Finances Made Simple | Dr. Nikeya Young x Joy DeShazer | VLS Podcast Ep 89

ll, I just had one of the most refreshing conversations about money with Joy DeShazer (aka Financially Fit Bae on YouTube), and I HAD to share the gems with you!

When I tell you this woman is a breath of fresh air in the financial advice space, I mean it. Unlike some experts who talk about investing millions when we're just trying to make it to the next paycheck, Joy keeps it REAL. She's a sign language interpreter by day who's working through Dave Ramsey's baby steps herself - currently on step 2, paying off her car loan.

The Budget Struggle Is Real

Let's be honest - these prices out here are WILD. Every time I go to the grocery store, I'm like, "Are y'all serious right now?!" Joy totally gets it. As a low-income earner herself, she shared how she stays motivated even when the budget gets stretched:

"For me, budgeting meant freedom. I didn't care if I couldn't buy the latest thing or have the latest clothes. It was about freedom and not being beholden to other people because I don't have enough money between paychecks."

Can I get an AMEN?

Those Childhood Money Habits

We got into some vulnerable territory discussing the money habits we grew up with. I shared my rule about never spending change (save it in those Folgers cans, y'all!), while Joy talked about her mom's strict grocery lists and multiple store visits for price comparisons.

One story was wild - I used to hide change all over the house because my husband would spend it on coffee and snacks. Then when we had a financial emergency, I pulled out $175 in saved change! His face was PRICELESS. That's when he finally understood why I was always saying, "Don't spend change unless you have to!"

The Baby Steps Journey

When I asked Joy which of Dave Ramsey's baby steps was hardest for her, her answer was so relatable:

"Each baby step is gonna come with its own series of facing you with who you are."

For her, baby step one (saving $1,000 for an emergency fund) was challenging because she had to reframe what an actual emergency is. And baby step two (paying off debt) got boring once the initial momentum wore off.

I love how honest she is about having to restart steps sometimes. That's REAL LIFE!

Money Mindsets to Overcome

One of the most powerful parts of our conversation was about harmful money mindsets, especially for people of color. Joy pointed out:

"Why is it that I as a black woman feel like I can't have the same money that they have? Money is down here. People are coming from other countries because they see the possibility. And it's like we're blinded to it because we were born here."

We also discussed the misconception that God doesn't want Christians to be wealthy. As Joy said, "Why would we want to serve a poor god? Why are we asking him for stuff if we don't think we should have it?"

For the Singles Out There

Joy shared some incredible wisdom about managing finances as a single person. Instead of waiting to be married to start building wealth, she's taking control of her future:

"What if I don't get married? Do I have the funds to be able to take care of myself? Instead of waiting to do life with somebody, I have to be able to set my life up."

Final Thoughts

If there's one thing I want you to take from this conversation, it's this: Your financial journey is YOUR journey. Make the principles work for you. As Joy said about Dave Ramsey's advice, "It will work if you work it. Like any diet, if you do it, you'll see the results, period."

I'm so grateful Joy came on the show to share her wisdom. Be sure to check out her YouTube channel - Financially Fit Bae - for more of her practical, down-to-earth financial advice!

What financial habits from your childhood are you still holding onto? Drop a comment below!