

Journey To Launch
Jamila Souffrant
Jamila Souffrant is a Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI), host of the Journey To Launch podcast and author of "Your Journey to Financial Freedom: A Step-By-Step Guide to Achieving Wealth and Happiness".
The Journey To Launch podcast explores all aspects of reaching Financial Freedom; from increasing income, paying off debt, investing, saving & learning how to retire early and wealthy.
The book, "Your Journey to Financial Freedom: A Step-By-Step Guide to Achieving Wealth and Happiness," shows you how to skyrocket your savings, blast through debt and ultimately accelerate your unique and truly epic journey to financial freedom and independence. The audiobook, which is narrated by Jamila, and the eBook are available in the Apple store.
As a money expert who "walks her talk" she helps brave listeners also known as Journeyers; gain clarity around their finances and create an actionable plan to reach their goals. Her mission is to teach, inspire and help others reach Financial Freedom and Financial Independence.
The Journey To Launch podcast explores all aspects of reaching Financial Freedom; from increasing income, paying off debt, investing, saving & learning how to retire early and wealthy.
The book, "Your Journey to Financial Freedom: A Step-By-Step Guide to Achieving Wealth and Happiness," shows you how to skyrocket your savings, blast through debt and ultimately accelerate your unique and truly epic journey to financial freedom and independence. The audiobook, which is narrated by Jamila, and the eBook are available in the Apple store.
As a money expert who "walks her talk" she helps brave listeners also known as Journeyers; gain clarity around their finances and create an actionable plan to reach their goals. Her mission is to teach, inspire and help others reach Financial Freedom and Financial Independence.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 6, 2017 • 36min
022- How Investing In Yourself & Starting A Business Can Lead To Financial Success w/ Bola From Clever Girl Finance
Bola Sokunbi of Clever Girl Finance is on today's podcast sharing how investing in herself and starting her own business led her to the path of Financial Freedom. Bola is a Certified Financial Education Instructor, an expert on everything money and founder/CEO of Clever Girl Finance, a website, and business to help women manage their finances to talk about just that. The talk I had with Bola was very inspiring, especially since I'd one day like to turn Journey To Launch into my full-time business. In this episode, we talked about the mindset involved when starting a business, the money management strategies and the sacrifices one has to be willing to take. We also discuss Bola's own financial journey and why she is so dedicated to helping women take control of their finances. This is a very informative episode for anyone thinking of starting up a business and who needs a bit of advice on budgeting, debt and overall money management. Here are the main topics we talk about in the episode: Introduction to Clever Girl Finance Why Bola focuses on financial wellness for women How she helps women get to the point where they feel financially successful Bola's story with money The great influence her parents had on her with money How moving to America affected her financial habits How she decided to do something that mattered and started a business The beginnings of Clever Girl Finance The sacrifices she had to make to start her own business How making a plan helped her manage her business well The importance of taking your business seriously The change of mindset that comes with investing in your own business The business mindset How to plan for different possible outcomes The benefits of investing in yourself and your business Why you should have a clear business plan What it means to put hard work into your business Why you should find a support system with like-minded people Managing money in a business The importance of having a solid strategy when taking on debt Sometimes it's better to suck it up and first pay off your debt Budget your business like you budget your personal life How Bola personally manages her money How she designs her life around the lifestyle she wants How to balance your goals with your current situation Determining what a good life means to you Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: 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 The Wealth Building Manual - A step by step guide to building wealth 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 Bola Bola's website: Clever Girl Finance Bola's podcast: Clever Girls Know Find Bola on Instagram, Facebook , Twitter and Youtube Connect with me: Journey To Launch Instagram Journey To Launch Twitter Journey To Launch Facebook Page Join the private Facebook Group

Nov 29, 2017 • 40min
021- The 7 Steps To Wealth w/ Hilary Hendershott The Profit Boss + Should You Hire a Certified Financial Planner?
Today's podcast is an interview with the amazing Hilary Hendershott. Featured in the Wall Street Journal and Forbes, she is a Certified Financial Planner and podcaster who advises women when it comes to managing their finances. It was my pleasure to interview Hilary because I'm a big fan of her podcast, Profit Boss Radio and she really knows her stuff as you'll be able to hear in the interview. Here are the main topics we talk about in this episode: Hillary's financial troubles Her personal financial struggles even as a Financial Planner How she changed her behavior from pretending to be rich to being open about her money issues The importance of having the right mentality What financial integrity really means How she became responsible for her own financial future Her work with women and finance The reasons people outside the personal finance world struggle with finance Why the money conversation isn't happening where women are The importance of taking control of your finances The 7 steps to wealth Hillary's 7 steps to wealth, from having the right mindset to learning how to ask for what you want and need Why these are the building blocks of wealth Certified Financial Planners (CFP) What is a CFP? What to watch out for when hiring a CFP At which point you should you get professional financial advice The Mindset What is a money operating mindset Why you should get rid of the 'I can't afford that' thought How to use the power of words to change your mindset Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: 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 The Wealth Building Manual - A step by step guide to building wealth 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 Hilary Hilary's podcast: Profit Boss Radio Hilary's website: Hilary Hendershott Profit Boss Live Event Connect with me: Journey To Launch Instagram Journey To Launch Twitter Journey To Launch Facebook Page Join the private Facebook Group

Nov 22, 2017 • 44min
020- A Money Chat With My Husband Plus Information About The Budget Boot Camp
I decided to finally record a podcast with my biggest supporter and the silent partner of Journey To Launch, my husband. Not only will you get to know me a little better because I'm giving you more of a sneak peek into my personal life but it may also help you think of ways to talk to your partner about finances. Here are just some of the things we discuss: His personal relationship with money and what he did and didn't learn from his parents about money growing up How he felt when I first told him I wanted to retire early and leave my corporate job What made him feel comfortable with raising his retirement contributions from 3% to 50% of his paycheck If he still want's to work after I "retire" His desire for a new car and if he feels our financial goals are too restricting How he thinks having a 3rd child will impact our finances If he supports Journey To Launch plus much more! Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: The Online Budget Boot Camp - It's time for you to take back control over your finances once and for all and start to feel confident and sure about your finances. Stop living paycheck to paycheck and get ahead of the bills that keep piling up so that you can create the extra cushion in your cash flow to pay off debt and start investing. Grab your seat at the Budget Boot Camp to conquer your budget once and for all! The 3 Budget Killers Video - Check out the three costly budget mistakes to avoid so that you can finally start to feel confident about your finances! What Kind of Journeyer Are You? - Take the quiz to find out where you are on the Journeyer scale. Watch me on News12 My One on One Money Coaching Services The Wealth Building Manual 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: Journey To Launch Instagram Journey To Launch Twitter Journey To Launch Facebook Page Join the private Facebook Group

Nov 15, 2017 • 56min
019- The Pillars of FI & How You Can Reach Financial Independence w/ Choose FI
What is Financial Independence and how can you reach it? Today I sit down with the guys from the Choose FI podcast to talk about the pillars of Financial Independence (FI) and the practical steps you can take to attain this goal. In today's episode with Jonathan & Brad, we talk about the following: The backgrounds of Jonathan & Brad from Choose FI and what prompted them to get off the hamster wheel Jonathan graduating with $168,000 in student loan debt and how he paid it off What FI is and how do you know when you've reached FI The Pillars of FI How can someone begin to work towards FI even while still in debt plus so much more! On last week's podcast episode, I talked about making my TV debut here in NYC as the personal finance expert on a weekly segment. Check out the preview below and watch the segment online here. If you're local in NYC, you can watch me every Wednesday on Making Cents w/ Kristie on News12 Bronx at 4pm and News12 Brooklyn at 5pm on Optimum (channel 12) & Spectrum (channel 212) cable networks. Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: My One on One Money Coaching Services The Wealth Building Manual 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 Choose FI: choosefi.com Choose FI on Facebook Choose FI on Twitter Connect with me: Journey To Launch Instagram Journey To Launch Twitter Journey To Launch Facebook Page Join the private Facebook Group

Nov 8, 2017 • 53min
018- How Couples Can Get On The Same Financial Page, My TV Debut + A Major Announcement
Money is one of the leading causes of stress and issues in relationships. Whether you are dating or married, getting on the same financial page with your partner is crucial to accomplishing your overall life goals. On today's podcast, I'm talking with Elle Martinez from Couple Money. Couple Money explores how couples can build their finances together and just won Best Family Finance Blog at the 8th Annual Plutus Awards. In today's episode with Elle, we talk about the following: Why Elle started Couple Money and its mission How couples can merge two opposing goals or visions for the future and compromise The four different types of money date and what to do and not do on a money date The importance of building a budget together and the 3 types of budgets If all couples should merge their finances and how couples can boost their bottom line Preparing for the major milestones; having a baby and buying a home How a couple can plan to retire early together. What to do if one partner is not on board with improving or optimizing their finances How can people who are just dating or a single person approach the subject of money with a potential partner Also, I share two huge announcements on this episode. First, I will be on the local NYC News 12 Bronx and Brooklyn stations as the financial expert on a new weekly segment. News 12 runs on Optimum Cable (channel 12) & Spectrum (channel 212). The first show will air today (November 8th) on News 12 Bronx at 4pm EST and News 12 Brooklyn at 5pm EST and will repeat over the next few weeks. You'll have to listen to this podcast episode to hear the second big announcement... Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: My One on One Money Coaching Services The Wealth Building Manual 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 Elle: couplemoney.com Couple Money Facebook Page Couple Money on Twitter Couple Money on Instagram Connect with me: Journey To Launch Instagram Journey To Launch Twitter Journey To Launch Facebook Page Join the private Facebook Group

Nov 1, 2017 • 28min
017- Turning Journey To Launch Into a Full-time Business, 2017 FinCon Recap + a Giveaway
In today's solo episode, I'm sharing the lessons I learned from attending FinCon 2017 last week in Dallas. FinCon is the annual conference where all of your favorite personal finance bloggers, podcasters, YouTubers and money nerds get together to learn, share, network and grow their businesses. This was my first year attending FinCon and I couldn't be more happy with my experience. Not only did I get to meet some of my amazing past guests in person but I also got a chance to meet and network with people I really admire in the personal finance space. Also, the winners of the 2017 Plutus awards were announced the last night at FinCon. Journey To Launch was nominated as a finalist in the Best New Podcast and Best New Blog categories and while I didn't win, I'm really amazed that a blog I only got really serious about at the beginning of this year and a podcast that I just launched in July was recognized by you my audience and my peers in the personal finance space as the best of the best. I was really up against some great blogs and podcasts. You can check out the full list of Plutus Awards finalists here and the winners here. Also, as a gift to you, I'm giving away one of my favorite personal finance books, The Millionaire Next Door by David Bach. David was one of the keynote speakers at the conference and shared his journey to writing the book and gave us words of encouragement as creators to serve first with our work. Click here to see how you can enter to win David's best selling book, The Automatic Millionaire. Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: My One on One Money Coaching Services The Wealth Building Manual 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: Journey To Launch Instagram Journey To Launch Twitter Journey To Launch Facebook Page Join the private Facebook Group

Oct 25, 2017 • 38min
016- How Single Mom Naseema Paid Off $300,000 in Debt in 2 Years
As a single mom, Naseema McElroy has a fascinating financial journey story. She went from owning 5 properties to losing it all in the real estate crash to pursuing a career in nursing. Eventually, her nursing degree allowed her to secure a high paying job but she was in tons of debt and still broke. In this interview with Naseema, we discuss how she was able to forge on in the midst of financial hardships, divorce and becoming a single mom. Her drive and resilience allowed her to bounce back from her setbacks and pay off $300,000 in debt in 2 years. While her financial journey is far from over, she is sharing her story and the lessons she's learned along the way. In my interview with Naseema, we discuss the following: Naseema's background How she first got into real estate and lost it all in the market crash How getting married and then divorced affected her journey and finances Her journey to paying off $300,000 worth of debt in 2 years How she balances being a nurse and being a single mom Why she started her business, Financially Intentional Tips for single parents and divorced moms on how to get ahead with their finances Her best advice for someone looking to get out of debt and save more plus so much more Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Naseema's Site: Financially Intentional My One on One Money Coaching Services The Wealth Building Manual 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 Naseema: financiallyintentional.com Naseema Facebook Page Naseema's Facebook Group Naseema on Instagram Connect with me: Journey To Launch Instagram Journey To Launch Twitter Journey To Launch Facebook Page Join the private Facebook Group

Oct 18, 2017 • 52min
015- How Justin Retired at 33 Years Old & Lives a $100,000 Lifestyle on a $40,000 Budget
Is early retirement possible with kids? How is it possible to live a $100,000 lifestyle on a $40,000 budget? Through careful saving and planning, Just McCurry from the popular blog rootofgood.com is showing us how he managed to accumulate enough wealth to retire at age 33. What makes Justin's story especially inspiring and relatable is that he was able to do reach Financial Independence even though he had three kids. Now he and his family travel when they please and live a life not confined to a paycheck. On today's episode, Justin I talk about the following: How he got through college and law school with relatively little to no debt When he decided that he wanted to retire early and what steps he took to make sure that it actually happened Some of the foundational things anyone can implement to reach Financial Freedom; optimal spouse selection, good job w/ benefits, maximizing savings, not paying taxes, permanent starter home and making smart investments How he was able to keep the cost of raising kids relatively low How they travel the world for nearly free as a family of 5 How he makes money in retirement and why his net worth continues to increase plus so much more Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Justin's Blog: Root of Good A couple of Justin's blog posts: Early Retirement at 33, Summer Vacation in Europe for $10,000 , Living a $100,000 Lifestyle on $40,000 My One on One Money Coaching Services The Wealth Building Manual YNAB - You can try it free for 34 days and after that its $5 a month or $50 a year. I recommend you at least sign up for the free trial. If you don't want to continue after the trial, you will have at least practiced active budgeting for a month. If you sign up beyond the 34-day free trial using my referral link, you'll get a month free and I'll get a month free, seems like a win-win to me! Connect with Justin: rootofgood.com Root of Good On Facebook Root of Good On Twitter Connect with me: Journey To Launch Instagram Journey To Launch Twitter Journey To Launch Facebook Page Join the private Facebook Group

Oct 11, 2017 • 53min
014- From Welfare to Running a 6 Figure Business, How Alanya Created Wealth From The Bottom Up
Anyone can build wealth and anyone can start with nothing and turn it into something. Nothing demonstrates that more than today's guest, Alanya Kolberg, creator of Bottom of Wealth. Alanya went from being on welfare and bankruptcy to teaching herself how to invest and now she runs a 6 figure business helping others build their own wealth from the bottom up. Her fearlessness when it comes to learning and teaching others about investing is inspiring and I can't wait to share her story with you. In this episode we talk about the following: How Alanya went from welfare and bankruptcy to running a 6 figure business Why you don't have to be good at numbers or math to build wealth The key foundation and building blocks to wealth If someone should invest while in debt Her love for Roth IRA's and why fees matter Why she doesn't just want to make her kids "rich" plus so much more Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Alanya's site: Bottom Up Wealth A couple of Alanya's blog posts: Make Your Kids Rich with $10 a Week , Roth IRA's are Financial Life My Coaching Services The Wealth Building Manual YNAB - You can try it free for 34 days and after that its $5 a month or $50 a year. I recommend you at least sign up for the free trial. If you don't want to continue after the trial, you will have at least practiced active budgeting for a month. If you sign up beyond the 34-day free trial using my referral link, you'll get a month free and I'll get a month free, seems like a win-win to me! Connect with Alanya: bottomupwealth.com On Facebook Connect with me: Journey To Launch Instagram Journey To Launch Twitter Journey To Launch Facebook Page Join the private Facebook Group

Oct 4, 2017 • 31min
013- Goal Setting, Journey Points & Listener Q&A
We are in the home stretch of 2017. How are you doing with your goals? In this episode, I give you some tips on how to finish out the 4th quarter of the year strong. In order to set goals you can accomplish, you must make them S.M.A.R.T: S- Specific M - Measurable A- Achievable R- Results Focused T- Timely Next, I talk about the different points you can be on when pursuing Financial Freedom. You can either be a Beginner Journeyer, Intermediate Journeyer or Advanced Journeyer. If you want to find out where you fit on the Journeyer scale, take this quiz. Lastly, I answer two listener questions from my voicemail. The first is from Ana who asks if she should take money out of her pension from a previous employer and the other is from Amber who wants to know the financial costs she should consider before going to law school. If you want to leave a voicemail question for me to answer on the podcast, click here. Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Where Are You On Your Financial Journey Take the Journeyer Quiz My Coaching Services The Wealth Building Manual YNAB - You can try it free for 34 days and after that its $5 a month or $50 a year. I recommend you at least sign up for the free trial. If you don't want to continue after the trial, you will have at least practiced active budgeting for a month. If you sign up beyond the 34-day free trial using my referral link, you'll get a month free and I'll get a month free, seems like a win-win to me! Connect with me: Journey To Launch Instagram Journey To Launch Twitter Journey To Launch Facebook Page Join the private Facebook Group


