Episode 185- Give Yourself More Credit & Honor the Journey; A Personal Coaching Conversation w/ Saundra Davis

Jamila Souffrant 0:00

You're listening to the Journey to Launch podcast. Give Yourself More Credit and Honor The Journey, A Personal Coaching Conversation with Saundra Davis.

Intro 0:13

Welcome to the Journey to Launch podcast with your host Jamila Souffrant. As a money expert who walks her talk, she helps brave journeyers like you get out of debt, save, invest, and build real wealth. Join her on the journey to launch to financial freedom.

Jamila Souffrant 0:40

Hey, hey, hey journeyers Oh, right. Now, if you are listening to this in real time, that means Wow, you're like our true and tried journeyer because it's right before Thanksgiving, or maybe you're listening to this on like after Thanksgiving or within Thanksgiving week. But this is coming out the day before Thanksgiving. And I wanted to do something really unique and special. I've never done this before. But I'm going to be sharing a conversation that happened within the money launch club. So the money launch club is my membership community. And I often invite previous podcast guests into the launch club to just have casual conversations. Sometimes they're you know, teaching about a subject sometimes I'm teaching a specific class about a subject. And a lot of times we're having casual conversations with past podcast guests. And so this conversation is actually taken from a after show chat in the Money Launch Club that I did with Saundra Davis.

So want to give you just a little context and background. Saundra was initially on 169 of the podcast so you can listen to that episode, if you want after this one. There's no prerequisite but you'll get better context where who Saundra is, from listening to that show, I've had a lot of journeyer say like that was one of my just favorite shows that you've done with Saundra. So Saundra was on episode 169. And I'll talk a little bit more about her background in a bit. But Saundra, she and I follow each other on Instagram. And she just has this unique, amazing spirit about her. Now you know, there's a few people that you meet, you're just like, oh, they just seem so warm and nice. Right? So it just really comes through in whether it's on like through camera or audio, you just feel connected. And part of that came through on her episode. And she really did a good job with her conversation on episode 169 talking through the emotional mental challenges and things that you have to work through to reach your goals and financial freedom. And and she just has a unique story. I believe it's not even that it's unique. I think this is the story that many people go through. But she you know, says she's made every financial mistake in the book. And she has basically been able to turn her life financially around, you know, have her own business. And it has been in the game in terms of being in the personal finance space as a financial educator and coach for a few years now.

So I would like I say she's like one of the veterans in terms of just her impact and what she's done in the personal finance space. So I posted a something on my Instagram on my Jamila Souffrant, Instagram, and I believe I also posted it on Journey to Launch, where I talked about just 2020 and you might hear this also in the conversation, but just bear with me, I'm going to give you a little context again. But I said in that post that wow, you know, 2020 I was always waiting for a big thing to happen in 2020 because my mom, she always said every two years, something major happens to you like so basically, in 2019 she was like I know, 2020 is just something amazing is going to happen. And so I was like waiting all 2020 like, okay, what's that big, amazing thing, because every two years of my life, something amazing has happened in terms of in my recent adult years. So 2010 I got engaged, and 2012 I got married and then 2014 I had my first kid 2016 and my second kid 2018 I had my third child. And so 2020 I felt like okay, this is going to be your breakout career year. And when it comes to career, it really is journey to launch that is my, almost like my fourth baby. But it's not you know, it's not just a baby. It's just like this is now what I do. This is my gift or my contribution to the world, right. And there's going to be something major that happens with this. So I was kind of waiting for that major thing to happen. And I posted about it on Instagram. You know, acknowledging, though, that this has been a really good year for myself and Journey to Launch, despite everything happening in the world right now the pandemic, and the uncertainty of things in this election. Everything.

So I posted that and Sandra she like she responded and she was just like, Listen, I think we need to have a conversation. I'd love to have like a coaching conversation with you about this. And so I was like okay, for sure, because I knew that she would have some really good insight on mindset around how I'm viewing 2020 and I was like You know, what would you be willing to come into the Money Launch Club and do this within the community, because I know this conversation will help my members out so much. And she was like, Sure. So she graciously gave her time came into the Money Launch Club. And this conversation that you're about to hear was actually done on video. So we were on video with other members. And the first part of the call is what you'll hear. That's where she's actually coaching me. And talking to me through my, I wouldn't say, hang ups, but just how I'm viewing my journey, and giving me a lot to reflect on. And so it helped Money Launch Club members. And I was like, You know what, I want to put this out for all journeyers to hear. And while she is specifically talking to me, this is something that you can apply to your own life. So while she's asking me questions, I want you to think about your answers to these questions how it applies to your life. And again, I want it to be you know, transparent. I know a lot of you guys listen to this show. And you just like wow, Jamila has it all together. And you know, I'm not denying that because I don't want to downplay my impact and my voice, I know that I've done a lot in seemingly a short amount of time when it comes to Journey to Launch. And that I am a leader in a sense that I have people I have you listening, who are wanting to maybe learn from what I'm doing. So not only from the guests that come on, but just from my own personal journey, my own personal journey to Financial Independence, my own personal journey as an entrepreneur, as a mom of three small kids, all these things that create who I am, I know, at some levels, this is what connects you to me and Journey to Launch, and to share the behind the scenes like the struggles that I've had that I'm having mentally emotionally, dealing with all the things pandemic, virtual learning, all these things that I'm juggling, that it's not just me, I know you guys are juggling with the same or just different scenarios and tools that you are figuring out how to use. I thought that this would be a really transparent moment to share with you. And I really hope that this helps you on your journey. I will come back at the end of this and give some just takeaways and some things that I think we all can do to end this year and to claim it as our year. So I hope you really enjoy the conversation.

I just want to give another shout out to Saundra, so Saundra Davis, she is of Sage Financial Solutions. So she is a nationally recognized financial coach, educator, consultant and dynamic motivational speaker. She is passionate about her work with community based organizations that focus on asset building for the working poor. You can find out more about Saundra at sagefinancialsolutions.org and then follow her on Instagram @Sage.money so you can follow Saundra @Sage.money on Instagram.

First a word from today's sponsor. Now did you know that some credit unions offer rates that are more competitive than traditional banks, you're most likely earn and save more money by banking with your local credit union. For example, at DCU, their members have the ability to activate the earn more feature on their checking account and earn an annual percentage yield that's higher than many other financial institutions. And if you think your money is more at risk or that it will be harder to access your money at a credit union than a traditional bank. Think again. Just like the FDIC insurance deposits up to $250,000 at a traditional bank, deposits up to $250,000 at a credit union are insured by the NCUA. You can also access your money held at a credit union at any time for most any ATM just like you would if your money were at a traditional bank. Most credit unions are part of the large participating networks of ATMs that are surcharge free, members of DCU have access to over 80,000 surcharge free ATMs nationwide that display the Allpoint, SUM, or Co-Op logos. DCU also reimburses members for non DCU ATM surcharges that they may incur if they use an ATM outside the surcharge free network. Pretty good stuff right. To learn more, check out dcu.org and stick around to the end of the show for the DCU money tip of the week, we'll be sharing money tips to help you save and manage your money so you can reach your goals.

If you want the episode Show Notes for this episode, go to journeytolaunch.com or you can click the description of wherever you listen to this episode to get the full episode show notes. Now if you are a new listener to the podcast or OG journeyer, I've created a jumpstart guide to help you on your journey to financial freedom. It includes the top episodes to listen to, the stages to go through to reach financial freedom, resources to help you, and so much more. Get it for FREE by texting launch to 33777 text launch to 33777 or go to journeytolaunch.com/jumpstart to get your guide for free right now. Okay, let's hop into the episode.

Thank you, Saundra so much for coming on and doing this chat.

Saundra Davis 10:12

Thank you, sweetheart. So the thing about setting goals or looking at where we are and where we want to be is the first thing to know is that everything that you have ever done, everything that you have ever learned, experienced, whether you deem that experience as pleasurable or not, everything brings you to where you are right now. You are the culmination today of everything that you've ever learned and experienced. And so you get to decide how it serves you now, right? There are things that I did that really served me well. And then there are things that I did that really feels like set me back. The truth is whether it set me back or not, it propelled me forward to where I am now. Does that make sense? So when I saw Jamila, post that my notion is as someone who is observing you, and I've known you for a little bit, as observing you, it appears, it appears to me that this has been a breakout year. And I'm curious to know, and so to the degree that you're willing, what I'd like for you and I to do Jamila is to have a coaching conversation that lasts about 10 minutes. And then I'll invite the rest of the folks on the call to do this same thing with me if they want to. Does that sound okay?

Jamila Souffrant 11:43

That sounds amazing.

Saundra Davis 11:44

Does that sound okay for you all that will will watch me do it. And then if you want to do it, we'll do it together. Okay. So talk to me a little bit about when you think back to the beginning of this year, and knowing that the notion of two years holds some importance for you because of what has happened. Describe for me what you wanted this year to look like for you.

Jamila Souffrant 12:13

Hmm, I wanted this year, all my efforts with like Journey to Launch. It's an all the feedback and the impact that I've made on lives to be reflected in not just the business income, but like my income, and how it could help fuel our family forward and then I think also visibility. So while I know Journey to Launch itself is like for whom, who the people who know about it, it's like, great, I know, there's so many more people who could know about it, and which would then impact just how many people I can impact and everything else. So I thought too, that this year would be more of a breakout in terms of growth, and see more people knowing about Journey to Launch, which would impact just impact and then also revenue.

Saundra Davis 12:56

Okay. Okay. So when you look at where it is now, what has happened that aligns with what you thought would happen?

Jamila Souffrant 13:06

Well, the crazy thing is, the business has done really well, compared to last year. It's not like Journey to Launch isn't making money, I've been able to pay myself, you know, been able to start invest, I've been able to invest again, the podcast, the brand is growing. You know, I got my first like major Partnership, which was really great, because it's like such in alignment. And I've announced it already with DCU. It's a credit union. That has been wonderful. So it's funny because a lot of great things have happened. And then I think there's also the fog of all the other things that have just made things harder to juggle, homeschooling and life and

Saundra Davis 13:46

yes, so I'm gonna ask you, if you would be willing to reframe that part. Can we do that?

Jamila Souffrant 13:54

Yeah.

Saundra Davis 13:55

Right. So here we are 10 months into a global pandemic. And in that global pandemic, your business has grown, your income is growing, you've been able to pay yourself and you are homeschooling your child, and you're healthy. And from all appearances. The smile on your face kind of indicates happy. So when we think about the environment that we're in, and your resilience in that environment, how would you label that?

Jamila Souffrant 14:34

Amazing

Saundra Davis 14:37

Yeah, yeah. And, and, and if I can, my perspective, from where I sit, having kind of watched you blossom, from the time that we met until now, what I notice is a confidence in you. That seems to be both really, really grounded in what you know and do well. And simultaneously open to learning more and, and deeper things. That's what it looks like to me. Does that resonate with you as well?

Jamila Souffrant 15:11

Yes, it does.

Saundra Davis 15:12

So what core value that you have? Would that fit into this notion of grounded in your knowledge and your core competencies? And on the learning edge of the things that stretch you outside of your comfort zone? What core value do you hold that that would matter?

Jamila Souffrant 15:33

I mean my commitment through persistence and adverse, like overcoming adversity or challenging times.

Saundra Davis 15:40

Yeah, so let's think about you have two young people, right?

Jamila Souffrant 15:43

Three,

Saundra Davis 15:44

three, and people tell me their ages six, four, and two. Okay, so let's think about commitment, persistence, adding value. What is important to you about that, in the context of the people who are two, four and six?

Jamila Souffrant 16:04

Well, I want to model these behaviors for them. I mean, I, it's funny, I see my son like struggling, like with schoolwork. And I can relate to him in a lot of ways, because I used to be like that. But then also, just like that, the same things he's struggling with in his brain that are so big are some of the things that I emotionally and mentally are struggling with. But I also feel like I don't have a lot of patience. So it's the same thing. I don't have a lot of patience when it comes to him and virtual learning and same thing with myself in terms of not getting it right, because I feel like I have all I have all the equipment. Mentally I have all the tools, it seems to know how to get it right. Maybe I don't know how to use them in the right way yet. But it's frustrating when you know, you can do better. Or you can have a you know, better positive attitude or be more patient. Like I know all those things. I know he's, he needs more time. And you know, he has his own brain. And it's not meant for him to sit in front of a computer. Like I know those things, but it still doesn't stop me from getting frustrated when he is kind of just being aloof. And same thing with me. Like I know, there's a lot of challenging things happening. But I get frustrated at myself for not still being able to like, Yeah, get it right all the time.

Saundra Davis 17:13

Yes. So name for me, someone or a situation that you're aware of, that gets it right all the time?

Jamila Souffrant 17:24

No one Not that I know of only on like Instagram when they only show like, you know, the nice

Saundra Davis 17:28

thing. Right? Right, right. So what do we learn when we don't get it right? All the time?

Jamila Souffrant 17:36

That you're human, that it's okay.

Saundra Davis 17:39

Right, Because we really would need patience if it all went right all the time. Right. So when we when we say, I noticed that I'm not patient, the very fact of noticing that you may or may not be patient is in itself, the moment of giving yourself the room to be patient, first with yourself andnd then with your son. Right? Because if you can forgive you for not being perfect all the time, because we know you're perfect a lot of the time. But if you can give yourself the room to not be perfect some of the time. What will that do for him?

Jamila Souffrant 18:19

It would give him the space to forgive himself and be resilient. And that's the thing he is so resilient even after I lose my mind. He's just like, Okay, can I have a cookie? I'm just like,

Saundra Davis 18:31

wonders the wonders of being six baby the wonders of being six. Right? And so if he is not holding a grudge, what value is there in you? holding a grudge? Right? He's not mad at you for having that moment of imperfection. So what do you want to do with that? Right. So when we think about what 2020 has brought us, and what it has brought you what feels really impactful for you this year?

Jamila Souffrant 19:06

Hmm. You know, I think it's the truth that I think I've always known, and that I try to tell people, journeyers and listen to the podcast is just that no matter the goals that you reach, if there's internal work to be done, they will still need to be done. So my goal for this year was I wanted to make money, I want to Journey to Launch to make money, I wanted to be able to invest, I wanted all the things that are actually happening. But those have not still resolved in like the internal work that needs to be done. Right. So like even though the business is still earning money. Now my next thing is well, now it needs to...It's great that this was a great year. But this has to be an ongoing success, right? So there's always a different level and goal that needs to be acquired. And I know that like conceptually, I know that I've known that from past experiences, even that like there's some things that may happen if they happen will be great. But even if they do happen, that's still not going to change the... new challenges that come with that. And so I think it's just an ongoing cycle that I know. So I think these are the truths that like I know to be true. And it's just more like just Here you go, okay. You said you wanted to earn money, you want to have like, great income for the year. Here you go, here it is now what it's like, oh, now I have a new new thing

Saundra Davis 20:17

Right, So here's my question. And you can either answer it, or you can just write it down for yourself, whichever you prefer. Okay. How will you know, when you're satisfied?

Jamila Souffrant 20:28

You may answer it. I can. It's up to you. I think I think I know. But again, I think it's still going to be the new level new devil kind of thing. But I think when I reach the place where I wouldn't have to find work, like or have an income, what reach financial independence where, literally, if I chose not to do anything, I just chose you know what, maybe I'll do the podcast, I'll drop a podcast once a month, and do whatever I felt like doing that's like worth and not worry about any income or financial goals or expenses. Like I think that would be.

Saundra Davis 21:01

So what will that do for you?

Jamila Souffrant 21:03

It would allow me to slow down a bit and step off the treadmill that I've created for myself.

Saundra Davis 21:10

So is it possible to have a successful business and not be on a treadmill?

Jamila Souffrant 21:17

I think it depends. Yes, it can be, there's a possibility.

Saundra Davis 21:21

Okay. So what does being self employed give you?

Jamila Souffrant 21:26

Time. Freedom. Flexibility. It's not totally free, but it's flexible. Okay.

Saundra Davis 21:31

And what will be financially independent give you?

Jamila Souffrant 21:36

there's no pressure to earn any income.

Saundra Davis 21:39

Okay. Is that the only difference between now and then?

Jamila Souffrant 21:43

I think so. I mean, that's the biggest difference is the income part of it is, yeah.

Saundra Davis 21:49

So is it possible that the year of 2020 is the year that you gained the freedom, the flexibility, survived a pandemic? spent time with your kids? Building a thriving business that continues to thrive? What else goes there?

Jamila Souffrant 22:10

I also got back into my health

Saundra Davis 22:12

got back into health, anything else?

Jamila Souffrant 22:13

and fitness

I'm sure there is. I can't think of it right now.

Saundra Davis 22:16

What have you done? That's just been absolutely fun for you this year?

Jamila Souffrant 22:20

discovering the beauty around my house where I run and walk,

Saundra Davis 22:24

lovely. Oh, that's right.

You were you're exercising more right and taking us along on the journey. You actually got me up off the couch a couple of times. Okay. Anything else? I've got seven so far. Anything else? Whatever you've done this year that has given you joy, or felt like an accomplishment?

Jamila Souffrant 22:42

Well, earlier this year, I was able to, that was last year. But I did go with did get to travel and visit a friend before this all happened.

Saundra Davis 22:51

Anything else?

Jamila Souffrant 22:52

I've made time for watching shows that I like. Last year I don't think I had was doing much of that either. Okay.

Saundra Davis 22:59

Anything else?

Jamila Souffrant 23:01

I think that's it. I mean, I'm sure there is more,

Saundra Davis 23:03

so we've got things something here, if we want to get to 10. I mean, I'm nerdy that way. I'm a Libra. It's necessary, right? What is one thing that you can do between now and 31 December, that would feel like a real accomplishment for you?

Jamila Souffrant 23:19

I would like to actually in December, not like to take off but meaning like not have any calls that I don't want to have like literally just kind of like, chill for a little bit.

Saundra Davis 23:30

Okay, so what does it take to do that?

Jamila Souffrant 23:32

Do all my podcast interviews, like in November, okay, that's record them. And just say no to a lot of incoming requests and people.

Saundra Davis 23:43

Are you willing to do that for Jamila?

Jamila Souffrant 23:46

Yes, I want to, I'm trying to I'm actually working and planning it that way.

Saundra Davis 23:49

So there's a gap between I want to and I will do, which one of those do you want? I want to or I will do

Jamila Souffrant 23:57

I will do.

Saundra Davis 23:58

Okay, what do you have to do to make that happen? You already said about the podcast, you said that already? What else?

Jamila Souffrant 24:05

boundaries, like saying no to a lot of things?

Saundra Davis 24:10

What can help you do that?

Jamila Souffrant 24:11

Maybe like clear, not just in my head boundaries. But say you'll say no to like, write it down. like okay, well, the only way you're saying yes to something is if it's ready, like

Saundra Davis 24:21

do you have a paper and stuff in front of you?

Yes, go ahead and write.

Jamila Souffrant 24:27

So I'm writing down like the boundaries. You tell me. I wrote down two criterias. Okay.

Saundra Davis 24:34

What will having December off, do for you?

Jamila Souffrant 24:39

it will just allow me to relax a bit.

Saundra Davis 24:41

What will that do for your family?

Jamila Souffrant 24:44

I can show up better for them.

Saundra Davis 24:46

So describe your December for me?

Jamila Souffrant 24:48

my December, there will be some virtual learning. But I would hopefully not hopefully I'll be more relaxed because I don't have as many deadlines and things I have to do. While I'm doing virtual learning, and a lot more time with just really doing the things I want to do so, not so focused on what other people want and need from me, but like, what do you feel like doing today?

Saundra Davis 25:14

Right, So 2020 is the year, that Jamila owned December, there are two things that can happen when we want something to be different than way that it is than it is now. We can change the thing or we can change the way we look at the thing, you get to decide if 2020 is a breakout year for you. Right? gonna be pretty hard to beat making babies, right? That's a tough one, right? It's going to be pretty hard to beat that. So if you're measuring something big or something break out, based on those past things, I mean, what's going to measure up to that, right. And you can look at what you have done this year, in the midst of the most difficult time that our globe has experienced in centuries. Right. And you can look at where you are now. And what you want to do for yourself, the end of this year, and how you're modeling that for every journeyer everyone who has the joyful moment of being able to come in contact with you. And for the three little people who are looking to you to be their role model. It's up to you. I'll leave any final words to you.

Jamila Souffrant 26:34

I'm gonna have to listen to this again. to really take it all in Honestly, I'm I mean, this is and sharing this part, like first going through it and sharing it, you know, I do want to be an authentic leader in a sense, but also not put too much pressure on myself to get it all right. So I want to like when I say things actually also be doing those things. And I think people can pick up on that energy. And the same thing I talked about when I tell people Oh, you should earn, you know, like demanding their worth, or like abundance with like the mindset and their income and spending in ways that align all those things like I am and I want to embody. And I have to be true to that. And also it's about like protecting your energy, space and time, right. And so I think, again, this was that that was great. For me, I hope it was really helpful, um, as you guys are listening into, but I will be listening to this again, and like really thinking about reframing because it has, you know, it has been an amazing year.

Saundra Davis 27:39

So this is what I'll ask, I have requested anytime I make a request, you can say yes or no or counter offer. What will it take for you to and you don't have to say it now. But just identify what it will take for you to truly be off in December, what it'll mean for you in November. And then who will be your accountability partner, so that each week of November, you have this is what I'm going to get done so that I have December, this is what I'm going to get done so that I have December. And that whatever that means whether it's an image, a picture, a song, you know, something with your children, whatever is going to hold that vision of December for you that you put that somewhere that you can see it says someone something you're willing to do.

Jamila Souffrant 28:24

It does. I'm going to find that for myself and like and make it specific.

Saundra Davis 28:28

Okay, and who's going to be your accountability partner?

Jamila Souffrant 28:31

I'm gonna make Shaw but she's actually my friend in real life, not only a journeyer so she's on the call, so I'm gonna make her my

Saundra Davis 28:38

wonderful, wonderful and so no, Shaw has heard some of this. Yes. Okay, wonderful. So okay, that's you. All right. I see. I see the smile. Okay. So the last thing that I will ask is that you send me a message at the end of December it can be a text it can be whatever however you want to communicate that just says Saundra I did it. That's that you don't have to say anymore. You can if you want, but just Saundra, I did it.

Jamila Souffrant 29:07

Right.

Saundra Davis 29:08

Are you willing to do that?

Jamila Souffrant 29:09

I am. I do want to clarify because you will see content in December.

Saundra Davis 29:12

That's not, that's not our business.

Jamila Souffrant 29:14

Okay. Well, it is what I choose

Saundra Davis 29:16

it is your business it you get to decide it is your business to do. All I'm inviting you to do is decide what your commitment to yourself is. How do you want to acknowledge it? Who's going to be your support system? And you know, how will you determine that that's been successful for you? you named your business and your club aptly. It is a journey. And a journey is just like a dance some step forward some steps back. Right. And when we step back, it's nothing more than Chacha. So you get to be on this journey. You get to be all of your fabulous self. You get to do the dance. You're getting better all the time in 2020 Just another one of those years of you becoming more and more amazing.

Jamila Souffrant 30:03

Thank you. So I just want to say thank you so much for doing this with us and taking the time and coaching me through this and like I said, I'm really going to listen to this again. And I hope that everyone who's here and who's listening or watching actually follows through as Saundra was coaching me like answers those questions that we can define. We set the definition of what a breakout whatever is year, month, day and it's never too late. You can still claim this year. You can

Saundra Davis 30:31

That's right and do if it's okay to follow me on Instagram too. I'm trying to add some some numbers y'all help a sister out.

Jamila Souffrant 30:41

Say your Instagram here.

Saundra Davis 30:43

Oh, it's Sage.money and s-a-g-e dot money. I'm kind of random. I'm not quite, on one day, Jamila. I'm gonna look like you when I grow up on my Instagram. But I'm a little unruly now. So there's no telling what I might say.

Jamila Souffrant 30:56

What I'm going to do too is I'm just gonna like tag you in like a screenshot. So if you learned anything, and you're on social media, do me a favor and tag me and Saundra especially Saundra about what you learned from this session. That'd be really helpful for and then say your Instagram again.

Saundra Davis 31:09

Oh, sage.money,

Jamila Souffrant 31:12

sage.money. Thank you so much, Sandra. Again,

Saundra Davis 31:14

sweetheart. Thank you and Jamila, you are doing amazing sweetheart. And you're not going to top making babies. Because that's just like something that I've done it I only did it once because it hurts a lot. So you don't just have to know that just the fact that you did it three times. You've made the world a better place. And you continue to do that with your bright smile.

Jamila Souffrant 31:36

Oh, thank you so much.

Saundra Davis 31:37

All right, sweetheart, you all take very good care. Let me know how things are going for you. Okay.

Jamila Souffrant 31:47

All right. journeyers. I hope that you enjoy this conversation, this intimate conversation with Saundra, I hope through her asking me these questions and coaching me that it helped you. And she is so right. There's so many things that surviving I've said this before, but surviving is thriving, meaning getting through all the things that you've gotten through in your life, just not just this year, but in your life to get you to where you are, the stars that had to align for you to be born. That is not a mistake. The fact that we are alive, if you're listening to this, any anything, all these things that create our lives, you know, where we live, how we live, who our parents are all these things that could have gone a different way. And sometimes maybe you did wish it went a different way and you had different things in your life. But all those things make you who you are today. Now add on that 2020 as being so random, and so challenging for a lot of people, but then also the opportunities that came from this year. And to know that it's not over yet. And so I love that she was just like, you know, 2020 is the year that you own December.

And if you're listening to this in real time, December is to come right. So I still have an opportunity I still so recording this a little earlier in November, I'm preparing so that I can have the December that I want. Not just a December I want but continuing the life that I want, you know, I created and started Journey to Launch. I talked, I said it in the conversation about creating my own hamster wheel. And one of the reasons why I wanted to get off the hamster wheel at corporate America was because it didn't feel like I was in control of it. And so the last thing I want to do is create a life that I'm talking about financial independence, I have a business of my own, but it's still not something I love because I created a thing that I that I don't enjoy. Whether it is doing things I don't love for the business are saying yes to too many other people and not enough yeses to myself, all those things, let's all do it together, let's make the next few weeks, the next month, still are our year if you felt that you know and that you define what it means for you, it is going to mean something different for everyone. It's not gonna be based it could be based on money or not based on money, it could be based on just findings more mental relaxation, spiritual, emotional, whatever that means to you, you could still own this year. So do it with me.

As I said, I like give a disclaimer, listen, you're still gonna get episodes, you're still gonna see content from me just but I want it to be things that I want to do. So that is my goal. So I want you guys to hold me to it in December and then going forward and I hold you to the same so if you are listening to this episode, whether you're listening to real time, you know the week that it's Thanksgiving or not, I want you to come on this journey with me to commit to not only honoring how far you've come, but also committing to finding ways to enjoy the next part of your journey because it's far from over. It's never over. So hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please here's a great thing that you can do. tag me @journeytolaunch and Sandra on Instagram. So that @Sage.money she's @sage.money on Instagram and let us know your biggest takeaway or post on your feed tag both of us so that I can repost it so other people can see this. For the most part, if you are, you know, with family, I know this is like a different type of Thanksgiving and holiday season, that you are enjoying that time, but that you are really taking the time out to be thankful for everything you've accomplished and done this year, surviving is thriving, and most of us had done more than just survive. We been doing things that we didn't think we could. So as for my fellow parents out there, as you heard, like, I am struggling with this homeschool and virtual learning life, but we're getting through it. We're all being challenged. And from this amazing things are happening, even if you can't see it or recognize it yet.

And if you were impressed, by the way, Sandra walked me through those questions, and you are also in the personal finance space, you're a financial professional, and you want to learn how to impact your clients and to help them make the changes that they need to see in their lives to really help them with their finances, then you should definitely check out the financial fitness coach certification. That is a certification program run by Saundra. And again, if you want to really step up how you impact the lives of the people who are coming to you for financial help. And you like what Saundra just did with me. Check it out, you can go to Sagefinancialsolutions.org for more information.

Okay, now it's time for DCU's Money Tip of the Week, maintain your emergency fund. Having an emergency fund of at least $1,000 is a good idea to help cover an unexpected car repair or medical costs. Building up to a cushion of three to six months worth of living expenses can give you even greater peace of mind.

If you want to check out the episode shownotes that's where you can get links to anything that's mentioned, and even get a transcribed version of this episode that you can read. Go to journeytolaunch.com or click the description of wherever you're listening to this episode. Now you can also still grab your free Journeyer Jumpstart Guide by texting, launch to 33777 or go to journeytolaunch.com/jumpstart.

If you want to support me and the podcast and love the free content and information that you get here, here are four ways that you can support me in the show. One, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast wherever you listen, whether that's Apple podcasts, that purple app on your phone, your Android device, YouTube, Spotify, wherever it is that you happen to listen, just subscribe so you're not missing an episode. And if you're happening to listen to this in Apple podcasts, rate, review, and subscribe there. I appreciate and read every single review number to follow me on my social media accounts. I'm @journeytolaunch on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. And I love love love interacting with journeyers there. Three, support and check out the sponsors of this show. If you hear something that interests you, sponsors are the main ways we keep the podcast lights on here. So show them some love for supporting your girl. Four, and last but not least, share this episode this podcast with a friend or family member or co- worker so that we can spread the message of Journey to Launch. Alright, that's it until next week, keep on journeying journeyers