Journey To Launch

At some point or another we've all said to ourselves "I have way too much STUFF!". If you haven't yet, consider yourself ahead of the game as we discuss sustainability and financial literacy with this week's guest, personal financial educator and sustainability advocate Catherine Agopcan. After much trial and error, she arrived at the conclusion that too much stuff was bad for the wallet and the planet. She is now on a mission to show others that caring for the environment and seeking financial independence go hand-in-hand. She is the founder of Sisters for Financial Independence and The Do Something Project, which provides resources to empower women to start owning their finances in pursuit of financial independence. The Do Something Project is dedicated to a well-lived life full of adventure and good health by following the tenets of minimalism and eco-friendly living. In this episode we discuss: The switch from believing money is bad & not in line with minimalism to viewing money in a positive way Why Zero waste is not possible but we should still attempt it How looking out for the planet helps our financial pursuits Small steps we can start today to be more responsible with the way we consume, live, and invest Why you should choose hobbies and pursue interests to help build your skill set The hard truths of minimalism and decluttering This episode is sponsored by the Financial B.O.S.S. toolkit: The Financial B.O.S.S. Toolkit is jam-packed with e-books and video courses to help you with credit, saving, budgeting, investing and more! The Financial B.O.S.S. Toolkit brings together 20 products worth over $1500 to help level up your finances, for a limited-time investment of $197. Get started with the Financial B.O.S.S. toolkit here Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: B Corp - certifying companies meeting environmental, social, transparent and accountability standards like Patagonia ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) - I personally use Fidelity and here's how they use ESG for their funds. BankLocal - Find a local bank that reinvests in the community More info on Zero Waste Other options for local investing via Locavesting Swell Investing - investing in companies solving today's problems with thematic portfolios on Clean Water, Zero Waste, Renewable Energy, etc. Join The Weekly Newsletter List Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! Watch me on News12 Watch my latest segments on News12 My One on One Money Coaching Services – Get my personalized 1on1 money coaching expertise to help you reach your financial goals YNAB – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 2 month trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link. Connect with Catherine: http://www.thedosomethingproject.com http://www.sistersforfi.com Instagram: @thedosomethingprjct Facebook: The Do Something Project Twitter: @cagopcan Connect with me: Instagram: @journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group

The road to financial literacy can be a daunting journey, especially when you're 22 years old, $30,000 in debt, and making $18 an hour while living in the most expensive city in America (NYC). This is where this week's guest Farnoosh Torabi found herself before becoming one of the leading personal finance authorities hooked on helping young professionals navigate their finances and live their richest, happiest lives. From her early days reporting for Money Magazine to hosting a prime-time series on CNBC and writing monthly for O, The Oprah Magazine and Mint.com, she's become a favorite go-to money expert. In this episode we discuss: How she ended up choosing to go into the money business Her long-standing career in personal finance The common themes and issues that she's seen in finances over the years Her thoughts on the FIRE movement Why you should choose hobbies and pursue interests to help build your skill set Why she's also now dabbling in comedy Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Get a copy of Farnoosh's most recent book - When She Makes More Listen to my episode on the So Money Podcast Join The Weekly Newsletter List Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! Watch me on News12 Watch my latest segments on News12 My One on One Money Coaching Services – Get my personalized 1on1 money coaching expertise to help you reach your financial goals YNAB – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 2 month trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link. Connect with Farnoosh: www.farnoosh.tv Listen to the So Money Podcast Instagram: @Farnoosh Torabi Facebook: Farnoosh Torabi Twitter: @farnoosh Connect with me: Instagram: @journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group

Simplicity and the concept of 'less is more' can be beneficial in much more than finance. The new tiny home movement has proved to be a great new option for a lot of families that are looking to live a simpler, more abundant life. This week's guest, Jewel Pearson, is not only a tiny homeowner but she is also an advocate and community leader that shares her tiny living experiences and assists others in achieving their tiny living dreams. Over the course of a decade, Jewel worked toward downsizing her life and in 2015 she built the tiny home of her dreams in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her 360 sq ft home has been featured on HGTV's shows "Tiny House, Big Living" and "How Are They Now" and has been featured in several other media outlets. As a proud supporter of tiny living and the simpler lifestyle that it offers, she provides support through her consulting services and workshops that she teaches around the country. Jewel has also founded the Tiny House Trailblazers; a duo collaboration of powerful and uniquely talented women of color who together are a strong representation and voice for diversity and inclusion within the tiny house movement. In this episode we discuss: Why everyone should redefine or rather choose for themselves what tiny living means The misconception some people have that living in a tiny home means you sacrifice quality, luxury, and design & why tiny living does not mean "small living" How downsizing and living this life helped Jewel to live her life fully and abundantly What Jewel's life was like before the tiny home and what prompted the change The mental and physical steps it took to actually make the changes she needed to move into her home Tiny living with a family How to start the tiny living process Jewel's mission to bring the tiny home movement to more people of color and some of the racism she has experienced in the community The different tiny home options Factors to consider in making the transition to tiny home living Range in cost for tiny homes? Jewel's thoughts on the FIRE (Financially Independent, Retire Early) movement Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Tiny House Communities Info Tour of Jewel's Tiny House-(more updated pics available on social media sites) Join The Weekly Newsletter List Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! Watch me on News12 Watch my latest segments on News12 My One on One Money Coaching Services – Get my personalized 1on1 money coaching expertise to help you reach your financial goals YNAB – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 2 month trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link. Connect with Jewel: Ms. Gypsy Soul Instagram: @msgypsysoul1 Facebook: Ms. Gypsy Soul Twitter: @msgypsysoul Connect with the Tiny House Trailblazers: Tiny House Trailblazers Instagram: @tinyhousetrailblazers Facebook: Tiny House Trailblazers Twitter: @tinyhousetrailblazers Connect with me: Instagram: @journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group

Getting rid of six-figure debt is no easy feat but Takiia Anderson, the voice behind The Frugal Biddy, is proof that it can be done. After graduating from law school, Takiia had accrued more than $150,000 of debt. As the single mother of a 2-year-old little girl making only $34,000 a year, she knew that something had to change. Takiia went on to save over $500,000 and pay for her daughter's college education at the prestigious Spelman College. She shares all of her tips, tricks, and personal finance advice on her blog, The Frugal Bitty. In this episode we discuss: The overall steps Takiia took to go from debt to having a large savings today The things that she gave up to pay off her student loan debt Her decision to save for her daughter's college costs while still being in debt Takiia's plan for investing when she first opened her daughter's college saving account Why she stopped investing in retirement to save for her daughter's college education The money lessons that she taught her daughter Passing on generational wealth and not generational debt Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Single Mom Masterminds 700,000 Swing From Debt to Savings Frugal Biddy- Pass on Generational Wealth Not Generational Debt Fugal Biddy- Mental Health Savings Plan Search for jobs as a contract attorney Indeed Join The Weekly Newsletter List Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! Watch me on News12 Watch my latest segments on News12 My One on One Money Coaching Services – Get my personalized 1on1 money coaching expertise to help you reach your financial goals YNAB – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 2 month trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link. Connect with Takiia: The Frugal Biddy Instagram: @thefrugalbiddy Facebook: The Frugal Biddy Twitter: @bitty_the Connect with me: Instagram: @journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group

While reaching FI and building wealth could be a challenge for anyone, there may be certain factors that create different challenges for women on their journey than men. This week's guest, Brynne Conroy, is the creator of the twice-nominated Best Women's Finance Blog, Femme Frugality and she is a huge proponent of overcoming the obstacles that women face while trying to reach their financial goals. In her brand new book, The Feminist Financial Handbook, Brynne presents a feminist view on finances relevant to a post-Recession economy that caters to women at any point on their financial journey. Also, check out how you can win a copy of Brynne's book, The Feminist Financial Handbook here In this episode we discuss: Brynne's passion for the feminist side of finances The factors make women reaching FI different from men reaching FI How society's standards and expectation "hurt" women on this journey The different judgments and factors in being the modern day woman that has it all The concept of money not being the end goal or what really makes you happy How one can find their contentment level or peak money happiness and why it's so important to find How to find meaningful work now while on the journey to getting it together and reaching our goals The importance of men hearing the feminist financial message Overall tips for women who are on this path of Financial Freedom to succeed Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Get a copy of Brynne's book - The Financial Feminist Handbook Carol Graham & her findings on Happiness Helene Massicotte - Free To Pursue Join The Weekly Newsletter List Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! Watch me on News12 Watch my latest segments on News12 My One on One Money Coaching Services – Get my personalized 1on1 money coaching expertise to help you reach your financial goals YNAB – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 2 month trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link. Connect with Brynne: Femme Frugality Instagram: @femmefrugality Facebook: Femme Frugality Twitter: @femmefrugality Pinterest: Femme Frugality Connect with me: Instagram: @journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group

(This post may include some affiliate links) Trying to manage all of your expenses, eliminate debt, and invest, all while pursuing Financial Independence can be quite tricky. For this week's episode, I am having another listener Q & A where I answer questions to help you on your Financial Freedom journey. In this episode I answer the following: Should I focus on paying off $100,000 student loan debt even though I'm in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program or invest? Investing in pre-tax retirement accounts like a 401K, 457 or 403B plan vs a Roth IRA How to handle $1,200 a month daycare expenses on the journey to Financial Independence? Things to consider when making a big career change. Should you focus on investing more, paying off the house or saving more cash? How to determine if it makes sense to take legal action against a company to win money in a lawsuit? At the end of the episode, I also share why I believe that you should never compare your journey to anyone else's. Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: More about the 25x rule and 4% rule to figure out how much you need saved to reach your Financial Independence number Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program tips and advice 5 Retirement Accounts You Should Know About Join The Weekly Newsletter List Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! Watch me on News12 Watch my latest segments on News12 My One on One Money Coaching Services – Get my personalized 1on1 money coaching expertise to help you reach your financial goals YNAB – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 2 month trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link. Connect with me: Instagram: @journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group

(This post may include some affiliate links) This week's episode was recorded at FinCon, the world's largest financial content expo that brings together more than 2,000 digital content creators/influencers and brands in personal finance and investing. I was very excited to attend my 2nd FinCon and I am happy to say that I had another great experience. I got to hang out with fellow money nerds, past guests and even some Journeyers who listen to the podcast. While I was there, I had the chance to speak with Chris Hogan, a financial speaker for Dave Ramsey's Ramsey Solutions. As a former football player and business consultant, Chris found his passion in finance after he took a strong interest in the financial crises of his clients. Chris is a dynamic speaker that speaks on financial subjects such as mortgages, healthcare and investing. It was great to be able to hear his ideas on building wealth and achieving financial goals. (Pre-order Chris' new book, Everyday Millionaires and get all the bonuses that Chris mentions in the episode here) In this episode we discuss: How a background in sports and coaching helped mold his winning mindset Why becoming a millionaire all starts with belief The qualities of everyday millionaires The 5 things millionaires embody, have and do The myths of the wealthy and demystifying millionaires The important distinction between a million in income and a million in net-worth How fear and apathy keep people stuck from reaching their goals My experience at FinCon, networking tips and how to get the most out of conferences. Plus the growth I've seen since the last FinCon Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Pre-order Chris' new book, Everyday Millionaires and get all the bonuses that Chris mentions in the episode here Join The Weekly Newsletter List Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! Watch me on News12 Watch my latest segments on News12 My One on One Money Coaching Services – Get my personalized 1on1 money coaching expertise to help you reach your financial goals YNAB – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 2 month trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link. Connect with Chris: ChrisHogan360.com Twitter: @ChrisHogan360 Facebook: Chris Hogan Connect with me: Instagram: @journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group

Consumerism and the desire to accumulate 'things' can be one of the greatest threats to achieving Financial Independence. One of the best ways to combat this and the clutter that results is to lead a more organized lifestyle that is fueled by the things that bring you joy. This is the main principle behind the KonMari™ organization method. This week, I am speaking with Kristyn Ivey, the founder of For the Love of Tidy and Chicago's first certified KonMari™ consultant. Kristyn is also on the journey to FI and she has made several interesting connections between tidiness and personal finance. With a background in both engineering and interior design, Kristyn has made it her mission to teach families and professionals how to let go of "stuff" to attract a truly abundant life. In this episode we discuss: How becoming more organized and tidy can lead someone to focus and find their passion and pursue big changes in their lives The finance/organizing connection The KonMari method and the art of tidying up Finding Freedom through KonMari Using the concept of "what sparks joy" to our budgets and therefore prioritize what and how we spend/save The relationship of clutter and spending more on rent/mortgage Incorporating tidy habits for those that are not naturally tidy Kristyn's FI journey Other tidiness and organization tips Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: For The Love of Tidy Finding Freedom Through KonMari The Spark Joy Podcast Get the Book: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up Join The Weekly Newsletter List Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! Watch me on News12 Watch my latest segments on News12 My One on One Money Coaching Services – Get my personalized 1on1 money coaching expertise to help you reach your financial goals YNAB – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 2 month trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link. Connect with Kristyn: Instagram: @fortheloveoftidy Facebook: For The Love of Tidy Connect with me: Instagram: @journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group

Minimalism, the practice of simplifying your life by living with fewer possessions, is a lifestyle choice that fits perfectly within the journey to Financial Independence. The concept of "quality over quantity" and "less equals more" allows you to spend and consume in ways that are in alignment with your life and financial goals. This week's guest is Joshua Becker, a best-selling author and the Founder and Editor of Becoming Minimalist. Joshua has become one of the leading voices in the modern simplicity movement reaching over 1 million readers every month. Through the use of his platform, Joshua inspires others to pursue their greatest passions by owning fewer possessions. In this episode we discuss: Joshua's epiphany moment of clearing out his garage How he began to make the necessary adjustments to his life How owning less stuff leads to more time, more energy, more freedom, etc. The differences in decluttering, organizing, de-owning, simplifying The importance of de-owning How to simplify your time (let go of overwhelm) How to implement being a minimalist if you have children How thoughtful consumption and consumerism with the idea of owning less and the FIRE movement go hand in hand Sign up for Joshua's new quarterly magazine Simple Money here Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: The 10 Most Important Things to Simplify In Your Life 15 Clutter Busting Routines for Any Family Don't Just Declutter De-own Simplify Magazine Sign up for the Simple Money Quarterly Magazine here The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own Join The Weekly Newsletter List Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! Watch me on News12 Watch my latest segments on News12 My One on One Money Coaching Services – Get my personalized 1on1 money coaching expertise to help you reach your financial goals YNAB – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 2 month trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link. Connect with Joshua: Becoming Minimalist Twitter: @Joshua_Becker Facebook: Becoming Minimalist Connect with me: Instagram: @journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group

The journey to Financial Independence can be a tough one that is full of ebbs and flows. I believe that it is so important that we share our stories to inspire others that may be experiencing some of the same challenges that we have. That is why I have started the Journeyer Profile Series where I'm talking to my listeners and the people in my community about their path to FI. In this week's episode, I'm speaking with Lynn who suffered a massive stroke at age 43 that almost completely derailed her journey to FI and she has an amazing story to share. Take a look at Lynn's Journeyer Profile below. If you would like to be considered to be a journeyer for the Journeyer Profile Series go to www.journeytolaunch.com/journeyerprofile Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Check out the Budget BootCamp Be featured as a Journeyer on the podcast and site Join The Weekly Newsletter List Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! Watch me on News12 Watch my latest segments on News12 My One on One Money Coaching Services – Get my personalized 1on1 money coaching expertise to help you reach your financial goals YNAB – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 2 month trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link. Connect with Lynn: Lynn's Blog-Holistic Doctor Mom Lynn's Etsy Shop Connect with me: Instagram: @journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group