Journey To Launch

A 7% interest rate looks like a wall to a lot of buyers, but Erika Brown sees a market where deals are landing $45,000 and even $150,000 under asking. In this episode, I sit down with Erika, a real estate investor and serial entrepreneur whose portfolio generates over six figures a year, for an update five years after her first appearance.

Erika left banking, got her real estate license, and built a team. She went on to acquire almost 40 rental properties, start a nearly seven-figure landscaping company, and co-found a Georgia brokerage with over 250 agents. It all began with a goal of making $5,000 a month so she could attend her kids' activities without asking permission. Today, she and her husband are selling properties to pay off properties, shrinking the portfolio while increasing cash flow.

Erika also breaks down how to read a market, fund a first investment property, and decide whether you are an owner, an operator, or a passive investor. Her bigger point is that building wealth is about having options, including when to push, when to pause, and how much of your life to spend on what matters.

In this episode, Erika shares:

Check out Erika's Conference The Owning It and Living It Experience happening November 13 to 15 at the Starling Hotel in Midtown Atlanta. Use code FREEDOM for 30% off tickets, which close October 31.

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Erika:

Connect with me:

Financial independence started as a formula: save and invest 25 times your expenses, then step away from the job. In this solo episode, I respond to an Instagram post from Ashley Evans asking whether the FIRE movement has lost the plot, as more of the conversation shifts toward making more money, growing businesses, and owning more.

I explain the 25 times rule and the 4% draw down math that first drew me in 12 to 13 years ago, and share the comment I left on Ashley's post. I reached my goal of leaving my nine to five in 2018, and today I'm in what I call work flexibility, stage four of my five stages to financial independence. As a mom of three living in New York City, I have no interest in growing my business if it costs me time and energy freedom. I also walk through the idea of a "vehicle" for reaching FI, which was my full time job and later became Journey to Launch, and why it's okay for that vehicle to slow down.

The episode also covers the parable of the Mexican fisherman and the investment banker, and the reality that "enough" looks different for everyone depending on security needs, family responsibilities, and history with money. Your plan can change, your pace can change, and you get to define what enough means.

In this episode, I share:

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with me:

Health insurance is one of the biggest questions standing between you and leaving your job, and for a lot of families, it's the reason one spouse never does. In this episode, I welcome back Jordan Grumet, hospice physician, host of the Earn & Invest podcast, and author of Taking Stock, The Purpose Code, and his newest book, The Healthcare Heist.

Jordan lost his father, a physician, when he was seven and made it his mission to become a doctor like him. Once he got there, he burned out fast, and financial independence became his way out. He breaks down what healthcare really costs once you leave an employer plan, how long-term care can drain a family's assets, and how insurers, drug companies, and private equity have pulled money out of the system.

Jordan makes the case that real change starts when doctors and patients share their stories and push for reform together. Until then, there are practical steps you can take now, from appealing insurance denials to planning for long-term care early.

In this episode, Jordan Grumet shares:

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Jordan Grumet:

Connect with me:

Kristy Shen and Bryce Leung left their lucrative software engineering careers to enjoy world travel and freedom. Both retired in their early 30's with a 7-figure portfolio and have complied their secrets to success in their book Quit Like a Millionaire: No Gimmicks, Luck, or Trust Fund Required. Kristy and Bryce are financially independent, self-made millionaires who hail from humble beginnings and learned along their journey how to follow the money so they could afford to pursue their passions.

In this episode we discuss:

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Kristy & Bryce:

Connect with me:

Simplicity and the concept of 'less is more' can be beneficial in much more than finance. The tiny home movement has proved to be a great new option for a lot of people looking to live a simpler, more abundant life. This week's guest, Jewel Pearson, is not only a tiny homeowner but she is also an advocate and community leader that shares her tiny living experiences and assists others in achieving their tiny living dreams.

Over the course of a decade, Jewel worked toward downsizing her life and in 2015 she built the tiny home of her dreams in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her 360 sq ft home has been featured on HGTV's shows "Tiny House, Big Living" and "How Are They Now" and has been featured in several other media outlets. As a proud supporter of tiny living and the simpler lifestyle that it offers, she provides support through her consulting services and workshops that she teaches around the country. Jewel has also founded the Tiny House Trailblazers; a duo collaboration of powerful and uniquely talented women of color who together are a strong representation and voice for diversity and inclusion within the tiny house movement.

In this episode we discuss:

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Jewel:

Connect with the Tiny House Trailblazers:

Connect with me:

You may think that you need a traditional education to reach Financial Freedom, but on this episode, Tinian Crawford is here to tell us otherwise. He shares with us how lucrative a job in the Trades can be and why more people should be looking to a trade career and building their DIY skills to help them reach their goals of Financial Independence.

On this episode you will learn:

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with me:

Arlan Hamilton was homeless when she launched a venture capital fund dedicated to minimizing funding disparities in tech. In 2015, she created Backstage Capital, a venture capital fund that invests in high potential founders who are people of color, women, and/or members of the LGBT community. Today, Backstage Capital has raised more than $7 million and invested in more than 130 startups companies led by underestimated founders.

In this episode of the Journey to Launch podcast, Arlan and I are talking about the mindset, confidence, and self-care that led to Arlan's ultimate success. We also discuss Arlan's new book, It's About Damn Time: How to Turn Being Underestimated Into Your Greatest Advantage.Arlan's story is inspiring and this is an episode you don't want to miss.

In this episode you'll learn:

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Arlan:

Connect with me:

Mabel Nunez is the founder & Chief Education Officer at Girl$ on The Money – a stock market investing education company targeted toward individuals who are underrepresented in the investing world. Mabel grew up in the South Bronx as an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, with limited resources & a strong emphasis on education from her father. She learned very little about personal finance or investing while in school until she was in college, where she took an investing analysis class which began her passion for investing & personal finance. Mabel holds both a Bachelor of Science and an MBA in Finance. However, most of what she's learned about investing came from experience.

Mabel's mission is to teach what she's learned (and continues to learn) since starting her investing journey. She is passionate about transforming investing beginners into confident, knowledgeable, and profitable investors.

In this episode, Mabel shares:

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Mabel:

Connect with me:

In this week's episode, Brian Portnoy simplifies the complex world of money. Brian has over two decades of experience in the personal finance space, and he's also an investor, educator, writer, and entrepreneur. In his book, The Geometry of Wealth, he tackles the challenges of making better investment decisions and how money fits into a joyful life.

In this episode, we go beyond the numbers and talk about the behavioral science behind your relationship with money. Learn how your behavior impacts your ability to become wealthy and why your brain chooses survival over wealth.

In this episode you'll learn:

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freed

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Brian:

Connect with me:

Ramit Sethi is New York Times bestselling author and founder of I Will Teach You to Be Rich. After 16 years in the personal finance space, Ramit is still teaching people how to set specific goals for themselves and their money. He has a unique way of talking about money and challenges the normal points of view you often hear from other personal finance "gurus".

In this episode, Ramit shares tips on how to; save you money, earn more, and live a rich life.

In this episode you'll learn:

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Ramit:

Connect with me:

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:

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Myra & Abby:

Connect with me:

Fernando Espuelas has spent three decades building companies and shaping conversations at the intersection of technology, business, and public life. In this episode, I sit down with him to talk about his path from an immigrant childhood in Uruguay to becoming one of the internet's early pioneers.

Fernando immigrated to the U.S. from Uruguay at age 10 and grew up watching his mother clean houses and work nights so he could get an education. He worked gas station and pet store jobs before eventually co-founding StarMedia, the world's first pan-Latin internet portal and the first Latin internet company to go public.

Today Fernando leads Vera Money, the first Emotional AI Financial Operating System, built to help Zillennials reduce money anxiety and take control of their finances. He shares why he built Vera around trust and ethical AI, and what keeps him building instead of chasing retirement.

In this episode, Fernando shares:

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Fernando:

Connect with me:

Cindy Zuniga went to law school to make an impact in her community. After three years in law school and $215,000 of debt later, Cindy realized the real cost of her decision. Her first year out of school she paid $24,000 towards her student loans. However, only $4,000 went towards her loan's principal balance, and the other 20,000 paid off just the interest on her loan. That's when Cindy said enough is enough and devised a plan to pay off all of her debt in 48 month. Find out how Cindy paid off $215,000 in 48 months and kept her expenses low while living in New York.

In this episode you will learn:

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with me:

What if the biggest risk you take is the one that changes everything? In this episode, I chat with Teri Ijeoma, trader, entrepreneur, author, and founder of Trade and Travel, an investment education company that has taught over 40,000 students how to actively invest. Teri left a toxic career as an assistant principal, taught herself to trade stocks while traveling the world, and built one of the top investing courses. Now she's back with her debut book, The Risk Worth Taking, and she's sharing the full picture of what the journey has actually looked like.

Teri opens up about everything that's happened since we last spoke from growing her company to a team of 40 and navigating the burnout that came with it, to making the difficult decision to step back, downsize, and move from Puerto Rico back to the U.S. in search of a deeper community. She shares how a health scare became a turning point, why she chose to prioritize herself over expectations and obligations, and what it meant to finally bring a new dream to life by finishing her first book. It's an honest conversation about success, reinvention, and creating a life that aligns with what matters most.

In this episode, Teri Ijeoma shares:

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Teri:

Connect with me:

Getting rid of six-figure debt is no easy feat but Takiia Anderson is proof that it can be done. After graduating from law school, Takiia had accrued more than $150,000 of debt. As the single mother of a 2-year-old little girl making only $34,000 a year, she knew that something had to change.

Takiia went on to save over $500,000 and pay for her daughter's college education at the prestigious Spelman College. She shares all of her tips, tricks, and personal finance advice on her blog, The Frugal Bitty.

In this episode we discuss:

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with me:

Jill Schlesinger, money and media legend, joins the Journey To Launch podcast to discuss how you can reset your life, her new book, "The Great Money Reset," and how to use her Fab Five framework to discover where you really want to be on your journey to financial freedom.

We discuss events that shaped Jill's impressive career, why everyone should have a pink notebook and how life is about so much more than money.

Jill is a CFP and Emmy and Gracie award-winning business analyst for CBS News. Her career is focused on translating complicated finance into understandable, relatable topics for everyday viewers and listeners. She covers the economy, markets, investing and anything else with the dollar sign. Jill also has her podcast, "Jill On The Money," which won a Gracie for best national talk show.

In this episode, you'll learn more about:

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Jill:

Connect with me:

Financial independence isn't just about reaching a number, it's about designing a life you actually want to live. In this solo episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes of what life looks like now.I share a candid life update on everything from my current workout routine and newfound hobby of gardening to navigating one of the busiest parenting seasons of the year with three kids. I also open up about the intentional trade-offs I'm making by working less, earning less, and embracing a slower pace, because the flexibility I've gained is worth more to me than maximizing income.

Plus, I reflect on some exciting milestones, including Journey to Launch turning 10 years old, winning a Plutus Award, the evolution of the FIRE Calc, and what I'm still exploring as I think about the next chapter of my work and life.

If you've ever wondered what financial independence actually looks like after the milestone is reached or how your priorities can shift once you have more freedom, this episode is for you

In this episode, I share:

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with me:

This week on the podcast we are joined by Dr. Kemi Doll, a physician, surgeon, researcher, double board-certified gynecologist and oncologist, and founding director of the Gynecologic Research and Cancer Equity Center at the University of Washington. After 16 years of training and over $200,000 in student loan debt, she turned her personal and professional experience into a mission to change how Black women are treated in gynecologic care.

In this episode, Dr. Kemi breaks down how conditions like heavy menstrual bleeding, endometriosis, and fibroids are not just health issues; they are career and financial ones. Women with endometriosis can miss up to 60 to 65 days of work a year, while women with heavy bleeding often show up to work functioning far below their capacity, a phenomenon called presenteeism.

She shares the clinical signs that your period is not normal, the exact language to use at your gynecology appointment to be taken seriously, and how to find a provider who will actually listen. We also get into her own story of resilience, how she used the NIH Loan Repayment Program to eliminate her debt while building her research career, and why she started a coaching company after discovering she was being paid 30% less than her colleagues.

In this episode, Dr. Kemi shares:

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Dr. Kemi:

Connect with me:

In this episode, I sit back down with Cody Berman, entrepreneur, real estate investor, and author of the book Retire by 30. Cody first came on the podcast in 2018 at 22 years old. By 25, he had reached financial independence through scalable online businesses, strategic real estate, and intentional spending.

He quit a corporate banking job after seven months, tried over 30 side hustles, and grew his income from $96K to over $400K in three years, all while keeping expenses under $24,000 annually. His new book lays out a menu of approaches for reaching financial freedom, not a one-size-fits-all formula, but a roadmap built around your own values, income, and life stage.

In this episode, Cody shares:

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Cody:

Connect with me:

Most people learn about money the hard way. In this episode, I sit down with Beth Kobliner, personal finance journalist and New York Times bestselling author of Get a Financial Life: Personal Finance in Your 20s and 30s and Make Your Kid a Money Genius (Even If You're Not), to talk about how to build a strong financial foundation before the real world hits.

Beth shares her journey from ghostwriting for pioneering personal finance columnist Sylvia Porter to writing for Money magazine, and why the core principles she has taught for decades still hold up today. From avoiding credit card debt to grabbing your 401k match, the fundamentals matter more than ever.

She also breaks down the new threats facing young people, from buy now pay later traps to online gambling and social media money influencers, and shares her current passion project bringing a free financial literacy curriculum to New York City public schools.

In this episode, Beth Kobliner shares:

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Beth:

Connect with me:

Ericka Barnes first appeared on the Journey to Launch podcast in 2019 to share how she reached financial independence in her mid-30s. Since then, her life has looked nothing like a straight line; divorce, layoffs, a new marriage, and a second retirement later, she's back to share the full story.

In this brand new episode, Ericka walks us through what she's been up to since our last conversation, from rebuilding financially after a divorce, to reaching chubby FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) in 2023. The financial foundation she had built; real estate, index funds, and a prenup, turned out to be more than a wealth strategy. It was the infrastructure that protected her when life got complicated.

Today, Ericka and her husband are fully work-optional, house hacking in St. Croix while splitting time between Atlanta and the US Virgin Islands. This episode is a powerful reminder that financial independence isn't just about retiring early, it's about having the stability and options to navigate whatever life brings, rebuild when necessary, and ultimately design a life on your own terms.

In this episode, Ericka shares:

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Ericka:

Connect with me:

Doing everything right at work and still getting passed over is not a personal failure. It is a pattern, and the data proves it. In this episode, I sit down with Stefanie O'Connell, award-winning journalist and author of The Ambition Penalty: How Corporate Culture Tells Women to Step Up and Then Pushes Them Down, to dig into the data behind the very real costs women face for simply being ambitious.

Stefanie spent years reporting on personal finance stories where people did everything right and still came up short. That pattern led her to a deeper investigation into systemic bias, and what she found is both eye-opening and infuriating. From salary negotiations to promotion pipelines to the way overwork culture is weaponized, the research reveals a compounding bias that plays out quietly, day in and day out, across the full arc of a career.

Rather than placing the burden on individual women to work harder or ask better, Stefanie makes the case that the most powerful response to systemic inequality is collective action.

In this episode, Stefanie shares:

Watch the video to this episode, here.

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Stefanie:

Connect with me:

There is a reason you know what to do with money and still struggle to do it. In this episode, I sit down with Rahkim Sabree, financial therapist, accredited financial counselor, and author of Overcoming Financial Trauma, to talk about what is really driving our money behaviors and why the answer goes much deeper than budgets and spreadsheets.

After more than a decade in the banking industry, Rahkim walked away from it all to build something on his own terms. That leap eventually led him to the financial therapy space, where he now helps people understand that our relationship with money is shaped by six distinct sources of trauma, from generational and observational influences to workplace, systemic, and societal pressures. He also shares what happened when a house fire destroyed his home just weeks before his book launched, and how he used his own frameworks to navigate the loss.

His core message is that most financial education skips the emotional and physiological roots of why we behave the way we do. Once you understand where your money behaviors come from, real change becomes possible.

In this episode, Rahkim shares:

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Rahkim:

Connect with me:

Most people spend their entire careers waiting for the day they can finally stop working. In this episode, I sit down with Brian Herriot, author, speaker, financial advisor, and entrepreneurship coach, to dig into the concept of time freedom and what it really means to build a life on your own terms.

Brian spent 14 years in corporate consulting, chased the early retirement dream, and hit the $1 million savings mark right before COVID wiped out 35% of it. In that pivotal moment, his wife asked him a simple but life-changing question: "What would you do all day?" That question launched him on a completely different path, one not about accumulating enough money to stop working, but about designing flexible, intentional work that funds a life you love right now.

Rather than sacrificing your best years to reach some far-off finish line, Brian makes the case that you can build toward a "free date" rather than a retirement date, a model that works for employees, entrepreneurs, and minimalists alike.

In this episode, Brian shares:

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Brian:

Connect with me:

What happens when you've achieved the financial success you once dreamed of, but something inside you starts asking for more or different? In this episode, I sit down with Tiffany Aliche, also known as The Budgetnista, for a real and layered conversation about evolution, grief, purpose, and what it looks like to transition into a new season of life.

Tiffany shares her journey from being in deep debt and rebuilding her life from scratch to creating a multimillion dollar business and financial legacy. But more importantly, we talk about what comes after success, how grief reshaped her priorities, and why she's being called to explore something entirely new beyond money.

In this episode, I discuss:

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freed

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Tiffany:

Connect with me:

Have you ever felt a pull toward something that didn't quite make sense logically, but you couldn't ignore it? That inner nudge to try something new, take a risk, or step outside the expected path?

In this episode, I sit down with Damali Alexander, someone I've known for years and always admired for the way she moves through life with intention, courage, and trust in herself. From starting as a teacher to building multiple businesses, investing in real estate, and even moving to Brazil, Damali shares how following her intuition has shaped her journey.

We talk about what it really looks like to pivot, take risks without having everything figured out, and build a life that prioritizes freedom over convention.

In this episode, we discuss:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with me:

What does it really look like to build a business from the ground up while balancing family, finances, and faith? In this episode, I sit down with sisters Wendy Jules and Carla Nelson to talk about their journey from nursing careers to founding a thriving med spa in Brooklyn.

They share how they started with limited resources, leaned on community support, and turned a single machine in a basement into a profitable, purpose-driven business. We also talk about the financial realities of entrepreneurship, the flexibility and power of nursing as a career, and why relationships are often more valuable than money when building something meaningful.

In this episode, Wendy and Carla discuss:

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Wendy & Carla:

Connect with me:

From homeless to bartending at Coyote Ugly, today's guest has gone through it all when it comes to working the service industry. Barbara Sloan is author of "Tipped: The Life Changing Guide to Financial Freedom For Waitresses, Bartenders, Strippers and All Other Service Industry Professionals,"and a personal finance expert.

She's spent two decades working in every imaginable position in the service industry, in addition to owning and running a woman-owned construction company in Manhattan. Now, she helps other service industry professionals map their way to financial independence.

We talk about the unique challenges that face over 4 million service industry professionals, how these workers can use the system to their benefit and all of the mistakes Barbara made on her own way to financial literacy.

In this episode, we discuss:

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Barbara:

Connect with me:

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with me:

In this episode, I sit down with Drew Lee, a former engineer turned personal finance content creator, who made a bold decision to walk away from a six figure career more than once to pursue a life of flexibility and purpose. Drew reached Coast FI, where your investments grow on their own to fund retirement, in his late 20s, and shares how that freedom changed the way he thinks about work.

We talk about the realities behind quitting a stable job, navigating uncertainty, and what it really takes to pursue your passions, especially when you have a family. Drew also opens up about working hourly jobs by choice, building a content brand from scratch, and the mindset shifts that helped him stay committed even when things were not working.

How he reached Coast FI with a $300K net worth by age 29

Why quitting a six figure job was not a one time decision

How low expenses gave him the flexibility to take risks

The moment his content finally took off and became profitable + more

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Drew:

Connect with me:

In this episode, I'm joined by Amanda Holden, who has built a powerful platform making investing feel truly accessible. She's now bringing that same approach to her new book, How to Be a Rich Old Lady.

We dive into what it really takes to build wealth, why so many people get stuck before they even get started, and how investing isn't about being perfect, it's about taking action.

Here's what we discuss:

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Amanda:

Connect with me:

In this episode, I'm excited to welcome back Kristy Shen and Bryce Leung from the Millennial Revolution. Since the last time they were on the show, they've become parents and recently released a new book called Parent Like a Millionaire (Without Being One). In this conversation, we talk about how their perspective on money and financial independence evolved after having a child and how parents can raise financially resilient kids without feeling pressure to overspend.

Kristy and Bryce share how avoiding lifestyle creep helped them accelerate their path to financial independence, why financial stability can make parenting less stressful, and how families can focus on their values instead of societal expectations when it comes to spending on their kids. They also break down practical ways parents can teach children about money, responsibility, and resilience from an early age.

• How Kristy and Bryce were able to reach financial independence in their 30s and why avoiding lifestyle creep played a major role • How becoming parents shifted their perspective on money, time, and what financial freedom really means • Practical ways parents can reduce the cost of raising kids while still focusing on what matters most • How to help kids develop resilience, responsibility, and a healthy relationship with money

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Kristy and Bryce:

Connect with me:

Sahirenys Pierce joins the Journey to Launch Podcast to break down the money system that completely transformed her financial life: the High Five Banking Method.

In this powerful conversation, Sahirenys opens up about how navigating the 2008 recession, walking away from corporate finance, becoming a mom, and preparing for her son's open-heart surgery forced her to rethink everything she thought she knew about money. What emerged wasn't just a budgeting tweak, it was a structured banking system built to create clarity, stability, and peace of mind during life's most overwhelming seasons.

In this episode, we explore:

This conversation is about more than managing money, it's about creating structure with purpose, reducing financial stress, and building systems that truly hold up under pressure. Sahirenys now shares this framework more broadly in her book, The High Five Banking Method: A Money System You Can Count On.

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Sahirenys:

Connect with me:

This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I'm joined by healthcare compliance expert and entrepreneur Keisha Wilson for a powerful conversation about career pivots, betting on yourself, caregiving, and building financial flexibility before you realize you'll need it.

Keisha shares how she transitioned from corporate leadership into entrepreneurship, how that decision gave her the flexibility to care for her mother through stage four cancer and a devastating home explosion, and why preparation, advocacy, and hard financial conversations matter more than we think. This episode is about resilience, faith, and creating options that protect your peace and your family.

In This Episode, Keisha Shares:

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Keisha:

Connect with me:

In this episode, I chat with Lee-Ann Pinkard, who was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, and later moved to the U.S. for college at Howard University. She built a career in construction project management and, years later, purchased a beachside property in Jamaica that she now runs as a short-term rental, a property I personally had the pleasure of staying in.

We explore what it really takes to buy property in Jamaica, the realities of managing an Airbnb from abroad, how she balances corporate life, motherhood and her long-term plan to retire back home.

In this episode, we discuss:

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Lee-Ann & Learn More About Sea Miracle Jamaica:

Connect with me:

Burnout is often treated like a personal failure but what if it's actually a signal that something deeper is out of alignment?

In this episode of the Journey to Launch Podcast, I'm joined by executive coach and organizational change strategist Dr. Kerri Ann Peart for a powerful conversation about burnout, boundaries, identity, and what it really takes to grow into higher levels of financial success without sacrificing your well-being.

We talk about how burnout actually shows up in high-achieving women, how perimenopause and work stress can overlap, and why earning more money isn't just about doing more, it's about becoming the person who can sustainably hold more.

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Dr. Kerriann:

Connect with me:

In this special birthday reflection episode, I'm slowing things down and turning inward. I'm sharing where I am in this season of life, what feels solid, what feels unclear, and what I'm intentionally leaving open.

Birthdays always make me pause. They give me space to reflect, to check in with myself, and to notice how much has changed internally and externally. In this episode, I'm asking myself honest questions and inviting you to sit with them too.

This journey is about so much more than money. It's about who we're becoming along the way.

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with me:

In this solo episode, I'm getting real about something we don't talk about enough in personal finance: imperfect money habits. I'm peeling back the curtain on my own so-called "bad" money habits and explaining why perfection is not required to build wealth, feel financially secure, or move forward on your journey.

I also take a moment to acknowledge the heaviness many of us are feeling in the world right now and share how I personally process current events while staying grounded.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with me:

In this episode of the Journey to Launch Podcast, I'm welcoming back Andy Hill, award-winning family finance coach and the voice behind Marriage, Kids & Money, and this conversation is all about what it truly means to own your time.

Andy shares how he and his wife intentionally used money as a tool to gain flexibility, move away from the corporate grind, and design a life centered around family, health, and presence. We talk honestly about the financial moves that made this possible, the mistakes along the way, and how redefining "wealth" helped them build a life they actually enjoy living.

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Andy:

Connect with me:

Even the best financial plans need room to breathe. Life changes. Priorities shift. Unexpected things happen. And none of that means you've failed.

In today's episode, I walk you through how to normalize detours, reassess your financial foundation, and realign your plan with the season of life you're actually in, not the one you thought you'd be in.

I also share personal updates about seeing my book "in the wild" from airport bookstores to international editions and why I'll never stop being grateful for that moment.

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with me:

Sometimes life doesn't go as planned. In this episode, I share the story of a call from my son's school that changed my day in an instant and what it taught me about real wealth, freedom, and being present for what matters most. I reflect on what real wealth looks like, not in bank accounts or net worth, but in the freedom to stop, respond, and be present when life happens. I also talk about why I wrote Your Journey to Financial Freedom as a roadmap and guide, and how the new paperback edition includes a bonus chapter to help navigate unexpected detours, setbacks, and uncertainty. This episode is about presence, perspective, and the true meaning of financial freedom and it's a reminder that your journey is yours, detours and all. In this episode I share:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with me:

The paperback edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom is officially out today 1/6/26!

Go to yourjourneytofinancialfreedom.com to grab your copy (and bonuses)

In this short solo episode, I share why releasing the paperback felt important, what's new in this edition, and how it reflects the reality that life doesn't always follow a straight financial path.

The paperback includes a new bonus chapter, When Life Happens: Staying on the Path to Financial Freedom Through Setbacks, Shifts, and Uncertainty, as well as a book club guide to help spark deeper conversations around money.

I also share how to get the paperback and receive two special bonuses: the FIRE Starter Course and the Find Your FIRE Number Worksheet.

Go to yourjourneytofinancialfreedom.com to grab your copy and bonuses!

Get it directly from Amazon here and find the other places to buy at yourjourneytofinancialfreedom.com

In this episode, I walk you through five simple money moves designed to help you feel more grounded and in control of your finances. These are not drastic changes or big resolutions, but intentional steps that create clarity, ease, and forward momentum no matter where you are starting from.

This conversation is about meeting yourself where you are, understanding your current season, and making progress without pressure. Financial freedom is built through alignment, awareness, and compassion, not perfection.

Whether you are looking for a fresh start, a mid-year check-in, or a gentle reset with your money, these small shifts can help you move forward with more confidence and intention.

In This Episode, I Discuss:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with me:

As we celebrate the holidays and the year comes to a close, I reflect on the journey behind my book, Your Journey to Financial Freedom, and share why the upcoming paperback edition feels especially meaningful.

I also open up about what financial freedom looks like beyond hitting a specific number, why flexibility and choice matter more than perfection, and how having a framework not a rigid plan has helped me adjust as life has changed. This episode is both a behind-the-scenes look at the book and a reminder that meaningful progress starts by simply beginning.

In this episode, I discuss:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with me:

In this solo episode, I reflect on a deeply personal trip back to my home island of Jamaica following a devastating hurricane. What began as a planned celebration for my younger sister's 30th birthday became a powerful homecoming filled with mixed emotions, difficult decisions, and meaningful moments of family, service, and reflection.

I share the internal debate I faced about whether to still travel after the storm, how I ultimately decided to go, and what the experience revealed to me about community, resilience, gratitude, and wealth beyond money. From being reunited with all my siblings in one place, to giving back through supplies and local spending, to leaning on my village back home as a mother of three, this episode is a reminder that financial freedom is meant to support a full, connected life.

In this episode, I discuss:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with me:

In this week's solo episode, I'm diving into something many of us feel, but don't always say out loud holiday money anxiety. This season can be full of joy, nostalgia, and family connection, but it can also bring up guilt, pressure, overspending, and emotional triggers that hit our wallets hard. So today, I'm sharing honest reflections on the expectations we carry, the emotional weight of holiday giving, and how I personally navigate the overwhelm of gifting, family obligations, and wanting to "do enough" without draining my finances or my energy.

I walk you through practical strategies for shifting your mindset, breaking old patterns, and giving yourself permission to rethink how you show up this season.

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with me:

In this week's solo episode, I open up about the reflections, questions, and inner shifts I've been navigating as I enter a new season of life. With the three-year anniversary of Your Journey to Financial Freedom, I'm sharing candid thoughts on growth, purpose, motherhood, and the constant evolution that comes with designing a life of freedom.

I talk about the tension between feeling grateful for the life I intentionally built and the uncertainty of what comes next. I also invite you to think deeply about your own season of life; what to keep, what to release, and how to cultivate fulfillment beyond productivity and "shoulds."

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with me:

In this week's solo episode, I reflect on the biggest patterns, mindset shifts, and lessons I've learned from helping hundreds of people start (and restart) their financial independence journeys. I walk through the three most common struggles people think are unique to them, the life transitions that often spark the desire for FI, and the deeper motivations that truly drive long-term change. I also share the emotional and practical mistakes I see people make again and again from trying to do it all alone to waiting for the "perfect" plan and why clarity and community matter more than tactics.

I also break down what consistently works for people who actually build momentum: personalized roadmaps, accountability, small wins, and the mindset and grace needed to stay the course.

In this episode, I discuss:

Enrollment for the Map Your Path to FI Course is now open! This experience is designed to help you build a clear, step-by-step roadmap to financial independence, without the overwhelm, confusion, or guesswork.

Inside the course, you'll learn how to:

Choose the level of support that fits your goals and your schedule:

​Option 1: Self-Paced Course- Go at your own pace with the full Map Your Path to FI curriculum, accessible anytime. ​Option 2: FI Accelerator (SOLD OUT)- Get the full course plus a live 90-minute group coaching session with me, where you can submit questions in advance and join hot-seat coaching. ​Option 3: FI VIP- Work with me privately through two 1:1 strategy sessions, receive a fully personalized FI plan, and get weekly check-ins to help you stay accountable between sessions.

Find out more here before enrollment closes on December 1, 2025!

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with me:

In this week's episode, I sit down with longtime Journeyer and two-time Journey to FI program member Latoya Rowe. Latoya shares how she pivoted into a higher-earning career, discovered financial independence during her grad-school commute, and rebuilt her financial foundation while juggling motherhood, debt, and major life changes. She opens up about the emotional and financial impact of selling her rental properties, how community reignited her belief that FI is possible, and why mindset became the key that unlocked her momentum.

We also talk about the power of visualizing your ideal life, how Latoya is shifting into coaching while reducing stress in her clinical career, and what it really looks like to choose balance and flexibility on the FI journey. Her story is a beautiful reminder that progress isn't linear and that clarity, community, and courage can completely transform your financial path.

In this episode, Latoya and I discuss:

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with me:

In this week's episode, I'm chatting with Alejandra Rojas, entrepreneur, Forbes contributor, and founder of Brown Way to Money, a financial mentoring platform that helps women overcome financial trauma and improve their relationship with money. Alejandra's story is such a powerful reminder that financial freedom isn't just about numbers, it's about emotional healing, self-awareness, and redefining success on your own terms.

Originally from Colombia, Alejandra left home at 19 on a scholarship and went on to live and study in Spain, the U.S., and New Zealand. She shares how her journey from financial burnout in Washington D.C. to finding balance in New Zealand completely changed how she views money, success, and happiness. We talk about what it means to truly know yourself with money, and how understanding your emotional patterns can help you build wealth that feels aligned and sustainable.

Alejandra also breaks down her B.R.O.W.N. Framework, a tool she uses to help women heal from financial trauma and create lasting change.

Watch the video to this episode on YouTube below or click here.

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Alejandra:

Connect with me:

In this episode of Journey to Launch, I'm joined by Beth Pinsker, financial planning columnist for MarketWatch, Certified Financial Planner, and author of My Mother's Money: A Guide to Financial Caregiving. Beth shares her personal and professional insights on what it really takes to manage a loved one's finances and why preparing now can save you (and your family) heartache, time, and money later.

We talk about the realities of caregiving from setting up power of attorney and health care proxy forms, to navigating long-term care insurance and estate planning. Beth's own journey caring for her mom opened her eyes to how unprepared most of us are for this role and inspired her to create the guidebook she wishes she'd had.

In this episode, Beth also shares:

Check out the video to this episode on YouTube here.

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Beth:

Connect with me:

In this powerful and transparent episode of Journey to Launch, I sit down with Nika Booth, award-winning financial coach, content creator, and founder of Debt Free Gonna Be, to unpack how she paid off more than $200,000 in debt while refusing to sacrifice joy along the way.

From student loans and credit card balances to IRS debt and government furloughs, Nika shares the raw truth behind her financial journey, the highs, the setbacks, and the emotional lessons that reshaped her mindset about money, self-worth, and freedom.

She opens up about her early money mistakes, growing up in a household where finances weren't discussed, and how the 2019 federal shutdown became the wake-up call that sparked her debt-free mission. Nika also reveals what it really felt like to finally see her student loan balance hit $0, and how she's now helping others find hope, healing, and fun in their own money journeys.

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Nika:

Connect with me:

Have you ever had a solution sitting right in front of you, but didn't realize it until later? That happened to me just last week at the park and it reminded me how often the answers we're searching for in life, money, or personal growth are hiding in plain sight.

In this solo episode, I share a simple moment that made me completely rethink how I approach everyday challenges and how mindset plays a huge role in seeing what's already available to us. This story might just help you spot the solution you've been overlooking in your own journey.

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with me:

In this solo episode, I share a powerful reminder that the very challenges and obstacles we face on the journey to financial freedom are often what make us stronger.

I start by revisiting a story I mentioned in my book, Your Journey to Financial Freedom, about the Biosphere 2 experiment where trees grew quickly in perfect, windless conditions but fell before maturing because they never developed the strength to sustain themselves. That missing "wind" reminded me of how important challenges are in our own growth.

Just like those trees, when we try to avoid friction or rush toward quick wins, we might grow fast but not strong. The "wind" in our lives, the job losses, tight budgets, market downturns, and unexpected setbacks builds the stress and resilience we need to stand tall and stay grounded when life pushes back.

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with me:

I'm sharing a special episode this week, from Dr. Sharon Malone. On Dr. Sharon's new podcast, The Second Opinion, women take back the conversation on health with straight talk, real experience, and the care we all deserve. You'll hear prominent female advocates, experts and patients just like you sharing how they confronted gaps in our healthcare system and got second opinions that saved their lives. Alongside each guest, Dr. Sharon tackles the questions and topics we've been conditioned to ignore the ones we search for at 3 a.m. but never bring up at the doctor's office. From dismissed symptoms to systemic failures, she pulls back the curtain on what's really going on in women's health and gives women the tools to advocate for themselves and each other.

In this episode, Dr. Sharon talks to journalist Elaine Welteroth about Elaine's birthing journey, how she's working to make birth joyful again, and how her new non-profit, birthFUND, is helping families get access to life-saving midwifery care. Find more episodes of The Second Opinion with Dr. Sharon Malone here.

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with me:

In this solo episode, I'm breaking down one of the most important concepts on the path to financial freedom, the difference between saving and investing, and why you need both.

I share how growing up with a single mom and grandmother who were natural savers taught me early lessons about money, and how those habits helped me buy my first condo at 22. But I also talk about how saving alone wasn't enough, I needed to learn how to make my money work for me through investing.

I walk you through what saving and investing really mean, how they serve different purposes, and how using both intentionally can help you build stability now and freedom later.

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with me:

Some of my most impactful conversations are with people who are in the thick of the journey, not just people who have reached Financial Independence. In today's episode of Journey to Launch, I'm bringing back Cassandra Henry, a Journeyer who doesn't have it "all figured out," but is on an inspiring path toward financial freedom.

Cassandra, an Expat living in Abu Dhabi, was one of my first 1:1 financial coaching clients. She has paid down debt, moved abroad, and found that financial independence is a worthwhile goal no matter what your circumstances.

We chat about gamifying your financial goals, paying zero taxes abroad, and having over $17k of student loan debt forgiven.

In this episode you'll also learn more about:

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with me:

In this episode, I share the Introduction of my new book: Your Journey to Financial Freedom: A Step-By-Step Guide To Achieving Wealth And Happiness.

I talk about how plans are meant to be flexible, why joy and happiness are just as important on this journey as numbers and formulas, the importance of sustainable financial planning, and more.

In this episode you'll also learn more about:

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with me:

JL Collins is known as "The Godfather of FI," and for a good reason: He continues to be a pioneer in the FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) Movement and a thought-leader in the Financial Independence (FI) space.

Today, he joins us to discuss the origin story of his groundbreaking blog, the concept behind his new book, Pathfinders, shiny investing object syndrome, and more.

In this episode you'll also learn more about:

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with JL:

Connect with me:

In Part 2 of my "The Basics of Financial Independence Series," I take you through the tangible, numbers-based side of the Financial Independence movement.

I talk about how the journey to Financial Independence changes your life as a whole, why it's okay and normal for your goals and dreams to be flexible, validating that it's okay for you to want something different for your life, and more.

In this episode you'll also learn more about:

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with me:

In Part 1 of my "The Basics of Financial Independence Series," I take you through my background and how I discovered the Financial Independence, Retire Early Movement (FIRE Movement).

I also talk about how my mom came to America from Jamaica, my early introduction to real estate, when I had my FIRE Movement "Ah ha" moment, and more!

In this episode you'll learn more about:

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with me:

Eliana Goldstein, certified professional coach, joins the podcast to discuss how to create the necessary mindset, learn the key strategies and set the goals needed to move to the next level in your career. Elaina's goal is to teach people how to build careers so they don't completely dread Monday morning.

We also chat about when you should advocate for a raise at your current company, how to nail job hopping, pay transparency, why you should hold off until the last minute for the salary conversation with your potential employer and more!

In this episode you'll learn more about:

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with Eliana:

Connect with me:

Giovanna "Gigi" Gonzaléz, financial educator, influencer, founder of The First Gen Mentor, and author of the upcoming book, Cultura & Cash, joins the Journey to Launch podcast to discuss how she quit her 10 year corporate career in financial services to pursue her true passion: teaching financial literacy to young adults.

Giovanna teaches personal finance and career navigation at universities, companies, and on her TikTok account, @thefirstgenmentor. She was named Top 25 Creator by Fast Company, 40 under 40 by the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement, and "Latinx to Watch" by Hispanic Executive Magazine.

We also talk about Gigi's hysterectomy, why money played a big role in her recovery, her immigrant upbringing, setting financial boundaries with loved ones, and more.

In this episode you'll learn more about:

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with Gigi:

Connect with me:

Farnoosh Torabi, author and host of the award-winning podcast So Money, joins the Journey to Launch podcast to talk about her new book, "A Healthy State Of Panic: Follow Your Fears To Build Wealth, Crush Your Career And Win At Life."

Farnoosh is America's leading personal finance expert, hooked on helping you live your richest, most fulfilling life. She has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Time Magazine, Good Morning America, and more. So Money, her podcast of 9 years, has over 30 million downloads.

We chat about how Farnoosh's parents raised her to have a healthy state of panic and how it informs her perception of personal finance today, how fear can be a signal to move forward with your big goals, FOMO, and more.

In this episode you'll learn more about:

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with Farnoosh:

Connect with me:

Ellyce Fulmore, Canadian Queer and neurodivergent financial educator, joins the Journey to Launch podcast to talk about how she paid off high interest debt, ADHD and money, and her new book, "Keeping Finance Personal."

Ellyce is a full-time content creator and founder of Queerd Co., a financial literacy company. Her approach to finance goes beyond the conventional, focusing on the intersectionality of identities and lived experiences.

We also discuss the importance of understanding how dopamine operates in your neurodivergent brain, ADHD hacks to get better with money, what "Momentum Surfing" is, and how to figure out (and stick to) a budget process that works best for you.

In this episode you'll learn more about:

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with Ellyce:

Connect with me:

Is Disney truly the happiest place on Earth? or the most Expensive? Maybe a bit of both. We called Orlando, Florida home for a week while we vacationed at Disney World… and I can confirm that the Cinderella Castle is as magical as it gets. Join me in this solo episode as I dive into the nitty-gritty of trip planning, where we decided to treat ourselves, save money and the total cost of our trip. In the end, I reflect on if I think the money spent was worth it or if I regret it.

I also give you important book updates and why pre-orders are vital to a debut author's success!

In this episode you'll learn more about:

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with me:

Rich Jones, founder of Find More Balance joins the podcast to discuss his personal development journey. Rich's career, mental and physical health transformation is inspirational, relatable and can be a case-study in how learning to cope with mental illness and dissatisfaction in life in a healthy way can make your dreams a reality.

We also chat about Rich's journey to sobriety, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, getting back into track, and more.

In this episode you'll learn more about:

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with Rich:

Connect with me:

Renee Bauer, international speaker, 20 year divorce attorney veteran, and author, joins the Journey to Launch podcast to discuss the logistics of divorce, why most marriage problems are worthiness problems, and how to protect yourself even in a loving relationship.

We also chat about prioritizing yourself, setting healthy boundaries, and how Renee became an entrepreneur.

In this episode you'll learn more about:

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with Renee:

Connect with me:

Mignon Francois, entrepreneur, best-selling author and renowned baker, joins the Journey To Launch podcast to discuss going from drowning in debt to building a multimillion dollar cupcake empire.

We chat about marketable capabilities that stay at home moms bring to entrepreneurship, how vulnerability and transparency builds profitable businesses, and the power of looking to the past to inform your future.

In this episode you'll learn more about:

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with Mignon:

Connect with me:

Ada Vargas, founder of Queer Money Coach, joins the Journey to Launch podcast to discuss how they were able to reach Coast FI, what led them to full-time entrepreneurship, and why reframing your perception of investing is crucial to financial success.

Ada thought in order to retire you had to literally save millions of dollars. They didn't know what investing was or about the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) Movement.

We chat about their mission of helping Queer folks thrive in their financial life, the "Four Yous Framework," and how they went from spending 100% of their income to a savings rate of 60%.

In this episode you'll learn more about:

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with Ada:

Connect with me:

Delaynne Barros, award-winning Latina money expert and former employment attorney, joins the Journey to Launch podcast to discuss her path from undocumented immigrant to seven-figure business owner.

After learning about the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement, Delyanne decided to go "all in," by paying off $150,000 in student loan debt and throwing money into the stock market.

We chat about frugality out of necessity and intentionality, avoiding lifestyle creep, the "golden handcuffs" of high salary careers, escaping poverty, and more.

In this episode you'll learn more about:

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with Delyanne:

Connect with me:

In today's solo episode, I talk about "the secret sauce" that changed everything for me.

Not too long ago I was in a cubicle with *something* missing from my life. I decided to investigate what that something was and because I operate on a growth mindset, I made the necessary transition to full time entrepreneur. Now, I'm able to fill my time the way I want… even without reaching financial independence.

With privilege and perspective in mind, I share how you too can use mindset to radically change your life and perspective on success.

At the end of the day, it doesn't matter how much money you have in the bank, if you don't take the time to establish your reason for reaching that amount of money, you will never be fulfilled.

Remember: "Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right." - Henry Ford

In this episode you'll learn more about:

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with me:

Living personal finance legend Saundra Davis, joins the podcast to discuss how she took the ultimate risk in her 40s that led to her living the life she always dreamt of.

Saundra is the Founder and Executive Director of Sage Financial Solutions, a San Francisco Bay Area-based organization that develops comprehensive financial capability programs for low and moderate-income communities.

We chat about how to change your money behaviors, effectively setting financial boundaries, and more.

In this episode you'll learn more about:

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with Saundra:

Connect with me:

Barbara Huson, veteran finance coach and best-selling author of 10+ personal finance books, joins the podcast to talk about reframing your negative money narratives, why neuroscience plays a fundamental role in how we process, navigate, and spend money, and the validity of wanting more money.

We also discuss why operating from fear may be the secret to success and how the fear of being perceived as greedy undervalues you.

In this episode you'll learn more about:

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with Barbara:

Connect with me:

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:

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with Anita:

Instagram: @ThePowerofThrift

Connect with me:

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:

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with me:

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:

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with me:

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:

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

All Podcasters in the Episode & Their Timestamps:

4:08: Sistas Who Kill

IG: @SistasWhoKillPod

26:24: Hoodrat to Headwrap

IG: @ihartericka

46:33: Black Millennial MarriageIG:@blackmillennialmarriage

58:11: Journey to Launch IG: @JourneyToLaunch

1:09:44: So what are you readingIG: @sowhatareyoureadingpodcast

1:26:36: Chile, PleaseIG: @itshoneychile

1:38:44: The Professional Silly PodcastIG: @itsprosilly

1:51:08: Jokes on You

IG: @JokesOnYouPod

2:08:15: Black Fashion History

IG: @blackfashionhistorypodcast

2:19:39: Zora's Daughters

IG: @zorasdaughters

2:30:43: Black True Crime IG: @blacktruecrimepodcast

Connect with me:

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:

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with Brittany:

Connect with me:

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:

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with Dominque:

Connect with me:

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:

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with Yanely:

Connect with me:

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:

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with Gayle:

Connect with me:

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:

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with Niqua:

Connect with me:

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:

Enter for a chance to win a copy of Erin's book; Broke Millennial Workbook by going to journeytolaunch.com/win

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with Erin:

Connect with me:

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:

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with Isa:

Connect with me:

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:

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with Berna:

Connect with me:

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:

For more check out Direct Indexing Overview by Fidelity here.

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with me:

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:

Watch the video to this episode at YouTube.com/journeytolaunch

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with Andy:

Connect with me:

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:

Check out the video of this episode on YouTube, here!

You can enter for a chance to win a free copy of Allison's book, Money Made Easy by going to journeytolaunch.com/win.

Connect with Allison:

Connect with me:

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:

Check out the video of this episode on YouTube, here!

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with Kim:

Connect with me:

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:

You can enter for a chance to win one a free copy of Myra's and Abby's book, Money and Love, by going to journeytolaunch.com/win.

Check out the video of this episode on YouTube, here!

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with Myra & Abby:

Connect with me:

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:

Check out the video of this episode on YouTube, here!

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with Jessamyn:

Connect with me:

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:

Check out the video of this episode on YouTube, here!

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with Toni:

Connect with me:

Nicole Stanley joins the Journey To Launch podcast to talk about all things financial diet culture and enjoying your financial journey and life.

After battling crippling financial anxiety in her early 20s, Nicole decided that enough was enough. She went from $30,000 in debt to building her family's net worth to over a quarter million dollars by age 27. Through her debt free journey, she realized she wasn't alone in experiencing money stress. She began coaching to help others change their money and mental health story.

We dive into the need for more nuance surrounding money, how frugality can actually hinder your financial success, making enjoyment a priority no matter what your money situation is and more.

In this episode, you'll learn more about:

Check out the video of this episode on YouTube, here!

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with Nicole:

Connect with me:

Jill Schlesinger, money and media legend, joins the Journey To Launch podcast to discuss how you can reset your life, her new book, "The Great Money Reset," and how to use her Fab Five framework to discover where you really want to be on your journey to financial freedom.

We discuss events that shaped Jill's impressive career, why everyone should have a pink notebook and how life is about so much more than money.

Jill is a CFP and Emmy and Gracie award-winning business analyst for CBS News. Her career is focused on translating complicated finance into understandable, relatable topics for everyday viewers and listeners. She covers the economy, markets, investing and anything else with the dollar sign. Jill also has her podcast, "Jill On The Money," which won a Gracie for best national talk show.

In this episode, you'll learn more about:

Check out the video of this episode on YouTube, here!

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with Jill:

Connect with me:

I describe myself as a "simple" person… someone who doesn't typically get her hair, nails, etc. done or shop for the latest and greatest fashions.

So when I decided to take on "Operation City Girl,"an exploration of what it would be like to spend money on a series of beauty related expenses (hair, eyelashes, eyebrows, nails, etc), I wasn't sure what to expect. How would spending money on my appearance make me feel? Is a higher maintenance life "worth it?" What are the pros and cons of these services?

Press play and learn all about my experience being a "material girl."

In this episode, you'll learn more about:

Check out the video of this episode on YouTube, here!

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with me:

Happy birthday to me! As I'm turning the big 4 0 – I'm reminiscing on my FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) journey and sharing lessons I've learned along the way. Plus, I give actionable tips to help you on your financial freedom journey.

It's been a crazy decade of finding my voice and power in this space. I'm forever grateful to the Journeyers continuing to bless me with their time and trust when it comes to money, mindset and motivation.

In this episode, you'll learn more about:

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with me:

This week's Journey to Launch REWIND Podcast episode features Dr. Pamela Jolly. As a wealth strategist with over 20+ years of professional experience in the finance sector, she has impactful insights in wealth building strategies, how to economically empower people of color, ways to build legacy wealth and more.

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'll learn more about:

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

Connect with Dr. Pamela:

Connect with me: