Episodes

  • Episode 456: How to Manage Holiday Money Anxiety
    Dec 10 2025
    In this week's solo episode, I'm diving into something many of us feel, but don't always say out loud holiday money anxiety. This season can be full of joy, nostalgia, and family connection, but it can also bring up guilt, pressure, overspending, and emotional triggers that hit our wallets hard. So today, I'm sharing honest reflections on the expectations we carry, the emotional weight of holiday giving, and how I personally navigate the overwhelm of gifting, family obligations, and wanting to "do enough" without draining my finances or my energy. I walk you through practical strategies for shifting your mindset, breaking old patterns, and giving yourself permission to rethink how you show up this season. In this episode, I discuss: Guilt-free gifting: How to focus on intention instead of price tags, and ways to simplify gifts especially for kids who may value the moment more than the item itself.Setting family & personal boundaries: What to say when you want to keep things simple, stick to a budget, or opt out without shame.Overspending triggers: Why boredom, stress, nostalgia, and scarcity mindset push us to buy more and how to create friction to avoid impulse purchases.Reframing the season: How to shift from "stuff" to connection, small rituals, meaning, and presence.Planning ahead for next year: Using what you spent this season to set realistic expectations and savings goals for the future. Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Get your copy of Your Journey To Financial Freedom if you haven't already.Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, here.Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources here!Join The Weekly Newsletter List to get updates, deals & more!Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review!Get The Budget BootcampCheck out my personal website here.Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast!YNAB – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link.What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out here! Connect with me: Instagram: @JourneytolaunchTwitter: @JourneyToLaunchFacebook: @Journey To LaunchJoin the Private Facebook GroupJoin the Waitlist for My FI CourseGet The Free Jumpstart Guide
    Show more Show less
    22 mins
  • Episode 455- My Life Lately: Reflections on Freedom, Seasons + 3 Year Book Anniversary
    Dec 3 2025
    In this week's solo episode, I open up about the reflections, questions, and inner shifts I've been navigating as I enter a new season of life. With the three-year anniversary of Your Journey to Financial Freedom, I'm sharing candid thoughts on growth, purpose, motherhood, and the constant evolution that comes with designing a life of freedom. I talk about the tension between feeling grateful for the life I intentionally built and the uncertainty of what comes next. I also invite you to think deeply about your own season of life; what to keep, what to release, and how to cultivate fulfillment beyond productivity and "shoulds." In this episode, I discuss: The three-year anniversary of my book and why time feels so different nowWhat it feels like to reach the goals I once dreamed of and still wonder, "What's next?"How financial freedom is deeply connected to inner freedomWhy you can start over or choose differently any day, not just at the new year + more Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Get your copy of Your Journey To Financial Freedom if you haven't already.Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, here.Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources here!Join The Weekly Newsletter List to get updates, deals & more!Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review!Get The Budget BootcampCheck out my personal website here.Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast!YNAB – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link.What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out here! Connect with me: Instagram: @JourneytolaunchTwitter: @JourneyToLaunchFacebook: @Journey To LaunchJoin the Private Facebook GroupJoin the Waitlist for My FI CourseGet The Free Jumpstart Guide
    Show more Show less
    20 mins
  • Episode 454: What I've Learned (Patterns, Mistakes & Hacks) From Helping Hundreds Start Their Financial Independence Journey
    Nov 26 2025
    In this week's solo episode, I reflect on the biggest patterns, mindset shifts, and lessons I've learned from helping hundreds of people start (and restart) their financial independence journeys. I walk through the three most common struggles people think are unique to them, the life transitions that often spark the desire for FI, and the deeper motivations that truly drive long-term change. I also share the emotional and practical mistakes I see people make again and again from trying to do it all alone to waiting for the "perfect" plan and why clarity and community matter more than tactics. I also break down what consistently works for people who actually build momentum: personalized roadmaps, accountability, small wins, and the mindset and grace needed to stay the course. In this episode, I discuss: Why so many people feel "behind" and why their struggles are actually normalHow life transitions career changes, burnout, debt, and parenthood often trigger the FI awakeningThe deeper "why" behind pursuing FI, including freedom, safety, options, and controlThe common mistakes people make, like going it alone or waiting for the perfect momentWhat truly moves people forward: community, clarity, flexible plans, mindset shifts, and celebrating small wins Enrollment for the Map Your Path to FI Course is now open! This experience is designed to help you build a clear, step-by-step roadmap to financial independence, without the overwhelm, confusion, or guesswork. Inside the course, you'll learn how to: Understand your numbers and take control of your financesBuild a values-driven spending plan you actually enjoy usingStrengthen your money mindset and rewrite old storiesIncrease your income and accelerate your savings rateStart investing with clarity (not fear)Create a personalized FI timelineAnd confidently make financial decisions that support the life you truly want Choose the level of support that fits your goals and your schedule: ​Option 1: Self-Paced Course- Go at your own pace with the full Map Your Path to FI curriculum, accessible anytime. ​Option 2: FI Accelerator (SOLD OUT)- Get the full course plus a live 90-minute group coaching session with me, where you can submit questions in advance and join hot-seat coaching. ​Option 3: FI VIP- Work with me privately through two 1:1 strategy sessions, receive a fully personalized FI plan, and get weekly check-ins to help you stay accountable between sessions. Find out more here before enrollment closes on December 1, 2025! Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Get your copy of Your Journey To Financial Freedom if you haven't already.Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, here.Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources here!Join The Weekly Newsletter List to get updates, deals & more!Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review!Get The Budget BootcampCheck out my personal website here.Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast!YNAB – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link.What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out here! Connect with me: Instagram: @JourneytolaunchTwitter: @JourneyToLaunchFacebook: @Journey To LaunchJoin the Private Facebook GroupJoin the Waitlist for My FI CourseGet The Free Jumpstart Guide
    Show more Show less
    27 mins
  • Episode 453: Finding Clarity, Confidence & Community on Your FI Journey w/ Latoya Rowe
    Nov 19 2025
    In this week's episode, I sit down with longtime Journeyer and two-time Journey to FI program member Latoya Rowe. Latoya shares how she pivoted into a higher-earning career, discovered financial independence during her grad-school commute, and rebuilt her financial foundation while juggling motherhood, debt, and major life changes. She opens up about the emotional and financial impact of selling her rental properties, how community reignited her belief that FI is possible, and why mindset became the key that unlocked her momentum. We also talk about the power of visualizing your ideal life, how Latoya is shifting into coaching while reducing stress in her clinical career, and what it really looks like to choose balance and flexibility on the FI journey. Her story is a beautiful reminder that progress isn't linear and that clarity, community, and courage can completely transform your financial path. In this episode, Latoya and I discuss: How she changed careers and discovered the FI movementWhy she sold her real estate and how it freed her financiallyThe mindset and community support that helped her regain focusHow visualizing her future inspired her coaching career shift Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Join the Map Your Path to FI Course and Coaching Program, here. Get your copy of Your Journey To Financial Freedom if you haven't already. Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, here.Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources here!Join The Weekly Newsletter List to get updates, deals & more!Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review!Get The Budget BootcampCheck out my personal website here.Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast!YNAB – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link.What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out here! Connect with me: Instagram: @JourneytolaunchTwitter: @JourneyToLaunchFacebook: @Journey To LaunchJoin the Private Facebook GroupJoin the Waitlist for My FI CourseGet The Free Jumpstart Guide
    Show more Show less
    48 mins
  • Episode 452: From Financial Burnout to Financial Healing & Balancing Ambition with Alignment w/ Alejandra Rojas
    Nov 12 2025
    In this week's episode, I'm chatting with Alejandra Rojas, entrepreneur, Forbes contributor, and founder of Brown Way to Money, a financial mentoring platform that helps women overcome financial trauma and improve their relationship with money. Alejandra's story is such a powerful reminder that financial freedom isn't just about numbers, it's about emotional healing, self-awareness, and redefining success on your own terms. Originally from Colombia, Alejandra left home at 19 on a scholarship and went on to live and study in Spain, the U.S., and New Zealand. She shares how her journey from financial burnout in Washington D.C. to finding balance in New Zealand completely changed how she views money, success, and happiness. We talk about what it means to truly know yourself with money, and how understanding your emotional patterns can help you build wealth that feels aligned and sustainable. Alejandra also breaks down her B.R.O.W.N. Framework, a tool she uses to help women heal from financial trauma and create lasting change. In This Episode I Discuss: How Alejandra's global journey and scholarships shaped her view of money and opportunityThe moment she realized her financial burnout was connected to deeper emotional patternsWhat she learned about consumer culture and self-worth while living in the U.S.How life in New Zealand helped her slow down, reconnect, and build a new definition of success Watch the video to this episode on YouTube below or click here. Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: BrownWaytoMoney.com/NewsletterErasmus Scholarship (Europe)University of Auckland Scholarship (New Zealand)Get your copy of Your Journey To Financial Freedom if you haven't already.Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, here.Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources here!Join The Weekly Newsletter List to get updates, deals & more!Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review!Get The Budget BootcampCheck out my personal website here.Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast!YNAB – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link.What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out here! Connect with Alejandra: Websites: alejandrar.combrownwaytomoney.com Instagram: @WealthforBrownGirls‬ Connect with me: Instagram: @JourneytolaunchTwitter: @JourneyToLaunchFacebook: @Journey To LaunchJoin the Private Facebook GroupJoin the Waitlist for My FI CourseGet The Free Jumpstart Guide
    Show more Show less
    46 mins
  • Episode 451- Financial Caregiving, Family Conversations, and Planning Ahead with Beth Pinsker
    Nov 5 2025
    In this episode of Journey to Launch, I'm joined by Beth Pinsker, financial planning columnist for MarketWatch, Certified Financial Planner, and author of My Mother's Money: A Guide to Financial Caregiving. Beth shares her personal and professional insights on what it really takes to manage a loved one's finances and why preparing now can save you (and your family) heartache, time, and money later. We talk about the realities of caregiving from setting up power of attorney and health care proxy forms, to navigating long-term care insurance and estate planning. Beth's own journey caring for her mom opened her eyes to how unprepared most of us are for this role and inspired her to create the guidebook she wishes she'd had. In this episode, Beth also shares: How to proactively start financial caregiving conversations with your parents or adult children even when it feels uncomfortableThe real cost of caregiving (and how to plan for it before it derails your financial goals)How to handle sibling dynamics and avoid conflict when managing a parent's moneyhe importance of updating beneficiaries, wills, and trusts and why it's easier than most people think Check out the video to this episode on YouTube here. Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Read Beth's book, My Mother's Money: A Guide to Financial CaregivingGet your copy of Your Journey To Financial Freedom if you haven't already.Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, here.Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources here!Join The Weekly Newsletter List to get updates, deals & more!Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review!Get The Budget BootcampCheck out my personal website here.Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast!YNAB – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link.What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out here! Connect with Beth: Website: BethPinsker.comInstagram: @bethpinsker_nyBluesky: bethpinsker.bsky.social‬ Connect with me: Instagram: @JourneytolaunchTwitter: @JourneyToLaunchFacebook: @Journey To LaunchJoin the Private Facebook GroupJoin the Waitlist for My FI CourseGet The Free Jumpstart Guide
    Show more Show less
    52 mins
  • Episode 450: How A Government Shutdown Sparked Her Debt-Free Revolution & $200K Debt Payoff w/ Nika Booth
    Oct 29 2025
    In this powerful and transparent episode of Journey to Launch, I sit down with Nika Booth, award-winning financial coach, content creator, and founder of Debt Free Gonna Be, to unpack how she paid off more than $200,000 in debt while refusing to sacrifice joy along the way. From student loans and credit card balances to IRS debt and government furloughs, Nika shares the raw truth behind her financial journey, the highs, the setbacks, and the emotional lessons that reshaped her mindset about money, self-worth, and freedom. She opens up about her early money mistakes, growing up in a household where finances weren't discussed, and how the 2019 federal shutdown became the wake-up call that sparked her debt-free mission. Nika also reveals what it really felt like to finally see her student loan balance hit $0, and how she's now helping others find hope, healing, and fun in their own money journeys. In This Episode, You'll Learn: How Nika Booth paid off over $200K in debt from credit cards to student loans, without sacrificing fun or joyThe pivotal 2019 federal shutdown that sparked her debt-free journey and reshaped her money mindsetWhat it really felt like to finally see her student loan balance hit $0 through Public Service Loan ForgivenessHow she turned Debt Free Gonna Be from a personal goal into a thriving community helping thousands manage money with confidence Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Free Shutdown Resource List Crush Your Credit Card Debt Course Get your copy of Your Journey To Financial Freedom if you haven't already.Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, here.Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources here!Join The Weekly Newsletter List to get updates, deals & more!Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review!Get The Budget BootcampCheck out my personal website here.Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast!YNAB – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link.What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out here! Connect with Nika: Website: DebtFreeGonnaBe.comInstagram: @DebtFreeGonnaBeTwitter: @DebtFreeGonnaBeFacebook: @DebtFreeGonnaBe Connect with me: Instagram: @JourneytolaunchTwitter: @JourneyToLaunchFacebook: @Journey To LaunchJoin the Private Facebook GroupJoin the Waitlist for My FI CourseGet The Free Jumpstart Guide
    Show more Show less
    57 mins
  • Episode 449: A Simple Shift in Perspective That Unlocks Growth and Wealth
    Oct 22 2025
    Have you ever had a solution sitting right in front of you, but didn't realize it until later? That happened to me just last week at the park and it reminded me how often the answers we're searching for in life, money, or personal growth are hiding in plain sight. In this solo episode, I share a simple moment that made me completely rethink how I approach everyday challenges and how mindset plays a huge role in seeing what's already available to us. This story might just help you spot the solution you've been overlooking in your own journey. In This Episode, I share: The story of how a small moment at the park revealed a big life lessonHow mindset and readiness determine what we're able to see and act onWhy curiosity is your superpower in money, career, and personal growthPractical ways to uncover the answers that are right in front of youHow small actions can compound into big results over time Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Get your copy of Your Journey To Financial Freedom if you haven't already.Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, here.Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources here!Join The Weekly Newsletter List to get updates, deals & more!Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review!Get The Budget BootcampCheck out my personal website here.Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast!YNAB – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link.What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out here! Connect with me: Instagram: @JourneytolaunchTwitter: @JourneyToLaunchFacebook: @Journey To LaunchJoin the Private Facebook GroupJoin the Waitlist for My FI CourseGet The Free Jumpstart Guide
    Show more Show less
    18 mins