MyFinJourney

You don’t need to be rich to travel the world — you just need to understand credit card points.

In this masterclass, credit card points-expert Colin Stroud reveals how he turned credit card rewards into free flights and luxury hotel stays across the globe. Learn the exact systems he uses to help 300+ families save thousands every year — from choosing the best cards to maximizing transfer partners and cents-per-point value.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

00:00 – Intro: The hidden world of points

03:15 – How Colin started his six-figure travel business

09:20 – The biggest mistakes people make with credit cards

15:40 – Best credit cards for points in 2025

21:05 – How to book free flights and hotels

29:18 – Tools, apps, and secret transfer strategies

37:40 – How to avoid losing point value

45:00 – Colin’s best real-life redemptions and client stories

52:10 – Closing insights on travel freedom

💳 Featured Tools & Cards:

- Chase Sapphire Preferred

- Capital One Venture X

- Citi Strata Premier

- Point.me / Seats.Aero / Roame

🔗 CONNECT WITH COLIN STROUD

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

Email: [email protected]

🔗 CONNECT WITH MUSTAFA LADHA (HOST)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mustafa-ladha/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@my.finjourney

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UmpEcnU2Z0UxxDuvenmNx

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/myfinjourney/id1815511353

If you’ve ever feared running out of money in retirement, or wondered why hard work isn’t translating into wealth — this episode will change how you think about money forever.

⚡ Don’t wait until it’s too late. Invest in yourself NOW.

If this episode opened your eyes, subscribe for weekly strategies that build wealth the smart way.

💬 Comment: What’s the smartest investing lesson you’ll apply this year?

🔗 Share this video with a friend who needs the truth about money.

If this video helped you understand the real value of your credit card points — share it with a friend and help them travel free too.

Everyone teaches you to save. The wealthy teach you to think.

In this episode of MyFinJourney, host Mustafa Ladha is joined by Ryan Zabrowski, senior Portfolio Manager at Cryology, Marine veteran, and author. Ryan shares insights from reading over a thousand books on investing and decades of managing millions in assets.

They discuss what truly separates average investors from the wealthy, how the wealthy invest wisely in uncertain times, and the lessons we can learn from Warren Buffett.The conversation covers behavioral finance, the psychology of investing, strategies for handling bear and bull markets, and advice for young investors on building wealth. Ryan emphasizes the importance of investing in cash-flowing assets, understanding leverage, and the value of patience and discipline. This episode is ideal for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of investing and build a solid financial future.

You’ll Learn:

• The 5 Percent Rule — how the rich remove fear from investing

 • Behavioral finance secrets Wall Street won’t tell you

 • Why risk is never static (and how to measure it like a pro)

 • Buffett’s real rule — “be greedy when others fearful” decoded

 • Tactical allocation that wins in bull & bear markets

 • The path from $0 to $5M using discipline + real estate leverage

 • How to build wealth with math

Episode Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction and Guest Welcome

(00:44) Ryan Zaki's Background and Early Career

(01:25) Behavioral Finance and Investment Psychology

(08:10) The Importance of Tactical Allocation

(10:42) Investment Strategies in Bull and Bear Markets

(16:27) Common Mistakes in Wealth Building

(21:18) Active vs. Passive Investment Debate

(26:42) The Importance of Being Comfortable with Booing

(27:46) Can the Average Person Become Wealthy Through Investing?

(29:05) Steps to Building Wealth from Scratch

(32:18) The Role of Education and Mentorship in Financial Success

(34:11) Learning from Warren Buffet's Shareholder Letters

(37:31) The Reality of Passive Income

(42:26) Teaching Financial Principles to the Next Generation

(47:20) Conclusion and How to Connect with Ryan

🔗 CONNECT WITH RYAN ZABROWSKI

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-zabrowski-cfp%C2%AE-msf-08830b325/

Email: [email protected]

🔗 CONNECT WITH MUSTAFA LADHA (HOST)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mustafa-ladha/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@my.finjourney

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UmpEcnU2Z0UxxDuvenmNx

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/myfinjourney/id1815511353

If you’ve ever feared running out of money in retirement, or wondered why hard work isn’t translating into wealth — this episode will change how you think about money forever.

⚡ Don’t wait until it’s too late. Invest in yourself NOW.

If this episode opened your eyes, subscribe for weekly strategies that build wealth the smart way.

 💬 Comment: What’s the smartest investing lesson you’ll apply this year?

 🔗 Share this video with a friend who needs the truth about money.

Most people work hard every day — yet feel like they’re barely surviving.

If you’ve ever whispered to yourself “I wasn’t born just to pay bills and die,” this conversation will wake something inside you.

In this episode of 'MyFinJourney,' host Mustafa Ladha speaks with Lisa J. Crawford, a hospitality leader, author, and coach dedicated to bringing humanity back into business. Lisa shares her personal journey of overcoming financial and emotional struggles, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery, mindset shifts, and relationship-building in achieving financial freedom. She offers practical advice on breaking free from the cycle of living paycheck to paycheck, the power of writing down goals, and the significance of investing in self-development and passive income opportunities. The episode is filled with actionable insights for anyone aiming to take control not just of their money, but their life.

 You’ll learn:

• Why financial stress quietly controls your decisions

• How to escape the paycheck-to-paycheck trap

• The 3 Ps that changed Lisa’s life — Pad, Pen & Power

• How to turn pain into purpose and purpose into income

• Real ways to start side income without burnout

• The difference between cost and value when building wealth

Episode Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to My Finn Journey

(00:06) Meet Lisa J. Crawford: Hospitality Leader and Coach

(00:25) Understanding Financial Stress in Careers

(01:03) Lisa's Personal Journey and Mindset Shift

(01:51) Breaking Free from the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle

(03:41) The Importance of Self-Discovery

(06:31) Silent Financial Pains and Workplace Stress

(08:52) The Value of Self-Development and Side Hustles

(20:05) Building Strong Relationships for Financial Success

(23:55) Achieving Financial Freedom and Early Retirement

(25:52) Lisa's Advice for the Younger Generation

(27:11) Exploring Passive Income and Wealth Building

(28:21) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

🔗 CONNECT WITH Lisa J. Crawford

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lisajcrawford

Email: [email protected]

🔗 CONNECT WITH MUSTAFA LADHA (HOST)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mustafa-ladha/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@my.finjourney

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UmpEcnU2Z0UxxDuvenmNx

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/myfinjourney/id1815511353

If you’ve ever feared running out of money in retirement, or wondered why hard work isn’t translating into wealth — this episode will change how you think about money forever.

⚡ Don’t wait until it’s too late. Invest in yourself NOW.

👉 Subscribe to MyFinJourney for weekly conversations that uncover the money traps keeping people stuck. Drop a 5 star review, and share this with someone who wants financial freedom but doesn’t know the hidden risks.

Welcome back to My Fin Journey. The podcast where we challenge traditional financial thinking and help you build true wealth.

Today, we are joined by Brock Fortner, a financial expert known for making complex wealth-building strategies simple. Brock works with high earners, business owners, and top performers, helping them gain clarity, reduce taxes, and build generational wealth. In this episode, Brock shares the truth about why traditional financial planning is failing you and reveals actionable strategies to turn your income into real, lasting wealth.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Why traditional financial planning and advice isn’t cutting it for high earners and entrepreneurs

2. How to take control of your cash flow and start building real wealth

3. Why understanding your “freedom number” is crucial for financial independence

4. How to avoid lifestyle creep and keep more of your hard-earned money

5. The mindset shifts that separate the truly wealthy from the high earners

Episode Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to My Fin Journey Podcast

(00:12) Meet Brock Fortner: Financial Strategist

(00:22) Brock's Clientele and Financial Philosophy

(00:55) The Importance of Financial Literacy for Young Adults

(04:12) Key Components of Financial Planning

(05:07) Challenges in the Financial Planning Industry

(09:54) Brock's Personal Journey and Mentorship

(15:29) Advising High Net Worth Clients

(19:11) Client Exit Strategies

(19:38) Retirement Planning Realities

(20:30) Life Insurance Misconceptions

(22:05) Estate Planning and Taxes

(25:34) 401k and Retirement Savings

(29:53) Investing in Yourself

(34:16) Building Cash Flow Engines

(34:49) Final Thoughts and Resources

🔗 CONNECT WITH BROCK FORTNER

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

Email: [email protected]

🔗 CONNECT WITH MUSTAFA LADHA (HOST)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mustafa-ladha/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@my.finjourney

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UmpEcnU2Z0UxxDuvenmNx

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/myfinjourney/id1815511353

If you’ve ever feared running out of money in retirement, or wondered why hard work isn’t translating into wealth — this episode will change how you think about money forever.

⚡ Don’t wait until it’s too late. Invest in yourself NOW.

👉 Subscribe to MyFinJourney for weekly conversations that uncover the money traps keeping people stuck. Drop a 5 star review, and share this with someone who wants financial freedom but doesn’t know the hidden risks.

Today on MyFinJourney, we are joined by Kelly Roars, CPA, strategist, and co-host of the podcast From Zero to Millions.

Kelly’s story is not your typical saf career path. She was a rising star recognized as one of the Top 50 Women in Business on Long Island and named to the 40 Under 40 list. On paper she had it all a stable six figure salary, security and a predictable future.But during COVID with a newborn at home, she made a decision that most people would call crazy. She walked away from her job with zero clients and no guaranteed income. Fast forward just a few years Kelly now runs her own thriving firm with 6 staff is on track for $1M+ in sales and has built her brand almost entirely on the back of LinkedIn.

How to turn LinkedIn into consistent referrals without ads

When a HELOC makes sense vs an SBA loan

The refund trap and why aiming for near zero beats big refunds

Cash flow habits for service businesses that hate surprises

Boundaries, firing bad clients, and pricing with confidence

Delegation that scales quality and buys back time

The mindset ladder she used to go from dropout to 40 Under 40

Episode Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to Kelly Roars

(01:02) Kelly's Early Career and Entrepreneurial Spirit

(02:00) Starting Her Own Business During COVID

(02:46) Building a Business and Overcoming Challenges

(05:32) The Power of Social Media in Business

(12:38) Financial Strategies and Risk Management

(16:35) Investing and Diversification

(17:38) Lifestyle Changes and Personal Growth

(18:13) Balancing Work and Family Life

(19:45) The Importance of Delegation

(20:51) Setting Boundaries and Managing Deadlines

(21:30) Parenting and Professional Growth

(23:01) Financial Literacy for Clients

(25:52) Common Client Concerns

(33:04) Advice for Personal Financial Management

(34:39) Getting in Touch with Kelly Rohrs

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

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mustafa-ladha/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@my.finjourney

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UmpEcnU2Z0UxxDuvenmNx

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/myfinjourney/id1815511353

If you’ve ever feared running out of money in retirement, or wondered why hard work isn’t translating into wealth. This episode will change how you think about money forever.

⚡ Don’t wait until it’s too late. Invest in yourself NOW.

👉 Subscribe to MyFinJourney for weekly conversations that uncover the money traps keeping people stuck. Drop a 5 star review, and share this with someone who wants financial freedom but doesn’t know the hidden risks.

Most people do everything right max out their 401K, pay off the house, save for decades…But when retirement comes? They’re still broke.

In this explosive episode of MyFinJourney, I sit down with Christian Allen & Blake Brogan of Money Insights (managing over $500M in assets) to expose why the traditional finance playbook is broken and how life insurance + alternatives can change everything.

Why the system is designed to keep you average & broke

The shocking math: why $2M = only $80K a year

The #1 retirement fear no advisor tells you about

Cashflow vs. accumulation which mindset actually builds wealth

How banks secretly use life insurance (BOLI) while telling you to just save

Why most policies are structured wrong and how to fix it

How the wealthy turn life insurance into their personal bank

The truth about premium finance and who it’s really for

Episode Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to MyFinJourney

(00:51) Meet the Guests: Christian Allen and Blake Brogan

(01:01) The Broken Traditional Financial System

(02:37) Alternative Investments: A New Approach

(05:31) Case Studies and Real-Life Examples

(07:28) Cash Flow vs. Accumulation

(14:41) The Role of Life Insurance in Financial Planning

(26:43) Bank-Owned Life Insurance Explained

(29:16) Understanding Term and Whole Life Insurance

(29:34) The Journey of Self-Discovery in Life Insurance

(29:43) Explaining Whole Life Insurance to a Fifth Grader

(30:03) Debunking the Life Insurance Scam Myth

(30:24) The Benefits of Whole Life Insurance

(31:24) Using Life Insurance as an Investment Strategy

(33:21) Addressing Concerns About Life Insurance Loans

(34:40) Introduction to Premium Finance

(35:35) Maximizing Life Insurance for High-Income Earners

(50:09) Structuring Life Insurance Policies Correctly

(52:30) The Flexibility and Benefits of Multiple Policies

(56:45) Conclusion and Call to Action

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/blake-brogan-78380a10b

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christian-allen-7a41ab54

Email: [email protected]

Website: moneyinsights.net 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mustafa-ladha/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@my.finjourney

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UmpEcnU2Z0UxxDuvenmNx

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/myfinjourney/id1815511353

If you’ve ever feared running out of money in retirement, or wondered why hard work isn’t translating into wealth — this episode will change how you think about money forever.

⚡ Don’t wait until it’s too late. Invest in yourself NOW.

👉 Subscribe to MyFinJourney for weekly conversations that uncover the money traps keeping people stuck. Drop a 5 star review, and share this with someone who wants financial freedom but doesn’t know the hidden risks.

Most Americans will never retire comfortably.

Not because they didn’t work hard but because the system is built to keep you broke.

Welcome to the MyFinJourney Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Jake Rushton, a veteran in financial services with over 18 years of experience and a self-funding expert. Jake shares his unique journey from aspiring dentist to becoming a keynote speaker and financial strategist, emphasizing transparent employee benefits and tax-efficient retirement planning.

In this raw conversation, self-funding expert & keynote speaker Jake Rushton (18+ years in financial planning) exposes:

Why your 401(k) isn’t enough (and what to do about it)

How healthcare & insurance quietly destroy your retirement savings

Why schools set you up to be an employee, not wealthy

The truth about financial freedom most advisors won’t tell you

Episode Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:45) Jake Rushton's Career Journey

(03:53) The Pivot from Dentistry to Finance

(05:46) E-Trade and the 401k World

(09:13) The Importance of Self-Investment

(11:33) Challenges in the Education System

(20:31) Parenting and Preparing for Success

(22:39) Building Financial Freedom

(23:05) The Importance of Self-Improvement

(23:24) Starting Small: The Power of Incremental Progress

(23:52) Overcoming Fear and Excuses

(25:01) Building a Vision for Long-Term Success

(25:47) Understanding the Financial Landscape

(26:35) The Broken Health Insurance System

(28:31) The Benefits of Self-Funding

(38:00) Educating Employees for Better Healthcare Decisions

(41:46) Connecting with Jake for Financial Wisdom

(42:48) Conclusion: Invest in Yourself

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

Website: jakerushton.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mustafa-ladha/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@my.finjourney

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UmpEcnU2Z0UxxDuvenmNx

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/myfinjourney/id1815511353

If you’ve ever feared running out of money in retirement, or wondered why hard work isn’t translating into wealth — this episode will change how you think about money forever.

⚡ Don’t wait until it’s too late. Invest in yourself NOW.

👉 Subscribe to MyFinJourney for weekly conversations that uncover the money traps keeping people stuck. Drop a 5 star review, and share this with someone who wants financial freedom but doesn’t know the hidden risks.

Everyone wants success.

But here’s the harsh truth: even the most accomplished leaders feel like it’s never enough.

In this episode of MyFinJourney, host Mustafa Ladha is joined by Miyelmii Abraham, a leadership strategist trusted by Fortune 500 companies, top universities like MIT, and over 500 C-level executives globally. Naomi shares her journey from Venezuela to the US, overcoming challenges, and transitioning from various roles in sales, marketing, and business intelligence to becoming a sought-after career and leadership coach. The conversation delves into the importance of self-belief, intentionality, and the power of relationships in building a successful career. Naomi emphasizes the value of recognizing one’s unique skills, building a personal brand, and the significance of coaching and mentorship. This episode offers invaluable insights for anyone navigating their career path, from recent graduates to senior executives.

In this eye-opening conversation, Fortune 500 strategist & executive coach

Miyelmi Abraham reveals:

Why imposter syndrome never leaves (even at the top)

How to reinvent yourself when stability is ripped away

How to reinvent yourself when stability is ripped away

The mindset shift to turn crisis into clarity & opportunity

Why intentionality matters more than credentials or hustle

Episode Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

(01:08) Naomi's Early Career and Education

(02:22) Transitioning Careers and Building Skills

(04:25) Challenges and Opportunities in the US

(09:24) Building a Personal Brand and Networking

(27:56) Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

(35:17) Conclusion and Contact Information

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miyelmi-abraham/

Website: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mustafa-ladha/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@my.finjourney

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UmpEcnU2Z0UxxDuvenmNx

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/myfinjourney/id1815511353

Miyelmi’s story from corporate stability in Venezuela to starting over in the U.S. proves that resilience, clarity, and self-belief matter more than any title on your resume.

⚡ If you’ve ever chased success and still felt empty, this episode will change how you see yourself.

Subscribe to MyFinJourney, drop a 5 star review, and share this with someone who looks successful but feels stuck.

Most people will work their entire life… and never get rich.

Not because they don’t work hard — but because they’ve been sold the wrong mindset, the wrong goals, and toxic leadership.

In this episode of My Finn Journey, the host welcomes Enrique Acosta Gonzalez, a Navy veteran and award-winning executive coach, to discuss the intersection of leadership and financial freedom. Gonzalez shares his personal journey from growing up in Puerto Rico and the Bronx to serving in the Navy and becoming a leadership development expert. The conversation covers key topics like breaking free from a money mindset that keeps people broke, spotting toxic leadership traits, and the importance of purpose in rebuilding one's life. Gonzalez emphasizes the significance of changing one's relationship with money, the value of mentorship, and the impact of leadership development on both personal and professional growth.

Enrique Acosta Gonzalez reveals:

The silent money beliefs keeping you broke

Why “success” without purpose leaves you empty

How toxic leadership bankrupts your life and career

The mindset shift that turns scarcity into abundance

Episode Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to Enrique Acosta Gonzalez

(01:07) Enrique's Early Life and Navy Career

(02:54) Financial Mindset and Overcoming Lack

(04:12) The Impact of Mentorship and Community

(06:20) Redefining Success and Financial Literacy

(09:02) Challenges and Mindset Shifts

(18:43) Overcoming Fear and Embracing Courage

(20:54) Analyzing Your Relationship with Money

(21:56) Transforming Financial Mindsets

(23:06) Creating a Lasting Legacy

(24:10) Structuring Wealth for Future Generations

(27:36) Learning from Financial Mentors

(30:02) Building Wealth and Leadership

(31:52) Navigating Leadership Challenges

(34:03)The Importance of Constructive Feedback

(41:54) Final Thoughts on Leadership and Wealth

🔗 CONNECT WITH ENRIQUE ACOSTA GONZALEZ

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/enriqueacostagonzalez

Website: [email protected]

🔗 CONNECT WITH MUSTAFA LADHA (HOST)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mustafa-ladha/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@my.finjourney

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UmpEcnU2Z0UxxDuvenmNx

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/myfinjourney/id1815511353

If this episode changed how you think about money, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a 5 star review describing your biggest takeaway!

✅ Subscribe for weekly founder wisdom.

⭐ Drop a 5-star review if this made you rethink your business.

In this episode of My Fin Journey, we're joined by Marcy Kravit, a community strategist, educator, and mentor who has redefined leadership with empathy.

We dive deep into her journey from transforming communities with AI to mentoring executives. Marcy shares how she turned conflict into clarity, built systems of trust, and approaches wealth-building with intention.

Discover why financial success is more than just numbers—it’s about mindset, building relationships, and making an impact. Marcy's advice on saving, leading with empathy, and overcoming obstacles will leave you rethinking your approach to wealth and leadership.

You’ll Learn:

Leading with Empathy

Reframing Problems as Situations

Building Wealth with Intention

The Power of Mentorship

Using Technology for Efficiency

Balancing Career and Finances

Episode Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to Marcy Kravit

(01:08) Early Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles

(03:05) Advice for Aspiring Leaders

(03:58) Leading with Empathy and Problem Solving

(09:04) Financial Journey and Personal Insights

(24:41) The Role of Technology in Community Management

(27:37) Embracing Change and Continuous Learning

(32:18) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

🔗 CONNECT WITH MARCY KRAVIT

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mkravit

Website: [email protected]

🔗 CONNECT WITH MUSTAFA LADHA (HOST)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mustafa-ladha/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@my.finjourney

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UmpEcnU2Z0UxxDuvenmNx

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/myfinjourney/id1815511353

If this episode changed how you think about money, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a 5 star review describing your biggest takeaway!

✅ Subscribe for weekly founder wisdom.

⭐ Drop a 5-star review if this made you rethink your business.