Journey To Launch

Dr. Lakisha Simmons, fellow Journeyer and author, joins the podcast to share her inspirational story from growing up with almost nothing to saving & investing $750,000 in 4 years & reaching Financial Independence at 41 years old. We discuss how she was able to use her divorce as a kickoff for her FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) journey, and how the FIRE movement led her to pursue her passions in life.

In this episode we dive into how Dr. Simmons was able to grow from her mistakes, what she did to reach Financial Independence, and the lessons she's passing down to her children from her financial experience.

In this episode you'll learn

• How money narratives growing up shape your financial decisions as an adult
• What Dr. Simmons did to cut expenses during her divorce
• Which accounts Dr. Simmons maxed out to lower her tax burden and grow her FIRE number
• How & why she decided to quit her job
• The benefits of FIRE and chasing after what makes you happy
• What she is teaching her kids about money + more

Watch on youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IavkfgIVvGY

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

• https://www.amazon.com/Unlikely-AchieveHer-Steps-Prosperous-workbook/dp/0578413523
• I'll be taking the stage at FinCon 2021 in Austin as a Big Idea Speaker. You can grab your ticket to join me in person or virtually here (use the code " FCJOURNEY5" for a discount)
• Nominate Journey to Launch for the Plutus Award by clicking here.
• Listen to the Learn to Trade As A Side Hustle To Reach Your Financial & Life Goals FREE Audio Training with Teri Ijeoma by clicking 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.

Connect with Dr. Lakisha Simmons:

• Website
• Instagram:@DrKishaSimmons
• Facebook:@DrKisha
• Twitter:@DrKishaSimmons

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

Andre Albritton, founder of The Millennials Next Door and The Flavor Podcast, educates us on REITs, aka: Real Estate Investment Trusts. With the 2021 real estate market booming and millions of millennials looking to “get in” on the crest of the wave, Andre explains the ease of REITs and why they may be your foot in the door to investing in real estate without being a landlord or landowner.

In this episode we discuss what REITs, the tax ramifications of REITs, and if they’re the right real estate investment choice for you.

In this episode you’ll learn

• What are REITs
• The pros and cons of REITs
• REITs v. Index Funds: Which has the best ROI over time?
• Different sectors with the most growth in REITs + more

Watch this episode on youtube here: https://youtu.be/XaE1dJ99zYU 

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

• I’ll be taking the stage at FinCon 2021 in Austin as a Big Idea Speaker. You can grab your ticket to join me in person or virtually here (use the code “ FCJOURNEY5“ for a discount) 
• Nominate Journey to Launch for the Plutus Award by clicking here. 
• Listen to the Learn to Trade As A Side Hustle To Reach Your Financial & Life Goals FREE Audio Training with Teri Ijeoma by clicking 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.

Connect with Andre:

• Website
• Instagram:@TheMillennialsNextDoor
• Facebook:@TheMillennialsNextDoor 
• Twitter:@Millennials_N_D

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

Travis Hornsby, founder and owner of Student Loan Planner, takes us through the often overwhelming and confusing world of student loan repayment plans. With new government updates happening each month, it's important to stay on top of the various options available to you. Travis explains, in simplistic terms, those options and how you can take advantage of them to pick the plan that is best suited for your student loan debt.

In this episode we talk about different payment plans based on income levels, what's going on with student loan cancellation, and what you can expect when student loan payments eventually resume.

If you've ever been anxious about not knowing your options, or you've wanted to tackle your student loan debt in a more strategic way, this episode is for you.

In this episode you'll learn:

• What to expect when the student loan payment pause ends next year (2022)
• How student loan forgiveness is real + where to go to find out if you qualify for it
• Various repayment plan options based on various income levels (low to high)
• Why student loan cancellation is likely not going to happen
• The reason it's even more advantageous for those in student loan debt to invest

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

• studentaid.gov/IDR
• studentaid.gov/PSLF
• studentaid.gov
• I'll be taking the stage at FinCon 2021 in Austin as a Big Idea Speaker. You can grab your ticket to join me in person or virtually here (use the code " FCJOURNEY5" for a discount)
• Nominate Journey to Launch for the Plutus Award by clicking here.
• Listen to the Learn to Trade As A Side Hustle To Reach Your Financial & Life Goals FREE Audio Training with Teri Ijeoma by clicking 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.

Connect with Travis:

• Website
• Instagram:@studentloanplanner
• Facebook: @studentloanplan
• Twitter: @StudentLoanTrav

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

Fellow Journeyer Erika Brown, Real Estate Agency Owner, homeschool Mom, and multifaceted entrepreneur, joins us to discuss her exit from Corporate America into the lucrative world of business ownership and real estate investing in Atlanta, Georgia.

In this episode I talk with Erika about her journey to financial independence, her multi-million dollar real estate portfolio, her unique and effective homeschooling methods, and how she is able to "do it all."

Be inspired by Erika's life path TODAY on Episode 227 of the Journey To Launch Podcast.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why sometimes taking an educated leap of faith in life is necessary to propel your growth, both professionally and personally
• Why being an investigator in your own life is the first step towards elevating it
• Erika's thoughts on real estate investing and gentrification
• What Unschooling is and why it may be the right fit for your family

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

• I'll be taking the stage at FinCon 2021 in Austin as a Big Idea Speaker. You can grab your ticket to join me in person or virtually here (use the code " FCJOURNEY5" for a discount)
• Nominate Journey to Launch for the Plutus Award by clicking here.
• Listen to the Learn to Trade As A Side Hustle To Reach Your Financial & Life Goals FREE Audio Training with Teri Ijeoma by clicking 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.

Connect with Erika:

• Website
• Erikabrownandassociates.com
• Instagram:@ErikaBonig
• Facebook: @Erika-Brown-101239094756523

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

Jessica Zweig owner of nationally recognized digital brand agency, SimplyBe, and new author of, "Be: A No-Bullsh*t Guide to Increasing Your Self Worth and Net Worth by Simply Being Yourself" joins us to discuss how to root authenticity in your personal brand and use it to grow your self worth and your net worth.

In this episode, I talk with Jessica about the everyday struggles of identity as an entrepreneur and how to navigate the noisy world of social media and personal branding. We do deep dives into business alignment, creating a real brand identity, and how you can craft a voice that stands out in the crowd.

Learn all about increasing your self worth and net worth by simply being yourself TODAY.

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Why a personal brand is so important to companies + how they impact them
• How to own your mistakes and use them to propel you forward
• How to leverage your best ROI now to scale later
• Using authenticity to build a better business and make more money

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

• Grab Jessica's book here.
• I'll be taking the stage at FinCon 2021 in Austin as a Big Idea Speaker. You can grab your ticket to join me in person or virtually here (use the code " FCJOURNEY5" for a discount)
• Nominate Journey to Launch for the Plutus Award by clicking here.
• Listen to the Learn to Trade As A Side Hustle To Reach Your Financial & Life Goals FREE Audio Training with Teri Ijeoma by clicking 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.

Connect with Jessica:

• Website
• SimplybeAgency.com
• The Simply Be Podcast
• Instagram: @JessicaZweig
• Instagram: @SimplybeAgency

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

Kevin Matthews is the author of "From Burning To Blueprint: Rebuilding Black Wall Street After A Century Of Silence," a book about the Tulsa Race Massacre. In this episode, I talk with Kevin about the history behind the massacre, the ramifications of this day of bloodshed, and how we can come together for effective change and solutions in response to this gruesome event and the treatment of Black people in America.

Learn all about the Tulsa Race Massacre, it's significance in 2021, investing, and generational wealth when you listen to this impactful episode.

In this episode we cover:

• How what happened in Tulsa didn't happen in a vacuum
• Why the Tulsa Race Massacre still matters to the Black community today & why everyone needs to learn about what happened
• Solutions in response to the Tulsa Race Massacre
• The case for reparations
• The contradiction of explaining generational wealth while ignoring the causes of generational poverty
• The reasoning behind investing in the stock market over investing in real estate as a means to build Black wealth
• General guides to beginning your investing journey and more

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

• Buildingbread.com/blueprint
• Episode 137-The Black Tax: The Cost Of Being Black In America With Shawn Rochester
• Episode 158- Black Lives Matter & The Black Tax: The Cost Of Being Black In America W/ Shawn Rochester
• I'll be taking the stage at FinCon 2021 in Austin as a Big Idea Speaker. You can grab your ticket to join me in person or virtually here (use the code " FCJOURNEY5" for a discount)
• Nominate Journey to Launch for the Plutus Award by clicking here.
• Listen to the Learn to Trade As A Side Hustle To Reach Your Financial & Life Goals FREE Audio Training with Teri Ijeoma by clicking 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.

Connect with Kevin:

• Website
• Instagram: @BuildingBread
• Twitter: @BuildingBread
• Facebook: @BuildingBread

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 the Journey To Launch Podcast, I'm diving into exciting, new updates. It's been 4 years since I started the Journey To Launch podcast. I didn't have a huge audience and was fairly new in the personal finance space but I had something to share with the world. I'm so glad I took a chance on myself. Now the podcast has over 2.5 million downloads and has been featured by the NY Times.

Throughout the last 4 years, you've watched me quit corporate America, grow my own business, and raise my kids-- all while going through the inevitable ups and downs of life.

Tune in to hear about a few learning moments from my entrepreneur career, goals I've met, as well as life-changing moves coming down the road. You won't want to miss this episode

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Where I'm at with my book-writing journey
• Why I decided to close Money Launch Club and how that decision will change the trajectory of Journey To Launch
• What I'm up to in September in Austin, Texas
• The big change happening inside my family

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

• Episode 61- I Quit My Job: Why & How I Quit My 6-Figure Job & How This Affects My Journey To Financial Independence
• I'll be taking the stage at FinCon 2021 in Austin as a Big Idea Speaker. You can grab your ticket to join me in person or virtually here (use the code " FCJOURNEY5" for a discount)
• Listen to the Learn to Trade As A Side Hustle To Reach Your Financial & Life Goals FREE Audio Training with Teri Ijeoma by clicking 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.

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 always wondered what the true "secret" to success was? Or why the strategies you're using aren't working? Then this week's Journey to Launch Podcast episode is for you. I dive into author Ron Friedman's latest work, "Decoding Greatness," a guide on how to reverse engineer your success and live your best life possible.

During this episode, we explore the misconceptions and falsehoods of how success is marketed towards us. Through Ron's unique blueprints, you can learn how to rise above the noise and collect your own data to use as leverage in building your best self in the professional, personal, and financial worlds we move through each day.

Tune in to hear all about Ron's new book and learn practical, easy day-to-day tips on how to reach your goals and create the life you want.

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• How to use micro-goals to propel your macro-goals into realities
• Opportunity cost and why keeping a scoreboard will change all areas of your life
• The psychology behind why reverse engineering works and how you can do it yourself in your day-to-day life
• The harsh reality-- and positives-- of hustle and grind when you're young
• Why looking for patterns and molding them to fit your goals is imperative to success

Watch Video on YouTube by clicking here: https://youtu.be/F4MxdZktyMk

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

• Decodinggreatnessbook.com
• Listen to the Learn to Trade As A Side Hustle To Reach Your Financial & Life Goals FREE Audio Training with Teri Ijeoma by clicking 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.

Connect with Dr. Ron Friedman:

• Website
• Instagram:@RonFriedmanphd
• Twitter:@RonFriedman
• Facebook:@RonFriedmanthewriter

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

Do you want to learn how to travel in style while; paying off debt and pursuing Financial Independence? Then this week's Journey To Launch podcast episode with Cinneah El-Amin is for you. Cinneah shares how to travel affordably utilizing travel rewards points and gives us tips on how to navigate travel w/ a 9-5 work schedule.

Even though she had a good salary, Cinneah was living beyond her means and carried shame around her $23,000 credit card debt. In the episode, you'll hear what rock bottom moment propelled Cinneah to begin her self love and Financial Independence journey and how she paid off her debt in 1 year.

Cinneah's story is fascinating because even though she still works a 9-5, she travels often and was even able to relocate to Tulum, Mexico in 2020. Tune in to hear Cinneah's inspiring story and learn practical tips on how you can travel on a budget and while pursuing your money goals.

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• What propelled Cinneah to start her financial independence journey
• How Cinneah paid off $23,000 in debt in one year
• Why it's important to have people hold you accountable
• How to travel on a budget, travel hack, and tips of travelers with a 9-5 and much more...

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

• Listen to the Learn to Trade As A Side Hustle To Reach Your Financial & Life Goals FREE Audio Training with Teri Ijeoma by clicking 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.

Connect with Cinneah:

• Website
• Instagram:@Fly.Nanced
• Twitter:@Flynanced

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

I have a very special episode to share with you because my little sisters Imani & Shaina are my guests on this week's podcast. I thought it would be fun to have a real conversation with two of my younger sisters who are both on their own unique paths to financial freedom.

Shaina and Imani are both creatives and entrepreneurs who have followed their passions and taken non-traditional career paths and are learning to invest for the first time. I wanted to bring them both on the podcast to share more about their goals, how they had to pivot during COVID, their savings and investing journeys, and to share what it's really like to have me as an older sister (spoiler alert: turns out that I'm really fun)

I can't wait for you to listen to this episode, and I highly encourage you to watch it on YouTube. This was my first time recording an in person video podcast at a studio. Grab a virtual chair and tune in!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• How Imani & Shaina both have followed their passions to live a life that they love
• How they pivoted during COVID to keep motivated
• Their personal journeys with money and how they have started saving investing to meet their goals
• What they would tell anyone who's afraid to start or follow their dreams and much more...

Watch on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/V0JDHMk2HtQ

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

• Listen to the Learn to Trade As A Side Hustle To Reach Your Financial & Life Goals FREE Audio Training with Teri Ijeoma by clicking 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.

Connect with Shaina & Imani:

• Imani's Instagram: @Yaadchef_45
• Shaina's Instagram: @Shaina.McGregor
• Shaina's Website

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