest before, previously shared her inspiring journey from single motherhood to paying off $300,000 in debt, ultimately eliminating $1 million in total debt, and achieving millionaire status while working as a nurse. In this episode, she talks about earning over $230,000 a year as a labor and delivery nurse in the San Francisco Bay Area. Naseema also dives into financial independence, mindset shifts, and how she balances her career, business, and personal life. Tune in to hear her perspective on how financial independence isn’t just about wealth—it’s about the freedom to live life on your own terms. In this episode, you’ll learn:  Naseema's strategy of paying herself first and avoiding lifestyle inflation. Balancing her passion for nursing with running a business and raising three children. About the income potential in the nur

This week on the podcast, we speak to Scott H. Young, the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Ultralearning, podcast host, computer programmer, and avid reader. Scott discusses the importance of continuous learning and personal growth, focusing on how learning new skills can lead to personal fulfillment and financial success. He shares insights on managing anxiety through exposure therapy and the significance of self-directed learning. He also discusses the balance between personal and public learning, the evolving landscape of online entrepreneurship and much more.  In this episode, you’ll learn:  about the value of observing successful people and learning from their strategies to apply in your own journey. why passion should drive the pursuit of new skills, making learning more enjoyable and fulfilling. how practice and real-world application differ and how both are needed for mastery, especially in high-pressure environments. how learning and doing new things help people build confidence, encouragin

This week on the podcast, we chat with returning guest, Brandon Copeland, a 10-year NFL veteran and CEO of Athletes for College Athletes, who discusses his new book "Your Money Playbook".  In this conversation, Brandon emphasizes the importance of financial hustle, smart spending, and legacy planning. He shares his early NFL experiences, highlighting the necessity of saving plus stresses the significance of financial education and having a support system.  In this episode Brandon discusses:  The concept of the "art of the hustle" in his book, emphasizing the importance of earning and creating a life you want. His early NFL career and the financial challenges he faced, including the impact of taxes and deductions on his paychecks.  The importance of having a financial team and a support system to hold each other accountable.  Leaving a legacy beyond just money, including values and financial literacy plus more  Other Links Mentioned in episode: Get your copy of Brandon's book at YourMoneyPlaybook.com Build

This week, I’m bringing you a long overdue solo episode, catching you up on what's been happening in my life and business lately. I talk about our decision to skip summer camp for the kids this year, allowing us to spend more quality time together as a family while I took a break from work. I also reflect on how I'm managing the business at a slower pace, thanks to relying on savings and the importance of planning for fluctuating income. Plus, I share my journey of preparing for my first half marathon, the Reggae Marathon in Jamaica this December (which also coincides with the 1 year anniversary of my book release, "Your Journey To Financial Freedom", along with some other exciting projects on the horizon! In This Episode I Share: Why we opted out of summer camp, how I prepared the business in order to be free from work, & the importance of having help in order to be able to relax and recharge. Why you should save and invest to ensure financial stability during slow business months and how having that so

This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I have a powerful conversation with Esther Hyun, a stage four colorectal cancer survivor and lawyer, who opens up about her journey to financial independence. Esther highlights the need to balance financial goals with personal well-being, while stressing the importance of preventative health care. She also discusses the financial challenges of navigating cancer treatment, such as unexpected out-of-network medical bills, and underscores the value of life insurance, estate planning, and much more. In this episode, we discuss:  Esther’s financial foundations which allowed her to be debt-free except for student loans and how she contributes to HSAs and 401(k)s to build wealth Esther’s experience of being diagnosed with colorectal cancer at 36, the financial impact it had on her, and the importance of having a plan in place for unexpected events. Life insurance, estate planning, and balancing financial independence with enjoying life in the pr

This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, Amina AlTai, a holistic business and career coach, discusses her journey from burnout to wellness. She shares her experience of nearly dying from organ failure due to overwork and stress & emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and advocating for oneself. She advises listeners to identify and address tolerations, practice micro habits for well-being, seek support from allies + much more.  In this episode, you’ll learn: About the concept of microdosing joy and the importance of inviting joy into every moment, even in challenging situations. How Amina set boundaries and created a work-life balance while still working in her traditional job. About the wage gap and the importance of advocating for pay equity within organizations. Of the value of micro habits and small actions that can lead to significant improvements in one's life. Other Links Mentioned in episode: Get your copy of my book: Your Journey To Financial Freedom Leave Y

Cassandra Henry is a Journeyer from Bronx, New York, who is paying off debt and investing in herself. Cassandra is a first generation Dominican American and at 25 years old she was her family’s breadwinner. As a result, she quickly learned the importance of taking control of her finances and her debt. Cassandra shares how she eliminated credit card debt and boosted her income with side hustles. In this episode, you'll learn:  How Cassandra started following a financial minimalist approach which helped her pay off her credit card debt How changing her mindset was key to tackling debt and improving her financial situation. Why Cassandra encourages others to educate themselves, invest in personal development, and seek out communities or resources that support financial growth. Other Links Mentioned in episode: Get your copy of my book: Your Journey To Financial Freedom Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp Check out my personal website here. Join The Weekly Newsletter

Jon Acuff, New York Times bestselling author of seven books including his latest, “Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking,” and INC Magazine Top 100 Leadership speaker, joins the podcast to discuss how overthinking affects the results we have in life and how to rewire our thoughts so that we can make progress towards our goals.  We all have the ability to change our unhealthy patterns of overthinking from a super problem to a superpower. We just need a little help along the way. If you’re ready to unlearn and reprogram your thoughts, listen to this episode! In this episode we share: How what we tell ourselves + what we think leads to our emotions and actions Why most people over-focus on their actions, and never change the underlying results Actionable steps to take to rewire our brains to be more positive The power of aligned thinking with aligned action + more Other Links Mentioned in episode: Get your copy of my book: Your Journey To Financial Freedom Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedo

If you didn’t have to work again for money, what would you really do with your time? We often hear about retiring early in the context of someone quitting their corporate job to work on their own business. But what if you truly didn’t have to work and could really live your life on your own terms?  On this episode of the Journey To Launch Podcast, we have a returning guest, Purple who shares her life after early retirement.  Purple retired from corporate America with a portfolio of $500k+ at the young age of 30 right before the 2020 pandemic. She explains what she does with her time now that she is no longer working, how she strives to live an intentional, purpose driven life, and how the pandemic was a catalyst for exiting the work-force. In this episode, we discuss: How fear during the pandemic pushed Purple to retire early Realistically living off of $20,000 + what that lifestyle looks like The nomad lifestyle + how it saves Purple money Strategies for withdrawing money, what a Roth Conversion ladder is,

This episode is sponsored by Fortress Debt. Get a free personalized debt playoff plan by clicking here. Norly Jean-Charles, attorney, financial independence follower, and Journeyer, joins the podcast to discuss her path from  Haitain immigrant in Brooklyn to Penn Law Graduate. We chat about how her roots shaped her money narrative, why the strong women in her life are cornerstones to her success, and how she has kept her financial goals in the forefront of her life.  In this episode we discuss: Negotiating rent, being strategic with student loan debt, + living below your means The importance of exploring educational and career-based programs and resources How Haitain culture and her immigration experience shaped her money narrative How she went from a Columbia University Anthropology BA to University of Pennsylvania Law School Buying her mother’s first home in Florida during the pandemic  How Norly networked her way to a six-figure career as a lawyer + more Other Links Mentioned in episode: Check