Episode 397: How to Spend, Save & Find Joy Before and After Retirement w/ Christine Benz

In this episode of the Journey to Launch Podcast, I speak with Judy McCutcheon, a Caribbean human resources expert, who shares her inspiring life story. Judy grew up in Tobago with humble beginnings, raised by a single mother facing financial challenges. Despite a childhood marked by scarcity, she became the first in her family to attend university. Her journey through self-sabotage, overcoming poverty, and healing from emotional struggles transformed her perspective on self-worth and financial well-being.  In this episode, Judy shares:  Despite earning a good income as a consultant, she still struggled with financial discipline because of her mindset around money, influenced by her upbringing, leading her to spend rather than save and invest. How a pivotal moment in her journey was reading The Secret, which led her to deep self-reflection and building self-love. The challenges of self-reflection and the importance of addressing deep-seated beliefs about oneself. How her Disruptive Leadership Conference aims to provide practical insights and networking opportunities for leaders. & 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! c Get The Budget Bootcamp 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 Judy: Disruptive Leadership Conference Go Blue Consulting Instagram: @BadassJuds Instagram: @GoBlueConsulting 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

This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I’m reflecting on my own financial freedom journey so far and defining key concepts around financial independence. Not too long ago my growing family and demanding commute to my corporate job fueled my desire for a more flexible, fulfilling life. My husband and I saved and invested $169,000 in two years, I began my journey of entrepreneurship, wrote my book “Your Journey to Financial Freedom” and today I get to choose what I want to do with my time. I’m also reviewing my framework for achieving financial freedom, starting with calculating your financial independence number (the amount needed to live off investments without active work) and progressing through my "Journeyer Stages" from stabilizing finances to achieving full work flexibility or "financial independence." I’m encouraging you to embrace your journey towards financial independence and find fulfillment along the way.  In this episode I share: The challenges of balancing work and family, and how it started me on the path to financial freedom The components of the wealth formula and why you need to maximize your income and optimize expenses to achieve financial independence. The guac levels, which represent different spending habits and lifestyles & why it’s important to be honest with yourself about spending habits The importance of changing oneself and becoming the best version of you through the journey. Other Links Mentioned in episode: I Quit My Job: Why & How I Quit My 6-Figure Job & How This Affects My Journey To Financial Independence Get your copy of my book: Your Journey To Financial Freedom Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp 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

This week on the Journey to Launch podcast, I am speaking to Christine Benz, Director of Personal Finance at Morningstar. Christine shares her insights on how to retire and addresses certain issues that come up during retirement such as safe spending rates and the under-spending problem. She advises early retirees to be flexible with withdrawals, highlights the importance of finding balance in retirement, such as community service and hobbies and stresses the value of micro joys and small daily activities that bring joy and purpose. In this episode Christine shares: Her entrepreneurial role within Morningstar, where she has freedom to build the personal finance vertical while enjoying the security of a paycheck. The importance of communication skills and building subject matter expertise which can lead to better career opportunities. How spending in retirement often fluctuates, why you should diversify income streams and advice on balancing tax-sheltered accounts and taxable savings for more flexibility in early retirement. Why you should live a fulfilling life now to avoid pent-up demand in retirement, the benefits of taking breaks and finding balance in life + more. Other Links Mentioned in episode: Lessons from a Laid-Back Summer: Family, Finances, and Future Plans Get your copy of my book: Your Journey To Financial Freedom Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp 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 Christine: Website: MorningStar.com Twitter: @Christine_Benz   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

In this week’s solo episode of the Journey to Launch Podcast, I explore the concept of wealth and what it means to be truly rich. While wealth is often defined by an abundance of money or material possessions, I discuss the distinction between "visible wealth" (like possessions) and "invisible wealth" (such as financial security, time freedom, and health). I also emphasize the importance of avoiding comparisons to others, especially in affluent environments, and instead focusing on your own financial journey.   In this episode I share:  How exploring middle school options for my oldest son has me questioning the true value of wealth and financial freedom  Why you should reflect on how you view wealth and financial freedom in your own life. How different people may perceive wealth and how it can lead to misperceptions about one's financial status. Why it’s crucial to appreciate the wealth you already have, without seeking external validation. How to find value in the invisible wealth that people cannot see, such as being healthy, having strong relationships, having savings, and being able to pay bills on time. The importance of being honest with oneself about why one makes certain financial decisions + 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 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

This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I’m joined by Naseema McElroy, a nurse, financial expert, and founder of Financially Intentional. Naseema, who has been a guest before, previously shared her inspiring journey from single motherhood to paying off $300,000 in debt, ultimately eliminating $1 million in total debt, and achieving millionaire status while working as a nurse. In this episode, she talks about earning over $230,000 a year as a labor and delivery nurse in the San Francisco Bay Area. Naseema also dives into financial independence, mindset shifts, and how she balances her career, business, and personal life. Tune in to hear her perspective on how financial independence isn’t just about wealth—it’s about the freedom to live life on your own terms. In this episode, you’ll learn:  Naseema's strategy of paying herself first and avoiding lifestyle inflation. Balancing her passion for nursing with running a business and raising three children. About the income potential in the nursing profession and advice for aspiring nurses Why you should set up financial accounts for children, including 529 plans, Roth IRAs, and brokerage accounts, and how to instill financial literacy and wealth-building habits from an early age.  And more! Other Links Mentioned in episode: How Single Mom Naseema Went From Broke To Paying Off $300,000 in Debt Paying Off $1 Million Dollars of Debt With “The Debt Slayer” Naseema McElroy  Get your copy of my book: Your Journey To Financial Freedom Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp 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 Naseema: Website: FinanciallyIntentional.com Instagram: @FinanciallyIntentional 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

This week on the podcast, we speak to Scott H. Young, the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Ultralearning, podcast host, computer programmer, and avid reader. Scott discusses the importance of continuous learning and personal growth, focusing on how learning new skills can lead to personal fulfillment and financial success. He shares insights on managing anxiety through exposure therapy and the significance of self-directed learning. He also discusses the balance between personal and public learning, the evolving landscape of online entrepreneurship and much more.  In this episode, you’ll learn:  about the value of observing successful people and learning from their strategies to apply in your own journey. why passion should drive the pursuit of new skills, making learning more enjoyable and fulfilling. how practice and real-world application differ and how both are needed for mastery, especially in high-pressure environments. how learning and doing new things help people build confidence, encouraging them to take on more challenges + more Other Links Mentioned in episode: Self Education and Ultralearning as a Means to Reach Your Financial Goals & More with Scott Young Get your copy of my book: Your Journey To Financial Freedom Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp 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 Scott: Website: ScottHYoung.com/blog/ Instagram: @ScottHYoung Facebook: @AuthorScottYoung Twitter: @ScottHYoung 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

This week on the podcast, we chat with returning guest, Brandon Copeland, a 10-year NFL veteran and CEO of Athletes for College Athletes, who discusses his new book "Your Money Playbook".  In this conversation, Brandon emphasizes the importance of financial hustle, smart spending, and legacy planning. He shares his early NFL experiences, highlighting the necessity of saving plus stresses the significance of financial education and having a support system.  In this episode Brandon discusses:  The concept of the "art of the hustle" in his book, emphasizing the importance of earning and creating a life you want. His early NFL career and the financial challenges he faced, including the impact of taxes and deductions on his paychecks.  The importance of having a financial team and a support system to hold each other accountable.  Leaving a legacy beyond just money, including values and financial literacy plus more  Other Links Mentioned in episode: Get your copy of Brandon's book at YourMoneyPlaybook.com Building Multiple Streams Of Income, Diversifying Your Passions, And Knowing Your Why With NFL Player Brandon Copeland Get your copy of my book: Your Journey To Financial Freedom Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp 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 Brandon: Website: YourMoneyPlaybook.com Instagram: @BCope51 Twitter: @BCope51 TikTok:@BCope51 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

This week, I’m bringing you a long overdue solo episode, catching you up on what's been happening in my life and business lately. I talk about our decision to skip summer camp for the kids this year, allowing us to spend more quality time together as a family while I took a break from work. I also reflect on how I'm managing the business at a slower pace, thanks to relying on savings and the importance of planning for fluctuating income. Plus, I share my journey of preparing for my first half marathon, the Reggae Marathon in Jamaica this December (which also coincides with the 1 year anniversary of my book release, "Your Journey To Financial Freedom", along with some other exciting projects on the horizon! In This Episode I Share: Why we opted out of summer camp, how I prepared the business in order to be free from work, & the importance of having help in order to be able to relax and recharge. Why you should save and invest to ensure financial stability during slow business months and how having that solid financial foundation brings you confidence during challenging times. The importance of having a positive mindset and looking for opportunities and lessons in everyday experiences. The Well Read Black Girl Book Festival in October and my new community project, Freedom Quest which is in beta and aims to support people on their journey to financial independence! Other Links Mentioned in episode: The Reggae Marathon The Well Read Black Girl Book Festival Get your copy of my book: Your Journey To Financial Freedom Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp 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

This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I have a powerful conversation with Esther Hyun, a stage four colorectal cancer survivor and lawyer, who opens up about her journey to financial independence. Esther highlights the need to balance financial goals with personal well-being, while stressing the importance of preventative health care. She also discusses the financial challenges of navigating cancer treatment, such as unexpected out-of-network medical bills, and underscores the value of life insurance, estate planning, and much more. In this episode, we discuss:  Esther’s financial foundations which allowed her to be debt-free except for student loans and how she contributes to HSAs and 401(k)s to build wealth Esther’s experience of being diagnosed with colorectal cancer at 36, the financial impact it had on her, and the importance of having a plan in place for unexpected events. Life insurance, estate planning, and balancing financial independence with enjoying life in the present. Other Links Mentioned in episode: All About The Health Savings Account (HSA) -The Ultimate Retirement and Investment Account w/ Jackie Koski Get your copy of my book: Your Journey To Financial Freedom Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review! Get The Budget Bootcamp 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 Esther: Instagram:@ParentingwithCancer TikTok: @ParentingwithCancer 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