Journey To Launch : Personal Finance, Early Retirement & Business

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

This episode is sponsored by Fortress Debt . Get a free personalized debt playoff plan by clicking here. Leilani Reed-Logan, Journeyer and financial independence (FI) enthusiast, joins the podcast to discuss how Journey To Launch changed her life and why she is choosing happiness above all else, thanks to her newfound financial freedom at age 45. We talk about why Leilani decided to set out on the path to FI, despite being “older,” the lessons she learned from listening to this podcast, and how COVID became the catalyst for her to walk away from corporate America forever. In this episode we discuss: Why Leilani stepped away from a $200,000 per year salary job  Choosing what sparks joy in your life over everything else The ways financial independence changed Leilani’s life  Steps Leilani took to pay off her mortgage early How you can increase your career income + more  Other Links Mentioned in episode: https://www.journeytolaunch.com/episode141 https://www.journeytolaunch.com/episode40 Get your co

In this rewind 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. They share with us 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 Other Links Mentioned in episode: If you liked this episode you might also like A Money Chat With My Husband + The Budget Boot Camp. In this episode, my husband and I talk about my crazy

Once blogger Tracy Levesque released her article titled, “What I learned from binge-listening to the entire Journey to Launch podcast,” I knew that I had to have her on as a guest. She joins us after paying off $170k worth of debt and jumping on the financial independence, retire early movement. We chat about the growth mindset her mom passed down to her, her entrepreneurship journey, how true wealth is providing education, curiosity, and the understanding of the value of experiences over material possessions, and why we need to have more LGBTQIA+ voices in the FIRE community. In this episode, we discuss: What sparked Tracy’s curiosity about the FIRE movement (Financial Independence, Retire Early) Building a business without a roadmap, hustling as an entrepreneur in the computer world + getting into real estate  The steps Tracy and her wife took to pay off $170,000 of debt in 10 years using the debt avalanche method + zero-balance transfers  Blind spots in the FIRE movement, using privilege for good + the ca

This week we are rewinding to Ariana Rodriguez's episode, who joined the Journey To Launch podcast to talk about her experience on the Netflix documentary, “Get Smart With Money” and how she was able to turn her finances around. We chat about how she used her skills to begin a side hustle, that eventually allowed her to quit her job, the power of forgiving yourself of past money mistakes, automating your money and more. In this episode, we discuss: The internal struggle and mindset that plays a role in the cycle of debt and debt repayment How Ariana pivoted from an education career to tech project management in order to increase her income  Leveraging skills for side hustles to speed up the debt payment process What the “should lifestyle” is and why it keeps people stuck in the debt system Why financial freedom is possible and attainable at any level + more Other Links Mentioned in episode: From Side Hustle To Million Dollar Virtual Assistant Business With Tasha Booth Get your copy of my book: Your Journey

This week, we are rewinding to Journeyer, Josie Espinoza’s episode who shares her debt free story. She was the first in her family to go to college, but then found herself in $50K of debt which included student loans, credit cards, and auto loan debt. She discovered a passion for financial freedom and independence; and through listening to podcasts, she was able to learn what was needed to become debt free. Once debt free, Josie and her husband became focused on financial planning, saving, and securing their family’s future.    In this episode, Josie shares: Her story coming from Mexico at the age 8, helping her parents on the farm and being the youngest of 9 and the first one to get a college degree How the money mindset, “Money is made to be spent” led her to accumulate $50K of debt and how 3 weeks without money was her rock bottom How she was able to resign from her job that was affecting her mental health  Why she feels that anyone can change their finances with a little effort & more Other

This week we are rewinding to a conversation I had with Veronique Graves, a fellow Journeyer and former member of my past community the Money Launch Club. Veronique is a self employed sign language interpreter who is on her way to financial freedom. After becoming a member of the Money Launch Club, she went from living paycheck to paycheck to paying off debt, saving, and investing.  Veronique advises those on their financial journey to be patient, set specific goals, and surround themselves with financially savvy individuals. Her motivation for financial independence stems from her desire for life flexibility and the ability to help others, inspired by how her family supported her financially in the past. In this episode, Veronique shares:  How working as a freelance contractor requires careful financial planning due to the irregular nature of her income​​. How she successfully managed to save enough to avoid living paycheck to paycheck and how she is paying off her credit card debt The significance of celeb

This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I am sharing a conversation I had on IG Live with Lauryn Williams from Student Loan Planner. Lauryn provides crucial information for student loan borrowers about the Biden administration's Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) waiver for federal student loans, which can significantly impact loan forgiveness eligibility. The steps to take include: understand your loan type, consider consolidation, and take timely action before June 30, 2024 which is the deadline to maximize benefits.  In this episode, Lauryn shares:  What is the IDR Waiver and how it can help student loan borrowers get closer to forgiveness Why borrowers with Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) loans or those with multiple loan types should consider consolidation to benefit from the IDR waiver. Where to go to see your loans and determine your next steps  How to stay informed about your loans and any future opportunities for forgiveness or adjustment if you miss the deadline + more. Other Links Mentioned i

This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I'm featuring the second part of my discussion with Amanda Bauch, my book coach In this episode, Amanda interviews me about the experience of writing “Your Journey to Financial Freedom” — from its initial conception and the creative process to how it feels six months after its release. We also delve into the book's reception, its impact on readers, and explore the possibility of a second book and what I would do differently.  In this episode, we discuss: The timeline and steps involved in creating the book, from the initial proposal to the eventual publication. The struggles with doubts about the book's structure and organization & the challenges of writing while also running a business and raising 3 small kids What I learned during the process and how I would approach it differently in the future. The importance of investing in professional help & having a support system including family, friends, and professionals in the publishing industry + much more O

This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I’m speaking with my book, Your Journey to Financial Freedom’s coach and editor, Amanda C. Bauch. Our relationship has spanned over two years in bringing the book to life. On this 6 month anniversary of my book being out in the world, I am bringing you this conversation to provide a comprehensive look at the behind-the-scenes work involved in writing and publishing a book, plus Amanda’s experience as a freelancer and working for a big publishing house. Amanda is a writer, editor, and teacher who delights in helping authors share their ideas with the world. Whether ghostwriting, collaborating, editing, or coaching, she strives to provide whatever guidance and encouragement authors need along the way.  In this episode, Amanda shares: Her history and passion for writing & editing, which started from a young age and her experience working at a big five publisher, discussing challenges and opportunities.  The lengthy process of book publishing, highlighting the time

In this Q&A episode, I am answering questions submitted from listeners of the podcast, on topics including; how to reenter the workforce after 18 years of being a stay at home mom, is getting a CFEI certification a good idea & how to get your partner on board with your financial freedom dreams. I also discuss the importance of networking, building connections and giving yourself grace on your journey + much more.  In This Episode You’ll Learn:  Tips on how to network and promote your small business  Is a CFEI certification beneficial & what are some various paths to becoming a personal finance educator Why high yield savings account are a good option to hold emergency savings or long-term goals savings How to get your partner to join you on your financial independence journey + financial planning for new parents, including emergency funds and health insurance. Timestamps: 3:00-7:20: Using the search function on the Journey to Launch website to find relevant episodes 7:20-14:20: Jamila gives a

George Kinder is an author, international thought leader, and founder of Kinder Institute of Life Planning with more than 35 years of experience as a financial planner and tax advisor. George is dedicated to guiding individuals in uncovering their deepest values and leading more fulfilling lives. His ultimate aim is to promote greater freedom in every aspect of existence. In this conversation we discuss:  The importance of living in the present moment and mastering one's life. George’s three questions to help identify goals and priorities and how the answer to the "having 24 hrs left" question helps you realize what you’ve missed in life.  The balance between short-term pleasure and long-term financial planning.  How to find a trust-worthy financial planner who will help with your life plan George’s approach to parenting is being a good listener & showing empathy, rather than being overly restrictive or reactive + more! Other Links Mentioned in episode: George's book, "The Three Domains of Freedom" wil

Bernadette Joy Cruz Maulion is a first-gen Filipina-American joins the Journey To Launch podcast to share how she paid off $300,000 of debt in three years and invested her first $1 million in her 30s. Today, Bernadette works only 20 hours a week in order to focus her financial freedom on joy: K-Pop, yoga, karaoke and spoiling her nieces and nephews as their traveling rich auntie. She understands those who feel like they missed the money memo, and is dedicated to educating others on financial topics with strategies in a way so simple anyone can understand it. In this episode Bernadette shares:  Her experiences growing up in New York City as an immigrant child of Asian descent, emphasizing the pressure to excel academically and socially. How she had to make tough choices, such as saying no to friends' events and being honest about what she could afford, to achieve financial freedom. Why she and her husband sold their paid-off home and chose to rent instead Where she invests her money from real estate sales and

This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, we have Jackie Cummings Koski, author of the award winning book “Money Letters 2 my Daughter” and her new book, “F.I.R.E. for Dummies”. Jackie overcame poverty, divorce and single motherhood and despite having a late start and making less than six figures, she reached Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) at age 49 in 2019 when she officially retired from her corporate job with a net worth of over $1 million. Jackie shares with us the importance of mindset and reframing attitudes towards money, strategies for managing retirement finances, & how you too can reach financial freedom even if you are starting later in life.  In This Episode you’ll learn:  How Jackie used the 25x rule to get her FI number, and what financial habits helped her reach FI in 10 years, despite being in a difficult financial situation after her divorce.  How shifting your mindset from saving for retirement to investing for financial independence, can make it exciting to save and i

Jannese Torres, Latina money educator, and author of the new book Financially Lit, joins us on the Journey to Launch Podcast to talk to us about her success in entrepreneurship and reaching her financial independence goals.  Jannese highlights the significance of financial autonomy and safeguarding assets in unhealthy relationships. She shares with us her own experience with postnuptial agreements, the benefits of maintaining separate finances, why we need to normalize discussions on prenups and toxic relationships & much more.   In This Episode We Discuss:  The financial implications of divorce, including the potential loss of assets and the need for a prenup or postnup  Jannese’s personal experience with buying a house, highlighting the importance of aligning financial decisions with personal values. The issue of wealthy outsiders taking advantage of Puerto Rico's tax breaks while native Puerto Ricans are left behind. The importance of uncovering internalized money stories and recognizing emotions that

After paying off $30,000 of debt in 10 months, paying only $472 for her MBA, and buying her first home at 19, Whitney Hansen discovered her love for teaching others how to get better with their money. She travels frequently, teaches college students about personal finance as an Adjunct Professor, and tests side hustles for fun.  Whitney’s most recent side hustle includes unconventional real estate investments of building a geodesic dome and a flower pot Airbnb. We chat about the creative approaches to finding and developing unique properties, as well as the financial aspects of these projects and how to navigate the Airbnb business successfully.  In this episode you will learn: Why personal finances must be in order before investing in real estate The importance of understanding local regulations, seeking professional help, and creating accurate cost estimates during the planning phase. The need to consider multiple revenue streams when investing in short-term rentals Why property owners should manage their

Melissa Jean-Baptiste, financial educator and author of "So This Is Why I'm Broke” is a first-generation Haitian American and former NYC high school teacher. Melissa joins us this week to recount her journey of paying off $102,000 in student loans and buying her first home, all on a teacher's salary. As the founder of Millennial In Debt, she creates a shame-free digital platform dedicated to helping Millennials and Gen Z restructure their relationships with money, obtain financial freedom, build generational wealth and become future millionaires.  In this episode, we discuss:  How Melissa’s student loans grew from graduating with $50K owed to $80K in 3 years due to an interest-only payment plan she didn't fully understand and how she successfully paid it all off in 2018 through selling her teaching lesson plans as a side hustle.  Her venture into homeownership and the challenges encountered during the home buying process. Melissa underlines the importance of obtaining an independent home inspection a

Back on the podcast this week is Giovanna "Gigi" Gonzalez, financial educator, influencer, founder of The First Gen Mentor, and author of Cultura & Cash. Gigi discusses how to set financial boundaries with family as a first generation immigrant using her Quiero y Puedo framework which stands for "I want, I can'' in Spanish, by first asking yourself if you truly want to provide financial support and if you actually have the financial ability to help. GiGi shares examples of how she has set financial boundaries with her family and emphasizes being comfortable saying "no" to requests, even if it means being seen as the "black sheep.”  In this episode you will learn:  How you can set financial boundaries with family but still be supportive in other ways How to manage different financial priorities with a spouse such as turning to couples counseling to understand each other’s “why” around money.  Why gifting money you can afford is best rather than loaning money to a family member to avoid straining relations