Hopeful Reality

Yasss another flawless Black Queen on the podcast. Can ya'll tell what I've been dreaming about lately 😂? Owning a home is definitely one of what I like to call my "big girl dreams". Today's episode features Ericka Lashe. We dive into Ericka's homeownership journey, the powerful strategies she used to obtain it while overcoming obstacles determined to create a better financial future.

Ericka is an accounting professional since 2011. She has a verifiable background spanning over three and a half years in real estate accounting and 6 years in government accounting. Ericka is also the owner of ELK (𝙀𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙇𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙆𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙡𝙚𝙙𝙜𝙚) Services focusing on helping you take control of your future by completing steps of financial freedom through educating, accountability, & empowering.

Trust me you're going to need a big bag for these gems 😉

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Today's episode features Brynee Dade. Brynee is a graduate from George Mason University with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and has most recently obtained her Master’s from the University of Baltimore in I/O Psychology. She has worked as a Federal Consultant for the past 2 years serving clients and recently started a new position with a small firm.

In today's episode we dive into Brynee's journey of purchasing her first home, the resources she utilized to make this dream a reality, and how she established her estate plan protecting this new asset. Brynee's home buying journey is unique as she purchased a home in the development stage verse resale and the process is VERY different.

Discover the actionable steps she took that played a vital role in her home buying process and estate plan.

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Meet Sonya Byes mom of a son who brings eminence joy, 20-year Insurance professional for a billion-dollar company, engaged community member, and speaker. Sonya's love to hear others' stories, guided her down the path to creating 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙎𝙤𝙣𝙮𝙖. When faced with life challenges Chatting with Sonya took a back seat for a moment. 

She has now revived the vision adding on phenomenal women from various backgrounds and communities birthing 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙎𝙤𝙣𝙮𝙖 & 𝙁𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨! In today's episode, we discuss the power of telling your story, why you do NOT have to be a professional speaker to get started, and some action steps you can take right now to turn that speaking dream into a reality.

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Making extra money is never a bad idea. However, I am a firm believer in adding a plan with any extra income you want to come your way. The new normal life may have forced us to look at things very differently. How we make money is one of them for sure. In today's episode, I share 3 things to do before jumping in headfirst into a side hustle.

1. Do your research

2. Audit your time

3. Pick a side hustle 

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Beginning a debt freedom journey does not have to be stressful or complicated. In today's episode, we are going to start with 5 must-ask questions to help provide a clear guide on starting your debt freedom journey before you actually start.

1. How much do I owe?

2. Do I have a budget?

3. How much money do I have leftover after paying myself and expenses?

4. How much spare time do I have to make extra money?

5. When do I want to pay off this debt?

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I truly believe very little can be accomplished solely by oneself. The power of like-minded people coming together for a common goal is invigorating. Turning hopes into reality requires openness to the idea that our dream needs a team. In today's episode, I am going to share the benefits of having a team, some virtual key player's on my team and how you can build your own. 

We are just in month 2 of 2021, it is not too late to get proactive with your goals. Getting ahead now on your goals for 2021 will give the boost needed to enter into the new year strong. In today's episode you will find 3 simple strategies on how to successfully start planning your goals for 2021.

1. Write it down

2. Create An Actionable System

3. Find Accountability 

We are just finishing up the first month of 2021. I wanted to take time to reflect on the goals I set for last year as I am working on developing new ones. Often we are constantly looking to accomplish the next big thing but forget to pause for a moment and reflect. I hope with this episode you are inspired to take time to reflect on your goals acknowledging what went well and what may need to go back on the drawing board. Enjoy!

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Did you know you are 42% more likely to complete a goal that is written down? It is never too late to set goals especially ones around your money. In today's episode I lay out the strategy I like to use when setting goals and that's SMART ones. SMART goals are a good framework to follow to ensure your goal has all the necessary components to become a completed one. I encourage you to set at least one money goal for this year using this framework and be SMART about it.

S-specific

M-measurable 

A-achievable 

R-relevant

T-time-bond

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One thing 2020 has shown us is that we need to have our finances in order now more than ever. I know the feeling of having more bills than money, robbing Peter to pay Paul. With this three-step budgeting strategy, it has allowed me to build emergency savings, put bills on auto-pay, and put now to date over 15k dent in my debt journey.   

In this episode, I cover the key components you need in every budget 

1. Know your numbers 

2. Identify your budget type and style 

3. Talk with family and friends

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Starting a debt-free journey can be overwhelming and intimidating. I want to take you along my debt-free journey and share all the money lessons I am learning in hopes to inspire you to embark on yours. Join me on my debt-free journey into financial independence. I am in a total of $102,030 of debt. In this episode, I break down where this debt came from, how it makes me feel, and what I plan to do about it this year in 2021. My debt story is a little bit unique but similar to millions who are in my very situation. I hope this video brings inspiration for you to start your debt-free journey and not allow it to hold your dreams captive.

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