Can you imagine negotiating a virtual work arrangement with your employer that allows you to move across the country & take a 2 month sabbatical? That’s exactly what this week’s guest Diania Merriam did. Diania was able to move from NYC to Cincinnati and travelled to Spain for 2 months while keeping her NYC job .  On the podcast, Diania shares how she paid off $30,000 in debt in 11 months, and reached the milestone of Coast FI (financial independence). Diania brings a rich and bold energy this week that explains how she was able to achieve her success and talks about the conference she created, EconoMe which allows participants to come together and talk all things Financial Independence. Diania reminds us that personal finance is personal and your journey is customizable. Tune in this week to hear more about what she calls fi-flexibility and how it can support you on your journey. In this episode you’ll learn: How Diania landed her first job post college The definition of -FI- flexibility  What is Coast FI & how to reach it Why your mindset is so important on the journey  More about the  EconoMe Conference + a lot more I’m giving away 2 free tickets to the EconMe conference. All you have to do is follow me on IG @journeytolaunch and text #econ to (347) 252- 9025 or click here to be entered for your chance to win. Deadline to enter is 3/19. Winners will be announced on 3/24 There will be 200 Early bird tickets priced at $149 available March 7th - April 10th or until they sell out. Full price tickets are available for $199, but Journey to Launch listeners get 10% off full price with discount code: JOURNEYTOLAUNCH Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: You can purchase tickets to the EconoMe Conference here. Ticket sales are now live. Visit the main website conference and the Youtube channel. You can tune into Diania on the Optimal Finance Podcast here.  If you missed enrollment, join the waitlist for my FI course and Money Launch Club. Join The Weekly Newsletter List Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! Watch me on News12  Watch my latest segments on News12 YNAB –  Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link. Connect with Diania: Website Instagram:@Economecon Facebook:@EconoMeConference Twitter:@Economecon Connect with me: Instagram: @Journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: @Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group Join The Money Launch Club Waitlist  Join the Waitlist for My FI Course Jumpstart Guide

Are you leaving a generous tip to the IRS every time you pay your taxes? Carter Cofield, this week’s podcast guest, is sharing tips on how to save yourself and your business money during tax season.  Carter is a CPA, a Certified Public Accountant, and he genuinely enjoys talking about taxes. His goal is to educate people on how to make their taxes work for them. This episode is for you whether you are an entrepreneur, side hustler, or W2 employee.  Tune in to hear how you can potentially save money this tax paying season. Plus, Carter even shares with us where he is on his own journey to financial freedom.  In this episode you’ll learn: How you can make your taxes work for you  What is a tax write off + what’s included in it What is the golden formula Tax paying season vs. tax planning season What to look for when hiring a good CPA How to account for taxes as an active trader Pre tax vs. post tax investing and much more... Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: You can check out Carter’s Tax Free Living Course here. If you missed enrollment, join the waitlist for my FI course and Money Launch Club. Join The Weekly Newsletter List Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! Watch me on News12  Watch my latest segments on News12 YNAB –  Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link. Connect with Carter: Website Instagram:@Cofield_Advisor Facebook:@Cortlon Twitter:@Cofield_Advisor Connect with me: Instagram: @Journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: @Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group Join The Money Launch Club Waitlist  Join the Waitlist for My FI Course Jumpstart Guide

What would you do if overnight you lost over $300,000 of your life savings in an investment deal gone wrong? Unfortunately, that’s what happened to this week’s guest, Kierra Asnauskas. Kierra and her husband went from coming close to their goal of reaching Financial Independence to losing it all and having to start all over again. Tune in to what I hope to be a cautionary and inspirational story on taking risks and being resilient in the face of adversity.  In this episode you’ll learn: How Kierra and her husband lost over $300,000 What is forex trading  Kierra’s biggest takeaway from losing it all How Kierra is able to move on and rebuild and much more... Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Kierra was a guest on Episode 131, “From Broke and Living in a Car to Traveling the World w| Kierra” If you want to check out Teri's Trade & Travel Program, click here.  If you missed enrollment, join the waitlist for my FI course and Money Launch Club. Join The Weekly Newsletter List Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! Watch me on News12  Watch my latest segments on News12 YNAB –  Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link. Connect with Kierra: Website Instagram:@MissUnconventional_ Facebook:@MissUnconventional Twitter:@KierraAsnauskas Connect with me: Instagram: @Journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: @Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group Join The Money Launch Club Waitlist  Join the Waitlist for My FI Course Jumpstart Guide

Raise your hand if you’ve had an extremely awkward conversation about money with a coworker, friend, family member or romantic partner?  You’re not alone, it happens more often than not and it can leave us feeling uncomfortable. This week on the podcast, my guest Erin Lowry of Broke Millennial shares how to effectively communicate about money with the people in your life. Erin’s third book, “Broke Millennial Talks Money: Scripts, Stories, and Advice to Navigate Awkward Financial Conversations” is all about how to handle financial conversations and offers actual scripts you can use in different scenarios. Tune in to hear insight and tips on how to have healthy talks about money while maintaining your boundaries and staying true to your financial goals.  In this episode you’ll learn: Ways to effectively communicate about money Why providing context is important in money conversations What is a friend fund and how it can work for you Why a prenup is beneficial and much more... Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: If you missed enrollment, join the waitlist for my FI course and Money Launch Club. Join The Weekly Newsletter List Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! Watch me on News12  Watch my latest segments on News12 YNAB –  Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link. Connect with Erin: Website Instagram:@BrokeMillennialBlog Facebook:@BrokeMillennial Twitter:@BrokeMillennial Connect with me: Instagram: @Journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group Join The Money Launch Club Waitlist  Join the Waitlist for My FI Course Jumpstart Guide

Do you know how to build intergenerational wealth? This week on the podcast I Ifeoma “Iffy” Ibekwe joins us to share how to build real wealth through estate planning. Iffy shares why it is  essential for us to have an estate plan and trust trust as part of our wealth building plan.. She also debunks barriers about the cost of estate planning and the requirements to start the estate planning process. Tune in to this week’s episode to learn how you can enjoy the wealth you create now and pass down wealth for the future generations to come. Iffy also talks about how she is able to balance her career, being a mom of 4 and get 8 hours of sleep every night so you don’t want to miss it.  In this episode you’ll learn: What does it mean to build generational wealth Why you should consider getting an estate attorney  The different documents that are a part of estate planning What does rest as a revolution mean and much more... Other Links Mentioned Here is the database of Black Estate Attorneys or you can book a consultation with her at her website. If you missed enrollment, join the waitlist for my Map Your Path to FI course and Money Launch Club.  Check out the Journey To Launch Podcast index here which categorizes all of the Journey To Launch podcast episodes by subject. Now you can binge on your favorite topics or type of episode. Join The Weekly Newsletter List Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! Watch me on News12  Watch my latest segments on News12 YNAB –  Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link. Connect with Ifeoma: Website Instagram:@thejustincaselawyer Facebook:@ibekwelawyer Connect with me: Instagram: @Journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group Join The Money Launch Club Waitlist  Join the Waitlist for My FI Course Jumpstart Guide    

This week’s solo episode is a mini TED talk on 3 topics that have shifted how I approach financial independence. Are your wants in alignment with your beliefs? Are you too afraid to dream of financial freedom because you don’t believe it’s possible for you?  The first step to changing your life is self awareness. In today’s episode, I dive into how being in congruence will impact your life, money, and way of being plus a lot more.    In this episode you’ll learn: What being in congruence means Why self awareness is the first step of change What minimal viable financial independence means  The 5 levels of financial independence Is financial independence a pipe dream? and much more  P.S. My goal is to reach level 4 of Financial Independence (FI): base expenses + frills + guac + first class, what’s yours? You might be a little confused and curious at what levels of financial independence I am speaking of, so I take you through all 5 in the episode.  Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: If you missed enrollment, join the waitlist for my FI course and Money Launch Club. Check out the other tools that help me with my finances and business here. Join The Weekly Newsletter List Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! Watch me on News12  Watch my latest segments on News12 YNAB –  Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link. Connect with me: Instagram: @Journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group Join The Money Launch Club Waitlist  Join the Waitlist for My FI Course Jumpstart Guide

How do you balance it all as an entrepreneur and mom during a global pandemic? Which brokerage account should I use? How can I get funding for my second real estate property? On this week’s episode, I am answering questions from Money Launch Club members and private messages I have received on social media.  Tune in to this week’s episode to find out if I answer a burning question that’s been on your mind. I may share some insights that can help you bridge a gap on your own journey.  In this episode you’ll learn: How to balance it all What I believe is our greatest resource Ways to outsource your household tasks Which online brokerage account to use What is a DTI If you should you invest or save your money and much more… Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: I mentioned brokercheck.finra.org as a resource to check if brokerage accounts are operating by US laws.  If you missed enrollment, join the waitlist for my FI course and Money Launch Club. Check out the other tools that help me with my finances and business here. Join The Weekly Newsletter List Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! Watch me on News12  Watch my latest segments on News12 YNAB –  Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link. Connect with me: Instagram: @Journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group Join The Money Launch Club Waitlist  Join the Waitlist for My FI Course Jumpstart Guide  

What would you be able to accomplish if you did what scared you? This week on the podcast, I have Barbara Huson, best selling author, financial therapist, teacher and wealth coach.  In her last book, “Rewire for Wealth: Three Steps Every Woman Can Take to Program Her Brain for Financial Success,” Barbara shares the missing piece she found in achieving financial success: the brain. Neuroscience plays a fundamental role in how we process, navigate, and spend money.  Once you train your brain to connect with your mind, anything is possible. Barbara teaches us to recognize, reframe, and respond to thoughts that are not serving us. Tune in this week to learn what you can do right now to bridge the gap from where you are now to where you want to be.  In this episode you’ll learn: The connection between the brain and mind The 3 ways to rewire your brain to achieve financial success How you can be an objective bystander  How can you increase your self efficacy and much more… Special thanks to DCU for sponsoring the episode! Learn more about DCU by clicking here. Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: You can get Barbara''s latest book “Rewire for Wealth” here.  If you missed enrollment, join the waitlist for my FI course and Money Launch Club. Check out the other tools that help me with my finances and business here. Join The Weekly Newsletter List Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! Watch me on News12  Watch my latest segments on News12 YNAB –  Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link. Connect with me: Instagram: @Journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group Join The Money Launch Club Waitlist  Join the Waitlist for My FI Course Jumpstart Guide

In my second real estate venture, my husband and I almost lost $44,000. After buying my first condo, I was very interested in real estate and I was excited to reap the same benefits with my partner.  This experience was vastly different, and we came extremely close to walking away and losing our 10% down payment. In this week’s episode, I share the lessons I learned when buying a property did not go as planned and how you can avoid the same mistakes. In this episode you’ll learn: How my husband and I almost lost $44,000 Why this real estate investment almost fell through The lessons I learned from this experience What BATNA is  The importance of sunk cost and having a strategy plus much more… Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: I mention my first real estate investment at 22, which went very well and I talk about it more in depth in Episode 193 of the podcast.  If you missed enrollment, join the waitlist for my FI course and Money Launch Club. Check out the other tools that help me with my finances and business here. Join The Weekly Newsletter List Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! Watch me on News12  Watch my latest segments on News12 YNAB –  Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link. Connect with me: Instagram: @Journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group Join The Money Launch Club Waitlist  Join the Waitlist for My FI Course Jumpstart Guide

What should I do about my healthcare? This is one of the questions I get asked most frequently regarding financial independence/ retire early and entrepreneurship.  This week on the podcast I have Lynn Frair, a nurse and founder of FI Healthcare, which is a knowledge base for healthcare options for early retirees and people who cannot depend on employer provided healthcare. Lynn also became financially independent and work flexible at the age of 38. After having a brain tumor in her 20s which completely wiped out her savings, she built her investments and passive income to replace her nursing wages. Tune in to this week’s episode to get the resources and information you need to understand what healthcare options are available to you and how you can better plan to budget for healthcare as an entrepreneur or early retiree.  In this episode you’ll learn: What is a premium, deductible, and out of pocket max What options you have in terms of healthcare What resources are available to you to learn more about your health care options  When the open enrollment period is and how to enroll if it is outside of that period and much more… Special thanks to DCU for sponsoring the episode! Learn more about DCU by clicking here. Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: How to enroll in the "marketplace" plan The 10 essential health benefits that are covered under the ACA My favorite algorithm for deciding if you should buy health insurance through the "marketplace"  Wex Health HSA vs. traditional health plan Marketwatch video of our family FIREstarters documentary (6 mins)  And the Marketwatch features about fihealthcare.com: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/this-early-retiree-has-a-unique-glimpse-into-the-covid-19-pandemic-and-her-side-hustle-helps-people-sidestep-financial-ruin-2020-06-08 If you missed enrollment, join the waitlist for my FI course and Money Launch Club. Check out the other tools that help me with my finances and business here. Join The Weekly Newsletter List Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! Watch me on News12  Watch my latest segments on News12 YNAB –  Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link. Connect with Lynn: Website Instagram: FIHealthcare_Frair Connect with me: Instagram: @Journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group Join The Money Launch Club Waitlist  Join the Waitlist for My FI Course Jumpstart Guide