Journey To Launch

Isa Watson, founder and CEO of Squad, an app that takes you and your friends off of social media, and author of new book Life Beyond Likes, joins the podcast to discuss prioritizing connection over consumption and how we can all strive to live a more authentic life offline.

We also talk about the true timeline of switching careers, how being yourself has a big ROI and dating your friends.

In this episode, you'll learn more about:

• The traumatic event that changed the trajectory of Isa's life
• How Isa navigated away from her corporate career to tech entrepreneurship
• What building a network looks like offline, being intentional with your mentorships and connections, and the power of empathy
• Examining how we seek validation through others on social media and striking a balance between flexing for likes and living for yourself
• Prioritizing connection over consumption, the pros and cons social media has on society as a whole + more

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

• Check out Isa's book, Life Beyond Likes: Logging Off Your Screen and Into Your Life
• Check out my new personal website 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!
• 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 Isa:

• Website
• Instagram: @IsaDWatson
• Twitter: @IsaDWatson

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

Berna Anat, award-winning producer, speaker, podcast host, rich auntie in training, and "Financial Hype Woman," joins the podcast to chat about immigrant financial trauma, living out loud with your money and how she went from paying off over $50,000 of debt to becoming a new author.

We also talk about the importance of taking breaks, her response to the strike carried out by the workers involved in producing her book, leveraging your finances to combat injustice, and more.

In this episode, you'll learn more about:

• Why you need to bring your whole self and your whole financial story into your money life
• The First-Generation Alpha Kid experience + what being a daughter of immigrants means in the money realm
• How to approach giving you family financial help and the importance of establishing boundaries
• Pros and cons of immigrant hustle mode + why it can be your superpower or kryptonite
• Financial activism, speaking up for your community, calling out capitalism + more

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

• Listen to Berna's First Interview on the Journey to Launch Podcast
• First Gen Alpha Kid Experience IG Reel
• Check out my new personal website 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!
• 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 Berna:

• Website
• Instagram: @HeyBerna
• Twitter: @HeyBerna
• Facebook: @HeyBerna

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 introduction of mutual funds was a game-changer for the average American, allowing them to gain access to financial markets once only the wealthy had access to. Then ETFs came along and helped with diversification and potential tax efficiencies with intraday trading. What's next?

Rich Compson, Head of Wealth Management at Fidelity Investments joins us on the Journey To Launch podcast to discuss how "direct indexing" is the next evolution of market access for Americans. We also talk about general investing topics and why investing is important to building wealth.

In this episode, you'll learn more about:

• Definitions and basic concepts of investing
• The order of operations for successful (and financially responsible) investing
• Why technology and social media has made investing more affordable + accessible
• What Direct indexing is, the benefits of tax loss harvesting, how you can start direct indexing today + more

For more check out Direct Indexing Overview by Fidelity here.

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

• For more check out Direct Indexing Overview by Fidelity here.
• Check out my new personal website 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!
• 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

Andy Hill, host of the podcast, Marriage Kids And Money, joins the Journey to Launch podcast to discuss his most recent financial decision: taking $50,000 out of his taxable brokerage account to purchase a new car.

We dive into the importance of making financial decisions based on personal values and life goals instead of following what everyone else is doing. Andy also shares his practical tips on car buying and the power of F-U money.

In this episode, you'll learn more about:

• Why Andy decided to liquidate a taxable brokerage account for a depreciating asset (i.e. his new car)
• Reasons why you should enjoy your money now and use it to elevate your life experiences
• The power of f-u money, operating from abundance instead of fear, and always learning new things
• Reducing financial anxiety, how long a financial freedom journey can take, + more

Watch the video to this episode at YouTube.com/journeytolaunch

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

• Listen to Andy on Episode 32: A Conversation About Marriage, Kids & Money
• Check out Andy's Make My Kid a Millionaire course here.
• Check out my new personal website 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!
• 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
• Twitter: @AndyHillmkm

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

Allison Baggerly, author, podcaster, and founder of Inspired Budget, joins the Journey to Launch podcast to discuss her personal finance evolution as a former teacher in debt to successful entrepreneur and author.

Allison and her husband paid off over $100k of debt while growing their family. During the process, she learned how to take back control of her money, stay consistent with paying off debt, and stop emotional spending once and for all. Now, she runs Inspired Budget full-time, is a nationally recognized money coach, and is releasing her first book, Money Made Easy.

We chat about how you can balance your financial future while living spontaneously, the power of keeping your money simple, how Allison made the move to full-time entrepreneurship and more.

In this episode, you'll learn more about:

• How to reimagine your skill set in another profession or career
• Why having a plan of action with your money reduces guilt around spending
• The importance of communication and transparency in your relationship when it comes to finances and entrepreneurship
• What types of control budgeting allows you to have + permission to let go of budgeting later on in your financial freedom journey
• Tips on how you can plan for your financial future and goals while enjoying living your life now + more

Check out the video of this episode on YouTube, here!

You can enter for a chance to win a free copy of Allison's book, Money Made Easy by going to journeytolaunch.com/win.

• Listen to episode 98- Paying Off $111,000 Of Debt In 4.5 Years On A Teacher's Salary With Allison Baggerly
• Purchase Allison's book: Money Made Easy
• Check out my new personal website 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
• 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 Allison:

• Website
• Instagram:@InspiredBudget
• Facebook:@InspiredBudget
• Twitter:@Inspired_Budget

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

Kim Rittberg, former media executive at Netflix and People Magazine, joins the podcast to discuss how she was able to pivot from corporate America to her own business helping independent professionals and brands be better on camera and make unforgettable video and podcast content to grow their business.

Kim is an award-winning video and content expert working across social media, television, digital videos, and podcasts. She spent 15 years as a media executive and launched the first ever video unit for Us Weekly. She also hosts the Mom's Exit Interview podcast, which was spurred by her decision to quit corporate and launch her own business.

We chat about not being defined by our loses or wins, why it's okay for you to pivot if your life changes direction.

In this episode, you'll learn more about:

• • Why Kim quit corporate America even though she loved her job
  • Deciding to bet on yourself and go for what you want despite fear and doubt
  • How to gain confidence on camera starting with working on confidence within yourself
  • What the PATCH framework & the three E's are + more

Check out the video of this episode on YouTube, here!

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

• Check out my new personal website 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
• 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 Kim:

• Website
• Instagram:@KimRittberg
• Facebook:@KimRittberg

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

Myra Strober, labor economist and Professor Emerita at Stanford University and Abby Davisson, social innovation leader and career development expert, join the Journey to Launch podcast to discuss how to make conscious decisions about money with love as the primary framework.

We chat about the intellectual roadmap for life's biggest decisions, why we need to have difficult conversations before we're ready and how love and money are intertwined in all of life's challenges and phases.

In this episode, you'll learn more about:

• Making decisions about money with love at the forefront of consideration
• What the 5 C framework is and how you can implement them in your life right now
• Why you should be having conversations about personal topics alongside the professional ones
• How to be an agent of change within the institutions you participate in
• The importance of checking in with those you admire and trying to anticipate the consequences of life's choices + more

You can enter for a chance to win one a free copy of Myra's and Abby's book, Money and Love, by going to journeytolaunch.com/win.

Check out the video of this episode on YouTube, here!

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

• Read Money and Love by Myra and Abby Strober & Davisson
• Check out my new personal website 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
• 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 Myra & Abby:

• Website
• Instagram:@Abby.Davisson
• Twitter:@AbbyDavisson

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

Jessamyn Stanley, internationally-acclaimed voice in the wellness industry and author, joins the Journey To Launch podcast to discuss how yoga has the power to change lives, why creatives have an obligation to make money for the betterment of their communities and the importance of promoting equity in the health industry.

We chat about showing up authentically on social media overcoming fear and more.

In this episode, you'll learn more about:

• Jessamyn's accidental path to becoming a wellness industry thought leader
• Why self-care and spending are integral to showing up as the best version of yourself
• What you can do today to let go of fear and move toward your goals
• How creatives can and have an obligation to reframe how to ethically make money
• The importance of letting go of money + more

Check out the video of this episode on YouTube, here!

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

• Check out Jessamyn's book: Every Body Yoga: Let Go of Fear, Get On the Mat, Love Your Body.
• Check out Jessamyn's Book: Yoke: My Yoga of Self-Acceptance
• Read Rachel Rodgers Book: We Should All Be Millionaires
• Listen to Episode 213: How To Achieve A Million Dollar Mindset And Business With Rachel Rodgers
• Listen to Episode 309: The Price Of Beauty: Exploring The Pros And Cons Of Higher Maintenance Beauty Services
• Check out my new personal website 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
• 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 Jessamyn:

• Website
• Instagram:@MyNameisJessamyn

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

Toni Okamoto, founder of Plant Based On A Budget and podcast host, joins the Journey To Launch podcast to talk about her new book, "Plant-Based on a Budget Quick & Easy: 100 Fast, Healthy, Meal-Prep, Freezer-Friendly, and One-Pot Vegan Recipes," and how she "fell" into entrepreneurship.

Plant Based On A Budget began in 2012 as a passion project, but swiftly turned into an online empire with over 1M followers across social media. Toni went full-time in 2016 and hasn't looked back. Since then, she secured a Netflix documentary feature on "What The Health," and successfully leads a team of 6, spreading the word of accessible and affordable plant based meal options globally.

We chat about expectations you can have as a business owner in the online space, why she views Plant Based On A Budget as a form of activism and how you can save money on groceries.

In this episode, you'll learn more about:

• • How long it actually took Toni to make a profit with her passion project, Plant Based On A Budget + why you should adjust your expectations if you want to start an online brand
  • Why staying open and curious is a key skill in entrepreneurship and can lead to massive opportunities
  • What you can do right now to save money on healthy meals you will enjoy that will actually leave you and your family feeling satisfied
  • Tip and tricks to get your kids into veggies + more

Check out the video of this episode on YouTube, here!

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

• Bean Salad: https://www.tiktok.com/@plantbasedonabudget/video/7124502837563854122?lang=en
• Grab a copy of Plant-Based on a Budget Quick & Easy: 100 Fast, Healthy, Meal-Prep, Freezer-Friendly, and One-Pot Vegan Recipes by Toni Okamoto
• Check out my new personal website 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
• 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 Toni:

• Website
• Instagram:@PlantBasedonaBudget

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

Nicole Stanley joins the Journey To Launch podcast to talk about all things financial diet culture and enjoying your financial journey and life.

After battling crippling financial anxiety in her early 20s, Nicole decided that enough was enough. She went from $30,000 in debt to building her family's net worth to over a quarter million dollars by age 27. Through her debt free journey, she realized she wasn't alone in experiencing money stress. She began coaching to help others change their money and mental health story.

We dive into the need for more nuance surrounding money, how frugality can actually hinder your financial success, making enjoyment a priority no matter what your money situation is and more.

In this episode, you'll learn more about:

• The difference between black and white thinking vs. nuance in the personal finance space
• Why you need to stop equating your goodness with how you spend (or don't spend) money
• What financial anxiety looks like and how can you identify it
• ​​How to invite a good relationship with money into your life right now instead of when you complete a goal + more

Check out the video of this episode on YouTube, here!

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

• Listen to episode 262: Die With Zero & Get All You Can From Your Money And Your Life W/ Bill Perkins
• Check out my new personal website 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
• 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 Nicole:

• Website
• Instagram:@Arise.Financial.Coaching
• Facebook: Arise.Financial.Coaching

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