This week our guest is Jamila Souffrant, host of the Journey to Launch podcast and author of the new book, Your Journey to Financial Freedom. In this conversation, we discuss her journey to financial independence and the lessons she has learned along the way. We talked about how she reached her breaking point and decided to pursue financial independence, how the FIRE movement inspired and challenged her, the importance of including various options in personal finance education, and the impact of immigration stories on financial journeys. We also discuss the challenges and strategies of raising financially savvy kids and the evergreen principles of financial education that apply to anyone. Jamila believes that building wealth is not about chasing the latest trends or optimizing every penny, but about finding a balance between what makes you happy and what makes you secure. She shares the importance of taking a 'boring' approach to building wealth, encouraging you to focus on sustainable and fulfilling strategies rather than constant optimization. She also emphasizes the value of investing in low-cost index funds and retirement accounts as a foundation for financial security. Get Jamila’s new book, Your Journey to Financial Freedom wherever books are sold. Subscribe to the Journey to Launch podcast and keep up with Jamila on Instagram, X, YouTube and Facebook. TakeawaysThe journey to financial independence often starts with a breaking point, where individuals realize they can no longer accept their current circumstances.The FIRE movement can be a powerful tool for achieving financial independence, and it is important to find resources and communities that resonate with your personal journey.Including various options and frameworks in personal finance education allows individuals to find a path that aligns with their goals and values.Immigration stories can provide valuable lessons and inspiration for financial journeys, highlighting the sacrifices and determination required to create a better life.Teaching children about money and investing should focus on the concepts of income, expenses, and the importance of balancing present enjoyment with long-term goals. Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life. Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by ForbesIf you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

In this episode, we’re peeling back the layers of the recent layoff phenomenon, a storm that’s been brewing and hit hardest in 2023. Our take is that it’s not just about job loss; it’s a cultural shift within organizations that leaves a lasting imprint. This episode is here to help you navigate this storm, armed with insights and strategies that improve your chances of success.We’ve identified four common mistakes that people often stumble into post-layoff: assuming it won’t happen again, the temptation to keep it a secret, neglecting hard skills and certifications, and leaving a 401(k) with a former employer. These are not just mistakes; they’re missed opportunities for growth and resilience. If anything this episode is a reminder of the importance of staying the course even when faced with adversity. It’s about weathering the storm, not avoiding it. So join us, we’ve got a lot to talk about. Links: Episode 53: Upskilling to earn more money LinkedIn Future of Skills tool TakeawaysLayoffs have become more common, and it is important to be prepared and proactive in navigating the challenges.Assuming layoffs won't happen again can leave you unprepared and vulnerable. It is important to be aware of the signs and be proactive in protecting yourself.Keeping a layoff a secret can hinder your ability to find new opportunities and receive support from your network. It is important to be open and transparent about your situation.Neglecting hard skills and certifications can limit your job prospects. It is important to continuously develop and update your skills to stay competitive in the job market.Leaving your 401(k) with your former employer can result in missed opportunities for growth and potential fees. It is important to consider your options and make informed decisions about your retirement savings. Roll over your 401k account into a different retirement account to minimize fees and contribute to your retirement.Leaving your 401k with an old employer can lead to losing track of your investments, limited access, and changes in investment allocation.Update beneficiary designations to avoid complications Understand the difference between direct and indirect rollovers and the importance of investing the funds in your new account.Use the time to consider opening a different investment account and continue investing even after a layoff Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life. Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by ForbesIf you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

JL Collins, the Godfather of the Financial Independence movement, talks about his new book 'Pathfinders' where he shares stories of achieving financial freedom. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity, measure quality of life, craft a unique life that aligns to values, put family first, stay optimistic in an uncertain world.

This episode is about three stories that will change the way you invest, spend, and earn your money in 2024. They aren't predictions, but trends that are already happening and will likely continue. We start by reviewing what happened in 2023 and how it changed our perspective on money. Then we go into the first story, which is how the stock market was dominated by the Magnificent Seven tech stocks, thanks to their innovation and scale. The second story is about how fintech and buy now, pay later options have transformed the way we spend money. The third story is about how AI, artificial intelligence, will affect the future of work. Links: Join our mailing list to get Brain Candy directly in your inbox Takeaways:- The Magnificent Seven tech stocks drove the stock market performance in 2023, showing the power of AI and technology.- Fintech and buy now, pay later options changed our consumer spending habits, leading to new ways of borrowing and lending that are more convenient and flexible, but also more risky and addictive- AI will have a major impact on the future of work, with potential job disruptions and changes in hiring and evaluation processes.- AI will impact the job market, affecting the types and hiring processes of jobs.- Refining our online presence, such as having a complete LinkedIn profile, is important - Building AI literacy is essential for staying competitive in the job market.- Using AI in your current jobs can increase our productivity and value.- Using AI in job searches can automate application processes and save time.- It is important to use AI with moderation and add a human touch to maintain our authenticity. Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life. Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by ForbesIf you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

If paying down debt is one of your 2024 goals, this episode is for you. This week we're telling the story of the greatest gift we've ever given ourselves - debt freedom. We paid off $200,000 in five years, but that's not the whole story or the most interesting part. In this episode, we explore the emotional impact of debt, the different approaches to debt payoff, and the role of shame and regret in debt payoff.   We also discuss the need to anticipate setbacks in the debt payoff journey, and how building financial resilience provides a sense of comfort and confidence during challenging times. Links:Bankrate Survey about 2024 Financial Goals  KeyTakeawaysDebt can have a significant emotional impact, leading to feelings of shame, regret, and hopelessness. It is important to address these emotions and develop a positive mindset.Debt payoff advice is not one size fits all. The type of debt and personal circumstances can influence the best approach to debt payoff.Living below your means and enjoying it is key to sustainable debt payoff. It is important to find a balance between saving and enjoying life.Anticipation and milestones play a significant role in debt payoff. Celebrating small victories and setting clear goals can provide motivation and keep you on track. Building financial resilience through debt payoff provides comfort and confidence during challenging times.Embrace a range of emotions throughout the debt payoff process, rather than solely focusing on happiness.Investment growth may not provide the same level of fulfillment as the debt payoff journey.Stay hopeful and motivated on the journey to financial freedom. Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life. Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by ForbesIf you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

If you want help cutting back on drinking using neuroscience, try the Reframe App for free with a 1-month trial using Julien's referral link.A few years ago, we decided to experiment with drinking less alcohol and participated in Dry January. It was supposed to be a one-time thing but it changed how we think about alcohol. We were surprised by how much money we saved and how much better we felt and realized we were part of a larger movement of people who were questioning their relationship with alcohol and finding new ways to enjoy life without it.  Sober curiosity has not only been good for our finances, but also for our health, energy, and happiness. In this episode, you’ll learn that sometimes the best things in life are not the ones you can measure and predict, but the ones you can explore and experience. If you have drinking less as one of your 2024 New Year’s Resolutions, this episode is for you. Here are the main points: - Sober curiosity is a trend that can save you money and make you happier.- It's driven by changing preferences, health awareness, and cannabis alternatives.- It's not easy, but it's rewarding. You need support and role models to succeed.- It can improve your quality of life in ways you can't anticipate. You have to be curious and open-minded to find out. Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life. Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by ForbesIf you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

This week, we're talking about pay transparency,  its importance, generational differences, cultural shifts, and the impact on the workforce. The conversation delves into the top-down and bottom-up approaches to pay transparency, the role of social media, and the power struggle surrounding this controversial issue.  TakeawaysPay transparency is an important issue that is evolving and impacting the workforce.Generational differences exist in attitudes towards pay transparency, with younger generations being more open to sharing salary information.There is a power struggle surrounding pay transparency, as those in power may resist giving up control.Navigating both pay transparency and opacity requires careful consideration of company policies, personal grading, and trust in sharing salary information.Change is slow, and it is important to be prepared for both pay transparency and opacity in the workplace. Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life. Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by ForbesIf you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

Things are changing! In this episode, we're announcing some news and turning the page on a new chapter of the rich & REGULAR podcast. We love you and hope you'll continue to support us through this transition to this exciting next phase. Onward! Connect with us: Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away If you would like to more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow  Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life. Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by ForbesIf you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

Every holiday season, Americans seem to break a new record for spending - but this year it's different. Whether you're Grinch-adjacent like Julien or grew up more like Kiersten whose Super Bowl was Black Friday, they've got tips to stop holiday overspending for all levels. It's all about shifting where you spend -- making sure each gift packs a punch, and making more memorable moments rather than making the focus be the gift itself. Changing your mindset of gift-giving and receiving could be the answer you've been looking for. Julien and Kiersten have tips for the best methods backed by statistics. ----Learn more at richandregular.com, purchase Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away by Kiersten and Julien Saunders and follow on Instagram @richandregular. Leave us a tip! Support rich & REGULAR by rating and reviewing on Apple Podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life. Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by ForbesIf you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

Julien and Kiersten emphasize the power of crafting your own money story, shedding old beliefs, and constructing new ways of thinking about money. They discuss the impact of narratives, the importance of perseverance, and embracing plot twists. The hosts also explore effective dialogue, belief in empowering narratives, and potential collaborations to help listeners craft their money stories.