
Financially Intentional
Welcome to the FInancially Intentional Podcast with Naseema McElroy! This is a weekly podcast covering all things personal finance for those ready to build wealth but who may not know where to start. We believe that you have all the tools to improve your finances because you and your family deserve it. Our hope is that by listening to this podcast, your circle of influence is enhanced. Let us be the folks you choose to surround yourself with.
Latest episodes

Jun 11, 2024 • 43min
Late Starters: Catching Up to FI - Expert Edition Episode 68 (Classic Episode)
Send us a textWe are joined by our guest Bill Yount of Catching Up to FI, for a compelling conversation about the diverse and impactful stories of individuals who have achieved financial independence. We discuss the power of storytelling and vulnerability in creating a strong community that supports and inspires each other on their financial journeys and the significance of changing one's circle of influence to surround oneself with like-minded individuals who share similar goals and aspirations. From overcoming emotional overwhelm to taking actionable steps towards financial freedom, we hope you'll gain valuable lessons on building interpersonal wealth, finding strength in vulnerability, and the transformative impact of a generous and supportive financial community. Join this dynamic podcast to catch up to FI together and be financially intentional on your path to success.About our guest:Bill Yount is a practicing Emergency Physician, happily married with fraternal twin boys. He is a late-starter who woke up to Financial Independence at 50. Bill lived largely in a paycheck-to-paycheck existence in the rat race, on the hedonic treadmill, spending first and saved last. He knew largely nothing about investing and personal finance and it seemed like he made most mistakes in the financial book. Waking up was painful, full of what-if regrets and shame. Recovery has been hard but very rewarding. Bill's mission is to help other late starters start now and get others to start as early as possible on their individual journeys to financial independence. Money is a powerful tool and about mindset, mechanics, and life. We all deserve to live a balanced life of financial freedom and time abundance.You can also find Bill at Catching up to FI and Financial Literacy Project.Support the show---Check Intentional Style here: https://www.intentionalstylesuite.com/Please join me here, and follow me on social media, Instagram, and Facebook.Need help getting started on your path to financial freedom? Start Here Join the Financially Intentional Community Oh and please subscribe and leave a review on whatever app you're using to stream this podcast. Get my book Smart Money

4 snips
Jun 6, 2024 • 42min
Meet My Budget Coach: Your New Financial Ally - Episode 76
Send us a textToday, I'm super excited to share something I've been working on for months. This week, we're launching my collaboration with a budgeting app called My Budget Coach. This zero-based budgeting app helped me pay off a million dollars in debt, and now, it can help you too, with the guidance of an avatar. My partner in this, Aitzarelys, is here to share her expertise. We'll talk about how zero-based budgeting can give you clarity and help you achieve your goals. Join us as we dive into budgeting tips and personal finance strategies. Let's get financially intentional together!About our guest:Aitza is a Certified Public Accountant, Finance Strategist, Airbnb SuperHost, and Founder of Strategies & T.E.A. Raised in Stamford, Connecticut, she began her career in investment banking and later worked in external auditing, financial accounting advisory, and financial reporting. After transforming her own financial struggles and mindset, she launched Strategies & T.E.A. to help millennials in underrepresented groups achieve sustainable financial freedom. Through her coaching program, 86% of her clients become side-hustle entrepreneurs by mastering zero-based budgeting. Aitza now supports individuals and businesses in developing effective financial management systems through coaching, consulting, and bookkeeping.Check out Aitza hereCheck out MyBudgetCoach hereSupport the show---Check Intentional Style here: https://www.intentionalstylesuite.com/Please join me here, and follow me on social media, Instagram, and Facebook.Need help getting started on your path to financial freedom? Start Here Join the Financially Intentional Community Oh and please subscribe and leave a review on whatever app you're using to stream this podcast. Get my book Smart Money

Jun 4, 2024 • 36min
MyBudgetCoach and Zero Based Budgeting - Expert Edition Episode 67
Send us a textToday, I'm super excited to chat with my friend Zach Whelchel about something I absolutely nerd out on—budgeting! We dive into how budgeting helped me pay off a million dollars in debt and explore the awesome method of zero-based budgeting, where every dollar gets a job. Zach and I also introduce you to MyBudgetCoach, an amazing app he created that pairs you with a coach to make budgeting simple and fun. Zach shares his personal journey and insights on how budgeting can totally transform your financial life.About our guest:Zach is a software developer, entrepreneur, husband, and father to two young boys. Zach has always been different when it comes to money. In elementary school his friends built their own economic system in the backyard called Nutopia. In college he made over $1,000 recycling beer cups at a music festival to fund his study abroad. As an entrepreneur his passion is to help others be intentional with their finances so they can build a life that aligns with their values. Recently, he founded MyBudgetCoach to help the world fall in love with budgeting.Start your budget over at MyBudgetCoach here, and use the promo code "Intentional" to get 10 percent off your first year!Support the show---Check Intentional Style here: https://www.intentionalstylesuite.com/Please join me here, and follow me on social media, Instagram, and Facebook.Need help getting started on your path to financial freedom? Start Here Join the Financially Intentional Community Oh and please subscribe and leave a review on whatever app you're using to stream this podcast. Get my book Smart Money

May 30, 2024 • 39min
How Financial Freedom Leads to a Life by Design - Episode 75
Send us a textToday, we are joined by our amazing guest, Kara Stevens. Kara shares her inspiring story of moving from New York to Ghana, finding joy, and creating a fulfilling life for herself and her family. We talk about the importance of financial intentionality, the benefits of living abroad, and how she balances her personal finance platform, The Frugal Feminista, with a more relaxed lifestyle.About our guest:Kara Stevens, founder of The Frugal Feminista, believes every woman is a revolution unto herself. Her self-help books have inspired thousands of women to improve their passions, finances, and relationships. Her relatable money and life advice has been featured in The Washington Post, USA Today, Women's Day, Yahoo Finance, Black Enterprise, and Huffington Post. When not writing about abundance and self-love, she enjoys quirky hobbies and laughing with friends over Sunday brunch.Join the Frugal Femenista Community HereKara Stevens BooksSupport the show---Check Intentional Style here: https://www.intentionalstylesuite.com/Please join me here, and follow me on social media, Instagram, and Facebook.Need help getting started on your path to financial freedom? Start Here Join the Financially Intentional Community Oh and please subscribe and leave a review on whatever app you're using to stream this podcast. Get my book Smart Money

May 28, 2024 • 11min
Change Your Circle to Change Your Financial Life - Expert Edition Episode 66
Send us a textIn today's episode, I’m talking about how changing your circle of influence can help you achieve financial independence. I share my personal journey of connecting with inspiring people through podcasts, social media, and events. These connections became my friends and role models, helping me stay motivated and focused on my goals.Books and Podcast Recommendations, click here!Support the show---Check Intentional Style here: https://www.intentionalstylesuite.com/Please join me here, and follow me on social media, Instagram, and Facebook.Need help getting started on your path to financial freedom? Start Here Join the Financially Intentional Community Oh and please subscribe and leave a review on whatever app you're using to stream this podcast. Get my book Smart Money

May 23, 2024 • 56min
How to Attain Financial Independence from Scratch - Episode 74
Send us a textIn today's episode, I’m excited to have Kadeem Leslie with us today. Kadeem shares his incredible journey from Jamaica to achieving financial freedom before 30. He talks about the challenges he faced growing up, the pivotal moments that shaped his path, and the strategies he used to build multiple streams of income. From starting a property management company to investing in vending machines and real estate.About our guest:Kadeem Leslie is an entrepreneur, real estate investor, author of bestseller, Full Student, and educator on financial freedom. His companies manage over $7 million AUM. His philosophy of FULL challenges people to live their best year, every year, while maximizing their time, impact, physique, earnings, and happiness in the process. He is also an accomplished cellist, having played for over 10 years and for many heads of state. Kadeem Leslie's site and bookKadeem Leslie's IGSupport the show---Check Intentional Style here: https://www.intentionalstylesuite.com/Please join me here, and follow me on social media, Instagram, and Facebook.Need help getting started on your path to financial freedom? Start Here Join the Financially Intentional Community Oh and please subscribe and leave a review on whatever app you're using to stream this podcast. Get my book Smart Money

May 21, 2024 • 17min
Turning 43 with Life Lessons for My Girls - Expert Edition Episode 65
Send us a textIn today's episode, I reflect on turning 43 and share seven important lessons I hope my daughters will learn. From self-love and integrity to understanding money and embracing failure, these lessons are the foundation for a happy, successful life. Join me as I explain why these lessons matter and how I plan to teach them to my kids. Let's celebrate growth, learning, and the power of chosen family together!Support the show---Check Intentional Style here: https://www.intentionalstylesuite.com/Please join me here, and follow me on social media, Instagram, and Facebook.Need help getting started on your path to financial freedom? Start Here Join the Financially Intentional Community Oh and please subscribe and leave a review on whatever app you're using to stream this podcast. Get my book Smart Money

May 16, 2024 • 43min
Getting Paid What You Deserve - Episode 73
Send us a textToday, we are joined by Kelly Thompson to dive deep into the world of money and getting paid what you're worth. Kelly shares her extensive experience in banking and human resources, where she has negotiated salaries, handled compensation packages, and advocated for fair pay. She offers valuable tips on how to confidently negotiate your salary, understand compensation packages, and overcome self-doubt. Kelly also discusses the challenges women face in the workplace, including the gender pay gap and the tendency to self-reject when applying for jobs.About our guest:Kelli is an award-winning leadership and executive coach, keynote speaker, and author of "Closing The Confidence Gap: Boost Your Peace, Your Potential & Your Paycheck." With two decades of experience in male-dominated industries, she has received industry awards for cultivating future leaders. Kelli has coached thousands of women to lead with clarity and confidence through her no-nonsense yet compassionate approach. Her insights have been published in Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Forbes, Business Insider, and Market Watch. Her book was named a “Must Read” by the Next Big Idea Club, curated by Malcolm Gladwell, Daniel Pink, Adam Grant, and Susan Cain.Kelli Thompson SiteKelli Thompson InstagramSupport the show---Check Intentional Style here: https://www.intentionalstylesuite.com/Please join me here, and follow me on social media, Instagram, and Facebook.Need help getting started on your path to financial freedom? Start Here Join the Financially Intentional Community Oh and please subscribe and leave a review on whatever app you're using to stream this podcast. Get my book Smart Money

May 14, 2024 • 16min
Why Buying a House Might Not Be an Investment - Expert Edition Episode 64
Send us a textToday, we dive into the topic of homeownership and real estate investing. Inspired by a friend's question, we discuss whether buying a house is truly an investment or just part of the American dream myth. We explore the history of homeownership in the US, how past policies shaped today's market, and the financial realities of owning a home.BJA Investment Group IGSupport the show---Check Intentional Style here: https://www.intentionalstylesuite.com/Please join me here, and follow me on social media, Instagram, and Facebook.Need help getting started on your path to financial freedom? Start Here Join the Financially Intentional Community Oh and please subscribe and leave a review on whatever app you're using to stream this podcast. Get my book Smart Money

May 9, 2024 • 1h 6min
FIRE for Dummies - Episode 72
Send us a textToday’s episode is really special because my dear friend Jackie Cummings Koski is here to chat. Jackie has been a huge supporter of mine and today she shares her journey in personal finance, including some big wins like becoming a Certified Financial Planner and her insights from her new book, "FIRE for Dummies." We’ll dive into how she’s made smart money moves, even when life threw challenges her way, and she’ll give us some tips on surrounding yourself with the right people to succeed financially. Join us to find out how Jackie continues to inspire and educate in the world of finance!F.I.R.E. For Dummies by Jackie Cummings Koski at AmazonCatching Up to FI: Social Security Made Simple | Mike Piper | 054About our guest:Jackie Cummings Koski, hailing from Aiken, South Carolina, grew up in a financially tight family as the second youngest of six children. Despite the financial challenges and a culture where discussing money was taboo, Jackie pursued higher education to improve her prospects and nurture her passion for writing. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Augusta State University, supporting herself through college by working full-time. After college, Jackie married and had a daughter, Amber. The end of her eleven-year marriage turned her into a single mother, intensifying her focus on personal finance. Jackie excelled in managing her finances, providing a middle-class lifestyle for herself and her daughter—a stark contrast to her own upbringing.Her growing interest in finance led her to join and later preside over the Cincinnati Model Investment Club and serve on the BetterInvesting Regional Board of Directors. Jackie's commitment to financial literacy motivated her to educate others, especially since many, like her, were not taught about money in any formal way. Her book, "Money Letters 2 My Daughter," encapsulates this mission, offering straightforward financial advice through personal letters that discuss crucial financial concepts and practices.Support the show---Check Intentional Style here: https://www.intentionalstylesuite.com/Please join me here, and follow me on social media, Instagram, and Facebook.Need help getting started on your path to financial freedom? Start Here Join the Financially Intentional Community Oh and please subscribe and leave a review on whatever app you're using to stream this podcast. Get my book Smart Money