
Journey To Launch
Jamila Souffrant is a Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI), host of the Journey To Launch podcast and author of "Your Journey to Financial Freedom: A Step-By-Step Guide to Achieving Wealth and Happiness".
The Journey To Launch podcast explores all aspects of reaching Financial Freedom; from increasing income, paying off debt, investing, saving & learning how to retire early and wealthy.
The book, "Your Journey to Financial Freedom: A Step-By-Step Guide to Achieving Wealth and Happiness," shows you how to skyrocket your savings, blast through debt and ultimately accelerate your unique and truly epic journey to financial freedom and independence. The audiobook, which is narrated by Jamila, and the eBook are available in the Apple store.
As a money expert who “walks her talk” she helps brave listeners also known as Journeyers; gain clarity around their finances and create an actionable plan to reach their goals. Her mission is to teach, inspire and help others reach Financial Freedom and Financial Independence.
Latest episodes

Jul 24, 2019 • 47min
107- Your 30 Day Money Cleanse To Take Control of Your Finances & De-Stress Your Money With Ashley Gerstley
Money Coach and Founder of The Fiscal Femme, Ashley Feinstein Gerstley, joins us in episode 107 to discuss the importance of your money mindset and her book, The 30-Day Money Cleanse. Ashley helps women build wealth by teaching you about her money mistakes and how to set yourself up for financial success. She coined her own way of budgeting called the “Happiness Allocation” and explains how your deep beliefs about money can impact your ability to make money it and keep it. In this episode you will learn: How to take control of your finances with a 30-day cleanse Why a growth mindset is important to achieving and maintaining wealth How a gratitude attitude helps boost your finances Tips to change your beliefs and relationship towards money Practical steps to shake up your routine and drop frivolous expenses What you can do to maximize your joy per dollar spent All about money parties and how to make finances fun Don’t know what a money party is? Listen to episode 107 now! Enter for a chance to win a copy of the book by going to JourneytoLaunch.com/win and entering your name & email only! Even if you don't win, you will still win by getting access to my free resource library. Doors for the Launch Club re-open in August, click here to get on the list and get access to join before anyone else. Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Remember to enter the contest to win a copy of Ashley’s book or you can grab your own copy now! To get the fun guides that will help you makeover your finances in 48 hours visit Ashley’s website. You can also get started with her 7-day jumpstart! Don’t forget to check out the Sa-Vings music video with a cameo from yours truly. 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 2 month trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link. Connect with Ashley Gerstley: Website Facebook:@TheFiscalFemme Instagram:@TheFiscalFemme Twitter:@TheFiscalFemme Connect with me: Instagram: @journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group Become a member of the Journeyer Launch Club

Jul 17, 2019 • 47min
106- Creating Financial Freedom & Wealth On Your Own Terms With Bola From Clever Girl Finance
Bola Sokunbi founder of Clever Girl Finance is back on the Journey to Launch Podcast! This time she is talking about entrepreneurship, ditching debt, and how to accomplish financial independence on your own terms. Bola is a certified financial educator and money expert, helping women take charge of their finances. Check out her new book, Clever Girl Finance Ditch Debt, Save Money, and Build Real Wealth, a manual about how to achieve financial freedom. In this episode we discuss: How to adjust your mindset so you can succeed. How to define financial independence for yourself. How to prioritize and plan your financial goals. Entrepreneurship vs. a Job: How you can achieve financial independence through both. Enter for a chance to win a copy of the book by going to JourneytoLaunch.com/win and entering your name & email only! Even if you don't win, you will still win by getting access to my free resource library. Doors for the Launch Club re-open in August, click here to get on the list and get access to join before anyone else. Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Bola’s book is out and you can get your own copy here. Bola Sokunbi on Episode 22 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 2 month trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link. Connect with Bola Sokunbi: Website Facebook:@CleverGirlFinance Instagram:@CleverGirlFinance Twitter:@CleverGirlcgf Connect with me: Instagram: @journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group Become a member of the Journeyer Launch Club

Jul 10, 2019 • 1h 4min
105 How To Quit Like a Millionaire So You Can Stop Working & Start Living With Kristy & Bryce
Kristy Shen and Bryce Leung left their lucrative software engineering careers to enjoy world travel and freedom. Both retired in their early 30’s with a 7-figure portfolio and have complied their secrets to success in their new book Quit Like a Millionaire: No Gimmicks, Luck, or Trust Fund Required. Kristy and Bryce are financially independent, self-made millionaires who hail from humble beginnings and learned along their journey how to follow the money so they could afford to pursue their passions. In this episode we discuss: How Kristy went from surviving off 44 cents a day to a 7-figure portfolio. How you can use CRAP (Creativity, Resilience, Adaptability, and Perseverance) to achieve success. How to cut expenses from your budget so you can maximize your income and minimize waste. How to choose your degree and career based on the math. Why your home is not an investment and how avoiding home-ownership helps you achieve financial independence sooner. Why taxes are for the poor and how to win the tax game. Kristy and Bryce’s book is out and you can get your own copy here. On their website Kristy and Bryce also offer a free investing workshop. Check it out to start investing now! Enter for a chance to win a copy of the book by going to JourneytoLaunch.com/win and entering your name & email only! Even if you don't win, you will still win by getting access to my free resource library. Doors for the Launch Club re-open in August, click here to get on the list and get access to join before anyone else. Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this 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 2 month trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link. Connect with Kristy & Bryce: Website Facebook:@MillennialRevolutionBlog Twitter:@FIRECracker_Rev Connect with me: Instagram: @journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group Become a member of the Journeyer Launch Club

Jul 3, 2019 • 43min
104 Create the Joyful, Purposeful and Rich Life You Deserve with Jean Chatzky
On this episode, we speak to Jean Chatzky, the financial editor of NBC’s TODAY show, an award-winning personal finance journalist & the host of the podcast HerMoney. Jean joins us to talk about how she navigated her career to become one of the most recognized and notable thought leaders in the personal finance space. She also explains the importance of taking risk and also gives different tips for saving and investing (especially if you feel like you had a late start). Topics discussed in this episode: Finding the balance between doing what you love and earning money to pay for the lifestyle you love Discussion on the complex relationships that women have with money How to be creative with being able to reach your goals How to take risks to land your dream job (and life) How someone who is older can still save for the lifestyle they want in retirement plus more Doors for the Launch Club re-open in July/August, click here to get on the list and get access to join before anyone else. Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this 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 2 month trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link. Connect with Jean: Website Instagram:@JeanChatzky Facebook:@JeanChatzky Twitter:@JeanChatzky Connect with me: Instagram: @journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group Become a member of the Journeyer Launch Club

Jun 26, 2019 • 48min
103- The 2 Year Anniversary Episode- 10 Lessons & Updates From Growing & Running My Business
I am so excited to share this episode with you Journeyers! This is the 2nd year anniversary of the Journey to Launch podcast and with it, I’m pulling back the curtain on the hurdles, lessons and great things going on behind the scenes with myself and Journey To Launch. Hopefully, these 10 lessons/takeaways will inspire and enrich your journey too. My 10 Updates & Lessons: Say no and being ok with not pleasing everyone. (Are you afraid to say no because you think this opportunity will never come along again?) Let go of control so that you can grow and maximize your time. Be appreciative of the good things that you have in your life already. Know your worth & ask for more. Monetizing the podcast by partnering with brands that are a good fit “Talk the talk and walk the walk”- Realize what you are really worth, and don’t be afraid to ask for more money. Invest in your own knowledge, create value and earn what you are worth. Instead of asking someone why they didn’t buy your product/service, focus instead on those who did. Don’t focus on the things that aren’t working out in your life, look at the things that are and realize what you are doing right. Identify your upper limit and realize how it is holding you back from having a breakthrough. Don’t be afraid to take that next step & don’t be your own worst critic. How to save & invest and take more risk. Updates on projects at Journey to Launch. Doors for the Launch Club re-open in July/August, click here to get on the list and get access to join before anyone else Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this 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 2 month 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 Become a member of the Journeyer Launch Club

Jun 19, 2019 • 41min
102- How Dumpster-Diving and House Hacking is Fueling Charlie's Journey to Financial Freedom
I absolutely Iove bringing you ideas and stories that challenge your belief of what you think you can do and allows you to think outside the box. Charlie Pioli has a passion for environmental conservation and dumpster dives for a majority of his grocery needs. I was immediately intrigued by Charlie’s story and lifestyle which at first seemed extreme, but as you’ll learn when you listen to the episode, is a practical and smart way to save money and reduce food waste. Charlie even discusses how he is house hacking and using real estate investing as a way to reach his goals.If you think you should skip over this episode just from the title alone, I challenge you to give it a try. Even if dumpster diving isn’t for you, you will walk away with some actionable tips and inspiration for your journey. In this episode we discuss: Charlie’s backstory and how he got started dumpster-diving His plan to take a mini-retirment when he turns 30 How’s he’s house hacking and planning to use real estate to reach his financial goals Some of the mistakes he’s made a long the way and how you can avoid them Tips to save on your food/grocery expenses + more Doors for the Launch Club re-open in July/August, click here to get on the list and get access to join before anyone else Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: 2017 New York City Waste Characterization Study Report With Charlie on the Cover Page Recording Data The Truth About the Solid Waste Industry and Recycling Article on How to Househack Advice to Get a Home Loan WIth No or Little Money Down 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 2 month trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link. Connect with Charlie: Website Instagram:@MrDumpsterDivington Twitter:@Pioli121 Connect with me: Instagram: @journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group Become a member of the Journeyer Launch Club

Jun 12, 2019 • 59min
101 How to Live Abroad and Use Entrepreneurship to Build Wealth with Damien Peters
Damien Peters walked away from his lucrative tech career to live abroad with his wife and young son in Spain so that he could live a life of freedom and flexibility. Damien shares how entrepreneurship, real estate investing and saving allowed him to take the big leap and how you can make the changes you need in your life and finances to do the same. On this episode we discuss: How Damien walked away from his lucrative tech career to live abroad & how he was able to give up a stable 6 figure salary to a less guaranteed income but one that came with work flexibility. What should one consider when thinking of moving abroad and how he was able to get his wife on the same page. Damien’s entrepreneurship journey, his previous ventures and why he started Wealth Noir His real estate investing experience His journey in becoming an accredited investor and the risks and rewards associated with it becoming one Actionable tips for those ready to step up their pursuit of wealth & what you can do right now plus more Doors for the Launch Club re-open in July/August, click here to get on the list and get access to join before anyone else Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Should I Try Living Abroad- By Damien Peters Accredited Investor Opportunities- By Damien Peters 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 2 month trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link. Connect with Damien: Website Instagram:@WealthNoir Facebook:@WealthNoir Twitter:@WealthNoir Connect with me: Instagram: @journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group Become a member of the Journeyer Launch Club

Jun 5, 2019 • 34min
100 Q&A Episode: Debt Consolidation, Telling Family No, Emergency Savings + More
This is the 100th episode of the Journey to Launch podcast and I am so excited about getting this far thanks to all of you who listen every week. So for this episode, I’m answering listener questions about debt consolidation, online savings accounts and so much more. Questions in this episode: Is a debt consolidation loan ever a good idea? Should you place your emergency savings in an high yield online savings account? What is a Thrift Savings Accounts, how do they work and compare to other employer retirement savings and investment plans? What to do with the money after refinancing your house? How to deal w/ family members who want you to spend money on events when it will set you back financially? + more Doors for the Launch Club re-open on July/August, click here to get on the list and get access to join before anyone else! Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this 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 2 month 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 Become a member of the Journeyer Launch Club

May 29, 2019 • 57min
099 How to Unlock Your Full Wealth Potential & The Power Within You With David Neagle
This episode is probably one of my top 5 favorite episodes so far on The Journey to Launch podcast! I am so glad David Neagle came on the show; he is the founder of the multimillion-dollar global coaching company Life Is Now, Inc, helping thousands of entrepreneurs, experts and self-employed professionals gain the confidence and find the right mindset to increase their revenue. After a near death experience, David changed his way of thinking to get him on the path to unlock his full potential and making so much more money. We discuss ways to change your mindset, how to deal with fear, how to stop feeling stuck in your jobs, the law of polarity, & so much more. Find out what book he recommends that you should definitely read & study to learn about how to make money that will change your life! On this episode, we discuss: David’s overall background/story How David’s life was forever changed on a day on the Illinois River which caused him to unlock the potential within him and triple his income How school and full time employment instills the idea of being safe in life and loyal to a job but can keep you stuck from reaching your true potential What happens to us as we grow to keep us so fearful Why the Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D Wattles is David’s favorite book The Universal law and the law of polarity How to see opportunities instead of obstacles How we can move from the mediocre mindset to the entrepreneur mindset Why it’s our divine right to be rich and wealthy but why so many people don’t achieve or believe this The one thing that you can do right now to change your life and unlock your full wealth potential Doors for the Launch Club re-open on July 18th, click here to get on the list and get access to join before anyone else Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this 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 2 month trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link. Connect with David: Website Instagram:@David_P_Neagle Facebook:@DavidNeagleCommunity Twitter:@DavidNeagle Connect with me: Instagram: @journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group Become a member of the Journeyer Launch Club

May 22, 2019 • 50min
098 Paying Off $111,000 of Debt in 4.5 Years on a Teacher’s Salary with Allison Baggerly
I’m so excited to be joined by Allison Baggerly on this episode who is the founder of Inspired Budget, a business that helps women learn how to budget, save money, and pay off debt. Allison shares with us how she and her husband were able to pay off $111,000 worth of debt on 2 teacher’s salary in 4.5 years! She gives us lots of great tips on how she and her husband stayed committed to their goals, and opens up about her struggles with anxiety and depression around money which affects many of us. Learn how to shift your focus from finding temporary happiness from spending money to finding it in saving & paying down debt! Topics discussed on this episode: - How she and her husband paid off $111,000 in debt in 4.5 years on teacher’s salaries - What steps they took to find more money in their budget - How they stayed committed to their money goals - Her struggle with anxiety and depression, especially around money - How she’s a natural spender and how she fought it to stay on track to pay off her debt - How Allison juggles a full-time job, being a mom and a wife plus running a side hustle - Her thoughts on the Financial Independent Retire Early Movement (F.I.R.E) - Tips if you are struggling with a budget plus so much more! Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: How We Paid Off $111,000 of Debt to Become Debt Free Have Kids & Become Debt Free Coach Purse 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 2 month trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link. Connect with Allison: Website Instagram:@InspiredBudget Facebook:@InspiredBudget Twitter:@Inspired_Budget Connect with me: Instagram: @journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group Become a member of the Journeyer Launch Club