The Financial Griot

Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez, Lovely Merdelus, Alainta Alcin
  • 4.9 (29)
  • PERSONAL JOURNALS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to the Financial Griot, TFG for short where three millennials talk about wealth and the stories that made and continue to make an impact on our journeys to be whole, happy and wealthy. We promise to leave you with actionable steps that you can use. It's often raw and genuine. Blending real world wealth building experiences from an entrepreneur, a global travel enthusiast and a financial literacy educator. As always start late, start early but we definitely want you to start. Find us on YouTube, Listen Notes, Theneighborhoodfinanceguy.com and Twitter. Let's connect and Grow Rich Together.

  1. 4D AGO

    The Total Reset: Body & Bank Account

    TFG crew is back again. In this episode, we explore how small, intentional changes can transform both your physical health and your financial well-being. The crew shares practical insights and motivating strategies that have helped one to feel stronger, spend smarter, and build momentum in every area of your life. Wait, what's a Financial Griot? The Financial Griot is a play on two words (Finance + Griot) that together signify closing the wealth gap while embracing our differences. Alainta Alcin, Lovely Merdelus, and Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez share their perspectives on current events that impact 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, meaning they didn't inherit 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 a 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

    46 min

  2. FEB 23

    Greener Grass or Just More Money?

    In this episode,  Lawrence and Alainta unpack the age-old belief that more money automatically means a better life. Is the “greener grass” we’re chasing actually fulfillment—or just a bigger paycheck? We explore the difference between financial growth and personal satisfaction, the hidden costs of constantly chasing more, and how comparison can distort what success really looks like. Wait, what's a Financial Griot? The Financial Griot is a play on two words (Finance + Griot) that together signify closing the wealth gap while embracing our differences. Alainta Alcin, Lovely Merdelus, and Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez share their perspectives on current events that impact 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, meaning they didn't inherit 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 a 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

    50 min

  3. FEB 9

    Offline Energy vs. Online Chaos

    In this episode, Lawrence and Alainta unpack the clash between real-life vibes and nonstop online noise. From social media posts and digital drama to choosing peace over posting. Hot takes and a few laughs about navigating life both on and off the feed--- an honest conversation about finding balance when the online world feels louder than ever. Wait, what's a Financial Griot? The Financial Griot is a play on two words (Finance + Griot) that together signify closing the wealth gap while embracing our differences. Alainta Alcin, Lovely Merdelus, and Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez share their perspectives on current events that impact 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, meaning they didn't inherit 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 a Win-Win. Find the TFG Crew Hosts on Instagram:  Alainta Alcin - Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaintaalcinLawrence Delva-Gonzalez, Financial Foodie and Travel Blogger @theneighborhoodfinanceguyLovely Merdelus - Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus

    24 min

  4. FEB 2

    Snowstorms, Parking Wars, and Seasons of Change

    The crew is back again, and we hunker down to discuss all things winter in the Northeast—from relentless snowstorms and neighborhood parking wars to the personal life updates that come with a new season. Between icy sidewalks and heated street debates, we catch up on what’s changing in our lives and reflect on how these moments shape our community.  Wait, what's a Financial Griot? The Financial Griot is a play on two words (Finance + Griot) that together signify closing the wealth gap while embracing our differences. Alainta Alcin, Lovely Merdelus, and Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez share their perspectives on current events that impact 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, meaning they didn't inherit 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 a Win-Win. Find the TFG Crew Hosts on Instagram:  Alainta Alcin - Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaintaalcinLawrence Delva-Gonzalez, Financial Foodie and Travel Blogger @theneighborhoodfinanceguyLovely Merdelus - Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus

    51 min

  5. JAN 26

    Miles, Memories, and Money: Navigating the Start of 2026

    TFG is back! As 2026 gets underway, we reunite to catch up on life, travel, and the money lessons that came with both. From navigating new places to resetting financial priorities, the crew shares honest reflections on how recent experiences are shaping their goals, habits, and perspectives. In the attempt to balance memories with money and to start the year with intention. Wait, what's a Financial Griot? The Financial Griot is a play on two words (Finance + Griot) that together signify closing the wealth gap while embracing our differences. Alainta Alcin, Lovely Merdelus, and Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez share their perspectives on current events that impact 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, meaning they didn't inherit 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 a Win-Win. Find the TFG Crew Hosts on Instagram:  Alainta Alcin - Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaintaalcinLawrence Delva-Gonzalez, Financial Foodie and Travel Blogger @theneighborhoodfinanceguyLovely Merdelus - Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus

    1 hr

  6. 12/29/2025

    Looking In, Moving Forward: TFG Reflects on Growth at the End of 2025

    As 2025 comes to a close, the TFG crew sits down for an honest, introspective conversation about growth, lessons learned, and the moments that shaped them over the past year. Through shared reflections and personal insights, they look inward at how they’ve evolved—individually and together—while setting intentions for the road ahead. It’s a thoughtful year-end check-in about progress, perspective, and moving forward with purpose. 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 share their perspectives on current events that impact 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, meaning they didn't inherit 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 a Win-Win. Find the TFG Crew Hosts on Instagram:  Alainta Alcin - Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaintaalcinLawrence Delva-Gonzalez, Financial Foodie and Travel Blogger @theneighborhoodfinanceguyLovely Merdelus - Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus

    1h 8m

  7. 11/19/2025

    So… Is the Affordability Crisis Actually Real?

    Everyone’s talking about the “affordability crisis”—but what does that actually mean? In this episode, we dig into the numbers, the headlines, and the lived reality of trying to make ends meet in 2025. From rent hikes to grocery bills to the myth of the “latte problem,” we explore whether the crisis is as bad as it sounds—or if something deeper is driving the feeling that everything’s out of reach. 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 share their perspectives on current events that impact 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, meaning they didn't inherit 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 a Win-Win. Find the TFG Crew Hosts on Instagram:  Alainta Alcin - Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaintaalcinLawrence Delva-Gonzalez, Financial Foodie and Travel Blogger @theneighborhoodfinanceguyLovely Merdelus - Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus

    25 min

  8. 11/12/2025

    Lawrence Is Still Furloughed — and NYC’s First Millennial Mayor

    The crew is back together again. And yes, Lawrence, I'm still furloughed, still figuring it out. In this episode, he shares updates from his extended time off and what it’s taught him about work, purpose, and the strange calm of uncertainty. Meanwhile, New York City makes history by electing its first millennial mayor, Mamdani. We dive into what this generational shift in leadership could mean for the city’s future—and for the rest of us trying to navigate change in our own lives. 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 share their perspectives on current events that impact 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, meaning they didn't inherit 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 a Win-Win. Find the TFG Crew Hosts on Instagram:  Alainta Alcin - Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaintaalcinLawrence Delva-Gonzalez, Financial Foodie and Travel Blogger @theneighborhoodfinanceguyLovely Merdelus - Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus

    1h 3m
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4.9
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Financial Griot, TFG for short where three millennials talk about wealth and the stories that made and continue to make an impact on our journeys to be whole, happy and wealthy. We promise to leave you with actionable steps that you can use. It's often raw and genuine. Blending real world wealth building experiences from an entrepreneur, a global travel enthusiast and a financial literacy educator. As always start late, start early but we definitely want you to start. Find us on YouTube, Listen Notes, Theneighborhoodfinanceguy.com and Twitter. Let's connect and Grow Rich Together.

Information

  • Creator
    Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez, Lovely Merdelus, Alainta Alcin
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    217
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2021-2023 THE FINANCIAL GRIOT PODCAST
  • Show Website
    The Financial Griot