Worth Listening with Lauryn Williams

We’re continuing our Travel Series with a special throwback episode! Originally aired in October 2022, this conversation with Certified Financial Planner Jonathan Grannick is a must-listen for anyone looking to balance living an epic life today with planning for a financially secure tomorrow.

Jonathan, founder of Wonder Wealth LLC, brings 11 years of financial planning experience and a passion for helping young families and professionals. But his adventurous spirit and love of travel make his story so unique. From living in four countries and swimming with whale sharks in the Philippines to navigating intense poverty in Manila’s slums, Jonathan’s travels have redefined how he measures wealth far beyond money.

Tune in as Jonathan shares stories from his financial journey, including when his checking account dwindled to just $300 after quitting his job to move to Australia. You’ll also hear Lauryn’s reflections on why travel is such a powerful tool for gaining perspective and making better life decisions.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why waiting until retirement to enjoy your money is a broken model.

• Jonathan’s life-changing travel stories and their financial lessons.

• How Jonathan redefines wealth beyond money.

• Lauryn’s insights on aligning spending with your values and priorities.

• Why travel is one of the best ways to broaden your financial mindset.

• The formula for the best money Jonathan ever spent.

This throwback episode is a timeless reminder that living a wealthy life isn’t just about accumulating money—it’s about balancing today’s experiences with tomorrow’s security. Whether you’re dreaming of travel, financial freedom, or both, Jonathan’s story will inspire you to start your own “Day One” journey.

Lauryn’s Travel Series Takeaways:

Travel isn’t just about fun—it’s a way to immerse yourself in new cultures, gain perspective, and clarify what matters most in life. Lauryn’s own journey living in Medellín, Colombia, has fueled her passion for helping others experience meaningful travel through the Welcome to Wealth retreats.

Links & Resources Mentioned

• Learn more about Jonathan at wonderwealthfp.com

• Explore Lauryn’s financial retreats at worth-winning.com/financial-retreats

About Lauryn Williams

Lauryn Williams is a Certified Financial Planner, Olympian, and financial educator passionate about helping people take control of their finances. Lauryn also hosts the Welcome to Wealth Retreats, designed to help individuals create actionable financial plans while traveling and experiencing new cultures. Learn more about her speaking services and retreats [here].

Follow Us on Social Media

• Follow Lauryn on Instagram: @worthwinning

• Follow the Worth Listening Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Connect with Lauryn on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lauryn-williams

Chloe Moore is back for the "Know Better, Do Better" series! This time, we dive into the world of credit card hacking. Many people want to use their credit cards for travel, but how exactly does it work, and what are the potential pitfalls? 

Lauryn and Chloe break it down, sharing essential strategies and cautionary tales to make sure you're using credit cards to your advantage, not the other way around. Whether you're interested in travel points, cashback, or maximizing perks, this episode covers everything you need to know.

Key Takeaways

• Trends, Taxes, and Tea: Lauryn and Chloe kick off the episode by talking about trends in household debt. In Q2 2024, household debt rose by $109 billion to a staggering $17.8 trillion, and credit card balances alone reached $1.4 trillion. This episode comes at a critical time as many people find themselves relying on credit cards post-pandemic, but Chloe and Lauryn remind us that managing debt starts with mindful planning and saving.

• Understanding Your Spending Habits: Before diving into credit card hacking, review your spending. Are you spending more on groceries, dining out, or travel? Understanding these categories helps you choose the right card. Budgeting is key!

• Choosing the Right Credit Card Benefits: What are your goals with credit cards? Cashback, points, or other perks? Lauryn shares how she assumed her points strategy was optimized but learned she needed to do more research for the best bang for her buck. Chloe and Lauryn discuss why reading the fine print is crucial.

• Cost vs. Benefits: Remember that some cards come with hefty annual fees, ranging from $400-$600. These fees might make sense if you use all the perks, but think about why you want the card and if it suits your lifestyle. If you're in the military, these fees might be waived—so take advantage!

• Perks Beyond Points: Cards often have extra perks like free checked bags, lounge access, or subscriptions. Make sure you sign up for these bonuses if they make sense for you—but also check if the perks justify the fees.

• Strategizing Sign-Up Bonuses: A savvy move is for spouses to each apply for the same card to double up on sign-up bonuses. However, planning is key—credit card companies make money when we make mistakes, so stay mindful.

• Maximizing Your Points: Flexibility matters. Look for cards with transfer partners, and don’t transfer points until you’re ready to use them. Check your credit card's website for ongoing promotions—they can lead to unexpected savings!

• General Tips for Credit Card Hacking: Remember, time is money. Be careful not to consume too much time trying to optimize every single point. Credit cards can increase spending tendencies, so stay on top of your budget. Avoid rolling over balances—the interest costs quickly outweigh the value of the perks.

Money Quote: "Credit makes it possible for us to waste money before we have the money." — Mokokoma Mokhonoana

Links & Resources Mentioned

• Check your credit card's app or website for perks you may need to opt into.

If you found this episode helpful, make sure to share it with a friend! We’d love to hear your experiences with credit card hacking—drop us a message or tag us on social media to let us know what strategies you’re using.

About Lauryn Williams

Lauryn Williams is a Certified Financial Planner, Olympian, and financial educator passionate about helping people take control of their finances. Lauryn also hosts the Welcome to Wealth Retreats, designed to help individuals create actionable financial plans while traveling and experiencing new cultures. Learn more about her speaking services and retreats [here].

Follow Us on Social Media

• Follow Chloe on Instagram: @financialstaples

• Connect with Chloe on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chloemoore

• Follow Lauryn on Instagram: @worthwinning

• Follow the Worth Listening Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Connect with Lauryn on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lauryn-williams

In this episode, Lauryn Williams is joined by AJ Vassar, an entrepreneur, international speaker, and world traveler. AJ dives into how he set his “freedom date,” moved from the United States to Medellin, Colombia, and embraced financial literacy to create a life of independence. Tune in to hear about his experiences as a business owner, his season of learning while homeless, and how he has lived abroad for over six years using his "freedom date" philosophy. 

Key Takeaways

• [7:30] College Life and Financial Struggles: AJ shares how growing up in financial hardship shaped his mindset and how attending college, without fully understanding the consequences of student loans, impacted his future.

• [17:34] Learning to Sell and Build Relationships: AJ explains the importance of selling and building relationships, not just for business but for navigating life’s challenges, emphasizing that success is about connection and communication.

• [20:58] Resilience Through Voluntary Homelessness: AJ discusses how a period of “voluntary” homelessness taught him resilience and the importance of staying the course when faced with adversity.

• [28:24] Setting a Freedom Date and Moving to Medellin: AJ explains his "freedom date" concept and how he planned and executed his move from the U.S. to Medellin, Colombia, using this date as a turning point for financial independence.

• [44:54] Organizing Finances as an Entrepreneur: AJ outlines practical steps for financial management, including keeping regular meetings with a tax professional, budgeting, and reviewing plans with a financial coach to stay on track.

If AJ’s story inspired you to take control of your financial future, join Lauryn at the next Welcome to Wealth Retreat! Get a customized financial plan while experiencing a life-changing journey in Medellin, Colombia. Visit worth-winning.com/retreats to learn more and sign up today!

Links & Resources Mentioned

• Follow AJ Vassar on social media: @ajvassar

• Learn more about the Welcome to Wealth Retreat: worth-winning.com/retreats

• Read AJ’s Book: Day Grades: From Homeless to Giving 5 Cars Away and Much More in Just 3 Short Years

About Lauryn Williams

Lauryn Williams is a Certified Financial Planner, Olympian, and financial educator passionate about helping people take control of their finances. Lauryn also hosts the Welcome to Wealth Retreats, designed to help individuals create actionable financial plans while traveling and experiencing new cultures. Learn more about her speaking services and retreats at worth-winning.com.

Follow Us on Social Media

• Follow Lauryn on Instagram: @worthwinning

• Follow the Worth Listening Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Connect with Lauryn on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lauryn-williams

Lauryn Williams is back on the Worth Listening Podcast with some major updates! After a long break since the last episode in August of last year, she’s ready to dive into what's been happening in her life and business, including some big changes. Lauryn discusses the latest updates on student loan repayment, her decision to take her income to zero after growing a successful business, and why she’s now living abroad. She also shares exciting news about combining her passions for travel and finance into empowering financial retreats.

Key Takeaways

• Big student loan update: Lauryn shares the latest on student loans and how politics are impacting borrower repayment plans.

• Lauryn’s life update and business reset: Lauryn explains why she decided to take her income to zero, despite having grown a successful business, and what that shift has meant for her life and career.

• Moving abroad: Find out where Lauryn has relocated and why she made the move. Combining travel and finance: Lauryn’s main focus now is bringing people to Medellin, Colombia, for financial retreats that empower them to take control of their money while exploring new horizons.

• Bridging financial coaching and financial planning: Lauryn dives into the difference between financial coaching and financial planning.

• What’s next for the podcast: Lauryn outlines her plans for the podcast going forward.

Excited about the financial retreats or have questions for Lauryn? Reach out to [email protected], and don’t forget to check out the upcoming retreat dates in Medellin, Colombia. Take control of your finances while experiencing something new!

Links & Resources Mentioned

• Sign up for the Welcome to Wealth Retreat: worth-winning.com/retreats

• Take The Financial Checkup Quiz

About Lauryn Williams

Lauryn Williams is a Certified Financial Planner, Olympian, and financial educator passionate about helping people take control of their finances. Lauryn also hosts the Welcome to Wealth Retreats, designed to help individuals create actionable financial plans while traveling and experiencing new cultures. Learn more about her speaking services and retreats [here].

Follow Us on Social Media

• Follow Lauryn on Instagram: @worthwinning

• Follow the Worth Listening Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Connect with Lauryn on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lauryn-williams

Student loans have gone crazy! Payments are starting back up in October and people are desperately trying to figure out what they need to do to prepare. So I’m going to share everything you need to know related to getting ready to start repaying your loans again. There have been a lot of changes so if you have student loans or are thinking about getting student loans, you need to listen to this. 

In the episode, I share:

• Lump sum payments and who shouldn’t be making them

• Steps to take before payments begin in October

• Forgiveness plans and who they’re for

• Why you need to be thinking about your student loan situation

• The coming Income-Driven Repayment tracker

• Why now is the time to take advantage of getting on the right student loan repayment plan

• The difference between consolidation and refinancing

• Why consolidation is not the right fit for everyone

• What refinancing means and why it’s not for everyone

• The new SAVE plan

If you want to further connect with Lauryn Williams at Worth Winning, follow us on social media:

• Instagram: @worthwinning

• Twitter: @worth_winning

• Facebook: @worthwinningfp

• LinkedIn: @lauryn-williams

Mentioned Resources:

Frugal Living and the FIRE Movement, with Travis Hornsby

Visit Student Loan Planner to learn more about student loans and schedule a consultation to discover your best repayment plan.

Please reach out at [email protected] if you’re interested in learning more about bringing a corporate financial wellness presentation to your organization.

If you want to share your money memoir on the podcast, contact us at [email protected].

Today NFL player Kelvin Beachum joins the podcast. Kelvin is a Texas native entering his 12th season. In addition to playing football, he is also a board member, advisor, active technology investor, and philanthropist.

Today Kevin will share with us his money memoir including his entry into the NFL and why he has continued to pursue other opportunities while playing. You will be encouraged and motivated by his message.

In this episode we discuss:

• Living below your means

• How your experiences and exposure change your relationship with money

• That all NFL players aren’t instant millionaires

• The importance of purposeful spending

• How Kelvin got started in the world of Venture Capital 

• Curiosity and the impact of being a life long learner

• The role of networking in financial success and opportunities

• Donor Advised Fund (DAF)

Mentioned Resources:

• www.kelvinbeachum.com

If you want to further connect with Lauryn Williams at Worth Winning, follow us on social media:

• Instagram: @worthwinning

• Twitter: @worth_winning

• Facebook: @worthwinningfp

• LinkedIn: @lauryn-williams

If you want to connect further with Kelvin Beachum:

• LinkedIn: @kb2smu

Today Carrie Nicholson joins Lauryn Williams on the podcast. Carrie is a business manager who enjoys all things money and wealth. Before quitting her job to become full-time self-employed for the past decade, she was a tax accountant and Certified Bookkeeper. In 2018, she sold her first finance blog, Careful Cents, for nearly six figures. Today, she owns multiple online businesses including a YouTube channel about cash budgeting and a Colorado travel blog.

Today Carrie will share with us more about where her interest in finances came from and how she uses her personal financial story to create income while helping others.

In This Episode, They Discuss:

• The balance of serving, ministry, and earning in income

• The trade school option to get into accounting

• How she built and sold a finance blog for freelancers

• How she and her husband are building a travel blog with the intention to sell

• Budgeting, emergency funds, and creating a savings plan

• Cash stuffing and savings challenges

Mentioned Resources:

• Natalie Bacon, Financial Coach

If you want to further connect with Lauryn Williams at Worth Winning, follow us on social media:

• Instagram: @worthwinning

• Twitter: @worth_winning

• Facebook: @worthwinningfp

• LinkedIn: @lauryn-williams

If you want to connect further with Carrie Nicholson:

• Instagram: @carrieconsiders

• YouTube: @carrieconsiders

Summer is here, kids are out of school, people are headed out on vacations, and it’s the time of year when scarcity mindset starts to set in for many. Podcast host and Certified Financial Planner Lauryn Williams shares how this is playing out in her own life right now. She’s also jumping back into the podcast archives to bring back one of her favorite episodes to address scarcity mindset and financial literacy to help change the trajectory of where you want to go financially.

In the episode, Lauryn and guest Claudia Steer discuss:

• What it’s like living with a scarcity mindset.

• What it means to be “house poor” and the importance of understanding your mortgage options.

• The “good debt vs bad debt” myth.

• The importance of financial literacy when it comes to things like student loans, 401k, and financial planning.

• The fact that financial mistakes don’t always equal frivolous spending.

If you want to further connect with Lauryn Williams at Worth Winning, follow us on social media:

• Instagram: @worthwinning

• Twitter: @worth_winning

• Facebook: @worthwinningfp

• LinkedIn: @lauryn-williams

If you want to share your money memoir on the podcast, contact us at [email protected].

The Worth Listening podcast is excited to get back to sharing money memoirs. Listening to the money stories of others allows us to learn from the experience and unique perspectives of others. Sean Johnson-Sippial joins host Lauryn Williams on the podcast to share his money memoir. 

Sean is a self-proclaimed Bitcoin evangelist who found Bitcoin in 2016 and hasn’t looked back.

In this episode, Lauryn and Sean talk about:

• The common theme of entrepreneurship that ran throughout his childhood

• His drive to keep his money and the importance of delayed gratification

• How he fell into Bitcoin as it was emerging

• What Bitcoin is and how it started

• The risk tolerance of Bitcoin and how it compares with other investments

• The importance of having an investment thesis

• Why he’s choosing to focus on Bitcoin in the current economic climate

If you want to further connect with Lauryn Williams at Worth Winning, follow us on social media:

• Instagram: @worthwinning

• Twitter: @worth_winning

• Facebook: @worthwinningfp

• LinkedIn: @lauryn-williams

You can further connect with Sean on Twitter: @stakamoto21

If you want to share your money memoir on the podcast, contact us at [email protected].

It’s time for a Worth Listening update. There are a lot of exciting things in store for the remainder of 2023 and moving forward. Host and Certified Financial Planner Lauryn Williams, is sharing where the podcast is headed and exciting pivots in her financial planning company, Worth Winning.

In this episode, Lauryn talks about:

• The return of additional guests and money memoirs to the podcast

• Where you can find Lauryn & Chloe continuing to break down financial planning

• How a financial retreat can help you organize your finances along with the 2023 locations and what you can expect for 2024 retreats (hint-hint: 2024 locations are being released soon so you can plan early!)

• Workplace financial wellness services

• Money school returning as a 6-week course in October

• Why it’s time for millennials to get their finances in order

If you want to further connect with Lauryn Williams at Worth Winning, follow us on social media:

• Instagram: @worthwinning

• Twitter: @worth_winning

• Facebook: @worthwinningfp

• LinkedIn: @lauryn-williams

If you want to share your money memoir on the podcast, contact us at [email protected].

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• Financial Checkup

• Corporate Financial Wellness Services

Lauryn is hosting two Welcome to Wealth financial retreats this summer for young professional women. Want to go on an adventure and create a financial plan for your life? Learn more at the links below.

• Medellin, Colombia July 2023

• Bali, Indonesia August 2023