Journey To Launch

While reaching FI and building wealth could be a challenge for anyone, there may be certain factors that create different challenges for women on their journey than men. This week’s guest, Brynne Conroy, is the creator of the twice-nominated Best Women's Finance Blog, Femme Frugality and she is a huge proponent of overcoming the obstacles that women face while trying to reach their financial goals. In her brand new book, The Feminist Financial Handbook, Brynne presents a feminist view on finances relevant to a post-Recession economy that caters to women at any point on their financial journey. Also, check out how you can win a copy of Brynne's book, The Feminist Financial Handbook here In this episode we discuss: Brynne’s passion for the feminist side of finances The factors make women reaching FI different from men reaching FI How society's standards and expectation "hurt" women on this journey The different judgments and factors in being the modern day woman that has it all The concept of money not being the end goal or what really makes you happy How one can find their contentment level or peak money happiness and why it's so important to find How to find meaningful work now while on the journey to getting it together and reaching our goals The importance of men hearing the feminist financial message Overall tips for women who are on this path of Financial Freedom to succeed Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Get a copy of Brynne’s book - The Financial Feminist Handbook Carol Graham & her findings on Happiness  Helene Massicotte - Free To Pursue 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 My One on One Money Coaching Services – Get my personalized 1on1 money coaching expertise to help you reach your financial goals 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 Brynne: Femme Frugality Instagram: @femmefrugality Facebook: Femme Frugality Twitter: @femmefrugality Pinterest: Femme Frugality   Connect with me: Instagram: @journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group

(This post may include some affiliate links) Trying to manage all of your expenses, eliminate debt, and invest, all while pursuing Financial Independence can be quite tricky. For this week’s episode, I am having another listener Q & A where I answer questions to help you on your Financial Freedom journey. In this episode I answer the following: Should I focus on paying off $100,000 student loan debt even though I’m in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program or invest? Investing in pre-tax retirement accounts like a 401K, 457 or 403B plan vs a Roth IRA How to handle $1,200 a month daycare expenses on the journey to Financial Independence? Things to consider when making a big career change. Should you focus on investing more, paying off the house or saving more cash? How to determine if it makes sense to take legal action against a company to win money in a lawsuit? At the end of the episode, I also share why I believe that you should never compare your journey to anyone else's. Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: More about the 25x rule and 4% rule to figure out how much you need saved to reach your Financial Independence number Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program tips and advice 5 Retirement Accounts You Should Know About 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 My One on One Money Coaching Services – Get my personalized 1on1 money coaching expertise to help you reach your financial goals 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

(This post may include some affiliate links) This week’s episode was recorded at FinCon, the world’s largest financial content expo that brings together more than 2,000 digital content creators/influencers and brands in personal finance and investing. I was very excited to attend my 2nd FinCon and I am happy to say that I had another great experience. I got to hang out with fellow money nerds, past guests and even some Journeyers who listen to the podcast. While I was there, I had the chance to speak with Chris Hogan, a financial speaker for Dave Ramsey’s Ramsey Solutions. As a former football player and business consultant, Chris found his passion in finance after he took a strong interest in the financial crises of his clients.  Chris is a dynamic speaker that speaks on financial subjects such as mortgages, healthcare and investing. It was great to be able to hear his ideas on building wealth and achieving financial goals. (Pre-order Chris' new book, Everyday Millionaires and get all the bonuses that Chris mentions in the episode here) In this episode we discuss: How a background in sports and coaching helped mold his winning mindset Why becoming a millionaire all starts with belief The qualities of everyday millionaires The 5 things millionaires embody, have and do The myths of the wealthy and demystifying millionaires The important distinction between a million in  income and a million in net-worth How fear and apathy keep people stuck from reaching their goals My experience at FinCon, networking tips and how to get the most out of conferences. Plus the growth I’ve seen since the last FinCon Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Pre-order Chris' new book, Everyday Millionaires and get all the bonuses that Chris mentions in the episode 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 My One on One Money Coaching Services – Get my personalized 1on1 money coaching expertise to help you reach your financial goals 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 Chris: ChrisHogan360.com Twitter: @ChrisHogan360 Facebook: Chris Hogan Connect with me: Instagram: @journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group  

Consumerism and the desire to accumulate 'things' can be one of the greatest threats to achieving Financial Independence. One of the best ways to combat this and the clutter that results is to lead a more organized lifestyle that is fueled by the things that bring you joy. This is the main principle behind the KonMari™ organization method. This week, I am speaking with Kristyn Ivey, the founder of For the Love of Tidy and Chicago’s first certified KonMari™ consultant. Kristyn is also on the journey to FI and she has made several interesting connections between tidiness and personal finance.  With a background in both engineering and interior design, Kristyn has made it her mission to teach families and professionals how to let go of “stuff” to attract a truly abundant life. In this episode we discuss: How becoming more organized and tidy can lead someone to focus and find their passion and pursue big changes in their lives The finance/organizing connection The KonMari method and the art of tidying up Finding Freedom through KonMari Using the concept of “what sparks joy” to our budgets and therefore prioritize what and how we spend/save The relationship of clutter and spending more on rent/mortgage Incorporating tidy habits for those that are not naturally tidy Kristyn’s FI journey Other tidiness and organization tips Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: For The Love of Tidy Finding Freedom Through KonMari The Spark Joy Podcast Get the Book: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up 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 My One on One Money Coaching Services – Get my personalized 1on1 money coaching expertise to help you reach your financial goals 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 Kristyn: Instagram: @fortheloveoftidy Facebook: For The Love of Tidy Connect with me: Instagram: @journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group

Minimalism, the practice of simplifying your life by living with fewer possessions, is a lifestyle choice that fits perfectly within the journey to Financial Independence. The concept of "quality over quantity" and "less equals more" allows you to spend and consume in ways that are in alignment with your life and financial goals.  This week’s guest is Joshua Becker, a best-selling author and the Founder and Editor of Becoming Minimalist. Joshua has become one of the leading voices in the modern simplicity movement reaching over 1 million readers every month. Through the use of his platform, Joshua inspires others to pursue their greatest passions by owning fewer possessions. In this episode we discuss: Joshua’s epiphany moment of clearing out his garage How he began to make the necessary adjustments to his life How owning less stuff leads to more time, more energy, more freedom, etc. The differences in decluttering, organizing, de-owning, simplifying The importance of de-owning How to simplify your time (let go of overwhelm) How to implement being a minimalist if you have children How thoughtful consumption and consumerism with the idea of owning less and the FIRE movement go hand in hand Sign up for Joshua's new quarterly magazine Simple Money here Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: The 10 Most Important Things to Simplify In Your Life 15 Clutter Busting Routines for Any Family Don't Just Declutter De-own Simplify Magazine Sign up for the Simple Money Quarterly Magazine here The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own  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 My One on One Money Coaching Services – Get my personalized 1on1 money coaching expertise to help you reach your financial goals 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 Joshua: Becoming Minimalist Twitter: @Joshua_Becker Facebook: Becoming Minimalist Connect with me: Instagram: @journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group

The journey to Financial Independence can be a tough one that is full of ebbs and flows. I believe that it is so important that we share our stories to inspire others that may be experiencing some of the same challenges that we have. That is why I have started the Journeyer Profile Series where I'm talking to my listeners and the people in my community about their path to FI. In this week’s episode, I’m speaking with Lynn who suffered a massive stroke at age 43 that almost completely derailed her journey to FI and she has an amazing story to share. Take a look at Lynn’s Journeyer Profile below. If you would like to be considered to be a journeyer for the Journeyer Profile Series go to www.journeytolaunch.com/journeyerprofile   Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Check out the Budget BootCamp  Be featured as a Journeyer on the podcast and site 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 My One on One Money Coaching Services – Get my personalized 1on1 money coaching expertise to help you reach your financial goals 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 Lynn: Lynn's Blog-Holistic Doctor Mom Lynn's Etsy Shop Connect with me: Instagram: @journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group  

Financial Freedom takes on several different forms and for today’s guests, Matt and Alli Owen, it means taking a mini-retirement and traveling the US in their red Sprinter Van, Clifford. Burnt out and struggling with depression and anxiety from living the traditional 9 to 5 lifestyle, the Owens decided to walk away from their 6-figure jobs and live life on their own terms. After saving 70% of their income over the course of 4 years, Matt and Alli were able to create the lifestyle that they truly enjoy. Today, Matt and Alli share their experiences on their journey to FI on Owen Your Future, their finance and personal development blog. In this episode we discuss: Life before the van life Matt and Alli’s careers Walking away from 6 figure incomes How living the 9-5 life left them feeling stuck and led to anxiety and depression How the Owens prepared financially How they saved 70% of income over 4 years Finding the courage to make such a big life change Why they chose Sprinter Van over a Camper or Tiny House or RV and the cost to buy the van and fix it up Resources for people that may want to fix a van to live a similar lifestyle Their monthly expenses The Owens’ future lifestyle plans Valuing experiences over things At the end of the podcast, I also talk about the waitlist to the soft launch of my monthly membership program. Get monthly tips, tools, and classes to help you launch to Financial Freedom. Click here to sign up and be the first to be notified when the doors open in Summer/Fall 2018. Also, Journey To Launch was nominated at the 9th Annual Plutus Awards for Podcast of the Year & the Community Builder Award! Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Freecampsites.com Medishare.com The Owen's YouTube Channel Van Tour: Two Engineers build a Pinterest Inspired Custom Sprinter Van in 6 Weeks 3 Step Process to Financially Preparing for Van Life Get the Owen’s 10 Minute Money Checklist 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 My One on One Money Coaching Services – Get my personalized 1on1 money coaching expertise to help you reach your financial goals 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 The Owens: Owen Your Future Instagram: @owenyourfuture Twitter: @owenyourfuture Connect with me: Instagram: @journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group

When I first started Journey To Launch, it was primarily to chronicle my journey to launch to Financial Independence. I had no way of knowing then, that today, this very same outlet that helps me share my journey and connect with so many people would cause the biggest detour on my Financial Independence path. Being able to do something I love and potentially make a living from it has allowed me to reach my dream of freedom way earlier than I could have ever expected. While striving to reach the ultimate goal of financial independence, I’ve found a way to achieve a freedom today that I would not have otherwise have known. On today’s podcast, I’m talking about: How I came to the decision to quit my 6-figure job Why I decided now was the best time to walk away How this changes my Financial Independence journey The financial, mental & emotional things I did to prepare for this big life change Future plans for me and Journey To Launch At the end of the podcast, I also talk about the waitlist to the soft launch of my monthly membership program. Get monthly tips, tools, and classes to help you launch to Financial Freedom. Click here to sign up and be the first to be notified when the doors open in Summer/Fall 2018.   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 My One on One Money Coaching Services – Get my personalized 1on1 money coaching expertise to help you reach your financial goals 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.  

As parents, the financial example that we set for our children can have a profound impact on their financial future into adulthood. Cody is the personal finance blogger behind Fly to FI and he is going against the grain and making his way towards Financial Independence as a young adult. Growing up, Cody’s parents taught him to live a lifestyle of frugality and to value saving which gave him a great head start for the future. As a high school student, Cody quickly grew to understand the value of education. He became one of the top students in his High School graduating class and he even earned college credits. He then went on to college and he pursued a degree in finance. Upon discovering The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferris, Cody’s dreams to spend his life working a fast-paced finance career that would require working long hours began to change. Today, Cody is the proud owner of a disc golf company and he shares all of his financial beliefs and ideas on his blog, Fly to FI. As a young entrepreneur and blogger, Cody has made it his mission is to improve financial literacy and change the world for the better. In this episode we discuss: The things that Cody’s parents did to give him a head start What Cody did in high school to put himself ahead in your college classes and not needing college loans. Cody’s full-time work and current side hustles His current saving/investing strategy Using side hustles and real estate as a means to fund your lifestyle and work your way to your FI goal. Why Cody made that decision to forgo working vs leaving early and hustling in the near term What gave him this confidence and know how to even attempt achieving FI Cody’s advice for parents who want to instill these lessons for their kids At the end of the podcast, I also talk about the waitlist to the soft launch of my monthly membership program. Get monthly tips, tools, and classes to help you launch to Financial Freedom. Click here to sign up and be the first to be notified when the doors open in Summer/Fall 2018. Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Scholarships-Scholly.com Scholarships-Scholarships.com Cody's golf company Check out Cody's podcast Fire Below Zero  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 My One on One Money Coaching Services – Get my personalized 1on1 money coaching expertise to help you reach your financial goals 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 Cody: Fly To FI Fire Below Zero Podcast Instagram: @flytofi Twitter: @flytofi Facebook: Fly To FI Connect with me: Instagram: @journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group  

Ideally, retirement is the event that allows for working men and women to shift their working lifestyle to a lifestyle of relaxation and enjoyment. The truth of the matter is that so many Americans, nearly one-third of those aged 55-64, have little to no savings and are unable to support themselves during their time of unemployment. Even with the median retirement account valued at more than $100,000, this is still not enough to maintain the living expenses of a person living the average lifespan of 80 years. Elizabeth White, an author and aging solutions advocate, shares this experience in hardship and has made it her mission to educate the world on the personal finance crisis. Two years ago, Ms. White wrote an online essay that depicted the financial plight of boomer-aged Americans and her story resonated with so many. The overwhelming response to the essay led her to write her book, Fifty-five, Unemployed, and Faking Normal, which tells the story of the millions of older Americans who, despite a history of career choice and decent incomes, are facing the prospect of downward mobility in old age. Today, Ms. White has sparked a national conversation, has delivered an impactful TED Talk and has been recognized as one of the Top 50 influencers on aging. In this episode we discuss: Ms. White’s story and her famous TEDx Talk Her financial mistakes and lessons learned The individual isolated behavior vs systematic factors that have led us to this point of the retirement crisis.  (The 7.7 trillion retirement GAP) The 3-legged retirement income stool- (the savings, pension and social security) and why it is so wobbly/broken Advice for older adults reaching retirement and advice for younger adults Resilient circles and how people can form them in their lives The concept of ‘Smalling-up’ What it means to have a richly textured life The changes Ms. White would have made her to habits and choices pre-retirement Her thoughts on the FIRE movement   At the end of the podcast, I also talk about the waitlist to the soft launch of my monthly membership program. Get monthly tips, tools, and classes to help you launch to Financial Freedom. Click here to sign up and be the first to be notified when the doors open in Summer/Fall 2018. Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: 55andFakingNormal.com YouTube Video of TEDx Talk Fifty-five, Unemployed, and Faking Normal Book PBS Video and Profile 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 My One on One Money Coaching Services – Get my personalized 1on1 money coaching expertise to help you reach your financial goals 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 Elizabeth: Twitter: @55fakingnormal Facebook: 55 and Faking Normal Connect with me: Instagram: @journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group