Journey To Launch

In this episode, I chat with Lee-Ann Pinkard, who was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, and later moved to the U.S. for college at Howard University. She built a career in construction project management and, years later, purchased a beachside property in Jamaica that she now runs as a short-term rental, a property I personally had the pleasure of staying in. We explore what it really takes to buy property in Jamaica, the realities of managing an Airbnb from abroad, how she balances corporate life, motherhood and her long-term plan to retire back home. In this episode, we discuss: Lee-Ann's journey and career path – Growing up in Kingston, studying engineering at Howard University, and building a career in construction management in the U.S. Buying and financing property in Jamaica – What it really takes to purchase abroad, how mortgages and banking differ from the U.S., and the importance of local connections The real costs and challenges of owning an overseas Airbnb – Unexpected expenses, hurricane impacts, solar panel investments, and managing a short-term rental remotely Investing with purpose and planning for retirement – The emotional connection to returning home, building long-term wealth, and redefining retirement beyond simply not working What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom: A bonus chapter: When Life Happens: Staying on the Path to Financial Freedom Through Setbacks, Shifts, and Uncertainty A book club and discussion guide with prompts, exercises, and action steps Updated corrections from the original hardcover Exclusive bonuses when you purchase the paperback, including: The Fire Starter Course The Find Your FIRE Number Worksheet Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Listen to my episode "What My Recent Trip to Jamaica Reminded Me About Wealth, Gratitude, and Resilience" Get your paperback edition of Your Journey To Financial Freedom if you haven't already. Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, here. Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources here! Join The Weekly Newsletter List to get updates, deals & more! Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp Check out my personal website here. 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 Lee-Ann & Learn More About Sea Miracle Jamaica: Website: SeaMiracleJamaica.com Instagram: @SeaMiracleJamaica 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  

Burnout is often treated like a personal failure but what if it's actually a signal that something deeper is out of alignment? In this episode of the Journey to Launch Podcast, I'm joined by executive coach and organizational change strategist Dr. Kerri Ann Peart for a powerful conversation about burnout, boundaries, identity, and what it really takes to grow into higher levels of financial success without sacrificing your well-being. We talk about how burnout actually shows up in high-achieving women, how perimenopause and work stress can overlap, and why earning more money isn't just about doing more, it's about becoming the person who can sustainably hold more. In This Episode, Kerriann Shares:  Burnout isn't a personal failure it's often a sign that your work, identity, or values are out of alignment You can't out-earn burnout; if you don't do the inner work, it follows you from job to job and even into entrepreneurship Financial growth requires expanding your capacity and competency, not just working harder or longer Boundaries, self-respect, and who you're being day-to-day determine how much money and responsibility you can sustainably hold   What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom: A bonus chapter: When Life Happens: Staying on the Path to Financial Freedom Through Setbacks, Shifts, and Uncertainty A book club and discussion guide with prompts, exercises, and action steps Updated corrections from the original hardcover Exclusive bonuses when you purchase the paperback, including: The Fire Starter Course The Find Your FIRE Number Worksheet Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Get your paperback edition of Your Journey To Financial Freedom if you haven't already. Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, here. Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources here! Join The Weekly Newsletter List to get updates, deals & more! Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp Check out my personal website here. 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 Dr. Kerriann: Website: PeartConsulting.org Instagram: @Dr.Kerri_P 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  

In this special birthday reflection episode, I'm slowing things down and turning inward.  I'm sharing where I am in this season of life, what feels solid, what feels unclear, and what I'm intentionally leaving open. Birthdays always make me pause. They give me space to reflect, to check in with myself, and to notice how much has changed internally and externally. In this episode, I'm asking myself honest questions and inviting you to sit with them too. This journey is about so much more than money. It's about who we're becoming along the way. 🎧 What I Talk About in This Episode Why not having everything figured out doesn't mean you're behind How my definition of success has shifted over time Why flexibility, autonomy, and spaciousness feel like true wealth to me right now Reflection questions I'm asking myself as I enter a new year of life How I'm learning to stop forcing clarity and trust myself more deeply   What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom: A bonus chapter: When Life Happens: Staying on the Path to Financial Freedom Through Setbacks, Shifts, and Uncertainty A book club and discussion guide with prompts, exercises, and action steps Updated corrections from the original hardcover Exclusive bonuses when you purchase the paperback, including: The Fire Starter Course The Find Your FIRE Number Worksheet Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Get your paperback edition of Your Journey To Financial Freedom if you haven't already. Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, here. Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources here! Join The Weekly Newsletter List to get updates, deals & more! Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp Check out my personal website here. 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

In this solo episode, I'm getting real about something we don't talk about enough in personal finance: imperfect money habits. I'm peeling back the curtain on my own so-called "bad" money habits and explaining why perfection is not required to build wealth, feel financially secure, or move forward on your journey. I also take a moment to acknowledge the heaviness many of us are feeling in the world right now and share how I personally process current events while staying grounded.  What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why you don't need perfect money habits to build wealth or feel financially secure How your personality and stage of the financial journey affect how you manage money Why having a strong financial foundation gives you more room for mistakes How to treat money management as a skill you can strengthen when needed What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom: A bonus chapter: When Life Happens: Staying on the Path to Financial Freedom Through Setbacks, Shifts, and Uncertainty A book club and discussion guide with prompts, exercises, and action steps Updated corrections from the original hardcover Exclusive bonuses when you purchase the paperback, including: The Fire Starter Course The Find Your FIRE Number Worksheet Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Get your paperback edition of Your Journey To Financial Freedom if you haven't already. The Daily Podcast – a resource I use to stay informed on current events Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, here. Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources here! Join The Weekly Newsletter List to get updates, deals & more! Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp Check out my personal website here. 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 Guid  

In this episode of the Journey to Launch Podcast, I'm welcoming back Andy Hill, award-winning family finance coach and the voice behind Marriage, Kids & Money, and this conversation is all about what it truly means to own your time. Andy shares how he and his wife intentionally used money as a tool to gain flexibility, move away from the corporate grind, and design a life centered around family, health, and presence. We talk honestly about the financial moves that made this possible, the mistakes along the way, and how redefining "wealth" helped them build a life they actually enjoy living. What You'll Learn in This Episode How Andy and his wife aligned on shared values and used money to gain more time with their family Why paying off debt, reaching Coast FIRE, and lowering fixed expenses created real flexibility The emotional side of aggressive saving, marriage tension, and finding a healthier middle ground How building "FU money" made entrepreneurship and part-time work possible without panic & much more! What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom: A bonus chapter: When Life Happens: Staying on the Path to Financial Freedom Through Setbacks, Shifts, and Uncertainty A book club and discussion guide with prompts, exercises, and action steps Updated corrections from the original hardcover Exclusive bonuses when you purchase the paperback, including: The Fire Starter Course The Find Your FIRE Number Worksheet Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Get your copy of Andy's book, Own Your Time: 10 Financial Steps to Put Your Family First and Escape the Corporate Grind Get your paperback edition of Your Journey To Financial Freedom if you haven't already. Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, here. Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources here! Join The Weekly Newsletter List to get updates, deals & more! Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp Check out my personal website here. 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 Andy: Website: Instagram: @MarriageKidsandMoney Facebook: @MarriageKidsandMoney 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

Even the best financial plans need room to breathe. Life changes. Priorities shift. Unexpected things happen. And none of that means you've failed. In today's episode, I walk you through how to normalize detours, reassess your financial foundation, and realign your plan with the season of life you're actually in, not the one you thought you'd be in. I also share personal updates about seeing my book "in the wild" from airport bookstores to international editions and why I'll never stop being grateful for that moment. In this episode, I talk about: Why detours and setbacks don't erase your progress and how to reframe them as recalibrations How to reassess your financial foundation when life changes, including your numbers and emotional bandwidth When it can make sense to pause aggressive debt payoff or investing and use automation to stay afloat How core values can guide you as you rebuild your plan without abandoning your long-term commitment + more What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom: A bonus chapter: When Life Happens: Staying on the Path to Financial Freedom Through Setbacks, Shifts, and Uncertainty A book club and discussion guide with prompts, exercises, and action steps Updated corrections from the original hardcover Exclusive bonuses when you purchase the paperback, including: The Fire Starter Course The Find Your FIRE Number Worksheet Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Get your paperback edition of Your Journey To Financial Freedom if you haven't already. Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, here. Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources here! Join The Weekly Newsletter List to get updates, deals & more! Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp Check out my personal website here. 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  

Sometimes life doesn't go as planned. In this episode, I share the story of a call from my son's school that changed my day in an instant and what it taught me about real wealth, freedom, and being present for what matters most.  I reflect on what real wealth looks like, not in bank accounts or net worth, but in the freedom to stop, respond, and be present when life happens. I also talk about why I wrote Your Journey to Financial Freedom as a roadmap and guide, and how the new paperback edition includes a bonus chapter to help navigate unexpected detours, setbacks, and uncertainty.   This episode is about presence, perspective, and the true meaning of financial freedom and it's a reminder that your journey is yours, detours and all.   In this episode I share: Freedom isn't just financial it's the ability to make choices when life happens. Real wealth is the flexibility to be present for what truly matters. Your financial journey is a roadmap, not a rigid plan detours are part of the process. Life happens. You're not failing. You're living. What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom: A bonus chapter: When Life Happens: Staying on the Path to Financial Freedom Through Setbacks, Shifts, and Uncertainty A book club and discussion guide with prompts, exercises, and action steps Updated corrections from the original hardcover Exclusive bonuses when you purchase the paperback, including: The Fire Starter Course The Find Your FIRE Number Worksheet Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Get your paperback edition of Your Journey To Financial Freedom if you haven't already. Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, here. Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources here! Join The Weekly Newsletter List to get updates, deals & more! Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp Check out my personal website here. 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

The paperback edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom is officially out today 1/6/26! Go to yourjourneytofinancialfreedom.com to grab your copy (and bonuses) In this short solo episode, I share why releasing the paperback felt important, what's new in this edition, and how it reflects the reality that life doesn't always follow a straight financial path. The paperback includes a new bonus chapter, When Life Happens: Staying on the Path to Financial Freedom Through Setbacks, Shifts, and Uncertainty, as well as a book club guide to help spark deeper conversations around money. I also share how to get the paperback and receive two special bonuses: the FIRE Starter Course and the Find Your FIRE Number Worksheet. Go to yourjourneytofinancialfreedom.com to grab your copy and bonuses! Get it directly from Amazon here and find the other places to buy at yourjourneytofinancialfreedom.com

In this episode, I walk you through five simple money moves designed to help you feel more grounded and in control of your finances. These are not drastic changes or big resolutions, but intentional steps that create clarity, ease, and forward momentum no matter where you are starting from. This conversation is about meeting yourself where you are, understanding your current season, and making progress without pressure. Financial freedom is built through alignment, awareness, and compassion, not perfection. Whether you are looking for a fresh start, a mid-year check-in, or a gentle reset with your money, these small shifts can help you move forward with more confidence and intention. In This Episode, I Discuss: Why naming the season of life you're currently in is the foundation for setting realistic financial expectations How identifying your Journeyer Stage helps you focus on the right financial priorities Why checking your numbers without shame or judgment is essential for moving forward One small financial action you can take today to reduce mental load and stress What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom: A bonus chapter: When Life Happens: Staying on the Path to Financial Freedom Through Setbacks, Shifts, and Uncertainty A book club and discussion guide with prompts, exercises, and action steps Updated corrections from the original hardcover Exclusive bonuses when you purchase the paperback, including: The Fire Starter Course The Find Your FIRE Number Worksheet Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Get your paperback edition of Your Journey To Financial Freedom if you haven't already. Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, here. Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources here! Join The Weekly Newsletter List to get updates, deals & more! Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp Check out my personal website here. 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

As we celebrate the holidays and the year comes to a close, I reflect on the journey behind my book, Your Journey to Financial Freedom, and share why the upcoming paperback edition feels especially meaningful. I also open up about what financial freedom looks like beyond hitting a specific number, why flexibility and choice matter more than perfection, and how having a framework not a rigid plan has helped me adjust as life has changed. This episode is both a behind-the-scenes look at the book and a reminder that meaningful progress starts by simply beginning. In this episode, I discuss: Why I wrote Your Journey to Financial Freedom and the gap I wanted it to fill beyond the podcast How my life and mindset have shifted since the hardcover release and why pivots are a natural part of the journey What's new in the paperback edition, including updated numbers, a bonus chapter, and a built-in book club guide Why planning for uncertainty is just as important as planning for growth How financial independence is really about having choices, not just reaching a FIRE number What's New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom: A bonus chapter: When Life Happens: Staying on the Path to Financial Freedom Through Setbacks, Shifts, and Uncertainty A book club and discussion guide with prompts, exercises, and action steps Updated corrections from the original hardcover Exclusive bonuses when you purchase the paperback, including: The Fire Starter Course The Find Your FIRE Number Worksheet Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Get your paperback edition of Your Journey To Financial Freedom if you haven't already. Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, here. Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources here! Join The Weekly Newsletter List to get updates, deals & more! Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp Check out my personal website here. 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

In this solo episode, I reflect on a deeply personal trip back to my home island of Jamaica following a devastating hurricane. What began as a planned celebration for my younger sister's 30th birthday became a powerful homecoming filled with mixed emotions, difficult decisions, and meaningful moments of family, service, and reflection. I share the internal debate I faced about whether to still travel after the storm, how I ultimately decided to go, and what the experience revealed to me about community, resilience, gratitude, and wealth beyond money. From being reunited with all my siblings in one place, to giving back through supplies and local spending, to leaning on my village back home as a mother of three, this episode is a reminder that financial freedom is meant to support a full, connected life. In this episode, I discuss: How leaning on my village at home made it possible for me to travel as a working mother What visiting my father and grandfather's gravesite stirred emotionally and spiritually Why supporting Jamaican-owned businesses felt especially important during recovery How giving back without performing it publicly shifted my perspective on service + more Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Get your copy of Your Journey To Financial Freedom if you haven't already. Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, here. Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources here! Join The Weekly Newsletter List to get updates, deals & more! Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp Check out my personal website here. 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

In this week's solo episode, I'm diving into something many of us feel, but don't always say out loud holiday money anxiety. This season can be full of joy, nostalgia, and family connection, but it can also bring up guilt, pressure, overspending, and emotional triggers that hit our wallets hard. So today, I'm sharing honest reflections on the expectations we carry, the emotional weight of holiday giving, and how I personally navigate the overwhelm of gifting, family obligations, and wanting to "do enough" without draining my finances or my energy. I walk you through practical strategies for shifting your mindset, breaking old patterns, and giving yourself permission to rethink how you show up this season.  In this episode, I discuss: Guilt-free gifting: How to focus on intention instead of price tags, and ways to simplify gifts especially for kids who may value the moment more than the item itself. Setting family & personal boundaries: What to say when you want to keep things simple, stick to a budget, or opt out without shame. Overspending triggers: Why boredom, stress, nostalgia, and scarcity mindset push us to buy more and how to create friction to avoid impulse purchases. Reframing the season: How to shift from "stuff" to connection, small rituals, meaning, and presence. Planning ahead for next year: Using what you spent this season to set realistic expectations and savings goals for the future. Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Get your copy of Your Journey To Financial Freedom if you haven't already. Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, here. Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources here! Join The Weekly Newsletter List to get updates, deals & more! Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp Check out my personal website here. 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

In this week's solo episode, I open up about the reflections, questions, and inner shifts I've been navigating as I enter a new season of life. With the three-year anniversary of Your Journey to Financial Freedom, I'm sharing candid thoughts on growth, purpose, motherhood, and the constant evolution that comes with designing a life of freedom. I talk about the tension between feeling grateful for the life I intentionally built and the uncertainty of what comes next. I also invite you to think deeply about your own season of life; what to keep, what to release, and how to cultivate fulfillment beyond productivity and "shoulds." In this episode, I discuss: The three-year anniversary of my book and why time feels so different now What it feels like to reach the goals I once dreamed of and still wonder, "What's next?" How financial freedom is deeply connected to inner freedom Why you can start over or choose differently any day, not just at the new year + more Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Get your copy of Your Journey To Financial Freedom if you haven't already. Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, here. Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources here! Join The Weekly Newsletter List to get updates, deals & more! Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp Check out my personal website here. 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

In this week's solo episode, I reflect on the biggest patterns, mindset shifts, and lessons I've learned from helping hundreds of people start (and restart) their financial independence journeys. I walk through the three most common struggles people think are unique to them, the life transitions that often spark the desire for FI, and the deeper motivations that truly drive long-term change. I also share the emotional and practical mistakes I see people make again and again from trying to do it all alone to waiting for the "perfect" plan and why clarity and community matter more than tactics. I also break down what consistently works for people who actually build momentum: personalized roadmaps, accountability, small wins, and the mindset and grace needed to stay the course.  In this episode, I discuss: Why so many people feel "behind" and why their struggles are actually normal How life transitions career changes, burnout, debt, and parenthood often trigger the FI awakening The deeper "why" behind pursuing FI, including freedom, safety, options, and control The common mistakes people make, like going it alone or waiting for the perfect moment What truly moves people forward: community, clarity, flexible plans, mindset shifts, and celebrating small wins Enrollment for the Map Your Path to FI Course is now open! This experience is designed to help you build a clear, step-by-step roadmap to financial independence, without the overwhelm, confusion, or guesswork. Inside the course, you'll learn how to: Understand your numbers and take control of your finances Build a values-driven spending plan you actually enjoy using Strengthen your money mindset and rewrite old stories Increase your income and accelerate your savings rate Start investing with clarity (not fear) Create a personalized FI timeline And confidently make financial decisions that support the life you truly want Choose the level of support that fits your goals and your schedule: ​Option 1: Self-Paced Course- Go at your own pace with the full Map Your Path to FI curriculum, accessible anytime. ​Option 2: FI Accelerator (SOLD OUT)- Get the full course plus a live 90-minute group coaching session with me, where you can submit questions in advance and join hot-seat coaching.  ​Option 3: FI VIP- Work with me privately through two 1:1 strategy sessions, receive a fully personalized FI plan, and get weekly check-ins to help you stay accountable between sessions. Find out more here before enrollment closes on December 1, 2025! Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Get your copy of Your Journey To Financial Freedom if you haven't already. Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, here. Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources here! Join The Weekly Newsletter List to get updates, deals & more! Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp Check out my personal website here. 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

In this week's episode, I sit down with longtime Journeyer and two-time Journey to FI program member Latoya Rowe. Latoya shares how she pivoted into a higher-earning career, discovered financial independence during her grad-school commute, and rebuilt her financial foundation while juggling motherhood, debt, and major life changes. She opens up about the emotional and financial impact of selling her rental properties, how community reignited her belief that FI is possible, and why mindset became the key that unlocked her momentum. We also talk about the power of visualizing your ideal life, how Latoya is shifting into coaching while reducing stress in her clinical career, and what it really looks like to choose balance and flexibility on the FI journey. Her story is a beautiful reminder that progress isn't linear and that clarity, community, and courage can completely transform your financial path. In this episode, Latoya and I discuss: How she changed careers and discovered the FI movement Why she sold her real estate and how it freed her financially The mindset and community support that helped her regain focus How visualizing her future inspired her coaching career shift Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Join the Map Your Path to FI Course and Coaching Program,  here. Get your copy of Your Journey To Financial Freedom if you haven't already. Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, here. Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources here! Join The Weekly Newsletter List to get updates, deals & more! Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp Check out my personal website here. 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

In this week's episode, I'm chatting with Alejandra Rojas, entrepreneur, Forbes contributor, and founder of Brown Way to Money, a financial mentoring platform that helps women overcome financial trauma and improve their relationship with money. Alejandra's story is such a powerful reminder that financial freedom isn't just about numbers, it's about emotional healing, self-awareness, and redefining success on your own terms. Originally from Colombia, Alejandra left home at 19 on a scholarship and went on to live and study in Spain, the U.S., and New Zealand. She shares how her journey from financial burnout in Washington D.C. to finding balance in New Zealand completely changed how she views money, success, and happiness. We talk about what it means to truly know yourself with money, and how understanding your emotional patterns can help you build wealth that feels aligned and sustainable. Alejandra also breaks down her B.R.O.W.N. Framework, a tool she uses to help women heal from financial trauma and create lasting change. In This Episode I Discuss: How Alejandra's global journey and scholarships shaped her view of money and opportunity The moment she realized her financial burnout was connected to deeper emotional patterns What she learned about consumer culture and self-worth while living in the U.S. How life in New Zealand helped her slow down, reconnect, and build a new definition of success Watch the video to this episode on YouTube below or click here. Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: BrownWaytoMoney.com/Newsletter Erasmus Scholarship (Europe) University of Auckland Scholarship (New Zealand) Get your copy of Your Journey To Financial Freedom if you haven't already. Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, here. Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources here! Join The Weekly Newsletter List to get updates, deals & more! Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp Check out my personal website here. 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 Alejandra: Websites: alejandrar.com brownwaytomoney.com Instagram: @WealthforBrownGirls‬ 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

In this episode of Journey to Launch, I'm joined by Beth Pinsker, financial planning columnist for MarketWatch, Certified Financial Planner, and author of My Mother's Money: A Guide to Financial Caregiving. Beth shares her personal and professional insights on what it really takes to manage a loved one's finances and why preparing now can save you (and your family) heartache, time, and money later. We talk about the realities of caregiving from setting up power of attorney and health care proxy forms, to navigating long-term care insurance and estate planning. Beth's own journey caring for her mom opened her eyes to how unprepared most of us are for this role and inspired her to create the guidebook she wishes she'd had. In this episode, Beth also shares:  How to proactively start financial caregiving conversations with your parents or adult children even when it feels uncomfortable The real cost of caregiving (and how to plan for it before it derails your financial goals) How to handle sibling dynamics and avoid conflict when managing a parent's money he importance of updating beneficiaries, wills, and trusts and why it's easier than most people think Check out the video to this episode on YouTube here. Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Read Beth's book, My Mother's Money: A Guide to Financial Caregiving Get your copy of Your Journey To Financial Freedom if you haven't already. Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, here. Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources here! Join The Weekly Newsletter List to get updates, deals & more! Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp Check out my personal website here. 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 Beth: Website: BethPinsker.com Instagram: @bethpinsker_ny Bluesky: bethpinsker.bsky.social‬ 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

In this powerful and transparent episode of Journey to Launch, I sit down with Nika Booth, award-winning financial coach, content creator, and founder of Debt Free Gonna Be, to unpack how she paid off more than $200,000 in debt while refusing to sacrifice joy along the way. From student loans and credit card balances to IRS debt and government furloughs, Nika shares the raw truth behind her financial journey, the highs, the setbacks, and the emotional lessons that reshaped her mindset about money, self-worth, and freedom. She opens up about her early money mistakes, growing up in a household where finances weren't discussed, and how the 2019 federal shutdown became the wake-up call that sparked her debt-free mission. Nika also reveals what it really felt like to finally see her student loan balance hit $0, and how she's now helping others find hope, healing, and fun in their own money journeys. In This Episode, You'll Learn: How Nika Booth paid off over $200K in debt from credit cards to student loans, without sacrificing fun or joy The pivotal 2019 federal shutdown that sparked her debt-free journey and reshaped her money mindset What it really felt like to finally see her student loan balance hit $0 through Public Service Loan Forgiveness How she turned Debt Free Gonna Be from a personal goal into a thriving community helping thousands manage money with confidence Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Free Shutdown Resource List  Crush Your Credit Card Debt Course Get your copy of Your Journey To Financial Freedom if you haven't already. Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, here. Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources here! Join The Weekly Newsletter List to get updates, deals & more! Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp Check out my personal website here. 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 Nika: Website: DebtFreeGonnaBe.com Instagram: @DebtFreeGonnaBe Twitter: @DebtFreeGonnaBe Facebook: @DebtFreeGonnaBe 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

Have you ever had a solution sitting right in front of you, but didn't realize it until later? That happened to me just last week at the park and it reminded me how often the answers we're searching for in life, money, or personal growth are hiding in plain sight. In this solo episode, I share a simple moment that made me completely rethink how I approach everyday challenges and how mindset plays a huge role in seeing what's already available to us. This story might just help you spot the solution you've been overlooking in your own journey. In This Episode, I share: The story of how a small moment at the park revealed a big life lesson How mindset and readiness determine what we're able to see and act on Why curiosity is your superpower in money, career, and personal growth Practical ways to uncover the answers that are right in front of you How small actions can compound into big results over time Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Get your copy of Your Journey To Financial Freedom if you haven't already. Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, here. Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources here! Join The Weekly Newsletter List to get updates, deals & more! Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp Check out my personal website here. 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

In this solo episode, I share a powerful reminder that the very challenges and obstacles we face on the journey to financial freedom are often what make us stronger. I start by revisiting a story I mentioned in my book, Your Journey to Financial Freedom, about the Biosphere 2 experiment where trees grew quickly in perfect, windless conditions but fell before maturing because they never developed the strength to sustain themselves. That missing "wind" reminded me of how important challenges are in our own growth. Just like those trees, when we try to avoid friction or rush toward quick wins, we might grow fast but not strong. The "wind" in our lives, the job losses, tight budgets, market downturns, and unexpected setbacks builds the stress and resilience we need to stand tall and stay grounded when life pushes back. In This Episode, I Talk About: How stress and challenges build strength and how the moments that slow you down, like money, stress or tough life changes, are what prepare you for long-term success. Why sustainable growth matters more than speed. Quick wins feel good, but real freedom comes from patience, consistency, and a strong foundation. How to reframe "going slow". Going slow isn't failure, it's building roots deep enough to handle life's wind. Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Get your copy of Your Journey To Financial Freedom & Turn to page 102 to read more about the Biosphere 2 story and other lessons that can shift your money mindset. Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, here. Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources here! Join The Weekly Newsletter List to get updates, deals & more! Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp Check out my personal website here. 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