Journey To Launch

What started out as an essay about one man’s struggle with student loan debt in the New York Times, has morphed into Michael Arceneaux’s next best seller, I Don’t Want to Die Poor. Michael Arceneaux, the author of the New York Times bestseller, I Can’t Date Jesus: Love, Sex, Family, Race and Other Reasons Why I Put My Faith in Beyonce just released his second book, in April 2020. This book, I Don’t Want To Die Poor, is all about money.   In our conversation we talk about Michael’s struggles with student loan debt, the pressure to get a college education, and the faults of the student loan system. Michael is not a “money expert”, which makes this conversation even more enlightening and real. If you have ever been in debt (or are currently in debt), listen in as we discuss the struggle to not die poor.  In this episode you will learn: What happens to private student loans when you die How the student loan process is systematically flawed  Tips for creatives and entrepreneurs who want to make money and create Why Black Americans are disportionately affected by private student loans All the reasons why you should read Michael’s new book, and more You can watch this interview with Michael Arceneaux on youtube by clicking here. Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: 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 Michael: Website Facebook: @Arceneux.Michael Instagram: @YoungSinick Twitter: @Youngsinick Connect with me: Instagram: @journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group Join The Money Launch Club Waitlist  Jumpstart Guide

What started out as a budgeting spreadsheet has grown into a budgeting app used by thousands of families who have committed to giving every dollar a purpose. This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast we are continuing our celebration of the third anniversary of the show with an interview with Jesse Mecham.  Jesse, the creator of You Need A Budget (YNAB), shares his financial journey and tips for entrepreneurs. In this episode he describes how he dived into entrepreneurship at 22, and then successfully grew YNAB into a company with over 100 employees. Today, his budgeting app helps thousands across the globe improve their finances. Tune in to hear more about his path to success and the four rules for successful budgeting. In this episode you will learn: How to give every dollar a job Ways to embrace your true expenses When to give yourself permission to change your budget  Why a budget is not restraining  How to get 30 days or more ahead on your bills, and more Special thanks to YNAB for sponsoring the podcast in its 3 year anniversary month. Get your free 34 trial of YNAB today (no credit card required to sign up) by going to youneedabudget.com/journey Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Jesse and I both talk about the power of Profit First when you are an entrepreneur. Check out Mike Michalowicz’s book for yourself and see how it can help you in your business. 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 Jesse: Website Instagram: @YouNeedaBudget Facebook: @iYNAB Twitter: @YNAB Connect with me: Instagram: @journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group Join The Money Launch Club Waitlist  Jumpstart Guide

It’s the 3rd anniversary of the Journey to Launch Podcast and we are celebrating. I could not have made it to this milestone without you. So, in this week’s episode, I’m sharing voicemails from Journeyers from all over the world. Listen and learn how the Journey to Launch Podcast has helped so many people fix their finances, improve their lives, and change their mindsets so they can accomplish their goals.  I’m also sharing some lessons I’ve learned since starting this podcast three years ago. I hope you apply these lessons to your life wherever you are on your financial or career journey. We are on the path to financial freedom and independence together. Let’s lift each other up along the way.  In this episode you will learn: How the Journey to Launch Podcast can help you level up your finances The importance of consistency and persistency with anything you do The power of your words and how to manifest the life you want  When it’s OK to pivot or change your mind The best app to help you budget, track your spending and let you live a little All about the Money Launch Club, and more Special thanks to YNAB for sponsoring the podcast in its 3 year anniversary month. Get your free 34 trial of YNAB today (no credit card required to sign up) by going to youneedabudget.com/journey Doors to the Money Launch Club are now open until Thursday July 23rd! Join by going to MoneyLaunchClub.com In This Online Community You Will Get S.T.E.P's: Support- Get the community support to help reach all of your financial goals. Find an accountability partner and participate in weekly and monthly challenges. Tools- Get access to tools such as worksheets and trainings to help you manage your money, track your progress and grow your wealth. Education- Get educated on various money topics so that you can make better money decisions and learn the steps you need to take to get ahead. Plan- Get  the Journey to FI 10 Steps to Freedom Framework to map out your Financial Independence launch success plan. Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Join the Money Launch Club here. 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: @JourneyToLaunch Join the private Facebook Group Join The Money Launch Club Waitlist  Jumpstart Guide  

After graduating from college with over $70,000 in student loans, Ysanet Batista went straight into public service. Unfortunately, her career did not pay a high salary and she found it difficult to live and eat in New York City. At some points, she faced food insecurity and homelessness. Her struggles forced her to find ways to make more money and led to her starting her own food cooperative business called Woke Foods. She merged her love for cuisine with her passion for social justice and is forging her own path to Financial Liberation.  Ysanet is also a member of the Money Launch Club (moneylaunchclub.com) and shares how joining the community allowed her to pay off debt, find support and stay accountable on her journey In this episode you will learn:  Where you can find a community of like-minded people support you on your journey to financial independence and retiring early (FIRE) Why it’s so important to know your WHY How to know when your income is your problem The importance of budgeting no matter how much you make What you can accomplish as a member of the Money Club The benefits of an accountability partner, and more Special thanks to YNAB for sponsoring the podcast in its 3 year anniversary month. Get your free 34 trial of YNAB today (no credit card required to sign up) by going to youneedabudget.com/journey Sign up for the Journey to Launch free class on July 16th here. In This Free Online Workshop, You Will Learn: 1. What the elusive term of Financial Independence really means 2. The FIVE major stages you must move through on the journey to reaching Financial Independence and how to identify where you currently are on the journey 3. The barriers stopping you from reaching your goals and how to eliminate them *It’s a virtual meeting so you can join us from anywhere by registering here. Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Ysanet mentioned some great Journey to Launch episodes you should check out: Episode 81: Atomic Habits How Tiny Changes Spark Remarkable Results with James Clear Episode 135: Your Student Loan Questions Answered with David Carlson  Learn more about the Money Launch Club here and make sure you join when doors open up again! 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 Ysanet Batista: YsanetBatista.com & Woke Foods.coop Instagram: @YsanetBatista Twitter: @YsanetBatista  Facebook:@YsanetBatista Connect with me: Instagram: @journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group Join The Money Launch Club Waitlist  Jumpstart Guide

This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, 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:  The difference between wealthy and rich Why your brain is wired to make terrible money decisions  The meaning of the Geometry of Wealth How to set goals to become wealthy (and not just rich) What a comprehensive financial plan looks like, and more Special thanks to YNAB for sponsoring the podcast in its 3 year anniversary month. Get your free 34 trial of YNAB today (no credit card required to sign up) by going to youneedabudget.com/journey Sign up for the Journey to Launch free class on July 16th here. In This Free Online Workshop, You Will Learn: 1. What the elusive term of Financial Independence really means 2. The FIVE major stages you must move through on the journey to reaching Financial Independence and how to identify where you currently are on the journey 3. The barriers stopping you from reaching your goals and how to eliminate them *It’s a virtual meeting so you can join us from anywhere by registering here. Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Learn more about the Money Launch Club here and make sure you join when doors open up again! 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 Brian Portnoy: Website Instagram: @bportnoy Twitter: @BrianPortnoy  Connect with me: Instagram: @journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group Join The Money Launch Club Waitlist  Jumpstart Guide

This week on the Journey to Launch podcast, special guest, Lisa Nicole Bell, is sharing how she created her life by design and dived into entrepreneurship. Lisa is a producer, writer, media personality, and serial entrepreneur. In addition, she hosts a podcast called Behind the Brilliance, with nearly two million downloads and 200 episodes to date.  In this episode, we discuss the truth about entrepreneurship, how to make informed business and life decisions, and taking risks. Lisa shares so many inspiring tips. This is one episode you don’t want to miss. In this episode you will learn:  What bets are worth taking and how to manage your risks How to turn your content into multiple streams of income The truth about entrepreneurship  How to properly plan your time so you don’t hustle backwards Ways to create a life by design and more Special thanks to YNAB for sponsoring the podcast in its 3 year anniversary month. Get your free 34 trial of YNAB today (no credit card required to sign up) by going to youneedabudget.com/journey. Sign up for the Journey to Launch free class on July 16th here. In This Free Online Workshop, You Will Learn: 1. What the elusive term of Financial Independence really means 2. The FIVE major stages you must move through on the journey to reaching Financial Independence and how to identify where you currently are on the journey 3. The barriers stopping you from reaching your goals and how to eliminate them *It’s a virtual meeting so you can join us from anywhere by registering here. Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Check out my episode on Behind the Brilliance Podcast where I explain how I found the Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) movement and transformed my life. Lisa read The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale, and her mindset was changed forever. Learn more about the Money Launch Club here and make sure you join when doors open up again! 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 Lisa Nicole Bell: Website Instagram: LisaNicoleBell Twitter: LisaNicoleBell  Facebook: LisaNicoleBell Connect with me: Instagram: @journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group Join The Money Launch Club Waitlist  Jumpstart Guide  

Casanova Brooks lost everything--his mom, his house, and his job all in a short span of a few weeks. However, he refused to allow adversity to stop him. Nine months later, he was a real estate agent, breaking records. He closed 46 deals worth a total of $8 million dollars his first year as an agent. Casanova is an award-winning real estate agent, investor, podcast host, and CEO. Previously featured on Yahoo News, ABC, NBC, and more. He has an amazing story of triumph and perseverance.  In this episode, Casanova and I talk about overcoming adversity, the power of relationships, and how to become the master of your time and freedom. This is an inspiring conversation you don’t want to miss!  In this episode you’ll learn:  Ways to overcome adversity under any circumstances Simple techniques to leverage relationships and grow your business How to create your own success Great books and podcasts that will inspire you The effect a positive mindset can have on your journey, and more Celebrate the 3 Year Anniversary Episode of the Journey to Launch Podcast  Hey Journeyers! Do you want to celebrate the 3 year anniversary of the Journey to Launch Podcast with me? I have something special planned and I need your help to make it happen! I would love to hear how the Journey to Launch Podcast has helped you and your journey to financial freedom. Send in a a short voicemail (90 secs) for a chance to have it played on the 3 year anniversary episode in July! Here's a guideline of what to say in your voice-note: Your name & where you are from Something you've gained or accomplished since listening to the podcast (a money win , paid off X, negotiated a raise, better money mindset, etc) A money/financial tip for other Journeyers on the path that can help them too that you've learned or implemented You can record your voice-note here (please make sure you're speaking clearly into your mic so that we can hear you and that there is no background noise) Thank you in advance! Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: 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 Casanova: Website Instagram: Casanova_Brooks Twitter: Casanova_Brooks  Facebook: CasanovaBrooks1 Connect with me: Instagram: @journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group Join The Money Launch Club Waitlist  Jumpstart Guide  

It’s been a while since I’ve recorded a solo episode. So this week you get a full dose of me. In this episode, I share tips and lessons I’ve learned and how I am applying this knowledge to my life and finances now.  I am taking you back to the beginning of my journey and share how my husband and I prepared for me to pursue full-time entrepreneurship. Most people don’t know this, but I could have kept my 9 to 5 and been financially free by 40. Instead, I decided to pursue what I love and create more freedom in my life today.  Listen to this episode to learn more about how I made the jump from the corporate world with confidence and how you can too. Plus I share four tips on how you can be successful with your money, career & goals during these trying times.  In this episode you will learn: How I quit my job to become a full-time entrepreneur Ways to pivot your financial journey to give yourself more freedom today What you should invest in to help you value your time How to leverage your network to increase your net worth What to do to prepare for the opportunities you want, and more Celebrate the 3 Year Anniversary Episode of the Journey to Launch Podcast  Hey Journeyers! Do you want to celebrate the 3 year anniversary of the Journey to Launch Podcast with me? I have something special planned and I need your help to make it happen! I would love to hear how the Journey to Launch Podcast has helped you and your journey to financial freedom. Send in a a short voicemail (90 secs) for a chance to have it played on the 3 year anniversary episode in July! Here's a guideline of what to say in your voice-note: - Your name & where you are from - Something you've gained or accomplished since listening to the podcast (a money win , paid off X, negotiated a raise, better money mindset, etc) -A money/financial tip for other Journeyers on the path that can help them too that you've learned or implemented You can record your voice-note here (please make sure you're speaking clearly into your mic so that we can hear you and that there is no background noise) Thank you in advance! Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Check out this throwback episode of how my husband and I started our journey to financial freedom. Try Insight Timer. It’s helped meditate and mentally prepare for my day. Get the Free Journeyer Jump Start Guide here. 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  Jumpstart Guide

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.  So where did the other $20,000 go, you ask? To pay 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 months.  Check out this week’s episode where Cindy shares how she paid off $215,000 in 48 months and kept her expenses low while living in New York.  In this episode you will learn: What to consider before taking out student loans for a degree How to educate yourself and your family about student loan debt 3 reasons to refinance your student loans How to stick to your financial goals in any environment Tips for talking about finances with your partner How to lower your expenses, save money, and more Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Get the Free Journeyer Jump Start Guide here. 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 Cindy: Website Instagram:@ZeroBasedBudget Connect with me: Instagram: @journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group Join The Money Launch Club Waitlist  Jumpstart Guide

With everything going on right now, I wanted to replay one of the most important and impactful conversations that I've had on the podcast, The Black Tax & The Cost of Being Black in America with guest Shawn Rochester. In the beginning of the episode, I also share my thoughts on why I will continue to use my platform to educate and amplify Black voices while giving you the tools to reach your Financial Freedom & Independence goals.  I encourage everyone to listen to this episode and share it with someone who needs to hear more of how we as a nation got to a place where Black Americans own only 2% of wealth and what we can do to change it . In this episode you will learn: Why I'm so committed to amplifying Black voices and stories What is the Black Tax and how it’s impacting your wealth How to identify unconscious vs. conscious bias Why hard work is not the key to success and what resources you really need Concrete ways you can close the wealth gap How to apply Shawn’s PHD strategy to create jobs, capital, and thriving black communities, and so much more You can watch the original interview with Shawn Rochester on youtube by clicking here. Join me & Teri Ijeoma for a free class on how to make money in the stock market and avoid the uncertainty of the economy tonight at 8:30 pm EST here journeytolaunch.com/tradingclass Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Check out Shawn’s talk at Google, which has had over 200,000 views and sparked a lot of conversations about the real cost of being Black in America. Get the Free Journeyer Jump Start Guide here. 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 Shawn Rochester: Website Twitter: @BlackTaxed Facebook:@Shawn.D.Rochester Instagram:@BlackTaxed Connect with me: Instagram: @journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group Join The Money Launch Club Waitlist  Jumpstart Guide