Journey To Launch

Once blogger Tracy Levesque released her article titled, “What I learned from binge-listening to the entire Journey to Launch podcast,” I knew that I had to have her on as a guest. She joins us after paying off $170k worth of debt and jumping on the financial independence, retire early movement. We chat about the growth mindset her mom passed down to her, her entrepreneurship journey, how true wealth is providing education, curiosity, and the understanding of the value of experiences over material possessions, and why we need to have more LGBTQIA+ voices in the FIRE community. In this episode, we discuss: What sparked Tracy’s curiosity about the FIRE movement (Financial Independence, Retire Early) Building a business without a roadmap, hustling as an entrepreneur in the computer world + getting into real estate  The steps Tracy and her wife took to pay off $170,000 of debt in 10 years using the debt avalanche method + zero-balance transfers  Blind spots in the FIRE movement, using privilege for good + the call for more queer voices in the personal finance space How Tracy’s mom taught herself about the stock market and became a successful investor + more Other Links Mentioned in episode: Read Tracy’s Blog Post: “What I learned from Binge Listening to the Entire Journey to Launch Podcast  Suze Orman’s 9 Steps to Financial Freedom  Do You Love it or Just Want It- How to Stop Stress Spending Get Good with Money by Tiffany Aliche Financial Freedom with Jamila Souffrant on the Frugal Living Podcast  How Tracy and her wife paid off $170000 of debt in 10-years Your Money Or Your Life: Transform Your Relationship With Money & Achieve Financial Independence W/ Vicki Robin Retiring At 30yrs Old & Living A Full Life On $20k A Year W/ Purple All About The Health Savings Account (HSA) -The Ultimate Retirement And Investment Account W/ Jackie Koski Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin Independence Business Alliance Get your copy of my book: Your Journey To Financial Freedom Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE Check out my personal website 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! 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. What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out here! Connect with Tracy: Website: TheTracyL.com Instagram:@LilJimmi Twitter:@LilJimmi Facebook:@LilJimmi Connect with me: Instagram: @Journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: @Journey To Launch Join the Private Facebook Group Join the Waitlist for My FI Course Get The Free Jumpstart Guide Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE

This week we are rewinding to Ariana Rodriguez's episode, who joined the Journey To Launch podcast to talk about her experience on the Netflix documentary, “Get Smart With Money” and how she was able to turn her finances around. We chat about how she used her skills to begin a side hustle, that eventually allowed her to quit her job, the power of forgiving yourself of past money mistakes, automating your money and more. In this episode, we discuss: The internal struggle and mindset that plays a role in the cycle of debt and debt repayment How Ariana pivoted from an education career to tech project management in order to increase her income  Leveraging skills for side hustles to speed up the debt payment process What the “should lifestyle” is and why it keeps people stuck in the debt system Why financial freedom is possible and attainable at any level + more Other Links Mentioned in episode: From Side Hustle To Million Dollar Virtual Assistant Business With Tasha Booth Get your copy of my book: Your Journey To Financial Freedom Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE Check out my personal website 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! 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. What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out here! Connect with Ariana: Website: ArianaRodriguez.co Instagram:@ArianaRodriguez.co Connect with me: Instagram: @Journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: @Journey To Launch Join the Private Facebook Group Join the Waitlist for My FI Course Get The Free Jumpstart Guide Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE

This week, we are rewinding to Journeyer, Josie Espinoza’s episode who shares her debt free story. She was the first in her family to go to college, but then found herself in $50K of debt which included student loans, credit cards, and auto loan debt. She discovered a passion for financial freedom and independence; and through listening to podcasts, she was able to learn what was needed to become debt free. Once debt free, Josie and her husband became focused on financial planning, saving, and securing their family’s future.    In this episode, Josie shares: Her story coming from Mexico at the age 8, helping her parents on the farm and being the youngest of 9 and the first one to get a college degree How the money mindset, “Money is made to be spent” led her to accumulate $50K of debt and how 3 weeks without money was her rock bottom How she was able to resign from her job that was affecting her mental health  Why she feels that anyone can change their finances with a little effort & more Other Links Mentioned in episode: Get your copy of my book: Your Journey To Financial Freedom Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE Check out my personal website 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! 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. What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out here! Connect with Josie: Instagram: @minimalisatodo Connect with me: Instagram: @Journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: @Journey To Launch Join the Private Facebook Group Join the Waitlist for My FI Course Get The Free Jumpstart Guide Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE

This week we are rewinding to a conversation I had with Veronique Graves, a fellow Journeyer and former member of my past community the Money Launch Club. Veronique is a self employed sign language interpreter who is on her way to financial freedom. After becoming a member of the Money Launch Club, she went from living paycheck to paycheck to paying off debt, saving, and investing.  Veronique advises those on their financial journey to be patient, set specific goals, and surround themselves with financially savvy individuals. Her motivation for financial independence stems from her desire for life flexibility and the ability to help others, inspired by how her family supported her financially in the past. In this episode, Veronique shares:  How working as a freelance contractor requires careful financial planning due to the irregular nature of her income​​. How she successfully managed to save enough to avoid living paycheck to paycheck and how she is paying off her credit card debt The significance of celebrating small wins and staying motivated by recognizing progress over time​​ + much more. Other Links Mentioned in episode: Check out the book that helped Veronique on her journey, Get Money by Kristin Wong. Get your copy of my book: Your Journey To Financial Freedom Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE Check out my personal website 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! 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. What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out here! Connect with me: Instagram: @Journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: @Journey To Launch Join the Private Facebook Group Join the Waitlist for My FI Course Get The Free Jumpstart Guide Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE

This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I am sharing a conversation I had on IG Live with Lauryn Williams from Student Loan Planner. Lauryn provides crucial information for student loan borrowers about the Biden administration's Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) waiver for federal student loans, which can significantly impact loan forgiveness eligibility. The steps to take include: understand your loan type, consider consolidation, and take timely action before June 30, 2024 which is the deadline to maximize benefits.  In this episode, Lauryn shares:  What is the IDR Waiver and how it can help student loan borrowers get closer to forgiveness Why borrowers with Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) loans or those with multiple loan types should consider consolidation to benefit from the IDR waiver. Where to go to see your loans and determine your next steps  How to stay informed about your loans and any future opportunities for forgiveness or adjustment if you miss the deadline + more. Other Links Mentioned in episode: How to Qualify for the IDR Waiver Student Loan Planner www.StudentAid.gov   Get your copy of my book: Your Journey To Financial Freedom Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE Check out my personal website 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! 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. What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out here! Connect with Lauren: Website Instagram: @LauryncWilliams Connect with me: Instagram: @Journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: @Journey To Launch Join the Private Facebook Group Join the Waitlist for My FI Course Get The Free Jumpstart Guide Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE

This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I'm featuring the second part of my discussion with Amanda Bauch, my book coach In this episode, Amanda interviews me about the experience of writing “Your Journey to Financial Freedom” — from its initial conception and the creative process to how it feels six months after its release. We also delve into the book's reception, its impact on readers, and explore the possibility of a second book and what I would do differently.  In this episode, we discuss: The timeline and steps involved in creating the book, from the initial proposal to the eventual publication. The struggles with doubts about the book's structure and organization & the challenges of writing while also running a business and raising 3 small kids What I learned during the process and how I would approach it differently in the future. The importance of investing in professional help & having a support system including family, friends, and professionals in the publishing industry + much more Other Links Mentioned in episode: Get your copy of my book: Your Journey To Financial Freedom Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE Check out my personal website 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! 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. What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out here! Connect with Amanda: Website: https://www.AmandaBauch.com Connect with me: Instagram: @Journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: @Journey To Launch Join the Private Facebook Group Join the Waitlist for My FI Course Get The Free Jumpstart Guide Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE

This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I’m speaking with my book, Your Journey to Financial Freedom’s coach and editor, Amanda C. Bauch. Our relationship has spanned over two years in bringing the book to life. On this 6 month anniversary of my book being out in the world, I am bringing you this conversation to provide a comprehensive look at the behind-the-scenes work involved in writing and publishing a book, plus Amanda’s experience as a freelancer and working for a big publishing house. Amanda is a writer, editor, and teacher who delights in helping authors share their ideas with the world. Whether ghostwriting, collaborating, editing, or coaching, she strives to provide whatever guidance and encouragement authors need along the way.  In this episode, Amanda shares: Her history and passion for writing & editing, which started from a young age and her experience working at a big five publisher, discussing challenges and opportunities.  The lengthy process of book publishing, highlighting the time and effort required from inception to publication. Why she left HarperCollins to return to freelancing and how she created a work life balance Traditional publishing vs self publishing and what is the new publishing modality; hybrid publishing + much more! This episode is the first part of a two part conversation I had with Amanda. In next week’s episode we will cover more about my book, Your Journey to Financial Freedom and how Amanda helped me with the creative and writing process + more behind the scenes.   Other Links Mentioned in episode: Get your copy of my book: Your Journey To Financial Freedom Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE Check out my personal website 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! 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. What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out here! Connect with Amanda: Website: https://www.AmandaBauch.com Connect with me: Instagram: @Journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: @Journey To Launch Join the Private Facebook Group Join the Waitlist for My FI Course Get The Free Jumpstart Guide Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE

In this Q&A episode, I am answering questions submitted from listeners of the podcast, on topics including; how to reenter the workforce after 18 years of being a stay at home mom, is getting a CFEI certification a good idea & how to get your partner on board with your financial freedom dreams. I also discuss the importance of networking, building connections and giving yourself grace on your journey + much more.  In This Episode You’ll Learn:  Tips on how to network and promote your small business  Is a CFEI certification beneficial & what are some various paths to becoming a personal finance educator Why high yield savings account are a good option to hold emergency savings or long-term goals savings How to get your partner to join you on your financial independence journey + financial planning for new parents, including emergency funds and health insurance. Timestamps: 3:00-7:20: Using the search function on the Journey to Launch website to find relevant episodes 7:20-14:20: Jamila gives advice to a listener who is a newly divorced mother of five, who owns an ice cream & candy shop and is re-entering the workforce at age 53 after 18 years as a stay-at-home mom.  14:20-24:00 Jamila answers a listener’s question regarding obtaining the CFEI certification and if she found it beneficial and would recommend it.   24:00-30:50: Should you put a $5,000 emergency fund in a money market account or a high-yield savings account.  32:00-42:35: How to persuade your husband to get on board with your financial plans. 42:35- 50:54: Tips on financially preparing for a baby  Other Links Mentioned in episode: FinancialEducatorsCouncil.org Get your copy of my book: Your Journey To Financial Freedom Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE Check out my personal website 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! 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. What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out here! Connect with me: Instagram: @Journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: @Journey To Launch Join the Private Facebook Group Join the Waitlist for My FI Course Get The Free Jumpstart Guide Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE

George Kinder is an author, international thought leader, and founder of Kinder Institute of Life Planning with more than 35 years of experience as a financial planner and tax advisor. George is dedicated to guiding individuals in uncovering their deepest values and leading more fulfilling lives. His ultimate aim is to promote greater freedom in every aspect of existence. In this conversation we discuss:  The importance of living in the present moment and mastering one's life. George’s three questions to help identify goals and priorities and how the answer to the "having 24 hrs left" question helps you realize what you’ve missed in life.  The balance between short-term pleasure and long-term financial planning.  How to find a trust-worthy financial planner who will help with your life plan George’s approach to parenting is being a good listener & showing empathy, rather than being overly restrictive or reactive + more! Other Links Mentioned in episode: George's book, "The Three Domains of Freedom" will be available late Spring 2024! Get your copy of my book: Your Journey To Financial Freedom Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE Check out my personal website 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! 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. What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out here! Connect with George: Website: https://KinderInstitute.com Website: https://www.GeorgeKinder.com Connect with me: Instagram: @Journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: @Journey To Launch Join the Private Facebook Group Join the Waitlist for My FI Course Get The Free Jumpstart Guide Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE

Bernadette Joy Cruz Maulion is a first-gen Filipina-American joins the Journey To Launch podcast to share how she paid off $300,000 of debt in three years and invested her first $1 million in her 30s. Today, Bernadette works only 20 hours a week in order to focus her financial freedom on joy: K-Pop, yoga, karaoke and spoiling her nieces and nephews as their traveling rich auntie. She understands those who feel like they missed the money memo, and is dedicated to educating others on financial topics with strategies in a way so simple anyone can understand it. In this episode Bernadette shares:  Her experiences growing up in New York City as an immigrant child of Asian descent, emphasizing the pressure to excel academically and socially. How she had to make tough choices, such as saying no to friends' events and being honest about what she could afford, to achieve financial freedom. Why she and her husband sold their paid-off home and chose to rent instead Where she invests her money from real estate sales and rental income including high-yield savings, CDs, treasury bills 401k, IRAs, and real estate investment trusts.  The importance of being present in life's moments and embracing authenticity in both personal and professional aspects + more! Other Links Mentioned in episode: Get your copy of my book: Your Journey To Financial Freedom Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE Check out my personal website 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! 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. What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out here! Connect with Bernadette: Website: https://CrushYourMoneyGoals.com Instagram:@BernaDebtJoy Twitter: @BernaDebtJoy Connect with me: Instagram: @Journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: @Journey To Launch Join the Private Facebook Group Join the Waitlist for My FI Course Get The Free Jumpstart Guide Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE