Financial independence isn’t just about reaching a number, it’s about designing a life you actually want to live. In this solo episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of what life looks like now.I share a candid life update on everything from my current workout routine and newfound hobby of gardening to navigating one of the busiest parenting seasons of the year with three kids. I also open up about the intentional trade-offs I’m making by working less, earning less, and embracing a slower pace, because the flexibility I’ve gained is worth more to me than maximizing income.
Plus, I reflect on some exciting milestones, including Journey to Launch turning 10 years old, winning a Plutus Award, the evolution of the FIRE Calc, and what I’m still exploring as I think about the next chapter of my work and life.
If you’ve ever wondered what financial independence actually looks like after the milestone is reached or how your priorities can shift once you have more freedom, this episode is for you
In this episode, I share:
- How I’m currently splitting my time between personal life and work
- What it means to live in the Commander stage of financial independence and why I would not trade it
- Honest reflections on parenting, birthday season spending, and the concept of lawnmower parenting
- An update on the FIRE Calc, Journey to Launch’s 10-year milestone, and what’s next for the platform + more
What’s New in the Paperback Edition of Your Journey to Financial Freedom:
- A bonus chapter: When Life Happens: Staying on the Path to Financial Freedom Through Setbacks, Shifts, and Uncertainty
- A book club and discussion guide with prompts, exercises, and action steps
- Updated corrections from the original hardcover
- Exclusive bonuses when you purchase the paperback, including:
- The Fire Starter Course
- The Find Your FIRE Number Worksheet
Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:
- Plutus Awards: plutusawards.com
- Check out the FIRE Calc
- Get your paperback edition of Your Journey To Financial Freedom if you haven’t already.
- Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, here.
- Join the Journey to Launch Book Club to dive deeper into financial freedom with guided discussions and resources here!
- Join The Weekly Newsletter List to get updates, deals & more!
- Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review!
- Get The Budget Bootcamp
- Check out my personal website here.
- Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast!
- YNAB – Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link.
- What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out here!
Connect with me:

