Journey To Launch : Personal Finance, Early Retirement & Business

In this episode, Anita Dhake joins the podcast to discuss how 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 85-95% of her income. By age 33, Anita was able to retire with over a half of million dollars in investments. She now lives by her own design on less than $24,000 per year. This FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) is full of actionable tips no matter your income, mental health and money correlations, and why community matters. In this episode, you’ll learn more about: How to accelerate your path to financial freedom and early retirement The benefits of applying stoicism to your financial journey Several inspiring books you should read now  Where to easily invest your money and watch it grow + more Other Links Mentioned in episode: Listen to episode 102: How Dumpster-Diving And House Hacking Is Fueling Charlie’s Journey To Financial Freedom Listen to episode 285: Your Money Or Yo

Can you believe we have OVER 300 episodes on the Journey to Launch podcast!?  With that being said, this summer I’m releasing a few episodes from the “vault” that I think Journeyers need to hear. THIS WEEK:  Kerry Ann Rockquemore, former Sociologist Professor and FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) Movement member, joins the Journey to Launch podcast to discuss what led her and her husband to retiring early, the power of community, and how the financial independence journey redefines your goals and identity.  In this episode, you’ll learn more about: What breaking point led Kerry and her partner to chase the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) Movement How the book, “Your Money Or Your Life,” + the community based around it changed Kerry’s life professionally and financially Why it’s essential to take the financial independence journey one step at a time The blueprint for creating your own in-depth annual planning process to optimize your personal and financial goals The importance of network

Life can be challenging when you’re on a financial freedom journey… especially during a particularly busy season. That’s why I’m bringing you this solo episode focused on how to navigate these challenging times when they crop up in your own life. I give you personal and professional updates, exciting book news, and why taking my boys to a Pokemon conference in California spawned a serious internal (and now external) discussion on why we need to live life off of spreadsheets and budgeting apps. If you’ve ever felt like you’ve struggled with balance, this episode is for you. In this episode, you’ll learn more about: Taking advantage of opportunities even when you haven’t planned for them Learning how to approach situations from different angles to get the desired outcome Weighing out value vs. expense when making decisions Questions to consider when choosing to spend money on experiences now instead of putting them off for later + more Other Links Mentioned in episode: Patflynn.com Building A Commun

Gettin’ Free! : A Juneteenth Collaboration brought to you by Sistas Who Kill: A True Crime Podcast. We know that history is told from the side of the victors, but that leaves room for misinformation and false narratives.  We are on a mission to change that. 11 Black podcasts have come together to reclaim our history and tell it our way - flavor and all. Welcome to a chronological journey to get free. Learn where we’ve come, what we’ve overcome, and how much further we need to go.  In my portion of the episode (58 minute mark) I talk about Maggie Lena Walker, the first woman (black or white) to charter a bank and woman to serve as a bank president in America.  References: Pennies and Nickels Add Up to Success: Maggie Lena Walker  More Info on Maggie_L._Walker From Wikipedia Maggie L Walker from Womens History The St. Luke Penny Savings Bank Other Links Mentioned in episode: Check out my new personal website here. Join The Weekly Newsletter List Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Jour

Brittany Dandy, founder of Ode to Us Wellness and marketing consultant, joins the podcast to talk about saving over $90K+ and transitioning from freelancer to having a career where she is able to enjoy stability, increase her income, and reach financial independence. Exploring motherhood prompted Brittany to ask the question: “What would make me feel safe and secure during the transition to parenthood?” This query led her to the world of financial independence, mental and physical wellness, and ultimately resulted in her saving $90K+ with her partner. We also chat about thriving while walking an unconventional path, side hustling to keep self-taught skills sharp, what it took to save so much money, and more. In this episode, you’ll learn more about: How to leverage the various skills you collect along the way in your career  Prioritizing financial advice that works for your situation above blindly following well-intended instructions (even from professionals) The importance of networking, increasing your inc

Dominique Broadway, award-winning personal finance expert, speaker, new author and the founder of Finances Demystified, joins the podcast to discuss going from broke in business to leading a multi-million dollar finance brand.  Dominique quit her corporate finance job to start her own entrepreneurial journey, only to find herself in debt and being foreclosed on. After facing her money mistakes, putting a financial action plan in place, and doing the hard work, she became the successful businesswoman and millionaire she is today. We discuss Dominique’s unique journey to success, the powerful decision to choose wealth every day and how you can scale your business. In this episode, you’ll learn more about: How Dominique’s early exposure to entrepreneurship and hustle propelled her to success Why having specific financial goals in business is imperative to not going broke + the power of experience education  Taking accountability for your money mistakes + why communication is just as important in money as it is

Yanely Espinal, personal finance educator, advocate and new author, joins the Journey to Launch podcast to discuss how she is changing the law one state at a time, why money needs more nuance, and how we can address systemic issues for real change.  Yanely has a successful YouTube Channel with over 50k subscribers, a new book, "Mind Your Money,” and professionally focuses on personal finance curriculum, teaching students, teachers, and professionals about financial literacy. We also chat about the hurdles Yanely faces within the political system vying for mandated personal finance education, navigating migrant remittances with empathy first, if she still sleeps in a hammock, and more. In this episode, you’ll learn more about: The ways Yanely persuades lawmakers to prioritize requiring personal finance education for high school students  Why upskilling teachers is not only needed but necessary for teaching personal finance effectively in 2023  How to navigate remittances with your siblings, support loved ones

Gayle Colman, CFP®, holistic and integral wealth coach and author, joins the Journey to Launch podcast to discuss making money choices with clarity and confidence, free from overwhelm. Gayle is co-founder of Colman Knight Advisory Group and has spent 35 years in the money psychology industry. Her work focuses on somatic finance, teaching and inspiring others to bring presence to their bodies and work from the internal first. We chat about the 7 stages of money maturity, why awareness is key and how you can excel in the gray areas of life. In this episode, you’ll learn more about: What somatic finance is and bringing the wisdom of our bodies into all matters of money How to begin improving the external (debt, income, financial goals, etc.) while healing the internal (what matters most to us and why) Money polarity myths, dynamically steering decisions + embodied sufficiency Giving attention to your body, creating space to feel, expressing emotions in the present + more Other Links Mentioned in episod

Niqua, Journeyer and founder of Financially Winning and Traveling With Niqua, joins the Journey to Launch podcast to share how she paid off $21,000 of student loan debt while balancing a full time job and traveling the world. Her inspiring debt payoff story and her captivating travel experiences earned her recognition in Travel Noire. She's been to over 30 countries and 30 states and helps others travel more with tips, hacks and strategies. In this episode, you’ll learn more about: Practical tips on maximizing PTO, remote working, and benefits so you can travel throughout the year  How Niqua’s upbringing influenced her decision to pay off $21,000 of student loan debt The best free and cheap travel deals Niqua has scored because of credit card travel hacking Traveling tips and tricks: apps to use internationally, reducing phone bills while abroad, travel strategies you may not have thought of + more Other Links Mentioned in episode: How One Black Woman Conquered 21K Of Student Loan Debt In 11 Month

Erin Lowry, “financial translator” and award-winning author, joins the podcast for a third time to chat about navigating tough money discussions with your loved ones, giving yourself permission to spend and why it’s important to evolve your perspective around money as you age and experience life. Erin has four books in total, speaks at events across the country and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, CNBC, and more. We also discuss listening to yourself instead of chasing clout, realistic writing tips and Erin’s new book, Broke Millennial Workbook. In this episode, you’ll learn more about: The power of staying off social media and focusing inwards  Permission to change your mind when it comes to personal finance advice  How to navigate difficult money conversations with loved ones + scripts you can use right now  What is revenge spending, how money is tied to the different seasons of your life + more Enter for a chance to win a copy of Erin's book; Broke Millennial Workbook by

Isa Watson, founder and CEO of Squad, an app that takes you and your friends off of social media, and author of new book Life Beyond Likes, joins the podcast to discuss prioritizing connection over consumption and how we can all strive to live a more authentic life offline. We also talk about the true timeline of switching careers, how being yourself has a big ROI and dating your friends. In this episode, you’ll learn more about: The traumatic event that changed the trajectory of Isa’s life How Isa navigated away from her corporate career to tech entrepreneurship What building a network looks like offline, being intentional with your mentorships and connections, and the power of empathy Examining how we seek validation through others on social media and striking a balance between flexing for likes and living for yourself Prioritizing connection over consumption, the pros and cons social media has on society as a whole + more Other Links Mentioned in episode: Check out Isa's book, Life Beyond Likes

Berna Anat, award-winning producer, speaker, podcast host, rich auntie in training, and “Financial Hype Woman,” joins the podcast to chat about immigrant financial trauma, living out loud with your money and how she went from paying off over $50,000 of debt to becoming a new author.  We also talk about the importance of taking breaks, her response to the strike carried out by the workers involved in producing her book, leveraging your finances to combat injustice, and more.  In this episode, you’ll learn more about: Why you need to bring your whole self and your whole financial story into your money life  The First-Generation Alpha Kid experience + what being a daughter of immigrants means in the money realm How to approach giving you family financial help and the importance of establishing boundaries Pros and cons of immigrant hustle mode + why it can be your superpower or kryptonite  Financial activism, speaking up for your community, calling out capitalism + more Other Links Mentioned in episode:

The introduction of mutual funds was a game-changer for the average American, allowing them to gain access to financial markets once only the wealthy had access to. Then ETFs came along and helped with diversification and potential tax efficiencies with intraday trading.  What’s next? Rich Compson, Head of Wealth Management at Fidelity Investments joins us on the Journey To Launch podcast to discuss how “direct indexing” is the next evolution of market access for Americans. We also talk about general investing topics and why investing is important to building wealth.  In this episode, you’ll learn more about: Definitions and basic concepts of investing  The order of operations for successful (and financially responsible) investing Why technology and social media has made investing more affordable + accessible What Direct indexing is, the benefits of tax loss harvesting, how you can start direct indexing today + more For more check out Direct Indexing Overview by Fidelity here. Other Links Mentioned

Andy Hill, host of the podcast, Marriage Kids And Money, joins the Journey to Launch podcast to discuss his most recent financial decision: taking $50,000 out of his taxable brokerage account to purchase a new car.  We dive into the importance of making financial decisions based on personal values and life goals instead of following what everyone else is doing. Andy also shares his practical tips on car buying and the power of F-U money.  In this episode, you’ll learn more about: Why Andy decided to liquidate a taxable brokerage account for a depreciating asset (i.e. his new car) Reasons why you should enjoy your money now and use it to elevate your life experiences The power of f-u money, operating from abundance instead of fear, and always learning new things Reducing financial anxiety, how long a financial freedom journey can take, + more Watch the video to this episode at YouTube.com/journeytolaunch Other Links Mentioned in episode: Listen to Andy on Episode 32: A Conversation About Marriage,

Allison Baggerly, author, podcaster, and founder of Inspired Budget, joins the Journey to Launch podcast to discuss her personal finance evolution as a former teacher in debt to successful entrepreneur and author. Allison and her husband paid off over $100k of debt while growing their family. During the process, she learned how to take back control of her money, stay consistent with paying off debt, and stop emotional spending once and for all. Now, she runs Inspired Budget full-time, is a nationally recognized money coach, and is releasing her first book, Money Made Easy. We chat about how you can balance your financial future while living spontaneously, the power of keeping your money simple, how Allison made the move to full-time entrepreneurship and more. In this episode, you’ll learn more about: How to reimagine your skill set in another profession or career Why having a plan of action with your money reduces guilt around spending  The importance of communication and transparency in your relationship wh

Kim Rittberg, former media executive at Netflix and People Magazine, joins the podcast to discuss how she was able to pivot from corporate America to her own business helping independent professionals and brands be better on camera and make unforgettable video and podcast content to grow their business.  Kim is an award-winning video and content expert working across social media, television, digital videos, and podcasts. She spent 15 years as a media executive and launched the first ever video unit for Us Weekly. She also hosts the Mom's Exit Interview podcast, which was spurred by her decision to quit corporate and launch her own business.  We chat about not being defined by our loses or wins, why it’s okay for you to pivot if your life changes direction. In this episode, you’ll learn more about: Why Kim quit corporate America even though she loved her job Deciding to bet on yourself and go for what you want despite fear and doubt How to gain confidence on camera starting with working on confidence withi

Myra Strober, labor economist and Professor Emerita at Stanford University and Abby Davisson, social innovation leader and career development expert, join the Journey to Launch podcast to discuss how to make conscious decisions about money with love as the primary framework. We chat about the intellectual roadmap for life’s biggest decisions, why we need to have difficult conversations before we’re ready and how love and money are intertwined in all of life’s challenges and phases. In this episode, you’ll learn more about: Making decisions about money with love at the forefront of consideration What the 5 C framework is and how you can implement them in your life right now  Why you should be having conversations about personal topics alongside the professional ones How to be an agent of change within the institutions you participate in  The importance of checking in with those you admire and trying to anticipate the consequences of life’s choices + more You can enter for a chance to win one a free copy of M

Jessamyn Stanley, internationally-acclaimed voice in the wellness industry and author, joins the Journey To Launch podcast to discuss how yoga has the power to change lives, why creatives have an obligation to make money for the betterment of their communities and the importance of promoting equity in the health industry. We chat about showing up authentically on social media overcoming fear and more. In this episode, you’ll learn more about: Jessamyn’s accidental path to becoming a wellness industry thought leader Why self-care and spending are integral to showing up as the best version of yourself What you can do today to let go of fear and move toward your goals How creatives can and have an obligation to reframe how to ethically make money  The importance of letting go of money + more  Check out the video of this episode on YouTube, here! Other Links Mentioned in episode: Check out Jessamyn's book: Every Body Yoga: Let Go of Fear, Get On the Mat, Love Your Body. Check out Jessamyn's Book: Yoke:

Toni Okamoto, founder of Plant Based On A Budget and podcast host, joins the Journey To Launch podcast to talk about her new book, “Plant-Based on a Budget Quick & Easy: 100 Fast, Healthy, Meal-Prep, Freezer-Friendly, and One-Pot Vegan Recipes,” and how she “fell” into entrepreneurship.  Plant Based On A Budget began in 2012 as a passion project, but swiftly turned into an online empire with over 1M followers across social media. Toni went full-time in 2016 and hasn’t looked back. Since then, she secured a Netflix documentary feature on “What The Health,” and successfully leads a team of 6, spreading the word of accessible and affordable plant based meal options globally. We chat about expectations you can have as a business owner in the online space, why she views Plant Based On A Budget as a form of activism and how you can save money on groceries. In this episode, you’ll learn more about: How long it actually took Toni to make a profit with her passion project, Plant Based On A Budget + why you shou