When we think about our finances, we often think we need more money. If you received the amount of money you desire right now, would you be ready for it? Would you be ready to deal with the responsibilities and more opportunities it would bring?

Are you willing to try something new to get to the amount of money you desire? Sometimes we have opportunities presented to us that will push us into our next income level, but we don't take that next step? 

Why? Many times it's because it's outside of our comfort zone. Even if we desire something, sometimes fear and being uncomfortable causes us to do nothing. 

In this episode, I shared my experience with moving outside of my comfort zone to receive a higher income to pay off more debt and improve my money management skills. 

How much more money would you like to make each month? What's one thing you're willing to let go of or add to your life to get one step closer to that goal? 

The Financially Free with Cleo Podcast is on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and PodBean: https://www.cleoyogafinance.com/podcast

It's also on YouTube at Cleo Yoga Finance: https://bit.ly/3ysfd1s

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share on social media and tag @cleoyogafinance or leave us a review.

We appreciate your support. See you next week!

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Every community has it's challenges. Every community has good and bad experiences. No community is perfect. 

Although I was born and raised in black communities that others would considered low income or poor, we had (still do) talented, intelligent, creative and genuine people. It's been 8 years since I've relocated away from my hometown in Nashville, TN. I've been able to see how communities operate in so many other states.

I'm excited about the positive change the communities have been making, but there is still more work to do especially when it comes to the financial well being of black communities. 

In this episode, I sharing my thoughts on efforts in the black community. I want to see more action and less talking. Instead of complaining and criticizing, we all need to take action to contribute to positive financial change.

Individually we are great, but as a community we are powerful. 

What would you like to see done in your community? 

The Financially Free with Cleo Podcast is on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and PodBean: https://www.cleoyogafinance.com/podcast

It's also on YouTube at Cleo Yoga Finance: https://bit.ly/3ysfd1s

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share on social media and tag @cleoyogafinance or leave us a review.

We appreciate your support. See you next week!

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Travel therapy is a form of self care. The same way we get more sleep, take a relaxing bath, get a massage, talk to a therapist or level up in our finances, is the same way we should give time, money and energy towards traveling. 

Whether if your travel experience is a staycation in your city or traveling to the another city, state or country, you get the opportunity to relax, have fun, take a break, meet new people, learn more about new cultures, try new activities, explore new land, and the list goes on. 

There's something about getting in the car, on a bus, train, or plane that get's me excited. Travel experiences fuels our mind and body, which helps us become more productive with our day to day responsibilities. 

In this episode, you'll learn why I decided to go on a cross country road trip visiting every state in the Unites States of America and why you should start your next travel therapy experience. 

What are your travel therapy goals? Where do you want to go? When do you want to go? Who do you want to go with? Which trips will be solo travel? 

Check out this Forbes article: Five Reasons Why Traveling Is Good For Your Mental Health

In this episode, I mentioned that I learned about Travel Therapy from Taryn Bushrod. Check out my interview with her on episode 8: Pro Athletes and The Psychology of Money

I also mentioned that Yasmine Bedward suggested visiting cities in the United States of America that I have not been to yet. This inspired me to start my cross country road trip journey now. Check out my interview with her on episode 14: How Storytelling Can Transform Your Finances

The Financially Free with Cleo Podcast is on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and PodBean: https://www.cleoyogafinance.com/podcast

It's also on YouTube at Cleo Yoga Finance: https://bit.ly/3ysfd1s

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share on social media and tag @cleoyogafinance or leave us a review.

We appreciate your support. See you next week!

Let's Stay Connected:

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https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLg-f2_aOFMU5ZTwKa0cSgMPXEBkCShlMV

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Do you have a motto or quote that you live by daily?

When I was lost and confused about who I am and what I wanted to do with my life, I never really had any quotes or mottos I followed or supported. As I grew older, I realized it's best to have a guide as you navigate through your life journey.

No journey is perfect, but we can't do it alone. It's great to have people to help you when needed, but what happens when you don't have someone or a team to help support, encourage or guide you?

You need your own quotes or mottos to help guide you, fuel you and push you outside of your comfort zone. Actions are louder than words, but words are still powerful when used consistently.

My motto is "Don't Wonder What If, Take A Risk" Check out Episode 32 to learn why I created my own motto and why you should have a motto to guide you on your journey.

It can be a motto you created or one created by someone else that you feel aligns with your lifestyle and goals.

What's your motto? Share with me on social media and tag @cleoyogafinance

The Financially Free with Cleo Podcast is on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and PodBean: cleoyogafinance.com/podcast

It's also on YouTube at Cleo Yoga Finance. Watch here: bit.ly/33NJYRp

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share on social media and tag @cleoyogafinance or leave us a review.

We appreciate your support. See you next week!

Let's Stay Connected:

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instagram.com/cleoyogafinance/

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Do you believe in Law of Attraction? Do you believe that your thoughts and the way you speak determines the results you experience in life?

There are so many studies from all over the world about law of attraction and how we must continuously be aware of our thoughts and the words we speak daily. 

Throughout my own personal and professional journey I've realized that I needed to not only be aware of my thoughts and the words I spoke, but also my feelings and emotions. I realized it's ok to feel what I feel, but to also acknowledge when certain thoughts and feelings are keeping me stuck or in a negative mood. 

I learned to focus on the positives which lead to better life experiences. When you focus on the positive, your actions will follow, then the resources and opportunities will follow.

Check out Episode 31: "Law of Attraction" and let me know what changes you will make to attract more of what you want into your life. 

Also, check out the amazing affirmation music by Toni Jones

5 things to do to attract more positive results in life:

11:16 - Enforce a weekly self care routine (rest, relaxation and laughter)

13:48 - Speak or write financial affirmations or money mantras daily

15:25 - Set specific goals and with due dates (adjustments can be made)

16:56 - Take action daily. (Weeks and months shouldn't past by with no work done)

19:43 - Hire a professional. (Coach, therapist, mentor, or trusted friend)

The Financially Free with Cleo Podcast is on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and PodBean: cleoyogafinance.com/podcast

It's also on YouTube at Cleo Yoga Finance. Watch here: bit.ly/33NJYRp

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share on social media and tag @cleoyogafinance or leave us a review.

We appreciate your support. See you next week!

Let's Stay Connected:

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instagram.com/cleoyogafinance/

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This week we are talking about loan options that are typically offered to people who have low income or a low credit score. Most of us are aware that the higher the credit score and income, the more options you have to pay cash or borrow money for what you need and want. 

I'm not a fan of financing everything, but if you need to finance something I'm all for finding the best financing deal for you. 

The lower the income and credit score, the more money one has to pay in interest and fees. The good news is there is always a way to increase your income and credit score to qualify for the financing deal you desire. 

Check out Episode 30: "Don't Settle For Predatory Lending" because you deserve fair and reasonable loan terms, regardless of the financial mistakes or unfortunate unexpected financial circumstances you've experienced in the past. 

Order a free copies of your credit reports at Annual Credit Report.com

Order a copy of your banking history at ChexSystems

The Financially Free with Cleo Podcast is on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and PodBean: cleoyogafinance.com/podcast

It's also on YouTube at Cleo Yoga Finance. Watch here: bit.ly/33NJYRp

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share on social media and tag @cleoyogafinance or leave us a review.

We appreciate your support. See you next week!

Let's Stay Connected:

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instagram.com/cleoyogafinance/

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facebook.com/CleoYogaFinance

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Have you ever been told that you were wasting money renting versus buying a home? I've been told plenty of times that the amount I pay in rent is the same amount I could be paying on a mortgage, if not less.

What some people fail to understand is that when it comes to purchasing a home, one must be in a financial and mental position to take on more than just the monthly mortgage payment.

What about the other financial responsibilities that come with homeownership, such as homeowners insurance, property taxes, lawn care, pool maintenance, cost to replace or repair things when need, and the list goes on. 

On Episode 29: "Renting Is Not A Waste of Money" I'm sharing how important it is for us to understand the potential pros and cons of renting and homeownership. It's even more important to decide which option is best for you right now. Neither option is 100% better than the other, but the option that is best for you depends on several factors within your lifestyle. 

Sometimes it makes sense to buy. Other times it makes more sense to continue renting. Choose what's best for you.

The Financially Free with Cleo Podcast is on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and PodBean: cleoyogafinance.com/podcast

It's also on YouTube at Cleo Yoga Finance. Watch here: bit.ly/33NJYRp

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share on social media and tag @cleoyogafinance or leave us a review.

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It's official, I now have a high school graduate. My daughter, Destiny Kennedy, is now preparing for her transition to college. I'm so proud of her and look forward to all of her life experiences.

As a teen mom and single mom, our mother daughter journey has been great but sometimes challenging. Life is all about living the lifestyle you desire while learning and growing through challenges that life throws at us.

I thought this moment would take forever to come, but now that it is here I am happy and grateful that I was able to raise Destiny the best way that I could with what I had. I must say, I did an AMAZING JOB!

I am now an Empty Nester since Destiny is my one and only child. I have been reading more about what Empty Nester really means and how it may apply to my motherhood journey. 

According to Better Health Channel, Empty nest syndrome refers to the grief that many parents feel when their children move out of the home. This condition is typically more common in women, who are more likely to have had the role of primary carer.

On Episode 28: "Empty Nest Syndrome" I'm sharing my thoughts on being an empty nester and how I plan to operate in this new chapter of my life. 

Want to learn more about Empty Next Syndrome? Check out this article from Very Well Family: 5 Signs and Symptoms of Empty Nest Syndrome

The Financially Free with Cleo Podcast is on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and PodBean: cleoyogafinance.com/podcast

It's also on YouTube at Cleo Yoga Finance. Watch here: bit.ly/33NJYRp

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share on social media and tag @cleoyogafinance or leave us a review.

We appreciate your support. See you next week!

Let's Stay Connected:

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instagram.com/cleoyogafinance/

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We all should relocate to a new city at least once in our lifetime. There are so many other life experiences we can't get just staying in one city our whole life.

When I relocated for the first time, I was desperate for new beginnings. I thought moving would solve all of my money problems, but I quickly realized that just moving was not enough. I needed to do the work mentally and physically too.

If we relocate in hopes that a new environment will change our lives without us doing the deeper mental and physical work, then our problems will just follow us from city to city, state to state and country to country. 

On Episode 27: "Relocation Won't Solve Your Problems" I'm sharing my experience with relocating for the first time. It wasn't an easy journey, but it was worth every minute. 

Make a list of places you would love to relocate to one day. No matter if it's short term or long term, the journey starts with you visualizing where you would want to live and when. 

If you're thinking about moving abroad, check out my convo with Vanessa M.W. on Episode 25: Moving Abroad Increasing Income and Quality of Life. Watch here: https://youtu.be/bTILXMT9RKU

The Financially Free with Cleo Podcast is on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and PodBean: cleoyogafinance.com/podcast

It's also on YouTube at Cleo Yoga Finance. Watch here: bit.ly/33NJYRp

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share on social media and tag @cleoyogafinance or leave us a review.

We appreciate your support. See you next week!

Let's Stay Connected:

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instagram.com/cleoyogafinance/

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How does your personal economy operate? How does the money in your life revolve around you?

Our daily habits determine the type of financial lifestyles we experience. It's never too late to take the next step towards the level of financial freedom you desire. 

On Episode 26: "Investments and Sacrifices" we are talking with Robert Fortune, a Brooklyn native and founder of Fortune Advisory Services.

He left Wall Street and Corporate Banking to focus on financial literacy, generational wealth and financial freedom through proper planning of investment and insurance plans.

In this episode, you will learn:

2:12 - How Robert grew up and first learned about money

5:40 - How to start investing in stocks

7:15 - Robert’s best money decision thus far

10:37 - What is your personal economy? What financial freedom means to Robert. 

15:02 - How to retire at any age 

17:03 - Why sacrifices are required

18:54 - Time value of money

22:04 - Emotional connection with money

34:38 - Robert's money decision he regrets

36:39 - What you should know about investing 

46:51 - How Robert started Fortune Advisory Services 

1:02:12 - Favorites Round with Robert

1:09:57 - Robert's response to his financial affirmation card

1:11:47 - Advice Robert would give to himself right now

1:13:35 - How to connect with and support Robert Fortune

Connect with Robert Fortune: 

Phone: 347-206-3010

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.fortunecapllc.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fortune_advisory/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fortuneadvisoryservices/

Special Offer: (Free Consultation) Send an email to Robert at [email protected] and mention you heard him on Financially Free with Cleo Podcast to get scheduled. 

The Financially Free with Cleo Podcast is on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and PodBean: cleoyogafinance.com/podcast

It's also on YouTube at Cleo Yoga Finance. Watch here: bit.ly/33NJYRp

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share on social media and tag @cleoyogafinance or leave us a review.

We appreciate your support. See you next week!

Let's Stay Connected:

Instagram: 

instagram.com/cleoyogafinance/

Website: 

https://www.cleoyogafinance.com/

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youtube.com/channel/UCORAoCfgBe0QrjHzWHdyydw

Facebook:

facebook.com/CleoYogaFinance

Twitter:

twitter.com/cleoyogafinance

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