We’re taking it back to one of our most inspiring travel episodes! Preethi Harbuck of the Local Passport Family joined us to share her incredible journey of traveling the world with her husband and five kids. Together, they’ve visited 62 countries (43 with kids!) while making travel a priority in their lives—on a budget.

In this throwback episode, Preethi reflects on how her upbringing shaped her views on money, the creative ways her family funds their adventures, and how they’ve turned travel into a tool for teaching their children about culture, history, and financial responsibility.

If you’ve ever wondered how to balance travel with a large family or thought that international trips with kids were impossible, Preethi’s story will inspire you to rethink what’s possible. Tune in to rediscover this gem of an episode and get actionable tips for making your own family travel dreams a reality!

Key Takeaways

• Growing Up Frugal: How Preethi’s immigrant upbringing shaped her relationship with money.

• Traveling with Five Kids: How her family has explored 43 countries together.

• Budget-Friendly Travel Tips: From $170 flights to saving on accommodations through Airbnb.

• Teaching Kids About Money: Weekly family meetings to build financial literacy from a young age.

• Cultural Immersion: How living like locals while traveling helps their family connect with new places.

• Using Money as a Tool: Preethi’s philosophy of spending intentionally on what matters most.

Ready to take control of your financial future and cross another country off your list? Join Lauryn Williams at the Welcome to Wealth Retreat in Colombia! Build a personalized financial plan while experiencing an incredible new culture. Click here to reserve your spot today!

About Lauryn Williams

Lauryn Williams is a Certified Financial Planner, Olympian, and financial educator passionate about helping people take control of their finances. Lauryn also hosts the Welcome to Wealth Retreats, designed to help individuals create actionable financial plans while traveling and experiencing new cultures. Learn more about her speaking services and retreats [here].

Connect with Preethi

• Visit the website: localpassportfamily.com

• Follow Preethi on Instagram: @localpassportfamily

Follow Us on Social Media

• Follow Lauryn on Instagram: @worthwinning

• Follow the Worth Listening Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Connect with Lauryn on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lauryn-williams

Chloe Moore is Back for the "Know Better, Do Better" Series! This time, we're diving into the art of budgeting for travel. Whether you're a spontaneous traveler or a detailed planner, Lauryn and Chloe break down practical strategies to help you enjoy your trips while staying on track with your financial goals.

From understanding how to prioritize travel in your budget to setting up savings "buckets," this episode covers everything you need to know to plan your dream vacations without breaking the bank.

Key Takeaways

• Discover the average cost of vacations and why planning ahead can help you avoid financial pitfalls.

• Learn how to create a yearly travel budget that aligns with your priorities and goals.

• Find out how savings buckets can simplify travel planning and why reimbursing yourself immediately is key.

• Get tips for booking flights and accommodations strategically to save money and make the most of your trips.

• Understand the importance of cancellation policies, trip insurance, and leveraging travel credit card perks.

Money Quote: “Fill your life with experiences, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show.” ― Abhysheq Shukla

Links & Resources Mentioned

• Budgeting Apps: You Need a Budget | Monarch Money

• Book Recommendation: Happy Money by Elizabeth Dunn

• Podcast Episodes:

  • Know Better Do Better: Credit Card Hacking, With Chloe Moore

  • Behind the Numbers: Budgeting for Big Expenses, With Lauryn Williams and Chloé Moore

  •  

Ready to take control of your financial future while soaking up the local culture in an exciting destination? Join Lauryn Williams at the Welcome to Wealth Retreat in Medellin, Colombia! Build a personalized financial plan while experiencing an incredible new culture. Click here to reserve your spot today!

About Lauryn Williams

Lauryn Williams is a Certified Financial Planner, Olympian, and financial educator passionate about helping people take control of their finances. Lauryn also hosts the Welcome to Wealth Retreats, designed to help individuals create actionable financial plans while traveling and experiencing new cultures. Learn more about her speaking services and retreats [here].

Follow Us on Social Media

• Follow Chloe on Instagram: @financialstaples

• Connect with Chloe on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chloemoore

• Follow Lauryn on Instagram: @worthwinning

• Follow the Worth Listening Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

• Connect with Lauryn on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lauryn-williams

In today’s episode, Lauryn Williams talks with Brittney Lynn, a PR agency owner who has crafted a life of adventure and financial freedom. From growing up as an only child in Indiana to living debt-free and embarking on a “van life” journey, Brittney shares her incredible path. She discusses her financial lessons, paying off debt with her husband, and how they eventually left Dallas to travel across the country in a custom-built van. Brittney now resides in San Diego, where she runs her PR agency, Human Connection Agency, and continues to prioritize a life designed on her terms.

Key Takeaways

• [00:02:14] Brittney’s childhood background: Brittney shares her upbringing as an only child in Indiana, dealing with divorce, mental health struggles in her family, and how those experiences shaped her fearless approach to travel and life.

• [00:10:27] Learning about personal finance: In her late teens and early twenties, Brittney actively sought out personal finance information to live a different life than what she experienced growing up. She explains how this shift impacted her decisions.

• [00:12:30] Navigating student loans and college: Brittney talks about attending Purdue University, the lack of understanding around student loans, and how she managed her living expenses and education costs by taking on loans and working part-time jobs.

• [00:32:55] Combining finances with her husband: After getting married, Brittney and her husband took the time to merge their finances and confront their debt. She shares how tough those early financial meetings were but how they ultimately became a team focused on paying off debt.

• [00:38:56] The start of van life: Brittney and her husband decided to sell their home and move into a custom-built van. They sold 90% of their possessions, built out the van, and hit the road to find their next home, eventually settling in San Diego.

• [00:48:30] The costs and flexibility of van life: Brittney breaks down how they approached the cost of van life, opting for a new van for reliability and taking advantage of remote work to make van life financially feasible.

Inspired by Brittney’s story of adventure and financial freedom? Check out her PR agency, Human Connection Agency, and follow her on Instagram at @BrittneyLynn. If you’re ready to take control of your finances, don’t forget to check out our upcoming financial retreats!

Links & Resources Mentioned

• Brittney Lynn’s PR Agency: HumanConnectionAgency.com

• Follow Brittney on Instagram:@brittneyllynn

• Child-Free Wealth: childfreewealth.com

About Lauryn Williams

Lauryn Williams is a Certified Financial Planner, Olympian, and financial educator passionate about helping people take control of their finances. Lauryn also hosts the Welcome to Wealth Retreats, designed to help individuals create actionable financial plans while traveling and experiencing new cultures. Learn more about her speaking services and retreats [here].

Follow Us on Social Media

• Follow Lauryn on Instagram: @worthwinning

• Follow the Worth Listening Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

• Connect with Lauryn on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lauryn-williams

Lauryn Williams dives deep into the complexities of the student loan world. From the SAVE plan and income-driven repayment options to Parent PLUS loans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Lauryn shares valuable insights to help borrowers navigate uncertainty and take control of their financial future. Whether you're juggling six-figure debt or looking to maximize repayment strategies, this episode offers actionable advice for optimizing your student loans during a time of legislative and administrative changes.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Lauryn breaks down the latest developments in the student loan world, offering actionable steps for borrowers. Whether you're pursuing forgiveness, managing Parent PLUS loans, or wondering how the SAVE plan impacts you, this episode provides clarity to help you prepare for the end of 2024 and beyond.

Key Takeaways Include:

• Lauryn’s journey to becoming a student loan expert and why helping borrowers is so rewarding.

• The challenges with the SAVE forbearance plan and its impact on borrowers seeking Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

• Why PAYE and IBR repayment plans might be the safest options amid ongoing changes.

• The importance of stacking cash if you’re on SAVE forbearance and aiming to pay off your loans.

• How the PSLF buyback program works and what to consider before it changes.

• Strategies for Parent PLUS loans, including the double consolidation loophole and why time is of the essence.

• Updates on the IDR account adjustment and why it’s critical for borrowers before administration changes.

• December’s flurry of anticipated updates and how to prepare without missing key opportunities.

Links & Resources Mentioned

• For more information about the SAVE plan and updates on student loans, visit StudentAid.gov

• Learn more about the PSLF Buyback 

• Get help with your student loan plan: studentloanplanner.com/author/lauryn-williams

About Lauryn Williams

Lauryn Williams is a Certified Financial Planner, Olympian, and financial educator passionate about helping people take control of their finances. Lauryn also hosts the Welcome to Wealth Retreats, designed to help individuals create actionable financial plans while traveling and experiencing new cultures. Learn more about her speaking services and retreats [here].

Follow Us on Social Media

• Follow Lauryn on Instagram: @worthwinning

• Follow the Worth Listening Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Connect with Lauryn on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lauryn-williams

We’re continuing our Travel Series with a special throwback episode! Originally aired in October 2022, this conversation with Certified Financial Planner Jonathan Grannick is a must-listen for anyone looking to balance living an epic life today with planning for a financially secure tomorrow.

Jonathan, founder of Wonder Wealth LLC, brings 11 years of financial planning experience and a passion for helping young families and professionals. But his adventurous spirit and love of travel make his story so unique. From living in four countries and swimming with whale sharks in the Philippines to navigating intense poverty in Manila’s slums, Jonathan’s travels have redefined how he measures wealth far beyond money.

Tune in as Jonathan shares stories from his financial journey, including when his checking account dwindled to just $300 after quitting his job to move to Australia. You’ll also hear Lauryn’s reflections on why travel is such a powerful tool for gaining perspective and making better life decisions.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why waiting until retirement to enjoy your money is a broken model.

• Jonathan’s life-changing travel stories and their financial lessons.

• How Jonathan redefines wealth beyond money.

• Lauryn’s insights on aligning spending with your values and priorities.

• Why travel is one of the best ways to broaden your financial mindset.

• The formula for the best money Jonathan ever spent.

This throwback episode is a timeless reminder that living a wealthy life isn’t just about accumulating money—it’s about balancing today’s experiences with tomorrow’s security. Whether you’re dreaming of travel, financial freedom, or both, Jonathan’s story will inspire you to start your own “Day One” journey.

Lauryn’s Travel Series Takeaways:

Travel isn’t just about fun—it’s a way to immerse yourself in new cultures, gain perspective, and clarify what matters most in life. Lauryn’s own journey living in Medellín, Colombia, has fueled her passion for helping others experience meaningful travel through the Welcome to Wealth retreats.

Links & Resources Mentioned

• Learn more about Jonathan at wonderwealthfp.com

• Explore Lauryn’s financial retreats at worth-winning.com/financial-retreats

About Lauryn Williams

Lauryn Williams is a Certified Financial Planner, Olympian, and financial educator passionate about helping people take control of their finances. Lauryn also hosts the Welcome to Wealth Retreats, designed to help individuals create actionable financial plans while traveling and experiencing new cultures. Learn more about her speaking services and retreats [here].

Follow Us on Social Media

• Follow Lauryn on Instagram: @worthwinning

• Follow the Worth Listening Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Connect with Lauryn on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lauryn-williams

Chloe Moore is back for the "Know Better, Do Better" series! This time, we dive into the world of credit card hacking. Many people want to use their credit cards for travel, but how exactly does it work, and what are the potential pitfalls? 

Lauryn and Chloe break it down, sharing essential strategies and cautionary tales to make sure you're using credit cards to your advantage, not the other way around. Whether you're interested in travel points, cashback, or maximizing perks, this episode covers everything you need to know.

Key Takeaways

• Trends, Taxes, and Tea: Lauryn and Chloe kick off the episode by talking about trends in household debt. In Q2 2024, household debt rose by $109 billion to a staggering $17.8 trillion, and credit card balances alone reached $1.4 trillion. This episode comes at a critical time as many people find themselves relying on credit cards post-pandemic, but Chloe and Lauryn remind us that managing debt starts with mindful planning and saving.

• Understanding Your Spending Habits: Before diving into credit card hacking, review your spending. Are you spending more on groceries, dining out, or travel? Understanding these categories helps you choose the right card. Budgeting is key!

• Choosing the Right Credit Card Benefits: What are your goals with credit cards? Cashback, points, or other perks? Lauryn shares how she assumed her points strategy was optimized but learned she needed to do more research for the best bang for her buck. Chloe and Lauryn discuss why reading the fine print is crucial.

• Cost vs. Benefits: Remember that some cards come with hefty annual fees, ranging from $400-$600. These fees might make sense if you use all the perks, but think about why you want the card and if it suits your lifestyle. If you're in the military, these fees might be waived—so take advantage!

• Perks Beyond Points: Cards often have extra perks like free checked bags, lounge access, or subscriptions. Make sure you sign up for these bonuses if they make sense for you—but also check if the perks justify the fees.

• Strategizing Sign-Up Bonuses: A savvy move is for spouses to each apply for the same card to double up on sign-up bonuses. However, planning is key—credit card companies make money when we make mistakes, so stay mindful.

• Maximizing Your Points: Flexibility matters. Look for cards with transfer partners, and don’t transfer points until you’re ready to use them. Check your credit card's website for ongoing promotions—they can lead to unexpected savings!

• General Tips for Credit Card Hacking: Remember, time is money. Be careful not to consume too much time trying to optimize every single point. Credit cards can increase spending tendencies, so stay on top of your budget. Avoid rolling over balances—the interest costs quickly outweigh the value of the perks.

Money Quote: "Credit makes it possible for us to waste money before we have the money." — Mokokoma Mokhonoana

Links & Resources Mentioned

• Check your credit card's app or website for perks you may need to opt into.

If you found this episode helpful, make sure to share it with a friend! We’d love to hear your experiences with credit card hacking—drop us a message or tag us on social media to let us know what strategies you’re using.

About Lauryn Williams

Lauryn Williams is a Certified Financial Planner, Olympian, and financial educator passionate about helping people take control of their finances. Lauryn also hosts the Welcome to Wealth Retreats, designed to help individuals create actionable financial plans while traveling and experiencing new cultures. Learn more about her speaking services and retreats [here].

Follow Us on Social Media

• Follow Chloe on Instagram: @financialstaples

• Connect with Chloe on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chloemoore

• Follow Lauryn on Instagram: @worthwinning

• Follow the Worth Listening Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Connect with Lauryn on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lauryn-williams

In this episode, Lauryn Williams is joined by AJ Vassar, an entrepreneur, international speaker, and world traveler. AJ dives into how he set his “freedom date,” moved from the United States to Medellin, Colombia, and embraced financial literacy to create a life of independence. Tune in to hear about his experiences as a business owner, his season of learning while homeless, and how he has lived abroad for over six years using his "freedom date" philosophy. 

Key Takeaways

• [7:30] College Life and Financial Struggles: AJ shares how growing up in financial hardship shaped his mindset and how attending college, without fully understanding the consequences of student loans, impacted his future.

• [17:34] Learning to Sell and Build Relationships: AJ explains the importance of selling and building relationships, not just for business but for navigating life’s challenges, emphasizing that success is about connection and communication.

• [20:58] Resilience Through Voluntary Homelessness: AJ discusses how a period of “voluntary” homelessness taught him resilience and the importance of staying the course when faced with adversity.

• [28:24] Setting a Freedom Date and Moving to Medellin: AJ explains his "freedom date" concept and how he planned and executed his move from the U.S. to Medellin, Colombia, using this date as a turning point for financial independence.

• [44:54] Organizing Finances as an Entrepreneur: AJ outlines practical steps for financial management, including keeping regular meetings with a tax professional, budgeting, and reviewing plans with a financial coach to stay on track.

If AJ’s story inspired you to take control of your financial future, join Lauryn at the next Welcome to Wealth Retreat! Get a customized financial plan while experiencing a life-changing journey in Medellin, Colombia. Visit worth-winning.com/retreats to learn more and sign up today!

Links & Resources Mentioned

• Follow AJ Vassar on social media: @ajvassar

• Learn more about the Welcome to Wealth Retreat: worth-winning.com/retreats

• Read AJ’s Book: Day Grades: From Homeless to Giving 5 Cars Away and Much More in Just 3 Short Years

About Lauryn Williams

Lauryn Williams is a Certified Financial Planner, Olympian, and financial educator passionate about helping people take control of their finances. Lauryn also hosts the Welcome to Wealth Retreats, designed to help individuals create actionable financial plans while traveling and experiencing new cultures. Learn more about her speaking services and retreats at worth-winning.com.

Follow Us on Social Media

• Follow Lauryn on Instagram: @worthwinning

• Follow the Worth Listening Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Connect with Lauryn on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lauryn-williams

Lauryn Williams is back on the Worth Listening Podcast with some major updates! After a long break since the last episode in August of last year, she’s ready to dive into what's been happening in her life and business, including some big changes. Lauryn discusses the latest updates on student loan repayment, her decision to take her income to zero after growing a successful business, and why she’s now living abroad. She also shares exciting news about combining her passions for travel and finance into empowering financial retreats.

Key Takeaways

• Big student loan update: Lauryn shares the latest on student loans and how politics are impacting borrower repayment plans.

• Lauryn’s life update and business reset: Lauryn explains why she decided to take her income to zero, despite having grown a successful business, and what that shift has meant for her life and career.

• Moving abroad: Find out where Lauryn has relocated and why she made the move. Combining travel and finance: Lauryn’s main focus now is bringing people to Medellin, Colombia, for financial retreats that empower them to take control of their money while exploring new horizons.

• Bridging financial coaching and financial planning: Lauryn dives into the difference between financial coaching and financial planning.

• What’s next for the podcast: Lauryn outlines her plans for the podcast going forward.

Excited about the financial retreats or have questions for Lauryn? Reach out to [email protected], and don’t forget to check out the upcoming retreat dates in Medellin, Colombia. Take control of your finances while experiencing something new!

Links & Resources Mentioned

• Sign up for the Welcome to Wealth Retreat: worth-winning.com/retreats

• Take The Financial Checkup Quiz

About Lauryn Williams

Lauryn Williams is a Certified Financial Planner, Olympian, and financial educator passionate about helping people take control of their finances. Lauryn also hosts the Welcome to Wealth Retreats, designed to help individuals create actionable financial plans while traveling and experiencing new cultures. Learn more about her speaking services and retreats [here].

Follow Us on Social Media

• Follow Lauryn on Instagram: @worthwinning

• Follow the Worth Listening Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Connect with Lauryn on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lauryn-williams

Student loans have gone crazy! Payments are starting back up in October and people are desperately trying to figure out what they need to do to prepare. So I’m going to share everything you need to know related to getting ready to start repaying your loans again. There have been a lot of changes so if you have student loans or are thinking about getting student loans, you need to listen to this. 

In the episode, I share:

• Lump sum payments and who shouldn’t be making them

• Steps to take before payments begin in October

• Forgiveness plans and who they’re for

• Why you need to be thinking about your student loan situation

• The coming Income-Driven Repayment tracker

• Why now is the time to take advantage of getting on the right student loan repayment plan

• The difference between consolidation and refinancing

• Why consolidation is not the right fit for everyone

• What refinancing means and why it’s not for everyone

• The new SAVE plan

If you want to further connect with Lauryn Williams at Worth Winning, follow us on social media:

• Instagram: @worthwinning

• Twitter: @worth_winning

• Facebook: @worthwinningfp

• LinkedIn: @lauryn-williams

Mentioned Resources:

Frugal Living and the FIRE Movement, with Travis Hornsby

Visit Student Loan Planner to learn more about student loans and schedule a consultation to discover your best repayment plan.

Please reach out at [email protected] if you’re interested in learning more about bringing a corporate financial wellness presentation to your organization.

If you want to share your money memoir on the podcast, contact us at [email protected].

Today NFL player Kelvin Beachum joins the podcast. Kelvin is a Texas native entering his 12th season. In addition to playing football, he is also a board member, advisor, active technology investor, and philanthropist.

Today Kevin will share with us his money memoir including his entry into the NFL and why he has continued to pursue other opportunities while playing. You will be encouraged and motivated by his message.

In this episode we discuss:

• Living below your means

• How your experiences and exposure change your relationship with money

• That all NFL players aren’t instant millionaires

• The importance of purposeful spending

• How Kelvin got started in the world of Venture Capital 

• Curiosity and the impact of being a life long learner

• The role of networking in financial success and opportunities

• Donor Advised Fund (DAF)

Mentioned Resources:

• www.kelvinbeachum.com

If you want to further connect with Lauryn Williams at Worth Winning, follow us on social media:

• Instagram: @worthwinning

• Twitter: @worth_winning

• Facebook: @worthwinningfp

• LinkedIn: @lauryn-williams

If you want to connect further with Kelvin Beachum:

• LinkedIn: @kb2smu

Today Carrie Nicholson joins Lauryn Williams on the podcast. Carrie is a business manager who enjoys all things money and wealth. Before quitting her job to become full-time self-employed for the past decade, she was a tax accountant and Certified Bookkeeper. In 2018, she sold her first finance blog, Careful Cents, for nearly six figures. Today, she owns multiple online businesses including a YouTube channel about cash budgeting and a Colorado travel blog.

Today Carrie will share with us more about where her interest in finances came from and how she uses her personal financial story to create income while helping others.

In This Episode, They Discuss:

• The balance of serving, ministry, and earning in income

• The trade school option to get into accounting

• How she built and sold a finance blog for freelancers

• How she and her husband are building a travel blog with the intention to sell

• Budgeting, emergency funds, and creating a savings plan

• Cash stuffing and savings challenges

Mentioned Resources:

• Natalie Bacon, Financial Coach

If you want to further connect with Lauryn Williams at Worth Winning, follow us on social media:

• Instagram: @worthwinning

• Twitter: @worth_winning

• Facebook: @worthwinningfp

• LinkedIn: @lauryn-williams

If you want to connect further with Carrie Nicholson:

• Instagram: @carrieconsiders

• YouTube: @carrieconsiders