The Financial Griot

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. We tell 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 are teaching 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. 80% of millionaires are the first generation. That means they didn't come from 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 were able to amass over $2 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 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

Today the crew discusses the Navy Federal Credit Union (Navy Fed) class action lawsuit concerning home loans.  

According to a CNN report (December 14, 2023), the Navy Fed, the largest credit union in the US, allegedly denied more than 50% of Black applicants for new conventional home mortgages in 2022, even as it had an approval rate greater than 75% for white applicants seeking the same product.  

On December 20, 2023, civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Adam Levitt filed a class-action lawsuit against Navy Fed. The lawsuit claims that the credit union has discriminatory lending practices that affect millions of Black and Brown mortgage applicants. The lawsuit is filed on behalf of Black plaintiffs, Laquita Oliver and Cherelle Jacob, who were allegedly denied home loans due to Navy Federal's lending practices. The lawsuit also claims that Navy Federal approves a higher percentage of applications from white borrowers making less than $62,000 a year than it does from Black borrowers making $140,000 or more.

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. We tell 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 are teaching 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. 80% of millionaires are the first generation. That means they didn't come from 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 were able to amass over $2 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 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

Today Alainta and Lawrence discuss their consumer debt and how they are managing them. Tune in for tips so you can talk about debt and strategically tackle it.  

American households carry a total of $17.29 trillion in debt as of the third quarter of 2023, and the average household debt is $103,358 as of the second quarter of 2023.

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. We tell 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 are teaching 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. 80% of millionaires are the first generation. That means they didn't come from 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 were able to amass over $2 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 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

Research shows an increase in Black Americans who identify as spiritual rather than religious. Instead of following a specific set of organized beliefs and practices, they prefer a more individualized approach to faith. Alainta and Lawrence share their thoughts on the matter.

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. We tell 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 are teaching 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. 80% of millionaires are the first generation. That means they didn't come from 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 were able to amass over $2 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 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 Financial Griot Podcast crew is back from vacation. Time to discuss how travel provides meaningful challenges and perspectives. Alainta is coming back from a work trip in the country of Gold, Colombia. While Lawrence and his wife just touchdown from their annual trip. This time, they headed to South America going through the Land of Tango (Argentina) and the Land of Joy (Brazil).

Tune in for the stories and the travel tips. 

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. We tell 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 are teaching 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. 80% of millionaires are the first generation. That means they didn't come from 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 were able to amass over $2 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 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

According to  Investopedia, the American Dream costs $3.4 million, is it still possible to attain the DREAM? Today, we’re excited to talk about how to build wealth for your family. 

Our guest today, Anne-Lyse Wealth, is here to tell us more about Generational Wealth and how we can all pursue it for our families. Along with the sacrifices and hard work of her mother and father, she is now paving the way for the next generation. This is the type of wealth that allows your family to experience financial freedom, choice, and opportunities. On top of that, she is also pulling triple duty as a mom of three, wife, and international business owner. 

Featured Resources for this Episode include

• Dream of Legacy (Website): https://dreamoflegacy.com/ 
• Dream of Legacy (Book): https://amzn.to/3zgZcwE 
• The Dreamers' Podcast (Podcast): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dreamers-podcast/id1546922736 

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. We tell 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 are teaching 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. 80% of millionaires are the first generation. That means they didn't come from 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 were able to amass over $2 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 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 world is back at war and the TFG crew discusses how we feel about the news. 

For context, the global economic impact of violence is estimated to be $14.4 trillion. The U.S. federal price tag for the post-9/11 wars is over $8 trillion. There is a true cost of war. It's both financial, emotional and moral. This can ultimately change you at your core.

The U.S. has several budgetary costs for post-9/11 wars, including:

• Overseas contingency operations (OCO) of the Department of Defense ($2,101 billion)
• Homeland security prevention and response to terrorism ($1,117 billion)
• Interest on OCO borrowing ($1,087 billion)
• Increases to the Department of Defense base budget

The U.S. government is conducting counterterror activities in 85 countries. At least four times as many active duty personnel and war veterans of post-9/11 conflicts have died of suicide than in combat. The Wars will cost Americans between $3.2 and $4 trillion, including medical care and disability for current and future war veterans.

 

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. We tell 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 are teaching 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. 80% of millionaires are the first generation. That means they didn't come from 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 were able to amass over $2 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 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 discusses modern cash spending and the influence of digital scamming. 

According to the Federal Trade Commission, financial fraud increased by over 30% from 2021 to 2022, with total losses surpassing $8.8 billion. The biggest losses were to investment scams, including cryptocurrency schemes, which cost people more than $3.8 billion, double the amount in 2021.

With the rise of the digital economy, scammers now reach targets by social media and text, as well as phone and email. Online payment platforms, apps, and marketplaces have also increased opportunities. Still, many of their tactics and strategies are similar.

What are digital scams?

All frauds that are perpetrated online through the use of digital devices (e.g. computers, tablets, smartphones) resulting for the victim in the loss of money, personal information, or passwords.

Wait what's a Financial Griot?

The crew discusses modern cash spending and the influence of digital scamming. 

The Financial Griot is a play on two words (Finance + Griot) that hold significance in closing the wealth gap while embracing our differences. We tell the stories that others don't. Stories about growth, opportunity, and embracing changes. Beyond that, we talk about Finances. Specifically, 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. 80% of millionaires are the first generation. That means they didn't come from 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 were able to amass over $2 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 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 together again ( Yes! Lovely is with us lol)  and shares life updates. Oh, and Lawrence got robbed for his tires again. Alainta's crib is under renovation. Yep, there are setbacks and then there are more financially expensive setbacks. Tune in to hear how you are holding up.

For context 

According to police records, there have been more than 100,000 auto crimes committed in the DMV since 2021. This includes 140 car thefts committed at gunpoint. According to police data, car thefts are up 110% in D.C. this year, compared to the same time last year. So far this year, 5,005 cars have been stolen in the District, an average of 20 cars stolen per day. That’s compared to 2,380 total this time last year.

Last year, homeowners spent an average of $6,000 on maintenance and repairs, according to a recent report from insurance firm Hippo. A separate study from home services website Angi that measured similar 2022 costs shows maintenance averaged $2,467 and home emergency spending — i.e., an unexpected repair — was $1,953 on average ($4,420 altogether).

Regardless of what you may fork over for those expenses, they have the potential to upend a household’s budget when unexpected

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. We tell the stories that others don't. Stories about growth, opportunity, and embracing changes. Beyond that, we talk about Finances. Specifically, 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. 80% of millionaires are the first generation. That means they didn't come from 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 were able to amass over $2 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 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 have no specific topic; nonetheless great conversation and laughter. We also reflect on being searchable on Google and why you should do a better job branding yourself in the long run. The best thing you can do is harness the power of images. 

High-quality images can be a key to marketing success. They can help your brand stand out, attract the right audience, and convey professionalism and credibility. Images can also help you establish your core brand values. When used cleverly, images can help drive more visitors to your website, encourage social shares and brand interaction, and help you achieve your business goals. There are three types of marketing images: Representative images, Conceptual images, and Aspirational images.

The latter is the most popular.
 

The Importance of Branding

Your personal brand defines who you are and what you stand for and describes your skills and experiences. Personal branding is a way of showcasing your strengths and personality as well as telling your story. 

The five Ps are: Personal, Pointed, Purposeful, Prioritized, and then ultimately (broadly defined, if you wish it to be) Profitable.

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. We tell the stories that others don't. Stories about growth, opportunity, and embracing changes. Beyond that, we talk about Finances. Specifically, 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. 80% of millionaires are the first generation. That means they didn't come from 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 were able to amass over $2 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 Win-Win.

Find  the TFG Crew Hosts on Instagram 

• Alainta Alcin - Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast @alainta_alcin
• Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez, Financial Foodie and Travel Blogger @theneighborhoodfinanceguy
• Lovely Merdelus - Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus