In this episode, we unpack the controversial proposal surrounding President Trump's $100,000 fee for H1-B visa applicants. What does this mean for skilled foreign workers, U.S. tech companies, and the future of immigration policy? We explore the potential economic, legal, and political impacts of the proposal and how this could reshape the global talent pipeline. 

Wait, what's a Financial Griot?

The Financial Griot is a play on two words (Finance + Griot) that hold significance in closing the wealth gap while embracing our differences. Alainta Alcin, Lovely Merdelus, and Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez share their perspectives on current events that impact your personal finances and wealth mindset. In the New York Times, Bankrate, and other publications, the hosts share the stories that others don't. 

Stories about growth, opportunity, and even Wars. Beyond that, we tie it back to how it reflects on your finances. Specifically, we teach you how to become financially literate, incorporate actionable steps, and ultimately build generational wealth.

Can you imagine being a Millionaire in 20 years or less?

Yeah, it's possible. Eighty percent of millionaires are first-generation, meaning they didn't inherit wealth. We teach you how. Join a community of subscribers who welcome a fresh take on money.

So there you have it, The Financial Griot, or TFG for short. The hosts amassed over $3 million in wealth in about eight years and are on track to retire early. We will gladly share the secrets if you want them, since the opportunity is abundant and a Win-Win.

Find the TFG Crew Hosts on Instagram: 

• Alainta Alcin - Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaintaalcin
• Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez, Financial Foodie and Travel Blogger @theneighborhoodfinanceguy
• Lovely Merdelus - Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus

Lawrence and Alainta discuss modern dating. In this episode, we explore the mental gymnastics of dating dynamics. We dive into societal perceptions, personal experiences, and the challenges that men and women face when breaking stereotypes in the dating world. Join us as we discuss how strength—both physical and emotional—shapes attraction and relationships in today’s world.

Wait, what's a Financial Griot?

The Financial Griot is a play on two words (Finance + Griot) that hold significance in closing the wealth gap while embracing our differences. Alainta Alcin, Lovely Merdelus, and Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez share their perspectives on current events that impact your personal finances and wealth mindset. In the New York Times, Bankrate, and other publications, the hosts share the stories that others don't. 

Stories about growth, opportunity, and even Wars. Beyond that, we tie it back to how it reflects on your finances. Specifically, we teach you how to become financially literate, incorporate actionable steps, and ultimately build generational wealth.

Can you imagine being a Millionaire in 20 years or less?

Yeah, it's possible. Eighty percent of millionaires are first-generation, meaning they didn't inherit wealth. We teach you how. Join a community of subscribers who welcome a fresh take on money.

So there you have it, The Financial Griot, or TFG for short. The hosts amassed over $3 million in wealth in about eight years and are on track to retire early. We will gladly share the secrets if you want them, since the opportunity is abundant and a Win-Win.

Find the TFG Crew Hosts on Instagram: 

• Alainta Alcin - Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaintaalcin
• Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez, Financial Foodie and Travel Blogger @theneighborhoodfinanceguy
• Lovely Merdelus - Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus

In this episode, Lawrence discusses and breaks down how U.S. politics and market psychology are colliding midway through 2025—and what that means for your portfolio. Separating headlines from fundamentals, map plausible policy paths, and translate them into clear investing moves you can actually execute.

Wait, what's a Financial Griot?

The Financial Griot is a play on two words (Finance + Griot) that hold significance in closing the wealth gap while embracing our differences. Alainta Alcin, Lovely Merdelus, and Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez share their perspectives on current events that impact your personal finances and wealth mindset. In the New York Times, Bankrate, and other publications, the hosts share the stories that others don't. 

Stories about growth, opportunity, and even Wars. Beyond that, we tie it back to how it reflects on your finances. Specifically, we teach you how to become financially literate, incorporate actionable steps, and ultimately build generational wealth.

Can you imagine being a Millionaire in 20 years or less?

Yeah, it's possible. Eighty percent of millionaires are first-generation, meaning they didn't inherit wealth. We teach you how. Join a community of subscribers who welcome a fresh take on money.

So there you have it, The Financial Griot, or TFG for short. The hosts amassed over $3 million in wealth in about eight years and are on track to retire early. We will gladly share the secrets if you want them, since the opportunity is abundant and a Win-Win.

Find the TFG Crew Hosts on Instagram: 

• Alainta Alcin - Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaintaalcin
• Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez, Financial Foodie and Travel Blogger @theneighborhoodfinanceguy
• Lovely Merdelus - Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus

The TFG crew is back together (including Lovely), and in this episode, we dive into the growing trend of artists hitting the road more frequently. Are musicians touring more because they need the income, or is it a shift in how the industry operates? We discuss the financial realities of modern music careers, the impact of streaming on album sales, and how live performances are becoming a key revenue stream. Tune in for insights into the evolving music landscape and the pressures artists face today.

Wait, what's a Financial Griot?

The Financial Griot is a play on two words (Finance + Griot) that hold significance in closing the wealth gap while embracing our differences. Alainta Alcin, Lovely Merdelus, and Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez share their perspectives on current events that impact your personal finances and wealth mindset. In the New York Times, Bankrate, and other publications, the hosts share the stories that others don't. 

Stories about growth, opportunity, and even Wars. Beyond that, we tie it back to how it reflects on your finances. Specifically, we teach you how to become financially literate, incorporate actionable steps, and ultimately build generational wealth.

Can you imagine being a Millionaire in 20 years or less?

Yeah, it's possible. Eighty percent of millionaires are first-generation, meaning they didn't inherit wealth. We teach you how. Join a community of subscribers who welcome a fresh take on money.

So there you have it, The Financial Griot, or TFG for short. The hosts amassed over $3 million in wealth in about eight years and are on track to retire early. We will gladly share the secrets if you want them, since the opportunity is abundant and a Win-Win.

Find the TFG Crew Hosts on Instagram: 

• Alainta Alcin - Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaintaalcin
• Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez, Financial Foodie and Travel Blogger @theneighborhoodfinanceguy
• Lovely Merdelus - Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus

TFG is back! Well, technically only Lawrence lol. In this episode, Lawrence discusses unpacking the “silence deficiency”: the constant noise—notifications, meetings, mental clutter—that drains focus, creativity, and emotional bandwidth. He explores why strategic quiet isn’t a luxury but a performance tool, and how to incorporate micro-moments of silence into a busy day without quitting your life.

Wait, what's a Financial Griot?

The Financial Griot is a play on two words (Finance + Griot) that hold significance in closing the wealth gap while embracing our differences. Alainta Alcin, Lovely Merdelus, and Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez share their perspectives on current events that impact your personal finances and wealth mindset. In the New York Times, Bankrate, and other publications, the hosts share the stories that others don't. 

Stories about growth, opportunity, and even Wars. Beyond that, we tie it back to how it reflects on your finances. Specifically, we teach you how to become financially literate, incorporate actionable steps, and ultimately build generational wealth.

Can you imagine being a Millionaire in 20 years or less?

Yeah, it's possible. Eighty percent of millionaires are first-generation, meaning they didn't inherit wealth. We teach you how. Join a community of subscribers who welcome a fresh take on money.

So there you have it, The Financial Griot, or TFG for short. The hosts amassed over $3 million in wealth in about eight years and are on track to retire early. We will gladly share the secrets if you want them, since the opportunity is abundant and a Win-Win.

Find the TFG Crew Hosts on Instagram: 

• Alainta Alcin - Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaintaalcin
• Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez, Financial Foodie and Travel Blogger @theneighborhoodfinanceguy
• Lovely Merdelus - Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus

The crew is back and reunited, and in this episode, we delve into the bold and transformative piece of legislation, the Big Beautiful Bill, aimed at addressing and reducing significant federal programs such as Medicaid and Federal student loans. We unpack how the bill came to life, what it seeks to change, and why it’s being hailed as both ambitious and necessary.

Wait, what's a Financial Griot?

The Financial Griot is a play on two words (Finance + Griot) that hold significance in closing the wealth gap while embracing our differences. Alainta Alcin, Lovely Merdelus, and Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez share their perspectives on current events that impact your personal finances and wealth mindset. In the New York Times, Bankrate, and other publications, the hosts share the stories that others don't. 

Stories about growth, opportunity, and even Wars. Beyond that, we tie it back to how it reflects on your finances. Specifically, we teach you how to become financially literate, incorporate actionable steps, and ultimately build generational wealth.

Can you imagine being a Millionaire in 20 years or less?

Yeah, it's possible. Eighty percent of millionaires are first-generation, meaning they didn't inherit wealth. We teach you how. Join a community of subscribers who welcome a fresh take on money.

So there you have it, The Financial Griot, or TFG for short. The hosts amassed over $3 million in wealth in about eight years and are on track to retire early. We will gladly share the secrets if you want them, since the opportunity is abundant and a Win-Win.

Find the TFG Crew Hosts on Instagram: 

• Alainta Alcin - Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaintaalcin
• Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez, Financial Foodie and Travel Blogger @theneighborhoodfinanceguy
• Lovely Merdelus - Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus

In this episode, the crew discusses the rising costs of living in today's "Labubu world," exploring how inflation, lifestyle choices, and shifting economic trends are making everyday expenses feel more overwhelming. We discuss the challenges of balancing personal finances, maintaining a sense of normalcy, and navigating the pressures of a pricey reality. Tune in for expert tips on staying financially savvy and navigating the high costs of modern life.

Wait, what's a Financial Griot?

The Financial Griot is a play on two words (Finance + Griot) that hold significance in closing the wealth gap while embracing our differences. Alainta Alcin, Lovely Merdelus, and Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez share their perspectives on current events that impact your personal finances and wealth mindset. In the New York Times, Bankrate, and other publications, the hosts share the stories that others don't. 

Stories about growth, opportunity, and even Wars. Beyond that, we tie it back to how it reflects on your finances. Specifically, we teach you how to become financially literate, incorporate actionable steps, and ultimately build generational wealth.

Can you imagine being a Millionaire in 20 years or less?

Yeah, it's possible. Eighty percent of millionaires are first-generation, meaning they didn't inherit wealth. We teach you how. Join a community of subscribers who welcome a fresh take on money.

So there you have it, The Financial Griot, or TFG for short. The hosts amassed over $3 million in wealth in about eight years and are on track to retire early. We will gladly share the secrets if you want them, since the opportunity is abundant and a Win-Win.

Find the TFG Crew Hosts on Instagram: 

• Alainta Alcin - Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaintaalcin
• Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez, Financial Foodie and Travel Blogger@theneighborhoodfinanceguy
• Lovely Merdelus - Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus

In this episode, we often overlook the financial challenges of being a caregiver, from the cost of medical care to the impact on personal income. Lovely shares the budget strains of being a caregiver for her mother  and what steps one can take to manage the financial side of it. We also cover other resources and strategies that can help caregivers.  From reduced work hours and lost income to unexpected out-of-pocket expenses, we discuss the hidden costs associated with caring for a loved one. This conversation sheds light on what it truly costs—both financially and emotionally—to care for someone else.

Wait! What is Financial Griot?

The Financial Griot is a play on two words (Finance + Griot) that hold significance in closing the wealth gap while embracing our differences. Alainta Alcin, Lovely Merdelus, and Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez share their perspectives on current events that impact your personal finances and wealth mindset. In the New York Times, Bankrate, and other publications, the hosts share the stories that others don't. 

Stories about growth, opportunity, and even Wars. Beyond that, we tie it back to how it reflects on your finances. Specifically, we teach you how to become financially literate, incorporate actionable steps, and ultimately build generational wealth.

Can you imagine being a Millionaire in 20 years or less?

Yeah, it's possible. Eighty percent of millionaires are first-generation, meaning they didn't inherit wealth. We teach you how. Join a community of subscribers who welcome a fresh take on money.

So there you have it, The Financial Griot, or TFG for short. The hosts amassed over $3 million in wealth in about eight years and are on track to retire early. We will gladly share the secrets if you want them, since the opportunity is abundant and a Win-Win.

Find the TFG Crew Hosts on Instagram: 

• Alainta Alcin - Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaintaalcin
• Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez, Financial Foodie and Travel Blogger@theneighborhoodfinanceguy
• Lovely Merdelus - Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus

Lawrence and Alainta explore the historical roots, cultural significance, and future possibilities of wealth within the Black community, specifically through the annual Essence Festival in New Orleans. The episode examines the barriers that exist at the festival and the innovative strategies being employed to redefine prosperity. 

Wait, what's a Financial Griot?

The Financial Griot is a play on two words (Finance + Griot) that hold significance in closing the wealth gap while embracing our differences. Alainta Alcin, Lovely Merdelus, and Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez share their perspectives on current events that impact your personal finances and wealth mindset. In the New York Times, Bankrate, and other publications, the hosts share the stories that others don't. 

Stories about growth, opportunity, and even Wars. Beyond that, we tie it back to how it reflects on your finances. Specifically, we teach you how to become financially literate, incorporate actionable steps, and ultimately build generational wealth.

Can you imagine being a Millionaire in 20 years or less?

Yeah, it's possible. Eighty percent of millionaires are first-generation, meaning they didn't inherit wealth. We teach you how. Join a community of subscribers who welcome a fresh take on money.

So there you have it, The Financial Griot, or TFG for short. The hosts amassed over $3 million in wealth in about eight years and are on track to retire early. We will gladly share the secrets if you want them, since the opportunity is abundant and a Win-Win.

Find the TFG Crew Hosts on Instagram: 

• Alainta Alcin - Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaintaalcin
• Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez, Financial Foodie and Travel Blogger @theneighborhoodfinanceguy
• Lovely Merdelus - Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus

In this episode, Lawrence and Alainta delve into the conservative movement of encouraging women to have more children. People often feel stretched too thin, emotionally drained,  and going through the motions with their lives. We discuss practical ways to transition from a state of survival to being fully present with the choice of parenting or not. From setting boundaries and redefining self-care to letting go of unrealistic expectations, this episode is all about reclaiming your joy and reconnecting with the moments that matter most.

Wait, what's a Financial Griot?

The Financial Griot is a play on two words (Finance + Griot) that hold significance in closing the wealth gap while embracing our differences. Alainta Alcin, Lovely Merdelus, and Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez share their perspectives on current events that impact your personal finances and wealth mindset. In the New York Times, Bankrate, and other publications, the hosts share the stories that others don't. 

Stories about growth, opportunity, and even Wars. Beyond that, we tie it back to how it reflects on your finances. Specifically, we teach you how to become financially literate, incorporate actionable steps, and ultimately build generational wealth.

Can you imagine being a Millionaire in 20 years or less?

Yeah, it's possible. Eighty percent of millionaires are first-generation, meaning they didn't inherit wealth. We teach you how. Join a community of subscribers who welcome a fresh take on money.

So there you have it, The Financial Griot, or TFG for short. The hosts amassed over $3 million in wealth in about eight years and are on track to retire early. We will gladly share the secrets if you want them, since the opportunity is abundant and a Win-Win.

Find the TFG Crew Hosts on Instagram: 

• Alainta Alcin - Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaintaalcin
• Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez, Financial Foodie and Travel Blogger @theneighborhoodfinanceguy
• Lovely Merdelus - Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus