This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I’m reflecting on my own financial freedom journey so far and defining key concepts around financial independence. Not too long ago my growing family and demanding commute to my corporate job fueled my desire for a more flexible, fulfilling life. My husband and I saved and invested $169,000 in two years, I began my journey of entrepreneurship, wrote my book “Your Journey to Financial Freedom” and today I get to choose what I want to do with my time.
I’m also reviewing my framework for achieving financial freedom, starting with calculating your financial independence number (the amount needed to live off investments without active work) and progressing through my "Journeyer Stages" from stabilizing finances to achieving full work flexibility or "financial independence." I’m encouraging you to embrace your journey towards financial independence and find fulfillment along the way.
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This week on the Journey to Launch podcast, I am speaking to Christine Benz, Director of Personal Finance at Morningstar. Christine shares her insights on how to retire and addresses certain issues that come up during retirement such as safe spending rates and the under-spending problem. She advises early retirees to be flexible with withdrawals, highlights the importance of finding balance in retirement, such as community service and hobbies and stresses the value of micro joys and small daily activities that bring joy and purpose.
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In this week’s solo episode of the Journey to Launch Podcast, I explore the concept of wealth and what it means to be truly rich. While wealth is often defined by an abundance of money or material possessions, I discuss the distinction between "visible wealth" (like possessions) and "invisible wealth" (such as financial security, time freedom, and health). I also emphasize the importance of avoiding comparisons to others, especially in affluent environments, and instead focusing on your own financial journey.
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This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I’m joined by Naseema McElroy, a nurse, financial expert, and founder of Financially Intentional. Naseema, who has been a guest before, previously shared her inspiring journey from single motherhood to paying off $300,000 in debt, ultimately eliminating $1 million in total debt, and achieving millionaire status while working as a nurse. In this episode, she talks about earning over $230,000 a year as a labor and delivery nurse in the San Francisco Bay Area. Naseema also dives into financial independence, mindset shifts, and how she balances her career, business, and personal life. Tune in to hear her perspective on how financial independence isn’t just about wealth—it’s about the freedom to live life on your own terms.
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This week on the podcast, we speak to Scott H. Young, the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Ultralearning, podcast host, computer programmer, and avid reader. Scott discusses the importance of continuous learning and personal growth, focusing on how learning new skills can lead to personal fulfillment and financial success. He shares insights on managing anxiety through exposure therapy and the significance of self-directed learning. He also discusses the balance between personal and public learning, the evolving landscape of online entrepreneurship and much more.
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This week on the podcast, we chat with returning guest, Brandon Copeland, a 10-year NFL veteran and CEO of Athletes for College Athletes, who discusses his new book "Your Money Playbook". In this conversation, Brandon emphasizes the importance of financial hustle, smart spending, and legacy planning. He shares his early NFL experiences, highlighting the necessity of saving plus stresses the significance of financial education and having a support system.
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This week, I’m bringing you a long overdue solo episode, catching you up on what's been happening in my life and business lately. I talk about our decision to skip summer camp for the kids this year, allowing us to spend more quality time together as a family while I took a break from work. I also reflect on how I'm managing the business at a slower pace, thanks to relying on savings and the importance of planning for fluctuating income. Plus, I share my journey of preparing for my first half marathon, the Reggae Marathon in Jamaica this December (which also coincides with the 1 year anniversary of my book release, "Your Journey To Financial Freedom", along with some other exciting projects on the horizon!
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In this episode, we discuss:
Esther’s financial foundations which allowed her to be debt-free except for student loans and how she contributes to HSAs and 401(k)s to build wealth
Esther’s experience of being diagnosed with colorectal cancer at 36, the financial impact it had on her, and the importance of having a plan in place for unexpected events.
Life insurance, estate planning, and balancing financial independence with enjoying life in the present.
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This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, Amina AlTai, a holistic business and career coach, discusses her journey from burnout to wellness. She shares her experience of nearly dying from organ failure due to overwork and stress & emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and advocating for oneself. She advises listeners to identify and address tolerations, practice micro habits for well-being, seek support from allies + much more.
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Cassandra Henry is a Journeyer from Bronx, New York, who is paying off debt and investing in herself. Cassandra is a first generation Dominican American and at 25 years old she was her family’s breadwinner. As a result, she quickly learned the importance of taking control of her finances and her debt. Cassandra shares how she eliminated credit card debt and boosted her income with side hustles.
In this episode, you'll learn:
How Cassandra started following a financial minimalist approach which helped her pay off her credit card debt
How changing her mindset was key to tackling debt and improving her financial situation.
Why Cassandra encourages others to educate themselves, invest in personal development, and seek out communities or resources that support financial growth.
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