Lacey Langford, AFC®

Military money & entrepreneurship. Founder @ItsMILMO & @MilMoneyCon. Veteran. Financial Coach.

[Lacey Langford, AFC® @FinanceLacey]

If you’re attending, come say hi. I’d love to meet members of the @ItsMILMO community in person. I’ll also have some MILMO Show swag to share!

⭐️ Veterans can register for free with code VET25
⭐️ Currently serving and DoW/VA civilians attend free

https://t.co/I2yOknsrpL
@MilitaryOfficer

[MILMO @ItsMILMO]

Excited to share I’m speaking next week at Total Force+! Join me for my fireside chat, “Money Habits That Drain Your Potential.” I'll be talking about how poor money habits can hold you back from making, saving, & investing wisely & how to turn it around. https://t.co/vdaBmPFnCz

[Lacey Langford, AFC® @FinanceLacey]

Join us for MilMoneyCon26.

[MilMoneyCon @MilMoneyCon]

It’s official 🎉Tickets for #MilMoneyCon26 are now on sale! Join us in Savannah, GA, May 6–8, 2026 for our 5th #MilMoneyCon. It’s going to be unforgettable!

Get your ticket today👇 and we'll see you in the Peach State!
https://t.co/LB4epoq7Lr

[Lacey Langford, AFC® @FinanceLacey]

This week on my podcast, I have a very special guest. Many in my community know @SteveStewartMe as the editor of the MILMO Show, but what some don't know is Steve's story of getting debt-free and the amazing opportunities he's been able to pursue because of the solid financial foundation he and his wife built! It's inspiring.

We also talk about the podcast editing world and the future of podcasting. 🔑

[MILMO @ItsMILMO]

We often hear about how debt or the lack of a financial cushion can trap us in a cycle of stress, forcing tough decisions that might dig us deeper into trouble. Often, it’s not because we want to but because our finances leave us no choice. What we don’t talk about enough is the flip side: how being debt-free and having savings can open doors to incredible opportunities in life.

In this special episode, I sit down with @SteveStewartMe, the talented editor behind this podcast, to dive into his inspiring journey of becoming debt-free and the amazing paths it’s allowed him to pursue. From paying off his mortgage to building a thriving career in podcast editing, Steve shares his story and offers insights on how you can do the same.

We also discuss:
💡Sustaining a debt-free life
💡Opportunities from financial freedom
💡The podcast industry's playing field
💡Audio vs. video podcasting

My friend, Steve Stewart, is the Podcast Editor for some of the biggest indie personal finance podcasts, like the Stacking Benjamins Show and Afford Anything. I’m honored that the #MILMOShow is included among his amazing list of clients.

He also created the Podcast Editors Club, now with over 9,000 members, and co-founded the Podcast Editor Academy – which helps individuals build their own podcast services business. If you’re looking for help with your podcast, Steve is there to support you!
https://t.co/gPpVhqm2uo

#MILMO #militarymoney

[MILMO @ItsMILMO]

Saving is just the beginning. If you’ve built good financial habits, what’s next? For many, it’s homeownership. Jerry Quinn, the Chief Operating Officer of the AAFMAA, shares how the VA home loan helped him step into owning a home sooner than expected.

[Lacey Langford, AFC® @FinanceLacey]

@Raymono87 Love that. It’s the little stuff that has a big impact.

[Lacey Langford, AFC® @FinanceLacey]

Even though we all talk about the importance of compounding interest, most of us don’t realize money is not the only thing that compounds. There's negative and positive compounding.

Anger and hurt compound, but so do joy, networking, practice, and goodwill. You either let compounding weigh you down or use it to lift yourself up. It’s your choice! The little things you do every day are the most powerful because each day, they build on each other until you have something bigger and better than you ever imagined. 🚀

[MILMO @ItsMILMO]

Life doesn’t always go according to plan, and that’s true in both our finances and day-to-day experiences. While we can’t predict every bump in the road, we can build in safeguards to protect ourselves when things go wrong. https://t.co/K8LFurDyUx

[Lacey Langford, AFC® @FinanceLacey]

Goals without a plan are just wishes. Break big goals into small, actionable steps. Want to save $1K or $10K? Ask: What's my monthly target? What can I cut? How can I earn more?

Take one step today—make a plan, open a savings account, or start a side hustle.

[Lacey Langford, AFC® @FinanceLacey]

How bad does it get before you do something about it?

Your finances—does it take being broke now or when you're 80?
Your health—will it take getting diagnosed with diabetes?
Your relationship—does it take a divorce or two?
Your job—will having a nervous breakdown do it?
Your family? Your spiritual health? Your friendships?

What will it take before you take action and change your trajectory?

[Lacey Langford, AFC® @FinanceLacey]

What does success mean to YOU? Not what others expect, but what you truly want.

[Lacey Langford, AFC® @FinanceLacey]

I'll be speaking at #MilitaryCreatorCon next week on building community, creativity & monetization of your podcast. Join me and fellow military podcasters in Orlando.
https://t.co/pA0sEEBoA8

[MilMoneyCon @MilMoneyCon]

It’s a new year, and that means #MilMoneyCon25 will be here before we know it! Great things are coming…

I’m happy to report that there are now military spouse scholarship opportunities for #MilMoneyCon25! 🎓 Apply here: https://t.co/6rb8AKVGGG

[Lacey Langford, AFC® @FinanceLacey]

Achieving your goals isn’t easy, especially on the tough days when motivation is low. That’s why the people you surround yourself with matter. Choose those who lift you up, inspire you, and remind you to keep going when you feel like giving up.

[MILMO @ItsMILMO]

Saving is not a sacrifice. It’s self-care for your future self—your 80-year-old self.

[Lacey Langford, AFC® @FinanceLacey]

@Raymono87 Love that. I’m big about writing goals down but am going to start the daily practice of doing it. What a great idea.

I do use some goals as passwords so I have to type them in.

[Lacey Langford, AFC® @FinanceLacey]

Consistency beats motivation every time. Motivation fades, but showing up daily builds habits that lead to success. Even when it’s hard, even when others judge your goals, keep going.

[Lacey Langford, AFC® @FinanceLacey]

Failure isn’t the opposite of success. It’s part of the journey. Every successful person you admire has failed more times than you can imagine. The difference is they didn’t let failure define them. They used it as fuel to learn, grow, & move forward. Reframe failure as feedback.

[Lacey Langford, AFC® @FinanceLacey]

There are truly amazing people in this world.

Through my own challenges, I’ve been reminded of the kindness out there—people who help despite their own struggles, who listen, support, or even buy you a beer 🍻 for a little pity party.

Negativity often gets the spotlight, but don’t forget—there’s goodness all around us.

[Lacey Langford, AFC® @FinanceLacey]

Sometimes, I get tempted to watch what other people are doing, but I have found it's better to stay in my own lane. That’s where the magic happens!

Life and business can feel overwhelming with so much to do and so many people to please. But the best way to get where you want to go is by staying focused on your own journey, moving at your own pace.

Watching others’ lanes only distracts you, and stepping into their lane might not take you anywhere. Your lane is where your dreams live—don’t let anyone tempt you to steer off course.

[Lacey Langford, AFC® @FinanceLacey]

Be happy here!

There will always be challenges in life that have the potential to bring anger or sadness, but it’s important not to let people or situations rob you of joy. It’s easy to let negativity happening at work or home seep into all the areas of your life, but don’t let it.

Instead, let one small piece of joy be the thing that seeps into all areas of your life, especially the negative areas. Be happy here in the moment. I’ve learned to be happy right where I’m at, even if it’s the DMV. 😉