Episode 379: How the Income-Driven Repayment Waiver Can Help Student Loan Borrowers Get Closer to Forgiveness w/ Lauryn Williams

This week we are rewinding to a conversation I had with Veronique Graves, a fellow Journeyer and former member of my past community the Money Launch Club. Veronique is a self employed sign language interpreter who is on her way to financial freedom. After becoming a member of the Money Launch Club, she went from living paycheck to paycheck to paying off debt, saving, and investing.  Veronique advises those on their financial journey to be patient, set specific goals, and surround themselves with financially savvy individuals. Her motivation for financial independence stems from her desire for life flexibility and the ability to help others, inspired by how her family supported her financially in the past. In this episode, Veronique shares:  How working as a freelance contractor requires careful financial planning due to the irregular nature of her income​​. How she successfully managed to save enough to avoid living paycheck to paycheck and how she is paying off her credit card debt The significance of celebrating small wins and staying motivated by recognizing progress over time​​ + much more. Other Links Mentioned in episode: Check out the book that helped Veronique on her journey, Get Money by Kristin Wong. 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

This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I am sharing a conversation I had on IG Live with Lauryn Williams from Student Loan Planner. Lauryn provides crucial information for student loan borrowers about the Biden administration's Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) waiver for federal student loans, which can significantly impact loan forgiveness eligibility. The steps to take include: understand your loan type, consider consolidation, and take timely action before June 30, 2024 which is the deadline to maximize benefits.  In this episode, Lauryn shares:  What is the IDR Waiver and how it can help student loan borrowers get closer to forgiveness Why borrowers with Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) loans or those with multiple loan types should consider consolidation to benefit from the IDR waiver. Where to go to see your loans and determine your next steps  How to stay informed about your loans and any future opportunities for forgiveness or adjustment if you miss the deadline + more. Other Links Mentioned in episode: How to Qualify for the IDR Waiver Student Loan Planner www.StudentAid.gov   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 Lauren: Website Instagram: @LauryncWilliams 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, I'm featuring the second part of my discussion with Amanda Bauch, my book coach In this episode, Amanda interviews me about the experience of writing “Your Journey to Financial Freedom” — from its initial conception and the creative process to how it feels six months after its release. We also delve into the book's reception, its impact on readers, and explore the possibility of a second book and what I would do differently.  In this episode, we discuss: The timeline and steps involved in creating the book, from the initial proposal to the eventual publication. The struggles with doubts about the book's structure and organization & the challenges of writing while also running a business and raising 3 small kids What I learned during the process and how I would approach it differently in the future. The importance of investing in professional help & having a support system including family, friends, and professionals in the publishing industry + 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 Amanda: Website: https://www.AmandaBauch.com 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, I’m speaking with my book, Your Journey to Financial Freedom’s coach and editor, Amanda C. Bauch. Our relationship has spanned over two years in bringing the book to life. On this 6 month anniversary of my book being out in the world, I am bringing you this conversation to provide a comprehensive look at the behind-the-scenes work involved in writing and publishing a book, plus Amanda’s experience as a freelancer and working for a big publishing house. Amanda is a writer, editor, and teacher who delights in helping authors share their ideas with the world. Whether ghostwriting, collaborating, editing, or coaching, she strives to provide whatever guidance and encouragement authors need along the way.  In this episode, Amanda shares: Her history and passion for writing & editing, which started from a young age and her experience working at a big five publisher, discussing challenges and opportunities.  The lengthy process of book publishing, highlighting the time and effort required from inception to publication. Why she left HarperCollins to return to freelancing and how she created a work life balance Traditional publishing vs self publishing and what is the new publishing modality; hybrid publishing + much more! This episode is the first part of a two part conversation I had with Amanda. In next week’s episode we will cover more about my book, Your Journey to Financial Freedom and how Amanda helped me with the creative and writing process + more behind the scenes.   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 Amanda: Website: https://www.AmandaBauch.com 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 Q&A episode, I am answering questions submitted from listeners of the podcast, on topics including; how to reenter the workforce after 18 years of being a stay at home mom, is getting a CFEI certification a good idea & how to get your partner on board with your financial freedom dreams. I also discuss the importance of networking, building connections and giving yourself grace on your journey + much more.  In This Episode You’ll Learn:  Tips on how to network and promote your small business  Is a CFEI certification beneficial & what are some various paths to becoming a personal finance educator Why high yield savings account are a good option to hold emergency savings or long-term goals savings How to get your partner to join you on your financial independence journey + financial planning for new parents, including emergency funds and health insurance. Timestamps: 3:00-7:20: Using the search function on the Journey to Launch website to find relevant episodes 7:20-14:20: Jamila gives advice to a listener who is a newly divorced mother of five, who owns an ice cream & candy shop and is re-entering the workforce at age 53 after 18 years as a stay-at-home mom.  14:20-24:00 Jamila answers a listener’s question regarding obtaining the CFEI certification and if she found it beneficial and would recommend it.   24:00-30:50: Should you put a $5,000 emergency fund in a money market account or a high-yield savings account.  32:00-42:35: How to persuade your husband to get on board with your financial plans. 42:35- 50:54: Tips on financially preparing for a baby  Other Links Mentioned in episode: FinancialEducatorsCouncil.org 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

George Kinder is an author, international thought leader, and founder of Kinder Institute of Life Planning with more than 35 years of experience as a financial planner and tax advisor. George is dedicated to guiding individuals in uncovering their deepest values and leading more fulfilling lives. His ultimate aim is to promote greater freedom in every aspect of existence. In this conversation we discuss:  The importance of living in the present moment and mastering one's life. George’s three questions to help identify goals and priorities and how the answer to the "having 24 hrs left" question helps you realize what you’ve missed in life.  The balance between short-term pleasure and long-term financial planning.  How to find a trust-worthy financial planner who will help with your life plan George’s approach to parenting is being a good listener & showing empathy, rather than being overly restrictive or reactive + more! Other Links Mentioned in episode: George's book, "The Three Domains of Freedom" will be available late Spring 2024! 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 George: Website: https://KinderInstitute.com Website: https://www.GeorgeKinder.com 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

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