Journey To Launch

Shane Mason, CPA/PFS, CPF, is a New York-based accountant, financial planner, and all-around tax wizard that joins the show this week to discuss the one topic that has many Americans baffled: taxes. He specializes in accounting, tax preparation and financial planning services for small and medium business owners, creatives, tech professionals, expatriates and foreign nationals living in the US. Shane and I crossed paths during my search for the assistance of a new tax professional and we are delighted to have his expertise on the show to unravel tax law and what it means for everyone on the journey to Financial Independence. In this episode, we talk about: Why we have to pay taxes Why you should consider hiring a tax professional How tax refunds work Why a large tax refund isn’t necessarily a great thing Common mistakes made when filing taxes Amending a tax return Determining the right investment account for your income Factors to consider when determining where to invest first The new tax law changes and how they affect you 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. (YNAB, my favorite budgeting app is giving Journeyers a 2-month free trial, no credit card required to try their amazing budgeting system, check it out here!) Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: 3 Questions To Ask Before Spending Your Tax Refund Why You Shouldn't Want A Tax Refund IRS Withholding Calculator Sign up for Credit Sesame using my affiliate link and get your free credit report and other resources to help you monitor and improve your credit How We Saved $169,000 in 2 Years With the Help of This Budgeting System 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 Shane on: ShaneMasonCpa.com Connect with me: Journey To Launch Instagram Journey To Launch Twitter Journey To Launch Facebook Page Join the private Facebook Group

When it comes to building wealth, credit can be a key component in helping you to achieve your financial goals. Credit expert, Shante Harris, joins us on the show to talk about everything from credit scores, credit reporting, and even credit card utilization. A Maryland native, Shante shares an incredible story of triumph in which she survived cancer, becoming a mother of a child with autism, divorce and even homelessness. Throughout her times of adversity, Shante gained the experience of bouncing back from credit card debt and becoming an expert in transforming not-so-perfect credit. Today, she leads a Facebook group of more than 58,000 members where she shares her expertise and inspires others to work toward their credit goals. She is also the founder of the non-profit organization, F.A.C.E. (Facing Autism with Children Everywhere).  Sign up for Credit Sesame using my affiliate link and get your free credit report and other resources to help you with your credit.  In this episode, we talk about: Why credit is important How credit works The 5 components of a credit score The importance of the average age of accounts How travel hacking can affect your score Vantage scores vs. FICO How student loans affect your credit How employers check credit scores and other financial information Tips for paying off your credit card balance At the end of the podcast, I announced 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. (YNAB, my favorite budgeting app is giving Journeyers a 2-month free trial, no credit card required to try their amazing budgeting system, check it out here!) Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Your Financial Common Cents Facebook Group Annualcreditreport.com Sign up for Credit Sesame using my affiliate link and get your free credit report and other resources to help you with your credit How We Saved $169,000 in 2 Years With the Help of This Budgeting System 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 Shante on: Facebook Instagram Financial Common Sense shante@yourfinancialcommoncents.org Connect with me: Journey To Launch Instagram Journey To Launch Twitter Journey To Launch Facebook Page Join the private Facebook Group

Student loan debt is one of the biggest concerns of college graduates in America. Robert Farrington, the Student Loan Debt Expert, is helping readers from all over the nation to better understand the process of student loan repayment with his blog, The College Investor. Robert was always passionate about investing and making money but when he identified a need amongst his peers to share more about student loans, he changed the course of his finance blog to educate borrowers. Robert was able to pay off more than $42,000 in student loan debt over the course of 3 years and he’s sharing his methods with college grads all over the nation to encourage them to do the same. In fact, this month, he is working with others in the financial influencer community to inspire followers to collectively pay off $1 million or more of student loan debt. You can find more information about this movement in the links below. (Also, YNAB, my favorite budgeting app is giving Journeyers a 2-month free trial, no credit card required to try their amazing budgeting system, check it out here!) In this episode, we talk about: The significance of paying an additional $100 on student loan debt How earning more income is key to getting rid of debt The importance of investing in your future while paying on student loan debt Federal loan repayment and debt forgiveness programs Student loan consolidation vs. refinancing When it is appropriate to only make minimum payments and when to make extra payments Things to consider while applying for student loans   Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Join the Student Loan Debt Movement  The College Investor's Email Course for Journeyers Studentloan.gov Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Info How We Saved $169,000 in 2 Years With the Help of This Budgeting System 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 Robert on: Twitter Facebook Instagram The College Investor Connect with me: Journey To Launch Instagram Journey To Launch Twitter Journey To Launch Facebook Page Join the private Facebook Group

When it comes to saving, frugality is so more than just a habit, it’s a lifestyle choice. Liz Thames, affectionately known as Mrs. Frugalwoods, allowed a frugal lifestyle to help fuel her family toward Financial Independence and a simpler lifestyle in the woods of Vermont. Retired at 32, Liz and her husband made it a priority to make tough decisions on spending in order to save 70-80% of their income. She shares much of her wisdom on her blog, Frugalwoods, and we are delighted to have her be a part of this show. Their new book, Meet the Frugalwoods: Achieving Financial Independence Through Frugal Living Book is set for release and readers that pre-order by March 13, 2018, will receive a signed bookplate! Details are listed in the links below. (Also, YNAB, my favorite budgeting app is giving Journeyers a 2-month free trial, no credit card required to try their amazing budgeting system, check it out here!) In this episode, we talk about: How frugality can simplify your life and catapult your savings goals How important it is to consider what makes you happy in making savings/retirement plans The simple formula for achieving financial independence How to cut your expenses to achieve the lifestyle you desire The significance of understanding the opportunity cost of the money that you are spending. The importance of remaining mentally connected to your financial goals How finding meaningful hobbies can help to keep you focused during the wait of finding financial independence Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Frugalwoods' Uber Frugal Month Challenge Frugalwoods' Uber Frugal Month Challenge Meet the Frugalwoods: Achieving Financial Independence Through Frugal Living Book Pre-order and Signed Bookplate How We Saved $169,000 in 2 Years With the Help of This Budgeting System 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 Frugalwoods on: Twitter Facebook Instagram Frugalwoods.com Connect with me: Journey To Launch Instagram Journey To Launch Twitter Journey To Launch Facebook Page Join the private Facebook Group

Investing in stock can seem very intimidating but Tela Holcomb, the renowned stock investor has used swing trading as a vessel to help her create financial independence. More than 9 years ago, as a servicemember and single mom, a conversation about trading and early retirement inspired Tela to teach herself the skills necessary to replace her 9-5. In this episode, we talk about: The difference between trading and long-term investing How practice trading accounts prepare for real life stock trading Tela’s 3 trading account system How to buy stock How to make a trading plan to manage gains and losses How to manage the emotions that come with stock trading Tela’s definitions of financial independence and financial freedom Why you don’t have to be perfect to find success in stock trading. Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Tela's Website With Free Stock Market Course Tela's free Stocks and Profit Facebook Group 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 Tela on: Twitter Facebook Instagram TelaHolcomb.com Connect with me: Journey To Launch Instagram Journey To Launch Twitter Journey To Launch Facebook Page Join the private Facebook Group

Passing down generational wealth is extremely important. The best way to make sure that wealth is passed down for generations to come is through proper estate planning. Art Steele, Estate Planner and the podcaster behind The Legalese for Entrepreneurs Podcast, has an incredible story about how she came to choose her career and the epiphany that caused her to realize the significance generational wealth within in the black community. In this episode, we talk about: Understanding the racial wealth gap Why personal behavior cannot close the racial wealth gap The significance of estate planning in the black community (and all communities) How considering the “value of your life” helps with planning your estate What having an estate plan involves The legal documents required to make decisions for end of life care The roles of a financial planner and an estate planner The importance of leaving behind a will How proper estate planning can benefit generations beyond your children The significance of a trust with inheritance for children How hiring an attorney for estate planning can save you money in the long run Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: The article about the racial wealth gap Art's Free Estate Planning Workbook Art's Email Legal-Ease Course 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 Art on: Twitter Facebook Instagram Podcast: Legal-Ease for Entrepreneurs ArtSteele.co Connect with me: Journey To Launch Instagram Journey To Launch Twitter Journey To Launch Facebook Page Join the private Facebook Group

When two people are working towards a goal, amazing things can happen. This occurred for Andy Hill and his wife when they decided to come together and set a plan to reach their financial dreams.  In this episode, we talk about how Andy and his wife: Paid off $48,032 of debt in 1 year Became completely debt free by paying off their mortgage in less than 4 years Began living on one income and got on the same financial page Don't believe in giving their kids allowances & the important values they are instilling in them Plus so much more!   Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Andy's Blog & Podcast  BuzzFeed's 27 Podcasts You Need To Start Listening To in 2018 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 Andy: Marriage Kids & Money Blog & Podcast  Andy on Twitter Andy on Facebook Connect with me: Journey To Launch Instagram Journey To Launch Twitter Journey To Launch Facebook Page Join the private Facebook Group

It’s my birthday! So, this episode is going to be more personal, a solo episode where I want to talk about more of what's led me to where I am today and the lessons I've learned throughout my 35 years of life that continue to contribute to my success.  In this episode, I talk a bit about my previous failed business attempts from starting an online magazine to investing almost $22,000 in a vending machine business that ultimately did not succeed. I'm also sharing key life lessons that have helped me thus far on my life journey and hope you can find some inspiration to help you on your path too. I said that my word for this year was “Fearlessness” but it also is “Creation”. Never have I felt more inspired and filled with hope, nurturing and growing life within and all around me. I’m in a season of expansion and my dreams are literally coming true. I couldn’t be more appreciative and happy with what is and what’s to come. Thank you for listening to the podcast which now has over 50,000 downloads! If you want to give me a bday gift, here are a few things you can do: Share the podcast with your family and friends. Send them your favorite episode and/or share on your personal FB profile, twitter, Instagram, etc. Not sure, how to share or find the podcast on your favorite podcasting app? click here. If you listen to the podcast in Apple podcasts, please leave me a review Also, if you don't want to miss a thing, please make sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: The Complete Works of Florence Shinn 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 Connect with me: Journey To Launch Instagram Journey To Launch Twitter Journey To Launch Facebook Page Join the private Facebook Group  

If you’re someone looking for ways to increase your income so that you can reach your financial goals, starting your own business has probably has crossed your mind once or twice. Not only will a business become an asset but it can become an integral step in helping you reach Financial Independence. Timika Downes talks about her journey to starting a lice clinic as a side hustle in addition to working her full-time job as a nurse. Now, her lice clinic makes 6 figures a year and has afforded her a life of options and more freedom. This is an inspiring interview for anyone who wants to increase their income and start a side hustle. Here are the main topics we cover in this episode: Timika’s background Her job How she grew up frugal The importance of saving Her lightbulb moment The methods she used to pay off debt quickly How she became intentional about paying off debt Her next step towards FI Her mission to save as much as possible How she decided what she wanted from life Why FI is about having options Her business Her path to different businesses How she started her lice clinic How she built a business within her means The importance of validating a business idea Plus we talk about so much more! Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: ChooseFI Facebook group Dave Ramsey Mad Fientist Radical Personal Finance 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 Connect with Timika: Timika's blog -The Reluctant Frugalist Connect with me: Journey To Launch Instagram Journey To Launch Twitter Journey To Launch Facebook Page Join the private Facebook Group

Paying off debt is essential to getting back on track with your finances. Not only will you remove a large expense every month, but the mental freedom is priceless. That’s exactly what Whitney did by working two jobs and sticking to a tight budget. By being intentional and mindful of her spending, she was able to pay off all her debt and now owns a personal finance business. Her business now makes more money than her full-time job, which means she now gets to live on her terms and work on her business. Whitney’s hacks to paying off debt are unique and insightful, a huge help to anyone working towards paying back their debt. Here are the main topics we talked about in the episode: Whitney’s background Her journey to managing money How she paid off her $30,000 in debt in 10 months Her online business Her journey to paying off debt How she was working 2 jobs Her different tricks to paying off debt How she set her goals How to be intentional about your finances Using a holistic overview The importance of keystone habits How to set SMART goals Investing when in debt How it differs from case to case Starting an emergency fund Why it depends on how long you’ll be paying off debt Her personal finance goals Why she’s leaving her full-time job Her business goals Getting started with real estate investing Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Whitney’s Blog The Money Nerds Podcast The Money Summit The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg Dave Ramsey Leave me a voicemail- Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! Watch my CBS News Segment  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 Connect with Whitney: Whitney on Twitter Whitney on Instagram  Whitney on Facebook Connect with me: Journey To Launch Instagram Journey To Launch Twitter Journey To Launch Facebook Page Join the private Facebook Group