Episode 373: Overcoming Poverty, Divorce, and Achieving FIRE with an Over $1 Million Portfolio w/ Jackie Cummings Koski

Bernadette Joy Cruz Maulion is a first-gen Filipina-American joins the Journey To Launch podcast to share how she paid off $300,000 of debt in three years and invested her first $1 million in her 30s. Today, Bernadette works only 20 hours a week in order to focus her financial freedom on joy: K-Pop, yoga, karaoke and spoiling her nieces and nephews as their traveling rich auntie. She understands those who feel like they missed the money memo, and is dedicated to educating others on financial topics with strategies in a way so simple anyone can understand it. In this episode Bernadette shares:  Her experiences growing up in New York City as an immigrant child of Asian descent, emphasizing the pressure to excel academically and socially. How she had to make tough choices, such as saying no to friends' events and being honest about what she could afford, to achieve financial freedom. Why she and her husband sold their paid-off home and chose to rent instead Where she invests her money from real estate sales and rental income including high-yield savings, CDs, treasury bills 401k, IRAs, and real estate investment trusts.  The importance of being present in life's moments and embracing authenticity in both personal and professional aspects + more! Other Links Mentioned in episode: Get your copy of my book: Your Journey To Financial Freedom Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE Check out my personal website here. Join The Weekly Newsletter List 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 Bernadette: Website: https://CrushYourMoneyGoals.com Instagram:@BernaDebtJoy Twitter: @BernaDebtJoy Connect with me: Instagram: @Journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: @Journey To Launch Join the Private Facebook Group Join the Waitlist for My FI Course Get The Free Jumpstart Guide Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE

This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, we have Jackie Cummings Koski, author of the award winning book “Money Letters 2 my Daughter” and her new book, “F.I.R.E. for Dummies”. Jackie overcame poverty, divorce and single motherhood and despite having a late start and making less than six figures, she reached Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) at age 49 in 2019 when she officially retired from her corporate job with a net worth of over $1 million. Jackie shares with us the importance of mindset and reframing attitudes towards money, strategies for managing retirement finances, & how you too can reach financial freedom even if you are starting later in life.  In This Episode you’ll learn:  How Jackie used the 25x rule to get her FI number, and what financial habits helped her reach FI in 10 years, despite being in a difficult financial situation after her divorce.  How shifting your mindset from saving for retirement to investing for financial independence, can make it exciting to save and invest. Why she initially struggled with the emotional aspect of withdrawing money from her investment accounts in early retirement, and how her net worth increased to 2.8 million by 2024, even after making withdrawals  Example of retirement planning strategies for early retirees, including Social Security benefits and tax-free withdrawals  How Jackie’s daughter has been her biggest cheerleader and how her views on work and retirement differ from Jackie’s as she is part of a different generation, Gen Z.  Watch the video to this episode on YouTube by going to https://youtu.be/JARjqHD1r0s  Other Links Mentioned in episode: Jackie’s first episode All About The Health Savings Account (HSA) -The Ultimate Retirement And Investment Account W/ Jackie Koski Jackie’s previous episode: How To Thrive in the Current Financial Market Turmoil & Better Position Yourself Financially with Jackie Cummings Koski Get a copy of Jackie's book: F.I.R.E for Dummies Get your copy of my book: Your Journey To Financial Freedom Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE Check out my personal website here. Join The Weekly Newsletter List 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 Jackie: Website: https://FinomenalWoman.com Instagram:@FInomenal_Woman Twitter: @FInomenal_Woman Catching Up to FI Podcast Connect with me: Instagram: @Journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: @Journey To Launch Join the Private Facebook Group Join the Waitlist for My FI Course Get The Free Jumpstart Guide Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE

Jannese Torres, Latina money educator, and author of the new book Financially Lit, joins us on the Journey to Launch Podcast to talk to us about her success in entrepreneurship and reaching her financial independence goals.  Jannese highlights the significance of financial autonomy and safeguarding assets in unhealthy relationships. She shares with us her own experience with postnuptial agreements, the benefits of maintaining separate finances, why we need to normalize discussions on prenups and toxic relationships & much more.   In This Episode We Discuss:  The financial implications of divorce, including the potential loss of assets and the need for a prenup or postnup  Jannese’s personal experience with buying a house, highlighting the importance of aligning financial decisions with personal values. The issue of wealthy outsiders taking advantage of Puerto Rico's tax breaks while native Puerto Ricans are left behind. The importance of uncovering internalized money stories and recognizing emotions that may be triggering financial fears and beliefs.  & much more! Timestamps: 0:00-12:01: Jannese reflects on her own experience with divorce, discussing the financial implications and the significance of having a postnuptial agreement.  12:01-17:41: Recognizing unhealthy dynamics and the importance of having a supportive network during challenging transitions. 17:41-20:15: Jannese’s experiences with homeownership, highlighting the shift from a transactional mindset to values-based spending. 20:15-28:54: The complex dynamics of moving to places like Puerto Rico for tax benefits and the ethical considerations involved. 30:44- 35:40- The concept of privilege within wealth accumulation, advocating for transparency and recognition of the support received and the responsibility to uplift future generations.  35:40- 39:19: The importance of addressing money trauma and uncovering internalized money stories to understand one's mindset about wealth. 39:19-42:45: Jannese shares she feels content with her current lifestyle, which allows her to work on projects she's passionate about, have the flexibility to travel, and define her own schedule.  Watch the video to this episode on YouTube here: Other Links Mentioned in episode: Listen to Jannese's first interview on the Journey to Launch Podcast, Using Side Hustles To Earn An Additional $100,000 A Year And Paying Off $39,000 Of Debt With Jannese Torres-Rodriguez Get your copy of my book: Your Journey To Financial Freedom Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE Check out my personal website here. Join The Weekly Newsletter List 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 Jannese: Website: https://YoQuieroDineroPodcast.com Instagram:@YoQuieroDineroPodcast Twitter: @DineroPodcast Jannese's TikTok YouTube: @YoQuieroDineroPodcast Connect with me: Instagram: @Journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: @Journey To Launch Join the Private Facebook Group Join the Waitlist for My FI Course Get The Free Jumpstart Guide Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE

After paying off $30,000 of debt in 10 months, paying only $472 for her MBA, and buying her first home at 19, Whitney Hansen discovered her love for teaching others how to get better with their money. She travels frequently, teaches college students about personal finance as an Adjunct Professor, and tests side hustles for fun.  Whitney’s most recent side hustle includes unconventional real estate investments of building a geodesic dome and a flower pot Airbnb. We chat about the creative approaches to finding and developing unique properties, as well as the financial aspects of these projects and how to navigate the Airbnb business successfully.  In this episode you will learn: Why personal finances must be in order before investing in real estate The importance of understanding local regulations, seeking professional help, and creating accurate cost estimates during the planning phase. The need to consider multiple revenue streams when investing in short-term rentals Why property owners should manage their own properties rather than use property managers and much more! Check out photos of Whitney's Cascade Dome and Idaho Flower Pot Airbnb at https://journeytolaunch.com/episode371 Other Links Mentioned in episode: AirDNA.co Listen to Whitney's first interview on the Journey to Launch Podcast, How To Become A Money Nerd With Whitney Hansen, here. Get your copy of my book: Your Journey To Financial Freedom Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE Check out my personal website here. Join The Weekly Newsletter List 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 Whitney: Website: https://whitneyhansen.com Instagram: @Whitney_Hansen_CO Cascade Dome Instagram: @CascadeDome Idaho Flower Pot Instagram: @IdahoFlowerPot Facebook: @WhitneyHansenCO Listen to the Money Nerd Podcast Connect with me: Instagram: @Journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: @Journey To Launch Join the Private Facebook Group Join the Waitlist for My FI Course Get The Free Jumpstart Guide Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE

Melissa Jean-Baptiste, financial educator and author of "So This Is Why I'm Broke” is a first-generation Haitian American and former NYC high school teacher. Melissa joins us this week to recount her journey of paying off $102,000 in student loans and buying her first home, all on a teacher's salary. As the founder of Millennial In Debt, she creates a shame-free digital platform dedicated to helping Millennials and Gen Z restructure their relationships with money, obtain financial freedom, build generational wealth and become future millionaires.  In this episode, we discuss:  How Melissa’s student loans grew from graduating with $50K owed to $80K in 3 years due to an interest-only payment plan she didn't fully understand and how she successfully paid it all off in 2018 through selling her teaching lesson plans as a side hustle.  Her venture into homeownership and the challenges encountered during the home buying process. Melissa underlines the importance of obtaining an independent home inspection alongside the bank's appraisal. How she transitioned from teaching to dedicating herself entirely to content creation and entrepreneurship within her "zone of genius". The significance of having a supportive community, both online and offline, to navigate significant life and career transitions effectively + much more! Other Links Mentioned in episode: Get your copy of my book: Your Journey To Financial Freedom Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE Check out my personal website here. Join The Weekly Newsletter List 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 Melissa: Website Instagram: MillennialInDebt Facebook: MillennialInDebt YouTube: MillennialInDebt Connect with me: Instagram: @Journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: @Journey To Launch Join the Private Facebook Group Join the Waitlist for My FI Course Get The Free Jumpstart Guide Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE

Back on the podcast this week is Giovanna "Gigi" Gonzalez, financial educator, influencer, founder of The First Gen Mentor, and author of Cultura & Cash. Gigi discusses how to set financial boundaries with family as a first generation immigrant using her Quiero y Puedo framework which stands for "I want, I can'' in Spanish, by first asking yourself if you truly want to provide financial support and if you actually have the financial ability to help. GiGi shares examples of how she has set financial boundaries with her family and emphasizes being comfortable saying "no" to requests, even if it means being seen as the "black sheep.”  In this episode you will learn:  How you can set financial boundaries with family but still be supportive in other ways How to manage different financial priorities with a spouse such as turning to couples counseling to understand each other’s “why” around money.  Why gifting money you can afford is best rather than loaning money to a family member to avoid straining relationships if money isn’t repaid Tips if you’re wanting to write a book or launch a big project + much more! Enter for your chance to win a copy of Cultura and Cash by Giovanna Gonzalez. The giveaway will be open from April 10th 2024- April 15th 2024. Three winners will be announced on April 16th! (must be 18+ & a US resident to enter). Go to journeytolaunch.com/win to enter. Other Links Mentioned in episode: Check out Gigi’s book, Cultura and Cash Get your copy of my book: Your Journey To Financial Freedom Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE Check out my personal website here. Join The Weekly Newsletter List 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 Gigi: Website: TheFirstGenMentor.com  Instagram:@GigiTheFirstGenMentor Connect with me: Instagram: @Journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: @Journey To Launch Join the Private Facebook Group Join the Waitlist for My FI Course Get The Free Jumpstart Guide Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE

Carleigh Bodrug is the CEO and Founder of PlantYou, a New York Times Bestselling cookbook author and self-taught plant-based chef. Carleigh founded PlantYou in 2016 after the World Health Organization announced that red and processed meat were now considered Group 1 and Group 2 Carcinogens which was especially shocking as Carleigh grew up on a “meat and potatoes” diet. With little-to-no cooking skills, and a tiny bachelor apartment kitchen, Carleigh started experimenting with plants. She began cooking vegan meals by simply replacing the meat in her favorite childhood recipes with plants. Carleigh's mission is to help people to save money, reduce food waste and eat healthier than they ever have before. In this conversation, we discuss:  Carleigh’s journey from working in radio broadcasting to becoming a vegan chef and how a plant-based diet improved her digestion and overall energy levels The health and environmental benefits of eating more plant-based foods & moral reasons for reducing animal product consumption  The importance of focusing on your health and diet as part of your overall wellness and wealth   Tips for reducing food waste at home through proper storage, repurposing vegetable scraps, and being flexible with recipes + much more! Other Links Mentioned in episode: Check out Carleigh's Book, Plant You: Scrappy Cooking Get your copy of my book: Your Journey To Financial Freedom Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE Check out my personal website here. Join The Weekly Newsletter List 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 Carleigh: Website: PlantYou.com Website: ScrappyCookBook.com Instagram:@PlantYou Twitter: @CarleighBodrug Facebook:@PlantYouBlog Connect with me: Instagram: @Journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: @Journey To Launch Join the Private Facebook Group Join the Waitlist for My FI Course Get The Free Jumpstart Guide Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE

In this week’s solo episode, I'm sharing how I am currently in a relaxed phase with my finances and business, focusing on having a balanced life and not stressing to maximize income for now. I give you tips for feeling financially secure during slower income periods and will guide you on how to reach this relaxed phase as well.  In this episode you’ll learn:  How knowing your income, savings, expenses and investment numbers will give you reassurance The importance of investments in achieving financial goals, even during slower times How thinking through the worst case and best case scenario will help you feel empowered to withstand challenges & remain optimistic.  Strategies for surviving extended periods without income and how to be prudent with expenses during slower times How to release worry by setting a date in the future to reassess where you are financially Other Links Mentioned in episode: Get your copy of my book: Your Journey To Financial Freedom Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE Check out my personal website here. Join The Weekly Newsletter List 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: @Journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: @Journey To Launch Join the Private Facebook Group Join the Waitlist for My FI Course Get The Free Jumpstart Guide Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE

In this episode, we chat with personal finance expert and author, Lynnette Khalfani Cox, who discusses how to overcome financial setbacks and adversity. She outlines 10 common challenges people face that negatively impact them financially & emotionally, which she calls the "dreaded Ds". Lynnette provides us with some key strategies for bouncing back and assures us that there are always ways to recover and build resilience after a setback; focusing on your mindset and emotional health is the first step. In this episode you will learn:  Strategies for bouncing back such as: Leveraging your network & connections to find opportunities, cutting expenses and finding ways to earn extra income, prioritizing your goals and tackling them one at a time + others. A breakdown of the 10 common challenges people face that impact our money- the dreaded D’s  Examples of how to switch & save money in areas like healthcare, food, phone bills, & childcare. How discrimination in housing, jobs, and lending can significantly impact someone's financial situation + more Other Links Mentioned in episode: Check out Lynnette’s latest book here, "Bounce Back: The Ultimate Guide to Financial Resilience”. Episode 187- How to Get Your Employer to Pay $5,250 Towards Your Student Loans Before the End of 2020 Episode 151-Everything You Need to Know About the Economic Relief Package with Lynnette Khalfani-Cox Episode 261- How To Improve Your Financial Well-Being, Embrace Fin-Tech Solutions & Evolving Technology w/ Lynnette Khalfani-Cox Get your copy of my book: Your Journey To Financial Freedom Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE Check out my personal website here. Join The Weekly Newsletter List 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 Lynnette: Website: LynnetteKhalfaniCox.com Instagram:@LynnetteKhalfaniCox Facebook: @LynnetteKhalfaniCox Twitter:@TheMoneyCoach Connect with me: Instagram: @Journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: @Journey To Launch Join the Private Facebook Group Join the Waitlist for My FI Course Get The Free Jumpstart Guide Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE

Mabel Nunez is the founder & Chief Education Officer at Girl$ on The Money - a stock market investing education company targeted toward individuals who are underrepresented in the investing world. Mabel grew up in the South Bronx as an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, with limited resources & a strong emphasis on education from her father. She learned very little about personal finance or investing while in school until she was in college, where she took an investing analysis class which began her passion for investing & personal finance. Mabel holds both a Bachelor of Science and an MBA in Finance. However, most of what she's learned about investing came from experience. Mabel's mission is to teach what she's learned (and continues to learn) since starting her investing journey. She is passionate about transforming investing beginners into confident, knowledgeable, and profitable investors. In this episode, Mabel shares: How fear kept her from starting to invest, despite graduating as a finance major, reading articles and listening to shows on investing How she has been investing for 16 years with a focus on individual stocks in a self-directed taxable account. She invests in companies with long-term potential, rarely selling stocks and preferring a Warren Buffett-style strategy That investing in ETFs or index funds, such as the S&P 500, can be a simpler alternative to buying individual stocks & advises against buying "cheap stocks" or investing in unproven companies. How she struggled to tell her parents about quitting her 9-5 stable job to pursue her passion & the challenge of balancing personal dreams with family expectations, particularly for immigrant families + much more! Other Links Mentioned in episode: Get your copy of my book: Your Journey To Financial Freedom Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE Check out my personal website here. Join The Weekly Newsletter List 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 Mabel: Website: GirlsOnTheMoney.com Instagram:@GirlsOnTheMoney Facebook: @Girls On The Money Threads:@GirlsOnTheMoney Connect with me: Instagram: @Journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: @Journey To Launch Join the Private Facebook Group Join the Waitlist for My FI Course Get The Free Jumpstart Guide Get The Budget Bootcamp for FREE