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...

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...

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...

This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, we have Jackie Cummings Koski, author of the award winning book “Money Letters 2 my Daughter” and her new book, “F.I.R.E. for Dummies”. Jackie overcame poverty, divorce and single motherhood and despite having a late start and making less than six figures, she reached Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) at age 49 in 2019 when she officially retired from her corporate job with a net worth of over $1 million. Jackie shares with us the...

Jannese Torres, Latina money educator, and author of the new book Financially Lit, joins us on the Journey to Launch Podcast to talk to us about her success in entrepreneurship and reaching her financial independence goals.  Jannese highlights the significance of financial autonomy and safeguarding assets in unhealthy relationships. She shares with us her own experience with postnuptial agreements, the benefits of maintaining separate finances, why we need to normalize discussions on prenups...

After paying off $30,000 of debt in 10 months, paying only $472 for her MBA, and buying her first home at 19, Whitney Hansen discovered her love for teaching others how to get better with their money. She travels frequently, teaches college students about personal finance as an Adjunct Professor, and tests side hustles for fun.  Whitney’s most recent side hustle includes unconventional real estate investments of building a geodesic dome and a flower pot Airbnb. We chat about the creative...

Melissa Jean-Baptiste, financial educator and author of "So This Is Why I'm Broke” is a first-generation Haitian American and former NYC high school teacher. Melissa joins us this week to recount her journey of paying off $102,000 in student loans and buying her first home, all on a teacher's salary. As the founder of Millennial In Debt, she creates a shame-free digital platform dedicated to helping Millennials and Gen Z restructure their relationships with money, obtain financial freedom,...

Back on the podcast this week is Giovanna "Gigi" Gonzalez, financial educator, influencer, founder of The First Gen Mentor, and author of Cultura & Cash. Gigi discusses how to set financial boundaries with family as a first generation immigrant using her Quiero y Puedo framework which stands for "I want, I can'' in Spanish, by first asking yourself if you truly want to provide financial support and if you actually have the financial ability to help. GiGi shares examples of how she has set...

Carleigh Bodrug is the CEO and Founder of PlantYou, a New York Times Bestselling cookbook author and self-taught plant-based chef. Carleigh founded PlantYou in 2016 after the World Health Organization announced that red and processed meat were now considered Group 1 and Group 2 Carcinogens which was especially shocking as Carleigh grew up on a “meat and potatoes” diet. With little-to-no cooking skills, and a tiny bachelor apartment kitchen, Carleigh started experimenting with plants. She...

In this week’s solo episode, I'm sharing how I am currently in a relaxed phase with my finances and business, focusing on having a balanced life and not stressing to maximize income for now. I give you tips for feeling financially secure during slower income periods and will guide you on how to reach this relaxed phase as well.  In this episode you’ll learn:  How knowing your income, savings, expenses and investment numbers will give you reassurance The importance of investments in...

In this episode, we chat with personal finance expert and author, Lynnette Khalfani Cox, who discusses how to overcome financial setbacks and adversity. She outlines 10 common challenges people face that negatively impact them financially & emotionally, which she calls the "dreaded Ds". Lynnette provides us with some key strategies for bouncing back and assures us that there are always ways to recover and build resilience after a setback; focusing on your mindset and emotional health is...

Mabel Nunez is the founder & Chief Education Officer at Girl$ on The Money - a stock market investing education company targeted toward individuals who are underrepresented in the investing world. Mabel grew up in the South Bronx as an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, with limited resources & a strong emphasis on education from her father. She learned very little about personal finance or investing while in school until she was in college, where she took an investing analysis...

Maya Corbic is a first-generation immigrant, CPA, author of the kids’ book "From Piggy Banks to Stocks: The Ultimate Guide for a Young Investor", and founder of the Wealthy Kids Investment Club. From challenging beginnings in shelters and government housing, Maya draws from her experience of overcoming financial challenges & simplifies money matters to inspire children to pursue financial success. Her vision is to empower every child to become a financially independent adult. Maya Corbic...

In this solo episode, I share the five key insights from my book, “𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐦: 𝐀 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩-𝐁𝐲-𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐓𝐨 𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬.” I talk about varying definitions of Financial Freedom, how to stay motivated on your financial journey, Five Journey Stages of Financial Independence, and more!  In this episode you’ll learn about: How Financial Independence is a marathon, not a sprint The importance of not comparing yourself to others The real benefit of pursuing...

Jessica, co-author of award-winning blog The Fioneers, speaker, and lifestyle design coach, joins the Journey To Launch podcast for a second time to discuss how her and her partner transitioned from corporate America to van-life entrepreneurs.  We chat about unconventional paths and balanced approaches to Financial Independence, tips to reach FI, navigating feelings of fear and scarcity surrounding money and FI, and more!  In this episode you’ll learn about: How Jessica and her partner...

Rose Mendonca, educator and financial enthusiast joins the Journey to Launch podcast to talk about her mission: helping all educators create wealth and the retirement of their dreams. Rose is a serial entrepreneur and founded Teacher Talks Money when she realized educators need more guidance, support, and literacy surrounding their finances and retirement options. Our conversation delves into topics such as Rose's decision to pay off her mortgage, the importance of optimizing earning...

It’s my birthday! In my latest episode, I delve into post-book debut developments, the upcoming stages for my business, my commitment to self-care this year, and the significance of leading a life you can take pride in. Additionally, I provide step-by-step instructions on what actions I would take if I were just discovering Financial Independence. Don’t forget: you can celebrate my birthday with me by listening to this episode and reviewing my book, “𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙅𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙮 𝙏𝙤 𝙁𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙁𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙤𝙢: 𝘼 𝙎𝙩𝙚𝙥...

This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast we’re featuring Israel and Sunem Tovar, two first-gen Latine siblings who empower people to use money to live their lives on their own terms. They discuss their financial journeys & achievements by sharing how Israel built a six-figure net worth by the age of 26 on a teacher salary and as a first-gen, openly gay latino, and how Sunem built a $250,000 investment portfolio and holds a Master's in finance.  Despite attending prestigious...

Maria Melchor, financial educator and creator of FirstGenLiving, joins the Journey To Launch Podcast to talk about her experience being the first in her family to build lasting wealth in America and how she built FirstGenLiving into the successful business it is today.  We also talk about taking on student loan debt to avoid burdening parents with school expenses, “survivor’s guilt,” the fallacy of the “working harder will make you wealthier” narrative, and more.  FirstGenLiving began in...

Chris Hutchins, avid life hacker, financial optimizer and host of the top ranked podcast, “All the Hacks,” joins the Journey To Launch podcast to discuss how he amassed 14 million credit card points and upgrades his life without spending a fortune.  We also talk about the dangers of optimizing too much, intentionally spending and hacking your personal finances, analysis paralysis, and more.  Before jumping into the content creation world, Chris was the Head of New Product Strategy at...

Vanessa Van Edwards, a best-selling author and behavioral researcher on professional communication and leadership, joins the Journey To Launch podcast to discuss science-based communication insights and give actionable social skills tips to advance your career, relationships, and overall life. We also chat about navigating stereotyping and biases , the importance of making definitive decisions about personal connections, leveraging cues to shape perception, and more. More than 50 million...

Arlan Hamilton, serial entrepreneur, author, and master multitasker, joins the Journey To Launch podcast to discuss her main idea that 99.9% of people can become millionaires. She gives us powerful insights on proactively creating opportunities, overcoming distrust, and maintaining consistency for sustained wealth building. Following Arlan's interview, I share the questions I’m asking myself as we transition from 2023 to 2024  and how making an impact, no matter how modest, fuels my...

Do you have a positive or negative money mindset? Are you conscious of the habits that correlate with those mindsets… or are you more like a jellyfish, going with the flow and not sure where you stand?  In this episode, I guide you through the significant impact of the intangible aspects of your financial journey. I offer definitions for mindsets and habits, present a framework for self-assessment, share my personal experience in leveraging a challenging situation, and provide insights on...

You’ve seen the social media posts: “To be successful, quit your corporate career and strike out on your own!” “Entrepreneur ‘til I die,” “Don’t make someone else rich!” While the idea that becoming an entrepreneur leads to increased flexibility and income may hold true for some, it's not a universal fit and often takes time to materialize. In this episode, I delve into my personal journey as an entrepreneur, recounting various challenges and setbacks. I discuss why I consider Journey To...

The time for goal-setting is here, Journeyers! The end of the year is the perfect time to take inventory of your financial goals. In this episode, I dive deep into how to set and prioritize financial goals using concepts from my new book, “Your Journey To Financial Freedom.” I talk about goal dumping, being flexible with your dreams, and being honest with yourself and what you want out of life. In this episode you’ll also learn more about: Breaking down the 5 Categories of Financial Goals...