Financially Free with LaToya & Tracy

LaToya D. Cheek
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Take control of your money, master your credit, and build lasting wealth with smart budgeting and personal finance strategies. Welcome to Financially Free with LaToya & Tracy — the ultimate personal finance podcast for young adults and professionals ready to take control of their money, budget smarter, and build lasting financial freedom. Join LaToya and Tracy each week as they share practical money tips, budgeting strategies, and credit-building advice to help you manage your finances with confidence. Learn how to improve your credit score, pay off debt faster, save more money, and achieve long-term financial independence — all without feeling overwhelmed. In this podcast, you'll discover how to: Create and stick to a realistic budget that fits your lifestyle. Raise your credit score and use credit responsibly. Pay off debt quickly and reduce financial stress. Save money effectively — without giving up what you love. Build wealth and achieve true financial independence. Whether you're working on credit repair, getting out of debt, or ready to build wealth and financial confidence, Financially Free with LaToya & Tracy gives you the tools, motivation, and real-world strategies to transform your finances — one episode at a time. Subscribe now to start your journey to smarter budgeting, better credit, and lifelong financial freedom! This podcast is for educational purposes only and reflects the views of financial coaches—not licensed financial advisors. We don't offer investment, tax, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.

  1. 12/31/2025

    Life with Rashida: Growing While Uncomfortable & Season 1 Finale (Part 3)

    This is the final episode (Part 3) of our Life with Rashida series and the Season 1 finale of Financially Free with LaToya & Tracy.  Join us for a powerful conclusion with Eshe Rashida, Founder of Elly Mac Consultants and creator of "Life with Rashida." In this transformative conversation, we dive deep into growing while uncomfortable—because real growth and comfort don't coexist. Eshe shares honest insights about the role we play in our own self-sabotage, those internal barriers that keep us stuck, and how to recognize when we're standing in our own way. Discover Eshe's vision for making Life with Rashida accessible to everyone who wants to experience authentic Ghanaian living. We discuss the practical realities of traveling to Ghana, including adapting to the time difference and what that adjustment period actually looks like for first-time visitors and expats. Plus, we're excited to introduce MoCo: Money with Confidence—a financial coaching and literacy app launching Q1 2026, built specifically for everyday people who work hard and deserve better. Learn how MoCo can support your journey to financial confidence and freedom. Life with Rashida is about creating a safe space for you to unplug, reflect, and thoughtfully consider what's next in your financial and personal journey. It's more than travel—it's about finding clarity, reducing stress, and reimagining your life on your terms. This Season 1 finale is packed with mindset shifts, actionable insights, and inspiring conversation for anyone ready to stop self-sabotaging, embrace discomfort, and pursue their next chapter—whether that's in Ghana or anywhere else in the world. For more information, visit https://lifewithrashida.substack.com Follow @financiallyfreewithlt and @moneywithconfidence on Instagram for financial tips and inspiration. Perfect for: Entrepreneurs, remote workers, retirees, expats, digital nomads, and anyone ready to grow through discomfort and stop self-sabotaging their success. #lifewithrashida #financialfreedom #exploreGhana #wellness #travel #safespace #eliminatestress #lifeonyourterms #growthmindset #overcomingselfsabotage #season1finale #MoCoApp #financialcoaching #moneyconfidence

    21 min

  2. 12/26/2025

    Life with Rashida: Shopping, Negotiating & Starting a Business in Ghana (Part 2)

    Ready to dive deeper into the practical realities of living in Ghana? In Part 2 of our series, Eshe Rashida, Founder of Elly Mac Consultants and creator of "Life with Rashida," shares the day-to-day essentials you need to know about navigating life in Ghana. This episode goes beyond the numbers into the real experiences: shopping in Ghana—where to go and what to expect, negotiating etiquette and how to haggle respectfully in Ghanaian markets, and the crucial question of when to pay in Ghanaian Cedi versus US dollars. These practical insights can save you money and help you integrate smoothly into Ghanaian culture. But here's where it gets exciting—Eshe opens up about starting a business in Ghana. Discover how she came to the decision to launch Life with Rashida, the breakthrough moments that confirmed she was on the right path, and the incredible opportunities she discovered. Life with Rashida is about creating a safe space for you to unplug, reflect, and thoughtfully consider what's next in your financial and personal journey. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur exploring international markets, a remote worker seeking location flexibility, or simply curious about what daily life looks like for expats in Accra, this conversation delivers the insider knowledge you won't find in travel guides. This is Part 2 of a multi-part series packed with practical strategies and actionable insights for anyone considering international living, starting a business abroad, or exploring entrepreneurship in West Africa. For more information, visit https://lifewithrashida.substack.com Perfect for: Entrepreneurs, remote workers, retirees, expats, digital nomads, and anyone interested in West Africa business opportunities and authentic Ghanaian living. #lifewithrashida #financialfreedom #exploreGhana #wellness #travel #safespace #eliminatestress #lifeonyourterms #startingabusinessinghana #ghanaentrepreneur #expatlife #accraghana

    48 min

  3. 12/18/2025

    Life with Rashida: Real Numbers on Housing, Healthcare & Cash-Based Living in Ghana (Part 1)

    Curious about the real cost of living in Ghana versus the United States? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Eshe Rashida, the Founder of Elly Mac Consultants who lives in Ghana several months each year. She's creating "Life with Rashida" in Ghana—a transformative experience helping travelers discover authentic Ghanaian living while focusing on their overall well-being. Life with Rashida is about creating a safe space for you to unplug, reflect, and thoughtfully consider what's next in your financial and personal journey. It's more than travel—it's about finding clarity, reducing stress, and reimagining your life on your terms. In this conversation, Eshe breaks down the real numbers with refreshing transparency: actual housing costs in Accra, navigating Ghana's cash-based economy, what renting in Ghana really looks like, and how the healthcare system functions. We dive into employment opportunities, the job industry landscape, and how living life in Ghana compares financially to the US across every category—housing, transportation, utilities, and daily expenses. Discover what it's really like living as an expat in Ghana, particularly within Accra's thriving and rapidly growing international community. Whether you're considering joining the vibrant expat scene in Ghana's bustling capital or exploring the quieter, more laid-back regions of the country, this conversation provides the concrete data, real-world experiences, and insider perspective you need to make informed decisions. This is Part 1 of a multi-part series packed with practical strategies and actionable insights for anyone considering international living, seeking to dramatically reduce living expenses, or exploring the possibilities of life in West Africa.  Follow: life_with_rashida on Instagram and LifewithRashida on TikTok. For more information, visit https://lifewithrashida.substack.com  #lifewithrashida #financialfreedom #exploreGhana #wellness #travel #safespace #eliminatestress #lifeonyourterms

    22 min

  4. 12/10/2025

    Journey to Better Credit - Step 5 (Final Step): Dispute Errors and Clean Up Your Credit Report Like a Pro

    In today's episode, we're diving into Step 5 (Final Step): Dispute Errors and Clean Up Your Credit Report Like a Pro Errors on your credit report could be costing you 50-100+ points. In fact, 1 in 5 people have errors that are negatively impacting their credit scores — and most don't even know it. The good news? You have a legal right to dispute inaccuracies, and the credit bureaus MUST investigate. In this episode, we give you the complete step-by-step guide to cleaning up your credit report like a pro. You'll learn: ✅ Your legal rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) ✅ The most common credit report errors (and how to spot them) ✅ What evidence you need to build a strong dispute ✅ How to dispute errors online vs. by mail (with templates!) ✅ What happens after you submit a dispute (and your options if it's rejected) ✅ Advanced strategies: goodwill letters, escalation tactics, and when to file a complaint ✅ The truth about credit repair companies (and why you don't need them) ✅ Your 30-day action plan to dispute errors and boost your score This is Step 5 (Final Step) in our Journey to Better Credit series. Whether you're new to credit repair or you've been working on your score for months, this episode gives you everything you need to dispute errors effectively and see real results. Your credit report is YOUR reputation. Let's make sure it's accurate. #CreditReport #CreditRepair #DisputeErrors #CreditScore #FinancialFreedom #CreditBureau #FCRA #CreditTips #FixYourCredit #CreditMistakes #JourneytoBetterCredit #FinancialLiteracy #CreditImprovement #CreditDispute #CleanCredit

    16 min

  5. 12/05/2025

    My 86-Year-Old Grandmother, Mother of 10: How She Built Wealth on a Budget, Became a Homeowner & Still Feeds Her Community

    This isn't your typical financial advice episode. Meet the real expert: my 86-year-old grandmother. A mother of 10. A homeowner. A woman who still feeds half her neighborhood on a fixed income. She didn't just survive tight budgets — she mastered them. And her financial wisdom? You won't find it in any textbook. You'll find it in her life, her choices, and the legacy she built with heart, resilience, and faith. In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ How she raised a large family on a tight budget  ✅ The strategies she used to become a homeowner with limited resources ✅ Smart shopping and meal-planning hacks that fed a large family ✅ Her work ethic and the mindset that kept her going through tough times ✅ How she continues giving back to her community on a fixed income ✅ Timeless lessons about spending wisely and making every dollar count This episode is packed with real-world advice, practical money wisdom, and proof that you don't need to be wealthy to live generously. Whether you're managing a tight budget, raising a family, or looking for inspiration, my grandmother's story will change how you think about money. Perfect for: Anyone looking for budget tips, financial inspiration, homeownership advice, or lessons in resourcefulness and generosity. 📱 Follow us: @FinanciallyFreeWithLT 📧 Share this episode with someone who needs inspiration ⭐ Leave us a 5-star review and share your grandmother's wisdom too! 🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode   #BudgetTips #FinancialWisdom #Homeownership #FixedIncome #MoneyMindset #Generosity #FinancialResilience #SmartShopping #CommunityGiving #FinancialInspiration #ResourcefulLiving

    10 min

  6. 12/03/2025

    Journey to Better Credit - Step 4: Lower Your Credit Utilization & Maximize Your Score

    In today's episode, we're diving into Step 4: Lower Your Credit Utilization & Maximize Your Score. This is the FASTEST way to boost your credit score — sometimes in as little as 30 DAYS! Credit utilization is the second most important factor in your credit score (30% of FICO), and we're giving you the exact strategies to optimize it. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: ✅ What credit utilization is and how to calculate yours ✅ The golden rules: Under 30%, Under 10%, Under 7% (and why 0% can hurt!) ✅ Why BOTH overall and per-card utilization matter ✅ 7 proven strategies to lower utilization fast ✅ How to make multiple payments per month (game-changer!) ✅ The exact script to request credit limit increases ✅ 4 advanced hacks for score optimization ✅ Your 30-day utilization challenge with week-by-week action steps This episode gives you the fastest score boost possible. Lower your utilization today, see results next month. It's that simple. Plus: We recap Steps 1-3 for new listeners, so you're never lost! Your 30-Day Challenge: Week 1: • Calculate your current utilization • Set up balance alerts at 30% Week 2: • Make a payment on your highest-utilization card • Find your statement closing dates • Set calendar reminders to pay before closing dates Week 3: • Pay down at least one card to under 30% • Make a mid-cycle payment • Track your progress Week 4: • Check your credit score — you should see movement! • Commit to keeping utilization under 30% going forward Remember: Credit utilization is the fastest score lever you can pull. Lower it today, see results next month. Your goal: Under 10% utilization across all cards. The closer you get to that magic number, the closer you get to elite credit — and all the financial opportunities that come with it. Follow the journey on Instagram @FinanciallyFreeWithLT If you have questions or want personal support: 📩 Drop a comment  📱 Send a DM on Instagram 📅 Schedule a free financial coaching session We're building financial freedom together — 100,000 strong by 11/11/2026. Lower your utilization. Raise your score. Transform your life. #CreditUtilization #CreditScore #CreditCardTips #FinancialFreedom #DebtPayoff #CreditImprovement #CreditHacks #FinancialLiteracy #JourneytoBetterCredit #CreditTips #FICOScore #CreditCards #DebtFree #ScoreBoost

    14 min

  7. 11/26/2025

    Journey to Better Credit - Step 3: Handle Charge-Offs & Rebuild Payment History

    In today's episode, we're diving into Step 3: Handle Charge-Offs & Rebuild Payment History. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: ✅ What a charge-off really is — and why the debt doesn't disappear ✅ How charge-offs can drop your credit score by 100+ points (and stay for 7 years) ✅ Your strategic action plan to verify, negotiate, and handle charge-offs ✅ How to settle charge-offs for 40-60% of the balance ✅ The power of goodwill letters  ✅ When to pay a charge-off vs. when to let it age off naturally ✅ How to rebuild payment history — the #1 factor in your credit score (35% of FICO!) ✅ 6 proven strategies to build positive payment history fast This episode gives you the exact roadmap to handle one of the most damaging credit issues and start rebuilding the foundation of good credit: consistent on-time payments. Plus: We recap Steps 1 & 2 for new listeners, so you're never lost! Action Steps: 1️⃣ List all charge-offs on your credit reports 2️⃣ Check your state's statute of limitations on debt 3️⃣ Draft negotiation letters (aim for 40-60% settlement) 4️⃣ Set up automatic payments for ALL current accounts 5️⃣ Apply for a secured credit card or become an authorized user 6️⃣ Sign up for Experian Boost to report rent and utilities 7️⃣ Write a goodwill letter if you had a one-time hardship Remember: Every month of on-time payments is another step toward financial freedom. You're not defined by your past mistakes — you're defined by what you do next. Payment history is 35% of your credit score. Master this, and you're on your way to 700+! Follow the journey on Instagram @FinanciallyFreeWithLT If you have questions or want personal support: 📩 Drop a comment 📱 Send a DM on Instagram 📅 Schedule a free financial coaching session We're building financial freedom together — 100,000 strong by 11/11/2026. Let's tackle those charge-offs! #ChargeOffs #PaymentHistory #CreditScore #FinancialFreedom #CreditBuilding #SecuredCreditCard #FinancialLiteracy #CreditImprovement #JourneytoBetterCredit #DebtFree #CreditTips #GoodwillLetter #RebuildCredit #FICOScore

    13 min

  8. 11/19/2025

    Journey to Better Credit - Step 2: Identify What's Helping and Hurting Your Score — Then Handle Collections

    In today's episode, we're diving into Step 2: Identify What's Helping and Hurting Your Score — Then Handle Collections. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: ✅ How to analyze your credit reports and identify what's helping vs. hurting your score ✅ The step-by-step process to verify and dispute collection accounts ✅ How to negotiate a "Pay for Delete" agreement with collection agencies ✅ Smart settlement strategies to save 50-70% on what you owe ✅ Why you should NEVER pay a collection without a written agreement first ✅ The 7-day action plan to clean up collections and reclaim 50-100+ points on your credit score This episode gives you the exact strategies to tackle one of the biggest credit killers — collection accounts — and start seeing real results. Action Steps: 1️⃣ Create your "Helping vs. Hurting" lists 2️⃣ Send debt validation letters to collection agencies 3️⃣ Dispute inaccurate collections with all three bureaus 4️⃣ Negotiate pay-for-delete or settlement agreements 5️⃣ Document everything and get it in writing 6️⃣ Follow up to ensure accounts are updated or removed 7️⃣ Track your progress in your Credit Journey folder Remember — every collection you clean up is 50-100+ points back on your score (results vary). You have the power to take control of your credit! Follow the journey on Instagram @FinanciallyFreeWithLT If you have questions or want personal support: 📩 Drop a comment 📱 Send a DM on Instagram 📅 Schedule a free financial coaching session We're building financial freedom together — 100,000 strong by 11/11/2026. Let's tackle those collections! #CreditRepair #CollectionAccounts #CreditScore #DebtFree #FinancialFreedom #CreditTips #PayForDelete #FinancialLiteracy #CreditImprovement #JourneytoBetterCredit

    7 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Take control of your money, master your credit, and build lasting wealth with smart budgeting and personal finance strategies. Welcome to Financially Free with LaToya & Tracy — the ultimate personal finance podcast for young adults and professionals ready to take control of their money, budget smarter, and build lasting financial freedom. Join LaToya and Tracy each week as they share practical money tips, budgeting strategies, and credit-building advice to help you manage your finances with confidence. Learn how to improve your credit score, pay off debt faster, save more money, and achieve long-term financial independence — all without feeling overwhelmed. In this podcast, you'll discover how to: Create and stick to a realistic budget that fits your lifestyle. Raise your credit score and use credit responsibly. Pay off debt quickly and reduce financial stress. Save money effectively — without giving up what you love. Build wealth and achieve true financial independence. Whether you're working on credit repair, getting out of debt, or ready to build wealth and financial confidence, Financially Free with LaToya & Tracy gives you the tools, motivation, and real-world strategies to transform your finances — one episode at a time. Subscribe now to start your journey to smarter budgeting, better credit, and lifelong financial freedom! This podcast is for educational purposes only and reflects the views of financial coaches—not licensed financial advisors. We don't offer investment, tax, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.

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