This week’s guest, Sheena Allen, is the youngest Black woman CEO and founder of a bank. Sheena created CapWay, a digital banking app and financial service provider, with the goal of closing the income, race, and financial literacy gap through access to banking and opportunities.  Growing up in Mississippi, she had first hand experience at what it was like to be underbanked and undeserved. Unlike major cities, there wasn’t a bank on every corner and banking options were limited where she grew up. In college, Sheena created her first app without knowing how to code and has been a force in the app and fin tech space ever since.  Her latest venture is a digital bank, CapWay. Tune in to this week’s episode to hear more about Sheena’s process to creating her very own digital banking app and her entrepreneurship journey.  In this episode you’ll learn: How Sheena created and funded her digital banking app CapWay  Why she created it  What the process of creating a FinTech company looks like What pre-seed, seed, and Series A mean How long it takes to build an app How much it costs to build an app and more... Special thanks to DCU for sponsoring the episode! Learn more about DCU by clicking here. Sign up for my free class happening on January 14th: Financial Independence 101: How To Build An Action Plan to Reach Your Financial Goals and Live A Life of More Freedom! You can still sign up for my Private Pop- up Podcast, Financial Independence 101: Your Building Blocks to Create A Life of Financial Freedom. This series will expire on the 19th, so get it now! Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Arlan Hamilton was a guest on Episode 155: Strengthen Your Mindset & Confidence to Turn Being Underestimated into Your Greatest Advantage  Check out the other tools that help me with my finances and business here. If you missed enrollment, join the waitlist for my FI course and Money Launch Club. The FI Course now called: Map Your Path To Financial Independence will open enrollment soon! 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 Sheena: Website Instagram: @WhoisSheena Facebook: @SheenaDAllen Twitter: @WhoisSheena 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

At 22 years old, right after graduating from college, I went into contract to buy a condo in DUMBO, Brooklyn. In this episode, I am sharing my real estate story and how I was able to become a first time buyer at such a young age in hopes of inspiring you on your own journey. There were several factors to my success that I share in this episode. One is the importance of representation, seeing someone who you can relate to doing something you want to do or that you didn’t think was possible. Tune into this week’s episode to learn about my biggest takeaways from the experience.  In this episode you’ll learn: How I was able to buy my first property at 22 Who inspired me to get into real estate The factors that lead to my success Valuable lessons I learned from my journey 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: In the episode, I shared that my mom helped and supported me to buy my first property. She was on episode 75 of the podcast.  You can sign up for my Private Pop- up Podcast, Financial Independence 101: Your Building Blocks to Create A Life of Financial Freedom. Remember this series will expire soon! Check out the other tools that help me with my finances and business here. If you missed enrollment, join the waitlist for my FI course and Money Launch Club. The FI Course now called: Map Your Path To Financial Independence will open enrollment in January of 2021. 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 this week’s solo episode, I’m sharing the behind the scenes numbers of how Journey To Launch did this year; income, expenses & profit. We increased our business gross revenue by 217% from 2019 and I want to share how I was able to accomplish that incredible growth. I’m also sharing the lessons learned from 2020 and my goals for 2021 I’m sharing these numbers so that I can be transparent about my journey as an entrepreneur to inspire you to go after your dream and make whatever excites you in your life happen. 2020 also marks two full years on my entrepreneurship journey and I am so proud of the milestones I am able to share with you today.  In this episode you’ll learn: How much Journey to Launch made in 2020 and the profit breakdown Why I started Journey to Launch How I was able to quit my job in 2018 How I can be selective and work from a place of integrity  Wins and milestones Journey to Launch has accomplished this year and much 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: On episode 61, I shared about quitting my job: Why & How I Quit My 6-Figure Job & How This Affects My Journey To Financial Independence On episode 132, I talked about my 2019 Year End Review & How Investing In Yourself is The Greatest Gift.  On episode 185: Give Yourself More Credit & Honor the Journey; A Personal Coaching Conversation w/ Saundra Davis. It’s a unique episode because Saundra gave me a personalized coaching session and helped me clarify 2020 as a breakout year for the business.  The next two episodes were with Teri Ijeoma of Trade and Travel and a roundtable discussion I had with her students and journeyers. Episode 154 was How Teri Ijeoma Quit Her Job to Begin Trading Full Time and Travel the World. Episode 172 was also with Teri on Reaching Financial Independence, Buying her Dream Home in Cash & Amassing a $2 Million Portfolio. Then, Episode 173 was the roundtable discussion with Shaina, Crystal, and Shamessia: Learning Swing Trading as a Side Hustle to Pay Off Debt, Save & Reach Your Money Goals (Real Experiences from Real Journeyers).  Here is the Instagram post that I shared on Twitter about my 2019 Year End Review of gross revenue and expenses for my first year as an entrepreneur running Journey to Launch.  Lastly, in this Instagram post I share the amazing team that I mentioned in the episode that helped me with my photoshoot in late August. I tag the photographer- Taylor, stylist- Elsa, makeup artist- Tara, and my assistant/ movement director- Shaina.  If you missed enrollment join the waitlist for my FI course. Check out the other tools that help me with my finances and business here. 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 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  

Can you pinpoint the defining moments in your life that have shaped you into who you are today? In this solo episode, I share some of my defining moments, the building blocks from my past that helped me become the woman I am today and that helped me to start Journey to Launch. I talk about the journey often, so here are pieces from my journey that you have never heard before. They range from; childhood events, my “failures”, to also flying on a private jet with the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. Through this intimate conversation, I share what I found as a common theme from these experiences and how every single one of them has prepared me for the path I am on today. Tune in to this week’s episode to help you identify your own defining moments and to harness your power to succeed on your journey.  In this episode you’ll learn: My defining moments and how they have shaped me How important exposure and possibilities are My internship experiences Why it’s important to be bold and daring How partnerships and failures helped me grow 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: In the episode, I shared that my mom was a guest on episode 75 of the podcast. Episode 75 was an interview with my mother and how she prepared me to prosper. If you missed enrollment join the waitlist for my FI course. Check out the other tools that help me with my finances and business here. 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 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 we were raised to handle money as children has an impact on the financial decisions we make as adults. Tanya Van Court had over a 20 year career in Corporate America in companies like ESPN, Nickelodeon, and Discovery Education. She is now the CEO and founder of Goalsetter, a savings and financial literacy app that helps kids and families get better with money.  Her goal is to teach all kids in a fun and relatable way to be financially responsible, independent, and literate. Tanya has a powerful and motivating mission through her app to educate young people from all backgrounds, especially those who are underserved, the value of money. Tanya also shares more about her journey as Black woman entrepreneur in the FinTech space, and the obstacles she had to overcome to start, fund, and grow her company.  Tune in to hear Tanya’s inspiring message and transparent conversation about how being bold, courageous, and speaking up helped her build Goalsetter from the ground up. In this episode you’ll learn: What the Goalsetter app is about How you can start teaching your kids about the value of money How much it can cost to start a FinTech company The obstacles you can face as an entrepreneur 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: I mentioned Adam Carroll who was on episode 181 of the podcast: How To Build A Bigger Life & Become A Master of Your Money.  If you missed enrollment join the waitlist for my FI course. Check out the other tools that help me with my finances and business here. 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 Tanya: Website Instagram:@GoalSetterCo Twitter:@GoalsetterCo Facebook: @GoalSetterCo 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

Is there anything in your life right now that you can opt out of that is no longer serving you? This week on the podcast, I have Cait Flanders, best selling author, of “The Year of Less” and “Adventures in Opting Out.” After paying off her debt, Cait did not have a plan for her money so many of her poor spending habits resurfaced.  At 29, Cait challenged herself to go on a shopping ban where she spent less and saved more.  Cait realized that having clear, meaningful goals makes it easier to save and scale back. In addition, it was crucial for her to work through her internal blocks before she was able to move forward on her journey. Cait shares how to opt out and change paths from something that is no longer right for us.  In this episode you’ll learn: More about Cait’s year of less shopping ban How spending can be linked to internal blocks and emotional attachments Why it is important to have clear, meaningful goals What opting out means  The 5 “stages” on the journey to opting out outlined in Cait’s book “Adventures in Opting Out” Why community is so important 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: Cait has two books, “The Year of Less” and “Adventures in Opting Out” If you missed enrollment join the waitlist for my FI course. Check out the other tools that help me with my finances and business here. 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 Cait: Website Instagram:@Caitflanders 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

Shinjini Das of Das Media Group, comes on the podcast this week to talk with me about the immigrant experience and money. As first or second generation immigrants, we have a unique experience navigating through America and becoming financially educated. What makes our experiences special is that they are all different. Shinjini was the undergrad commencement speaker at her University, Georgia Tech and then went on to become a competitive public speaker and entrepreneur.  Shinjini refers to her community as Go Getters and empowers them with actionable advice to achieve their goals.  In this episode you will hear more about Shinjini's story as a first generation immigrant and how she uses DCU for her banking needs. She also shares why it is important for her as an entrepreneur to have separate personal and business accounts.    In this episode you’ll learn: How helpful it is to bank with DCU Why Shinjini is passionate about banking with DCU Why it is beneficial to separate personal and business banking accounts 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: I wrote an article, All About the Immigrant Experience and Money, in conjunction with DCU here. Article is not published yet, add it here when it is I mentioned Mike Michalowicz’s book, Profit First, which helped me with my process with my business account and paying myself first.  If you missed enrollment join the waitlist for my FI course. Check out the other tools that help me with my finances and business here. 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 Shinjini: Website Instagram:@SpeakerShinjini Twitter: @SpeakerShinjini Facebook: @SpeakerShinjini 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

Did you know that your employer could pay off $5,250 of your student loans this year (2020)?! The payments wouldn't be taxable to you as the employee and your employer would get a tax break on the payment. But your employer would have to make the payment by December 31, 2020. This was a new provision made in the Cares Act back in March 2020 that many people didn’t know about.  I found this out thanks to a tweet from episode 151 guest Lynette Khlafani Cox and when I shared this with my audience on my Instagram account @journeytolaunch, the comments went crazy with questions and comments. I had so many questions about it that I just had to invite Lynnette back on the podcast for an emergency episode to help answer some of your most asked questions on the subject.  We cover the following questions (and more):  What's the best way to ask your employer about this?  What's in it for the employer? Does this apply to govt employees or non-profit employees? What if you are your own employer, is there a loophole that entrepreneurs can use for themselves? Do prior student loans qualify that you got years ago or for a degree not completed? Can employers add additional stipulations like you must continue working there for X amount of time Does this apply to part-time employees?  What are the chances that this will be extended into 2021? Take a listen to this episode and share it with someone who could benefit from it. Remember you have until the end of 2020 for your employer to make the payment.  Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Lynnette’s blog post on the subject  Click here to get the HR email template you can send to your HR department More COVID resource articles from Lynnette here Listen to Lynnette’s first appearance on the podcast where she talked about the CARE’s act & Economic Relief package here If you missed enrollment join the waitlist for my FI course. Check out the other tools that help me with my finances and business here. 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 Lynnette: Website Instagram: @LynnetteKhalfaniCox Twitter: @TheMoneyCoach Facebook: @LynnetteKhalfaniCox 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’s stopping you from investing? Chances are you can start right now! In this episode, Bola Sokunbi shares all things investing. Bola is my most recurring guest because she continues to share tangible gems with my audience.  She is the founder of Clever Girl Finance, one of the world’s largest personal finance platforms for women in the U.S.. Bola does it all, she is a podcaster, mom, and entrepreneur. She just published her new book, which I am featured in, titled, Learn How Investing Works, Grow Your Money.  Sometimes, the financial jargon around investing can make it seem too difficult to start. Bola shares why people don’t invest and a common theme she sees from successful people who do invest.  She also reminds us that it is never too late to start and shares why you shouldn’t wait to pay off debt before you start investing.  If you have fear around investing or are curious to learn more about how to generate wealth, this episode is for you.  In this episode you’ll learn: 2 of the biggest concerns of why people don’t invest  What’s the first step to investing Different types of retirement accounts from your employer  Some mistakes beginners make A common theme from successful investors and business owners  Why it’s never too late to invest How to invest and pay off debt Ways to diversify your income as a business owner 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: Bola was a guest on episodes 22 (How Investing In Yourself & Starting A Business Can Lead To Financial Success) and 106 (Creating Financial Freedom & Wealth On Your Own Terms) of the podcast.  Bola’s book “Learn How Investing Works, Grow Your Money” can be purchased at Audible and Barnes and Nobles.  If you missed enrollment join the waitlist for my FI course. Check out the other tools that help me with my finances and business here. 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 Bola: Website Facebook: @CleverGirlFinance Instagram:@CleverGirlFinance Twitter: @CleverGirlcgf 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

When will you know when you are satisfied? It’s a simple but weighted question because we are often chasing something. This episode is special because you get to be a fly on the wall in a mini-coaching session between myself and Saundra Davis. Saundra Davis is a nationally recognized financial coach, educator, consultant, and motivational speaker, challenges Jamila to get to the root of why 2020 will be a breakout year for her.  I had breakout years every 2 years since 2010, so I hoped that 2020 would be no different. And then the pandemic happened. What if you were able to reframe the way you approached this year, so that you could embrace all that went well? Would you step into the last month of this year any differently? In this episode, Saundra helps me commit to what will help me be the best entrepreneur, mom, and leader I can be. Buckle up to go on the journey with me, take out your pen and paper, and commit to yourself now how you will finish 2020.  In this episode you’ll learn: What a coaching session looks like  How you can show up for yourself  How to commit to your journey and get accountability partners to help you on the way 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: Saundra was a guest on Episode 169 of the podcast Become Your Own Money Expert and Build A Financial Life True to Your Values & Desires. Black Friday Sale is happening all week long and the doors are now open to join the Money Launch Club until November 30. Teri is also having a Black Friday Sale for her VIP Trade and Travel Package and she is giving all of my Journeyers 10% off with the code: FRIYAY from Nov. 23- Nov. 30, click here to enroll. If you missed enrollment join the waitlist for my FI course. Check out the other tools that help me with my finances and business here. 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 Saundra: Website Facebook: @SageMoney Instagram:@Sage.Money Twitter: @SageMoney 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