The Financial Griot

In This episode of the Financial Griot, Lovely and Alainta bait Lawrence to talk about relationship timelines.

Since social media has devolved into pure #GenderWars, allow us to set the record straight. And, allow the Neighborhood Finance Guy himself to mansplain his way out of this. By the way, a relationship is not a business. A relationship is the foundation for generational wealth. Especially in the modern day, it is important to get the timeline right so you can avoid the costly single life and the long term non married life.

With that said, thanks for tuning in to the show. Leave us any thoughts, comments, and ideas on this episode or for future episodes. 

Here's a bit of background about our name and who we are:

The Financial Griot is a play on two words (Finance + Griot) that hold significance in closing the racial wealth gap. 

Merriam-Webster defines a Griot as a West African historian, storyteller, praise singer, poet, or musician. The griot is a repository of oral tradition and is often seen as a leader due to their position as an advisor to royal personages. As a result of the former of these two functions, they are sometimes called a bard.

As such, we tell the stories that others don't. Stories that we should share for growth, opportunity and understanding. Beyond that we talk about Finances. Specifically, how to become Financially literate, incorporating actionable steps and ultimately building generational wealth. 

So there you have it, The Financial Griot or TFG for short. You will be in for a treat. The hosts were able to amass over $2 Million in wealth in about 8 years and are on track to retire early. If you want the secrets; we will gladly share them since opportunity is abundant and Win-Win.

Connect with TFG Crew: 

Alainta Alcin - Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast @its_alainta

Lovely Merdelus - Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus

Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez - Federal Auditor, Blogger and Tax Specialist @theneighborhoodfinanceguy

Lovely, Alainta and Lawrence talk about the struggle and frustration of being a Black entrepreneur. The conversation versed toward fighting social norms, attitudes and coming to terms with money management.

Finance is a hard subject for most Americans, it's worst for the Black community. The stress is weighing heavily on Black women who have obtain degrees, debt and long term care of aging parents. 

Here's a bit about our background and who we are:

The Financial Griot is a play on two words (Finance + Griot) that hold significance in closing the racial wealth gap. 

Merriam-Webster defines a Griot as a West African historian, storyteller, praise singer, poet, or musician. The griot is a repository of oral tradition and is often seen as a leader due to their position as an advisor to royal personages. As a result of the former of these two functions, they are sometimes called a bard.

As such, we tell the stories that others don't. Stories that we should share for growth, opportunity and understanding. Beyond that we talk about Finances. Specifically, how to become Financially literate, incorporating actionable steps and ultimately building generational wealth. 

So there you have it, The Financial Griot or TFG for short. You will be in for a treat. The hosts were able to amass over $2 Million in wealth in about 8 years and are on track to retire early. If you want the secrets; we will gladly share them since opportunity is abundant and Win-Win.

Connect with TFG Crew: 

Alainta Alcin - Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast @its_alainta

Lovely Merdelus - Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus

Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez - Federal Auditor, Blogger and Tax Specialist @theneighborhoodfinanceguy

Welcome back for another episode of the Financial Griot. As always, we dive in deep work by focusing on purpose, wealth, health and relationship.

In this episode, it's Lovely Merdelus's turn to dazzle us with her many rants. In truth, when she talks the world listens. She is diving deeper into her experience as a business owner that's shifting cash flow quadrants to create something new. As she discuss with her co-hosts Alainta Alcin and Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez, you will find a deeper understanding of the internal work that you have to do in order to grow and foster change in the world.

If we could leave you with one idea; "Stop asking for permission to start." If you want to see change in the world, allow change withing yourself first. With that said, leave us a like, subscription and share with your friends. Life doesn't change if we don't change along with it. 

Go... 

Close the year stronger than you started!

Check out these resources: 

• Deep Work: How to Focus and Resist Distractions with Cal Newport
• Book Lounge's The Four Agreements with Guest Nathan Maingard
• An honest look at the personal finance crisis with Elizabeth White

Here's a bit of background information on our name and who we are:

The Financial Griot is a play on two words (Finance + Griot) that hold significance in closing the racial wealth gap. 

Merriam-Webster defines a Griot as a West African historian, storyteller, praise singer, poet, or musician. The griot is a repository of oral tradition and is often seen as a leader due to their position as an advisor to royal personages. As a result of the former of these two functions, they are sometimes called a bard.

As such, we tell the stories that others don't. Stories that we should share for growth, opportunity and understanding. Beyond that we talk about Finances. Specifically, how to become Financially literate, incorporating actionable steps and ultimately building generational wealth. 

So there you have it, The Financial Griot or TFG for short. You will be in for a treat. The hosts were able to amass over $2 Million in wealth in about 8 years and are on track to retire early. If you want the secrets; we will gladly share them since opportunity is abundant and Win-Win.

Connect with TFG Crew: 

Alainta Alcin - Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast @its_alainta

Lovely Merdelus - Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus

Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez - Federal Auditor, Blogger and Tax Specialist @theneighborhoodfinanceguy

In Haitian creole, we call home, "Lakay."

It has a certain ring to it especially in concert with Lekol (school) and Legliz (church). For Haitian Americans, it's the closest way for us to express that we are home. This home is safe place. Culture is the total wealth of memories that we carry and share with the world. It is in that culture that we (in the same token, you) are compelled to speak.

It's interesting to hear from Alainta Alcin's experience of being hardly ever home, yet still finding herself. In this solo episode of the Financial Griot, Alainta gives an emotionally palpable perspective of allowing change to manifest in her life. To think and truly allow herself to be wealthy, where others said "No."

Additionally, she realizes that at some point, she became the change that the world needed. She earned her Masters, purchased her first home as a single Black woman, and reached over $50,0000 in investments. All to find, that life is the process and that we are the vehicles. Sit back, take notes, comment and like.

This channel grows with your support and it changes thoughts and ultimately lives. 

Thank you. 

Here are a few resources that can change your mind and then your life: 

• Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - Be the Change
• Ta-Nehisi Coates at The American Library in Paris
• Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results - Atomic Habits by James Clear

Here's a bit of background information about our name and who we are:

The Financial Griot is a play on two words (Finance + Griot) that hold significance in closing the racial wealth gap. 

Merriam-Webster defines a Griot as a West African historian, storyteller, praise singer, poet, or musician. The griot is a repository of oral tradition and is often seen as a leader due to their position as an advisor to royal personages. As a result of the former of these two functions, they are sometimes called a bard.

As such, we tell the stories that others don't. Stories that we should share for growth, opportunity and understanding. Beyond that we talk about Finances. Specifically, how to become Financially literate, incorporating actionable steps and ultimately building generational wealth. 

So there you have it, The Financial Griot or TFG for short. You will be in for a treat. The hosts were able to amass over $2 Million in wealth in about 8 years and are on track to retire early. If you want the secrets; we will gladly share them since opportunity is abundant and Win-Win.

Connect with TFG Crew: 

Alainta Alcin - Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast @its_alainta

Lovely Merdelus - Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus

Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez - Federal Auditor, Blogger and Tax Specialist @theneighborhoodfinanceguy

"Yes I'm a Black single (according to my taxes) woman that bought a home during the Pandemic."

In this episode, Alainta Alcin aka ATL share her solo adventure into being a home owner. Although the congratulations came pouring in, before buying a home, the reception was lackluster. Buying a new home is challenging enough, but going through the process without a supportive community is a lot tougher.

Beyond the social pressure of being a young millennial woman, you are forced to juggle femininity with its changing dynamics, expenses + inflation, taxes and investments, dating and relationship and now even buying a home. It's been crazy. This episode is for anyone that heard "No" so often that they had to tell themselves "Yes."

As always, thanks for the like, share, comments and subscription to the content.

See you on the flipside of wealth.

Here's a bit about our background:

The Financial Griot is a play on two words (Finance + Griot) that hold significance in closing the racial wealth gap. 

Merriam-Webster defines a Griot as a West African historian, storyteller, praise singer, poet, or musician. The griot is a repository of oral tradition and is often seen as a leader due to their position as an advisor to royal personages. As a result of the former of these two functions, they are sometimes called a bard.

As such, we tell the stories that others don't. Stories that we should share for growth, opportunity and understanding. Beyond that we talk about Finances. Specifically, how to become Financially literate, incorporating actionable steps and ultimately building generational wealth. 

So there you have it, The Financial Griot or TFG for short. You will be in for a treat. The hosts were able to amass over $2 Million in wealth in about 8 years and are on track to retire early. If you want the secrets; we will gladly share them since opportunity is abundant and Win-Win.

Connect with TFG Crew: 

Alainta Alcin - Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast @its_alainta

Lovely Merdelus - Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus

Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez - Federal Auditor, Blogger and Tax Specialist @theneighborhoodfinanceguy

So this is what this generation is all about. Posing and posting for #thegram, even open casket at your dad's funeral? Welp, this IG model or influencer did look fierce if we had to be objective. The backlash was all too real. She eventually quit the game all together. But we are sure, she will come back again.

Bad press is just as good as Good press.

In this episode of the Financial Griot, the crew is back together and talking about all of it. In the advent of social media, has all the attention created a toxic social narrative. Unfortunately, only #cancelculture, an equally toxic movement can help.

It begs the question, "when is enough, enough?"

Do the followers make you happy or has it become an endless chore chasing Instagram viral #reels, challenges, memes and Tik Tok dancing. Is this new #OnlyFans culture worst our bodies and minds? Or do we really need to take a couple steps back?

IG burnout culture is real and we created it. ATL, Lovely and LG share their thoughts.

As always, thank you for tuning in and downloading our episodes or listening to our new YouTube channel. We promise to constantly beg you to Like, Share, Comment and Subscribe because we are desperate for the validation as well. Damn, it's that toxic. 

Here a bit of background about us

The Financial Griot is a play on two words (Finance + Griot) that hold significance in closing the racial wealth gap. 

Merriam-Webster defines a Griot as a West African historian, storyteller, praise singer, poet, or musician. The griot is a repository of oral tradition and is often seen as a leader due to their position as an advisor to royal personages. As a result of the former of these two functions, they are sometimes called a bard.

As such, we tell the stories that others don't. Stories that we should share for growth, opportunity and understanding. Beyond that we talk about Finances. Specifically, how to become Financially literate, incorporating actionable steps and ultimately building generational wealth. 

So there you have it, The Financial Griot or TFG for short. You will be in for a treat. The hosts were able to amass over $2 Million in wealth in about 8 years and are on track to retire early. If you want the secrets; we will gladly share them since opportunity is abundant and Win-Win.

Connect with TFG Crew: 

Alainta Alcin - Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast @its_alainta

Lovely Merdelus - Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus

Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez - Federal Auditor, Blogger and Tax Specialist @theneighborhoodfinanceguy

Would you date a person with a dirty home? 

Wait, are you the person with the dirty home?

In this episode of the Financial Griot, Alainta Alcin (ATL) and Lawrence (Law) Delva-Gonzalez discuss their young adult relationship journeys and dishes out on how they ran into dirty people in their lifetime. It begs the question is cleanliness, a secret sign of how messy your finances are? 

We will dive deep on the virtues of being disciplined in how you carry yourself and how you present your image in the world. As always, we sincerely thank you for your support. We've only been out since Fall 2021 and already reached 1,000 downloads. We get comments and feedback and we will continue to bring you dialogue that elevates the culture.

Here's a bit about our background and who we are:

The Financial Griot is a play on two words (Finance + Griot) that hold significance in closing the racial wealth gap. 

Merriam-Webster defines a Griot as a West African historian, storyteller, praise singer, poet, or musician. The griot is a repository of oral tradition and is often seen as a leader due to their position as an advisor to royal personages. As a result of the former of these two functions, they are sometimes called a bard.

As such, we tell the stories that others don't. Stories that we should share for growth, opportunity and understanding. Beyond that we talk about Finances. Specifically, how to become Financially literate, incorporating actionable steps and ultimately building generational wealth. 

So there you have it, The Financial Griot or TFG for short. You will be in for a treat. The hosts were able to amass over $2 Million in wealth in about 8 years and are on track to retire early. If you want the secrets; we will gladly share them since opportunity is abundant and Win-Win.

Connect with TFG Crew: 

Alainta Alcin - Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast @its_alainta

Lovely Merdelus - Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus

Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez - Federal Auditor, Blogger and Tax Specialist @theneighborhoodfinanceguy

The Financial Griot finally got their first guests from KORE'M Podcast. (Part 2  of 2)

It's feels like the Haitian Breakfast club. Let's not mess it up, right Lawrence?

Since it's November 18, the celebration of La Bataille de Vertières (english - Battle of Vertières), it was apropos for us to bring on our first guest, Kore'm Podcast with Luther Estyl and Mac Jean. This dynamic duo has been making wave empowering the next generation of Haitian at home and in the diaspora. 

This episode was a unique opportunity to get back to our roots and really have a discussion on Haiti, Financial literacy and what's in store for the future. Our history is not just Black and White, it's being painted in vivid HD and stream via audio for the world to hear. 

More about KORE'M podcast

KORE’M Podcast is a platform that aims to empower, educate, motivate and inspire young Haitian millennials all throughout the world to press towards their version of success. This podcast acknowledges the disparities and disproportionate amount of knowledge, life-changing information and useful resources that are not being shared in creole to advance the Haitian community. Given this reality, KORE’M Podcast is committed to being a catalyst and podium for equipped and knowledgeable individuals in the community to share their journey, hacks to thriving and greatest lessons learned in creole. 

Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/korem-podcast/support

Previously collabs with #TFG:

• S1:E24 Lawrence Gonzalez | Paying off debt & bridging the wealth gap
• S2:E13 | Alainta Alcin | Haitian Millionaire in the making

More on La Bataille de Vertiere

The Battle of Vertières (in Haitian Creole Batay Vètyè) was the last major battle of the Haitian Revolution, and the final part of the Haitian Revolution under Jean Jacques Dessalines. It was fought on 18 November 1803 between Haitian indigenous army, and Napoleon's French expeditionary forces, who were committed to regaining control of the island.

Vertières is situated just south of Cap-Haïtien (known then as Cap-Français), in the Départment du Nord, Haiti. By the end of October 1803, the forces fighting the expeditionary troops had already taken over most of the territory of St. Domingue. The only places controlled by the French forces were Môle St. Nicolas, held by Noailles, and Cap-Français, where, with 5,000 troops, French General Rochambau was at bay. 

The result of this battle guaranteed Haiti's freedom and by proxy started the liberation of Blacks around the world. It also afford the US the opportunity to purchase land west of the Mississippi through the Louisiana Purchase. This surge in liberation spurred revolutions in South America which is why countries like Columbia and Venezuela share Haiti's colors in their flags. 

Yeah, the actions of a few changed the world.

Connect with #TFG Crew: 

Alainta Alcin - Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast @its_alainta

Lovely Merdelus - Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus

Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez - Federal Auditor, Blogger and Tax Specialist @theneighborhoodfinanceguy 

The Financial Griot finally got their first guests from KORE'M Podcast. (Part 1  of 2)

It's feels like the Haitian Breakfast club. Let's not mess it up, right Lawrence?

Since it's November 18, the celebration of La Bataille de Vertières (english - Battle of Vertières), it was apropos for us to bring on our first guest, Kore'm Podcast with Luther Estyl and Mac Jean. This dynamic duo has been making wave empowering the next generation of Haitian at home and in the diaspora. 

This episode was a unique opportunity to get back to our roots and really have a discussion on Haiti, Financial literacy and what's in store for the future. Our history is not just Black and White, it's being painted in vivid HD and stream via audio for the world to hear. 

More about KORE'M podcast

KORE’M Podcast is a platform that aims to empower, educate, motivate and inspire young Haitian millennials all throughout the world to press towards their version of success. This podcast acknowledges the disparities and disproportionate amount of knowledge, life-changing information and useful resources that are not being shared in creole to advance the Haitian community. Given this reality, KORE’M Podcast is committed to being a catalyst and podium for equipped and knowledgeable individuals in the community to share their journey, hacks to thriving and greatest lessons learned in creole. 

Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/korem-podcast/support

Previously collabs with #TFG:

• S1:E24 Lawrence Gonzalez | Paying off debt & bridging the wealth gap
• S2:E13 | Alainta Alcin | Haitian Millionaire in the making

More on La Bataille de Vertiere

The Battle of Vertières (in Haitian Creole Batay Vètyè) was the last major battle of the Haitian Revolution, and the final part of the Haitian Revolution under Jean Jacques Dessalines. It was fought on 18 November 1803 between Haitian indigenous army, and Napoleon's French expeditionary forces, who were committed to regaining control of the island.

Vertières is situated just south of Cap-Haïtien (known then as Cap-Français), in the Départment du Nord, Haiti. By the end of October 1803, the forces fighting the expeditionary troops had already taken over most of the territory of St. Domingue. The only places controlled by the French forces were Môle St. Nicolas, held by Noailles, and Cap-Français, where, with 5,000 troops, French General Rochambau was at bay. 

The result of this battle guaranteed Haiti's freedom and by proxy started the liberation of Blacks around the world. It also afford the US the opportunity to purchase land west of the Mississippi through the Louisiana Purchase. This surge in liberation spurred revolutions in South America which is why countries like Columbia and Venezuela share Haiti's colors in their flags. 

Yeah, the actions of a few changed the world.

Connect with #TFG Crew: 

Alainta Alcin - Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast @its_alainta

Lovely Merdelus - Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus

Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez - Federal Auditor, Blogger and Tax Specialist @theneighborhoodfinanceguy 

Just in case you needed something to talk about for Thanksgiving.  #GenderWars is the topic du jour, every jour technically. 

Seriously, we really need to address this issue moving forward. The Financial Griot crew tackles where the Black wealth is going with one easy fix. As always this is merely a discussion of the issue and not an exhaustive description. We are saving that with a few special guests in future episodes.

Our goal is to confront our issues with a mirror in order to force the reflection to take action. Lovely Merdelus does her best to keep Alainta and Lawrence from fighting yet again, with some poignant introspective ideas.

Please feel free to leave us a review because we might get cancelled after this episode. However you feel about the episode, we real all the reviews. Hate mail not real but great comments are welcomed.  

Connect with TFG Crew: 

Alainta Alcin - Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast @its_alainta

Lovely Merdelus - Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus

Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez - Federal Auditor, Blogger and Tax Specialist @theneighborhoodfinanceguy