Journey To Launch

Jamila Souffrant

  • 35 minutes 22 seconds
    Episode 411: The Hidden Cost of Over-Saving: When Saving Too Much Holds You Back

    In this week’s episode of the Journey to Launch podcast, I’m exploring the concept of "over-saving" and its potential to hinder financial growth and life enjoyment. You’ll hear about my personal journey of saving, a habit deeply instilled in me by my family, and how it has enabled me to achieve significant milestones throughout my life. However, I also mention how an overemphasis on saving, driven by fear or outdated goals, can prevent you from taking risks, making investments, and enjoying your money. I encourage you to understand your “enough point”—the amount needed to sustain a comfortable lifestyle—and align your saving and spending habits with your evolving financial goals.

    In this episode, I share:

    • The importance of balancing saving with spending, and how to reflect on whether your saving habits are holding you back from opportunities and personal growth. 
    • The concept of the "enough point," the income and savings level needed to sustain a desired lifestyle, and how to align your financial goals with this benchmark.
    • How to reframe viewing money as a tool to achieve financial goals, how to intentionally spend and invest in personal growth, happiness, and financial freedom.
    • How to differentiate smart saving from over-saving and the need for intentional saving aligned with current goals and values + more!

    Other Links Mentioned in episode:

    Connect with me:

    29 January 2025, 10:00 am
  • 57 minutes 45 seconds
    Episode 410: The Emotional Side of Money & Healing Financial Trauma with Aja Evans

    This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I am joined by Aja Evans, a licensed mental health counselor, financial therapist and author of Feel Good Finance. Aja discusses her financial awakening in her 20s, which led her to explore and merge her interests in mental health and financial well-being. She highlights the importance of addressing money-related emotions and breaking down barriers to achieve financial independence. We explore topics such as financial infidelity, the challenges of entrepreneurship, the role of cultural and generational influences in shaping financial behaviors plus much more.

    In this conversation, Aja shares:

    • Her transition from general mental health counseling to focusing on the intersection of emotions and money. 
    • Why resolving emotional patterns tied to money is key to making better financial decisions and building confidence.
    • Practical advice on improving self-worth, creating healthy money habits, and fostering open communication about finances, especially in relationships and families. 

    Watch the video to this episode on YouTube.

    The Map Your Path to Financial Independence 6-Week Group Coaching Program is now open for enrollment!

    Are you ready to break free from the grind, build passive income streams, and take control of your financial future? This transformative program includes a 10-step course, live weekly group coaching, dedicated implementation weeks, and exclusive bonuses like a Budget course and FI Calculator + you can get a 45 min one on one coaching session with Jamila! Don’t miss your chance to rewrite your financial story and start living life on your terms.

    Enroll now by 1/26 and start your journey to financial freedom!

    Other Links Mentioned in episode:

    Connect with Aja:

    Connect with me:

    22 January 2025, 10:00 am
  • 56 minutes 39 seconds
    Episode 409: The Hidden Barriers Between You & Financial Freedom w/ Jessica Moorhouse

    In this episode of the Journey to Launch Podcast, I spoke to Jessica Moorhouse, a financial expert and author of Everything But Money: The Hidden Barriers Between You and Financial Freedom. Jessica discusses the emotional and psychological challenges that hinder financial progress, highlighting the impact of unresolved trauma and negative self-talk on financial behaviors. Drawing from personal experiences and innovative therapies like EMDR and Internal Family Systems, she shares insights on how to identify and address hidden barriers to success. Jessica also encourages listeners to pursue their passions with purpose while maintaining a balance between ambition and joy. 

    In this episode Jessica discusses: 

    • Her unhealthy relationship with money, despite outward appearances
    • How unhealthy friendships and being a middle child affected her leading to a negative self-perception and how it impacted her career trajectory.
    • The different forms of therapy she tried, including EMDR and Internal Family Systems (IFS) and how it helped her reprocess trauma and heal different parts of herself. 
    •  The value of finding happiness in small moments and hobbies and how to enjoy the journey and not take everything too seriously. 

    Watch the video to this episode on YouTube here: 

    The Map Your Path to Financial Independence 6-Week Group Coaching Program is now open for enrollment!

    Are you ready to break free from the grind, build passive income streams, and take control of your financial future? This transformative program includes a 10-step course, live weekly group coaching, dedicated implementation weeks, and exclusive bonuses like a Budget course and FI Calculator. Don’t miss your chance to rewrite your financial story and start living life on your terms.

    Sign up by 1/17 and save $200 before the price goes up! Enroll now and start your journey to financial freedom!

    Other Links Mentioned in episode:

    Connect with Jessica:

    Connect with me:

    15 January 2025, 10:00 am
  • 50 minutes 45 seconds
    Episode 408: Frugality as a Superpower: Aligning Money with Your Values with Jen Smith & Jill Sirianni

    This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I’m joined by Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni, co-hosts of the Frugal Friends podcast and authors of Buy What You Love Without Going Broke. We dive into the true meaning of frugality, breaking away from the common perception of it being about deprivation or cheapness. Instead, Jen and Jill frame frugality as intentional, value-driven spending that supports your goals and priorities. They share insights on understanding spending habits, using a 90-day transaction inventory to uncover patterns, and how dopamine fasting can reprogram spending behaviors. Tune in for practical tips and strategies to help you spend with purpose, align your money with what truly matters, and find joy on your path to financial freedom.

    In this episode you’ll learn: 

    • That frugality is not about wanting less but wanting different and embracing the desire for big things in life. It’s about good stewardship of all resources.
    • The need for flexibility and fluidity in spending decisions, especially during different life stages. 
    • How a no spend challenge can be a way to pause non-essential spending and give the brain space to ask important questions about spending behaviors. 
    • How to align spending with deeper values such as faith, family, friends, and fulfilling work.

    Other Links Mentioned in episode:

    Connect with The Frugal Friends:

    Connect with me:

    8 January 2025, 10:00 am
  • 46 minutes 20 seconds
    Episode 407: Building a Life of Purpose & Finding Meaning in Everyday Life w/ Jordan Grumet

    This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast we have a returning guest, Jordan Grumet, a financial independence and wellness expert, discussing his new book, "The Purpose Code," which explores the concept of purpose in our lives. He differentiates between "little p" purpose, which is process-oriented and joyful, and "big P" purpose, which is goal-oriented and often stressful. Jordan emphasizes that true happiness and impact come from engaging in activities that bring joy, rather than striving for grand achievements. He also addresses the misconception that lack of time or money prevents one from finding purpose, suggesting that youth, energy, and community can be leveraged. Jordan advocates for building a life of purposeful activities, which in turn fosters deeper connections and long-term impact.

    In this episode, Jordan discusses:

    • His transition from being a hospice doctor to focusing on understanding and helping others find their purpose.
    • The difference between meaning and purpose and why purpose is a key ingredient of happiness.
    • How to identify and build purpose anchors through methods like life reviews, subtraction, revisiting childhood joys, and experimenting with the spaghetti method. 
    • Why parenting is a responsibility and it shouldn't be one's sole purpose + why focusing on one's own purpose sets a positive example for children & leads to generational growth.
    • And more!

    Other Links Mentioned in episode:

    Connect with Jordan:

    Connect with me:

    1 January 2025, 10:00 am
  • 28 minutes 45 seconds
    Episode 406: Financial Independence is Within Your Reach - Chapter 1 From My Book “Your Journey To Financial Freedom”

    This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I have a gift for you! I’m sharing the 1st chapter to my book, Your Journey to Financial Freedom. In this chapter I start off my book defining Financial Freedom and Independence and addressing the various financial independence approaches. I highlight the importance of setting financial goals, even if they seem unattainable initially, and the personal growth achieved through the pursuit of FI. Financial Independence doesn’t necessarily mean you need to quit working, instead it's about having options and control over your financial life. 

    In the first chapter of my book I share: 

    • How to choose a path other than the basic personal finance and elite FIRE approaches and create your own financial path to Financial Freedom
    • That financial independence is not about accumulating wealth but about the personal growth and skills gained along the journey.
    • That the idea that retiring early is impossible or unrealistic is a common misconception. This decision is personal & can vary from person to person.
    • Why you should view financial freedom as a form of control and peace of mind, even with any current financial constraints.

    Other Links Mentioned in episode:

    Connect with me:

    25 December 2024, 12:29 pm
  • 51 minutes 5 seconds
    Episode 405: 10 Life & Financial Lessons from Running My First Half Marathon in Jamaica

    This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I am sharing my journey of running my first half marathon at the Reggae Marathon in Negril, Jamaica, drawing the parallels between the lessons learned from running and those from my financial freedom journey. This race aligned with the one-year anniversary of my book “Your Journey to Financial Freedom” and had me reflect on the power of setting ambitious goals, embracing challenges, and finding joy in the journey. I also share the pleasure I had to be able to stay at two boutique, family-owned resorts—Rondel Village and Travelers Beach Resort, and being able to reunite with former podcast guests, Tiffany Grant and Tanya Taylor. Through the lessons drawn from the race, I talk about the importance of community, preparation, and maintaining an optimistic mindset, while celebrating serendipitous moments that reflect life’s magic. 

    In this episode I share: 

    • The race details, waking up at 3:45 AM for the shuttle to the starting line, starting the race at 5:15 AM, shared moments with other runners & the thrill of crossing the finish line with a sense of accomplishment.
    • How training for the race paralleled the financial independence journey since both require preparation, perseverance, incremental progress & community support
    • Why you should avoid assumptions about others and comparing yourself to others, instead focus on your progress
    • Serendipitous moments like reuniting with family and connecting with podcast listeners can remind us of life’s wonder and interconnectedness + more.

    Other Links Mentioned in episode:

    Connect with me:

    19 December 2024, 1:09 am
  • 55 minutes 14 seconds
    Episode 404: Entrepreneurship & Relocation: Building a Sustainable Lifestyle in Jamaica with Tiffany Grant

    In this episode of the Journey to Launch podcast, I had an amazing conversation with Tiffany Grant, an accredited financial counselor and entrepreneur, about her journey to achieving financial freedom and her decision to relocate from the United States to Jamaica. Tiffany shares how she created a career in personal finance through her blog, podcast, and coaching business, Money Talk with Tiff and recounts the challenges of transitioning from corporate America to full-time entrepreneurship. Tiffany also dives into her life in Jamaica and talks about the cultural, educational, and healthcare differences compared to the U.S. She shares how her move was motivated by a desire for a simpler, more community-focused lifestyle and better opportunities for her children. Tiffany emphasizes the importance of financial preparedness, adaptability, and building a support system when making a significant life change.

    In this episode, Tiffany shares:

    • The impact of becoming a teenage mother at 17, which motivated her to get serious about her finances and debt payoff, making it a goal to be debt free by 35. 
    • The financial considerations of living in Jamaica, the importance of understanding the local culture, safety concerns and how she has built a support system, including friends who helped her navigate the new environment.
    • The visa process for staying in Jamaica, the process for relocating and for obtaining citizenship by descent 
    • Why anyone relocating to another country should think about how they can contribute to the local community and the need to know your financial numbers and understand the legal requirements for living in a new country.

    Other Links Mentioned in episode:

    Connect with Tiffany:

    Connect with me:

    11 December 2024, 10:00 am
  • 52 minutes 32 seconds
    Episode 403: Protecting Love with Finances: How Prenups Strengthen Relationships w/ Aaron Thomas

    This week on the Journey to Launch podcast, I’m joined by Aaron Thomas, a Harvard-educated family law expert and founder of Prenups.com. Aaron takes us through his journey from public defender to family law attorney and entrepreneur, highlighting the critical role of financial planning in marriage through prenups and postnups. These agreements help couples establish clear financial boundaries and expectations, reducing potential conflicts both during the marriage and in the event of a divorce.

    Aaron explains that every couple is already subject to a default "prenup" defined by state laws, but creating a personalized agreement allows couples to take control of their financial dynamics. He stresses that prenups aren’t just for the wealthy—they’re valuable tools for any couple looking to avoid common financial disputes and strengthen their relationship

    In this episode, Aaron shares:

    • Aaron clarifies the difference between a prenup and a postnup and the benefits of creating a customized agreement.
    • The emotional barriers people face when bringing up the topic of prenups with their partners and the need to frame the conversation in terms of financial protection rather than planning for divorce.
    • How customized prenups can include unique clauses like counseling or annual meetings and the importance of adapting prenups to a couple's evolving life and finances.
    • The value of prenups, emphasizing their cost-effectiveness compared to weddings, their role in avoiding costly divorces, and the importance of treating them as a serious financial investment.

    Other Links Mentioned in episode:

    Connect with Aaron:

    Connect with me:

    4 December 2024, 10:00 am
  • 50 minutes 50 seconds
    Episode 402: Redefining Happiness through Intentional and Sustainable Spending with Kara Perez

    This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I’m joined by Kara Perez, founder of Bravely Go and author of Green Money. Kara shares her inspiring journey from paying off $65,000 in student loans to creating a financial education company. She emphasizes the impact of values-based budgeting and reducing waste as key strategies for building wealth. Kara also discusses how to use money as a force for positive change, including aligning your finances with ethical practices like switching banks, and introduces the concept of "financially secure YOLO," offering practical advice on balancing financial goals with enjoying life.

    In this episode Kara shares: 

    • How to align your spending with personal values in a social media-driven world that may encourage overconsumption & strategies to resist unnecessary purchases.
    • How individuals can contribute to environmental sustainability through financial choices, like moving money to ethical banks.
    • Examples of collective financial solutions like babysitting co-ops and bartering services to reduce costs while fostering community connections.
    • Her experience of maintaining separate bank accounts with her partner but scheduling regular money dates to ensure alignment on shared financial goals and upcoming expenses.

    Other Links Mentioned in episode:

    Connect with Kara:

    Connect with me:

    27 November 2024, 10:00 am
  • 50 minutes 3 seconds
    Episode 401: A Candid Convo on Finding the Balance Between Enjoyment and Financial Discipline with my Sister, Imani Manning

    This week on the podcast, I’m having a real talk with my sister, Imani, about her financial habits and goals. Imani started a Roth IRA back in 2020 and has seen it grow nicely, but she’s had trouble staying consistent with contributions—mainly because of concerns about accessibility and wanting to enjoy her money now (can you relate?)

    We dive into why opening a high-yield savings account, automating her Roth IRA contributions, and paying off her credit card in full each month are game changers. Imani gets the long-term benefits of these moves and is open to making changes, but she shares the challenges of balancing saving for the future with enjoying the present.

    Together, we talk through realistic strategies to overcome financial hesitations and why small, steady steps can lead to big wins when it comes to financial stability and growth.

    In this episode Imani shares: 

    • Her excitement on seeing her initial investment double in her Roth IRA from 2020, and the importance of regular contributions and the value of patience and discipline in building long-term wealth.
    • Her struggles with maintaining consistent contributions to her Roth IRA, fearing losing access to funds and prioritizing short-term gratification over long-term financial goal.
    • How to balance enjoyment with financial responsibility, and the challenges of following a plan that will benefit us in the future.
    • How she's seen successes from following my advice in the past and commits to implementing the suggested steps: 
      • Open a high-yield savings account to earn more interest on her savings.
      • Set up automatic monthly contributions to her Roth IRA, even starting with a small amount like $100–200.
      • Pay off her credit card balance in full each month to avoid interest charges

    Other Links Mentioned in episode:

    Connect with Imani:

    Connect with me:

    20 November 2024, 10:00 am
  • More Episodes? Get the App
© MoonFM 2025. All rights reserved.