Death might be the end of life, but it’s not the end of the bills. In this mini-solo episode, Lawrence dives into the surprisingly high cost of dying. From funerals and burials to cremation, paperwork, and hidden fees. Lawrence breaks down where all that money goes when someone dies. He also discusses how families can prepare, avoid financial strain, and make smarter choices regarding final expenses—a much-needed conversation about life’s final price tag.

Wait, what's a Financial Griot?

The Financial Griot is a play on two words (Finance + Griot) that hold significance in closing the wealth gap while embracing our differences. Alainta Alcin, Lovely Merdelus, and Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez give their take on current events relating to your personal finances and wealth mindset. In the New York Times, Bankrate, and other publications, the hosts share the stories that others don't.

Stories about growth, opportunity, and even Wars. Beyond that, we tie it back to how it reflects on your finances. Specifically, we teach you how to become financially literate, incorporate actionable steps, and ultimately build generational wealth.

Can you imagine being a Millionaire in 20 years or less?

Yeah, it's possible. Eighty percent of millionaires are first-generation, which means they didn't come from wealth. We teach you how. Join a community of subscribers who welcome a fresh take on money.

So there you have it, The Financial Griot, or TFG for short. The hosts amassed over $3 million in wealth in about eight years and are on track to retire early. We will gladly share the secrets if you want them, since the opportunity is abundant and Win-Win.

Find the TFG Crew Hosts on Instagram:

• Alainta Alcin - Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaintaalcin
• Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez, Financial Foodie and Travel Blogger @theneighborhoodfinanceguy
• Lovely Merdelus - Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus

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In this solo mini-episode, Lawrence discusses the complex relationship between money, people, and power (especially today's political climate). Trump's administration has been anything but subtle. The rise of wealth inequality, tax cuts for the rich, polarizing policies around immigration, and social justice shape how we view our cash and our connections.

The reserved nature of money and people became even more pronounced in a time of division, and how it’s all connected. In the end, we know the issues. We now need to take action(s) to even attempt to resolve them.

Wait, what's a Financial Griot?

The Financial Griot is a play on two words (Finance + Griot) that hold significance in closing the wealth gap while embracing our differences. Alainta Alcin, Lovely Merdelus, and Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez give their take on current events relating to your personal finances and wealth mindset. In the New York Times, Bankrate, and other publications, the hosts share the stories that others don't.

Stories about growth, opportunity, and even Wars. Beyond that, we tie it back to how it reflects on your finances. Specifically, we teach you how to become financially literate, incorporate actionable steps, and ultimately build generational wealth.

Can you imagine being a Millionaire in 20 years or less?

Yeah, it's possible. Eighty percent of millionaires are first-generation, which means they didn't come from wealth. We teach you how. Join a community of subscribers who welcome a fresh take on money.

So there you have it, The Financial Griot, or TFG for short. The hosts amassed over $3 million in wealth in about eight years and are on track to retire early. We will gladly share the secrets if you want them since the opportunity is abundant and Win-Win.

Find the TFG Crew Hosts on Instagram:

• Alainta Alcin - Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaintaalcin
• Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez, Financial Foodie and Travel Blogger @theneighborhoodfinanceguy
• Lovely Merdelus - Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus

Lawrence and Alainta discuss the concern of a young influencer facing financial difficulties after pursuing multiple business ventures. Alainta and Larence analyze her story, noting that she started several risky businesses during the pandemic, including Turo (car rentals) and Airbnb rentals. They discuss her bankruptcy filing, legal issues, and a recent attempt to rent a luxury apartment despite her financial troubles. The story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of over-optimism and lack of financial literacy in business.

Wait, what's a Financial Griot?

The Financial Griot is a play on two words (Finance + Griot) that hold significance in closing the wealth gap while embracing our differences. Alainta Alcin, Lovely Merdelus, and Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez give their take on current events relating to your personal finances and wealth mindset. Features in the New York Times, Bankrate, and other publications, the hosts share the stories that others don't.

Stories about growth, opportunity, and even Wars. Beyond that, we tie it back to how it reflects on your finances. Specifically, we teach you how to become financially literate, incorporate actionable steps, and ultimately build generational wealth.

Can you imagine being a Millionaire in 20 years or less?

Yeah, it's possible. Eighty percent of millionaires are the first generation, which means they didn't come from wealth. We teach you how. Join a community of subscribers who welcome a fresh take on money.

So there you have it, The Financial Griot, or TFG for short. The hosts amassed over $3 million in wealth in about eight years and are on track to retire early. We will gladly share the secrets if you want them since the opportunity is abundant and Win-Win.

Find the TFG Crew Hosts on Instagram:

• Alainta Alcin - Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaintaalcin
• Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez, Financial Foodie and Travel Blogger @theneighborhoodfinanceguy
• Lovely Merdelus - Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus

In this episode, Lawrence and Alainta explore the economic challenges posed by the President's recent tariff decisions and how they ripple through the global economy. The conversation focuses on the intricate "plumbing" of the stock market, exploring how tariffs disrupt international trade and the mechanisms that allow financial markets to function smoothly. We also explore the psychological and economic effects on investors and market volatility, examining how markets react to real-time policy changes and geopolitical tension.

Wait, what's a Financial Griot?

The Financial Griot is a play on two words (Finance + Griot) that hold significance in closing the wealth gap while embracing our differences. Alainta Alcin, Lovely Merdelus, and Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez give their take on current events relating to your personal finances and wealth mindset. Features in the New York Times, Bankrate, and other publications, the hosts share the stories that others don't.

Stories about growth, opportunity, and even Wars. Beyond that, we tie it back to how it reflects on your finances. Specifically, we teach you how to become financially literate, incorporate actionable steps, and ultimately build generational wealth.

Can you imagine being a Millionaire in 20 years or less?

Yeah, it's possible. Eighty percent of millionaires are the first generation, which means they didn't come from wealth. We teach you how. Join a community of subscribers who welcome a fresh take on money.

So there you have it, The Financial Griot, or TFG for short. The hosts amassed over $3 million in wealth in about eight years and are on track to retire early. We will gladly share the secrets if you want them since the opportunity is abundant and Win-Win.

Find the TFG Crew Hosts on Instagram:

• Alainta Alcin - Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaintaalcin
• Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez, Financial Foodie and Travel Blogger @theneighborhoodfinanceguy
• Lovely Merdelus - Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus

This episode, Lovely and Lawrence, explores the powerful connection between relationships and financial success. The people you surround yourself with—friends, mentors, and professional connections—play a crucial role in shaping opportunities, personal growth, and financial well-being.

Cultivate meaningful relationships, explain why reciprocity is key, and explain how a strong network can open doors that money alone cannot. Whether it’s career advancement, business opportunities, or simply having a support system that challenges and uplifts you, investing in people is just as valuable as investing in assets.

Wait, what's a Financial Griot?

The Financial Griot is a play on two words (Finance + Griot) that hold significance in closing the wealth gap while embracing our differences. Alainta Alcin, Lovely Merdelus, and Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez give their take on current events relating to your personal finances and wealth mindset. Features in the New York Times, Bankrate, and other publications, the hosts share the stories that others don't.

Stories about growth, opportunity, and even Wars. Beyond that, we tie it back to how it reflects on your finances. Specifically, we teach you how to become financially literate, incorporate actionable steps, and ultimately build generational wealth.

Can you imagine being a Millionaire in 20 years or less?

Yeah, it's possible. Eighty percent of millionaires are the first generation, which means they didn't come from wealth. We teach you how. Join a community of subscribers who welcome a fresh take on money.

So there you have it, The Financial Griot, or TFG for short. The hosts amassed over $3 million in wealth in about eight years and are on track to retire early. We will gladly share the secrets if you want them since the opportunity is abundant and Win-Win.

Find the TFG Crew Hosts on Instagram:

• Alainta Alcin - Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaintaalcin
• Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez, Financial Foodie and Travel Blogger @theneighborhoodfinanceguy
• Lovely Merdelus - Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus

In this episode, Lawrence and Lovely review the article "Black Woman Who Retired at 30: Financial Independence is Not Just for White Guys," which explores the inspiring story of a Black woman who achieved financial independence and retired early. We discuss how her journey challenges common narratives around wealth-building and the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement, which often lacks representation of people of color.

The article’s key takeaways are overcoming financial barriers and the importance of diverse voices in the economic independence space. The crew discusses the inherent risks of retiring off of vibes without prior planning. Additionally, Lovely and Lawrence share their fears in proximity to poverty.

Wait, what's a Financial Griot?

The Financial Griot is a play on two words (Finance + Griot) that hold significance in closing the wealth gap while embracing our differences. Alainta Alcin, Lovely Merdelus, and Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez give their take on current events relating to your personal finances and wealth mindset. Features in the New York Times, Bankrate, and other publications, the hosts share the stories that others don't.

Stories about growth, opportunity, and even Wars. Beyond that, we tie it back to how it reflects on your finances. Specifically, we teach you how to become financially literate, incorporate actionable steps, and ultimately build generational wealth.

Can you imagine being a Millionaire in 20 years or less?

Yeah, it's possible. Eighty percent of millionaires are the first generation, which means they didn't come from wealth. We teach you how. Join a community of subscribers who welcome a fresh take on money.

So there you have it, The Financial Griot, or TFG for short. The hosts amassed over $3 million in wealth in about eight years and are on track to retire early. We will gladly share the secrets if you want them since the opportunity is abundant and Win-Win.

Find the TFG Crew Hosts on Instagram:

• Alainta Alcin - Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaintaalcin
• Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez, Financial Foodie and Travel Blogger @theneighborhoodfinanceguy
• Lovely Merdelus - Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus

In this episode, Lawrence dives into the lasting effects of the Trump administration’s policies on federal government workers, focusing on the massive layoffs during his office. Lawrence explores how these job cuts impacted the workers and the broader government landscape, with insights into the political and economic motivations behind the decisions—the long-term consequences for federal employees and the nation’s public sector.

Wait, what's a Financial Griot?

The Financial Griot is a play on two words (Finance + Griot) that hold significance in closing the wealth gap while embracing our differences. Alainta Alcin, Lovely Merdelus, and Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez give their take on current events relating to your personal finances and wealth mindset. Features in the New York Times, Bankrate, and other publications, the hosts share the stories that others don't.

Stories about growth, opportunity, and even Wars. Beyond that, we tie it back to how it reflects on your finances. Specifically, we teach you how to become financially literate, incorporate actionable steps, and ultimately build generational wealth.

Can you imagine being a Millionaire in 20 years or less?

Yeah, it's possible. Eighty percent of millionaires are the first generation, which means they didn't come from wealth. We teach you how. Join a community of subscribers who welcome a fresh take on money.

So there you have it, The Financial Griot, or TFG for short. The hosts amassed over $3 million in wealth in about eight years and are on track to retire early. We will gladly share the secrets if you want them since the opportunity is abundant and Win-Win.

Find the TFG Crew Hosts on Instagram:

• Alainta Alcin - Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaintaalcin
• Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez, Financial Foodie and Travel Blogger @theneighborhoodfinanceguy
• Lovely Merdelus - Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus

In this short episode, Lawrence shares life updates, discussing how everyone navigates their busy seasons. The challenges and triumphs of balancing hectic schedules while maintaining financial security. It's a candid look at how life can be overwhelming but rewarding, as each host has found ways to stay on top of their personal and professional commitments. It's a real talk on handling growth, change, and finding stability.

Wait, what's a Financial Griot?

The Financial Griot is a play on two words (Finance + Griot) that hold significance in closing the wealth gap while embracing our differences. Alainta Alcin, Lovely Merdelus, and Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez give their take on current events relating to your personal finances and wealth mindset. Features in the New York Times, Bankrate, and other publications, the hosts share the stories that others don't.

Stories about growth, opportunity, and even Wars. Beyond that, we tie it back to how it reflects on your finances. Specifically, we teach you how to become financially literate, incorporate actionable steps, and ultimately build generational wealth.

Can you imagine being a Millionaire in 20 years or less?

Yeah, it's possible. Eighty percent of millionaires are the first generation, which means they didn't come from wealth. We teach you how. Join a community of subscribers who welcome a fresh take on money.

So there you have it, The Financial Griot, or TFG for short. The hosts amassed over $3 million in wealth in about eight years and are on track to retire early. We will gladly share the secrets if you want them since the opportunity is abundant and Win-Win.

Find the TFG Crew Hosts on Instagram:

• Alainta Alcin - Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaintaalcin
• Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez, Financial Foodie and Travel Blogger @theneighborhoodfinanceguy
• Lovely Merdelus - Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus