The Embassy Wealth Podcast

James Snoddy never imagined his love for running would lead him to starting a million dollar online business. One day, after wishing he had a hammock that fit on top of his Jeep to catch a post-run breath, he decided to create such a product and bring his idea to the market.  After a few wrong turns and hundreds of hours of sweat and tears with a sewing machine in his basement, James created the Jammock, a product that thousands of Jeep owners around the world now use and enjoy.  

Since launching his product line, James has founded a second online State Department-themed business. all while working full-time and raising his six year old son with his wife. He also continues his love for running, consistently hitting his goal of running 1,000 miles every year. 

In this interview, James discusses:

• his inspiration for creating a new product and bringing it to the masses

… and much more! You can purchase your own Jammock here https://jammock.com/ or follow their Instagram @Jammock

Music: “Higher Up” by Shane Ivers

15 years into his real estate investment journey Anthony Diaz tells us how a balanced and conservative strategy can make a federal employee a millionaire.

• How having a team in place in your local market is crucial to success.

When Nate Carter returned to the U.S. after four years abroad with the Peace Corps, he reconnected with friends who had well paying jobs, houses, and cars. He felt left behind financially. Starting with just $1500 in savings, Nate vowed to do everything he could to learn about personal finance and investing and set himself a goal of being financially independent within 12 years!

In this episode Nathan discusses:

• How to look at your spending differently to help you save.

Listen and be inspired by Nathan’s focus on his investment goals while maintaining a healthy work-life balance and enjoying life overseas!

Music: “Higher Up” by Shane Ivers

Alissa Redmond used a year of leave without pay to buy a book store in small town America.

Music: “Higher Up” by Shane Ivers

Matt Shedd is former military and a retired Foreign Service Officer, now serving as a government contractor overseas.  He and his wife started their real estate investment portfolio by purchasing one new construction single family in Orlando, Florida in 2003, which they bought prior to moving to Sarajevo for their first overseas tour. Eighteen years later, they’ve grown their portfolio to multiple new construction multifamily properties and are looking forward to a retirement that’s “rich without a lot of risk.”

Matt’s real estate investing philosophy focuses on a “measured, conservative approach” -- one which balances risks and prioritizes “being able to sleep at night” over bigger cash flow that riskier properties might offer.

In this interview, Matt talks about:

• starting out with new construction single family homes and how his average tenant stayed 3-4 years

… and much more! Matt is a great example of how taking the first step is perhaps the toughest, but also the most important and empowering.  Take the leap!

Music: “Higher Up” by Shane Ivers

William Carrington is the owner of Carrington Financial Planning, a financial planning and wealth management firm that specializes in working with Foreign Service employees. Since founding his firm more than ten years ago, William has worked with more than 500 clients. He is a Certified Financial Planner, a Retirement Management Advisor, a NAPFA-Registered Advisor, and is a fee-only fiduciary. He was also an Eligible Family Member (EFM) for 24 years until his wife retired from the Department.

In this dynamite show, William covers a lot of retirement ground, debunking myths about how much money members of the Foreign Service actually need to retire well (hint: it’s likely less than you think!) 

Hear William discuss:

• what amount of money Foreign Service Officers actually need to retire comfortably

…..and so much more!

Music: “Higher Up” by Shane Ivers

Nafeesah Allen is an independent researcher with an interest in literature, gender, and diaspora studies in the global South. In 2019, she completed her Ph.D. in Forced Migration from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in Johannesburg, South Africa. She leads BlackHistoryBookshelf.com, a book review website that identifies global Black histories by language, theme, and country. She's a contributing writer to nationally acclaimed outlets like Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, MindBodyGreen, Parents, and Bold Culture Hub, among others. 

In this wide-ranging interview, Nafeesah discusses how her investment philosophy is firmly rooted in contributing to neighborhoods that have historically suffered from discrimination and redlining, and how she sees herself as not just an investor, but also a community builder. She discusses:

• how to go about buying real estate in foreign countries.

…and much more!

You can follow Nafeesah's here:

www.nafeesahallen.com/publications

Instagram: @theblaxpat

Music: “Higher Up” by Shane Ivers

Acquania Escarne’s passion for personal finance and investing began at a young age when she opened a Roth IRA at 16 years old, and she has been seeking financial independence (FI) ever since!

After the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Acquania realized how many working professionals -- even high earners and her own colleagues -- were not prepared for an emergency or unexpected life event. This experience inspired her to get licensed to sell life insurance and educate others about the benefits of sound financial habits. 

Today, Acquania is a highly successful financial coach, real estate investor, podcast host, blogger, independent life insurance producer, AND hotel owner. And these are just her side hustles outside of her regular embassy 9 to 5! 

In this episode, Acquania discusses:

• how saving set the foundation for her path to financial freedom 

Listen and be inspired by Acquania’s commitment to help as many people as possible achieve financial freedom and learn how she balances her side hustle empires alongside her federal career and commitment to her family. A not-to-be missed episode!

Music: “Higher Up” by Shane Ivers