No Strings Podcast with Rell Simon

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Welcome to the No Strings Podcast with me, Laurel "Rell" Simon! On this podcast, I talk about personal finance, life, art, and anything in between. I also invite guests on to share knowledge, and their “No Strings” moments: the milestones in your life where you felt accomplished, free, unburdened, blessed, and reinvigorated. Enjoy! Websites: www.rellsimonart.com https://rellsimon.medium.com Twitter: @filipino_rell IG: @kicksoncanvas_artistry

Rell Simon


    • May 4, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 36m AVG DURATION
    • 64 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from No Strings Podcast with Rell Simon

    Wealth vs. Status.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2025 36:08


    Which camp do you fall in? Which path will you take? Let's break down the meanings between wealth and status to determine how they shape our human nature.

    FRACTURE.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2025 30:51


    A fracture or break in your physical armor forces you to slow down and gain new perspectives. I share what I have been up to lately, and provide insight into what lies ahead…

    Catching a Flight? Or Nah?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2025 40:04


    I read news articles about each major airplane incident that has occurred so far in 2025. From DC, to Pennsylvania, Houston, Toronto, Chicago, and Denver. What is truly happening? Is there now a sudden fear of flying? Cover art: Unsplash (credit: Ryuno)  and Canva.

    [P]LAYOFFS: Round Two

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2025 49:00


    I react to articles and TikTok videos regarding layoffs due to this new administration. These sudden changes have left many unprepared & bewildered. What does the future hold for our economy?

    Reacting to Finance TikToks!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2025 37:58


    I listen and react to eight financial TikTok videos that deal with: “birthday months”, high rents, high apartment vacancies, splurges, credit card debt, debt loops, being broke, and working to escape the madness. (Audio used from the TikTok accounts: wealth.mindset2024, thinjectorsyd, corinthia_1, reventureconsulting.us, wylderwytch, lana.linge, laniilovee2, and kenzidanel)

    RECALIBRATION.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2025 28:23


    Gone are the “resolutions”. The reset and recalibration has arrived. I offer insight into how I am recalibrating financially this year, and provide tips you can take advantage of. Articles to read available on my Medium.com page. Season 5, Episode 01. Cover art designed using OpenArt.ai and Canva.com.

    2024 is in the Books!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2024 35:37


    A recap of all the podcast episodes from this year. Plus, reflections on everything else that occurred in 2024. Ghana, Toronto, Philly, New York. WrestleMania, ComicCon, and more. Onward to setting new goals for 2025! Season 4, Episode 17 Cover art designed using Canva.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nostringswithrell/support

    ADDICTION.

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2024 28:58


    Addictions can wreck your mental, physical, and financial peace. On this episode, I speak on the financial impact of addiction. Why? Because my trap right now is TikTok “Breaks” and Sports Memorabilia.Season 4, Episode 16Cover art designed using Canva.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nostringswithrell/support

    DREAM SEQUENCE.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2024 30:11


    The American Dream has various meanings and interpretations. Given the socioeconomic, racial, and climate challenges we face in this country, it's not easy to achieve. I provide random thoughts & opinions on the topic. Season 4, Episode 15 Image credit: OpenArt.ai and Canva.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nostringswithrell/support

    [P]LAYOFFS.

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2024 43:46


    No one is safe out here. I read and react to different articles regarding the mass layoffs affecting many sectors of the workforce in 2024. What steps should you take before (yes, before) and after a layoff occurs? Let's get into it. Season 4, Episode 14 Image credit: Gavin (Unsplash.com), Christina @ wocintechchat.com (Unsplash.com), Canva.com, and Google Search. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nostringswithrell/support

    NUMB3R5 (Numbers)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2024 35:36


    I deep dive into the many powerful functions numbers have in our lives. How do they affect our daily life, social status, historical context, and financial success? The class is now in session. Season 4, Episode 13 Image generated using Openart.ai; cover art created using Canva. Audio Credit: PixaBay ("Atlanta (Interlude)", by hyppodrome) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nostringswithrell/support

    DEBT LOOP.

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2024 32:48


    Falling for the tricks & traps can leave you running endlessly. I define what a “debt loop” is, give stats/examples, and provide motivation to escape the cycle. Season 4, Episode 13 (Image created using OpenArt.ai) Audio Credit: PixaBay ("Atlanta (Interlude)", by hyppodrome) Note: the CNBC YouTube video referenced changed from being titled Why Monthly Home Payments are Skyrocketing Right Now to Why Homeowners Are Struggling To Afford Monthly Expenses. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nostringswithrell/support

    VEHICLEPIDEMIC

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2024 30:39


    I share social media stories from people who have the most outrageous car payments. The dealerships are doing some crazy work. Also, wheel and rim thefts are on the rise in the DC/MD/VA area. It's chaotic out here, folks. Audio Credit: - @theblaiseyarnold on TikTok - PixaBay ("Atlanta (Interlude)", hyppodrome) Image Credit - Erik McLean, Unsplash.com **Sorry for the fire alarm heard in the distant background (first part of audio) - it came from the apartment building a block over.** --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nostringswithrell/support

    …and You Ain't Even Eat Yet.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2024 24:50


    Isn't life a crazy box of fireworks? Get smacked with all types of mess, and you ain't even eat yet. Let's talk about it. Article-based version of this episode now available on Medium.com (Image created using OpenArt.ai and Canva) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nostringswithrell/support

    No Strings in Toronto on July 6th.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2024 28:13


    Fifty episodes of the podcast completed. What better way to celebrate than during my birthday weekend in Toronto. Eatin', Drinkin', Wrestling, Chillin'. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nostringswithrell/support

    Mission Accepted!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2024 23:08


    My thoughts and reaction from attending The Money Guy show book tour event (Sat. June 8th, 2024, Washington, D.C.). Cover Art created using OpenArt.ai and Canva. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nostringswithrell/support

    Random Tips & Tricks.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2024 32:51


    Here are some ways to save some coin because you're awesome & I believe in you. (Plus: a brief reading from Morgan Housel's The Psychology of Money) Cover art created using Openart.ai and Canva. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nostringswithrell/support

    Leaning on Faith for Financial Wellness

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2024 27:29


    Today, let's pray, create affirmations, and learn from scripture - to increase our financial well-being. Image created using OpenArt.ai --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nostringswithrell/support

    No Strings with Bobby Rountree, aka “Dapper Data”.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2024 87:34


    Bobby Rountree, also known as “Dapper Data”, is a seasoned data scientist specializing in modernizing data science capabilities for various organizations. Through his business, Dapper Data, he assists companies in harnessing and gaining insights from their data. His professional journey has led him to collaborate with notable entities such as the Department of Agriculture, NASA, and the intelligence community. Currently, he is furthering his expertise by pursuing a PhD in Data Science, focusing on cutting-edge data strategies and solutions. Together, we discuss our backgrounds, data, artificial intelligence, finance, assets, and Ghana. You can follow him on IG @mrdapperdata. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nostringswithrell/support

    Never Buy These Eight Things at Full Price.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2024 28:22


    Don't be foolish. Save some coin by investing in alternatives for the eight (8) things I highlight on this episode. (Episode image created using openart.ai) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nostringswithrell/support

    No Strings at WrestleMania 40 (Philadelphia)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2024 28:35


    Eleven (11) years after attending WrestleMania 29, here I am again. I recap my experience at WrestleMania 40 (Night 1) in Philly (04.07.2024). --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nostringswithrell/support

    No Strings in Accra, Ghana.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2024 79:51


    The trip of Ten Lifetimes as my Bishop would say. This episode is an audio diary compiled with clips reflecting on each day. An amazing journey full of faith, fellowship, discovery, culture, history, closure, and inspiration. Many thanks to the Bishop, First Lady, travel agents, Away to Africa team, tour site hosts, vendors, and many others for being so coordinated & hospitable. (Perhaps the pod. should be renamed to No Strings Podcast with KWEKU ABAYIE!) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nostringswithrell/support

    Clean up your Financial Life!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2024 33:35


    Life gets dirty. You always have to clean the kitchen & bathroom, do laundry, tidy the bedroom, cleanse the mind, and so on. The same applies to your financial life. I provide tips and reminders so you can declutter for the better. It's time for the Mr. Clean/Pine-Sol/Clorox/Swiffer/Fabuloso treatment. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nostringswithrell/support

    80/20 (Eighty/Twenty).

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2024 41:52


    The 80/20 Rule asserts that a minority of causes, inputs, or efforts usually lead to a majority of the results, outputs, or rewards. (Source: theangelfirm.com). On this episode I refer to articles that provide background to this rule (as to how it can apply to your finances, relationships, and more). I then ask you (the listener) random questions about 80/20 that may or may not apply to your life. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nostringswithrell/support

    2023 is in the Books!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 27, 2023 31:28


    A recap of the podcast episodes I've published in 2023 - along with a summary of my year in general. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nostringswithrell/support

    There's Nothing Wrong with having a “9-5 Job”

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2023 28:46


    Don't panic - or get yourself in a tizzy. We live in a more bold and ambitious society where normal is old news. Always remember that steady income is reliable income (and reliable income is steady income). I provide thoughts on the positives with having a "9 to 5 Job". --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nostringswithrell/support

    So About that Viral “First Date” List…

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2023 47:36


    Lists are created to be criticized. That's what I do to the first date list that circulated around the internet in Fall 2023. I agree, disagree, and try to make sense of all twenty-eight (28) date ideas/locations on this list. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nostringswithrell/support

    Organized Retail Crime creates a Domino Effect…

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2023 47:01


    Organized retail crime (ORC) has occurred across the country over the past few months. From the northwest to the midwest and east coast, no retailer is safe from it. This new trend of committing crimes in packs is often fueled by social media. I dive into what has occurred in certain cities, plus the ramifications of such actions. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nostringswithrell/support

    No Strings at New York Comic-Con (NYCC) 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2023 28:11


    I took day trip to New York City. My first NYCC exceeded expectations. What a memorable experience that requires multiple days to soak in everything. The art. The memorabilia. The cosplay. The crowds.

    Frugal, Frugal, Frugal.

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2023 39:47


    Being frugal is to become more economical and thrifty regarding your money, food, and resources. I read and reacted to two articles from MoneyTalksNews.com that list the items and habits that frugal people tend to adhere to. 17 Things Frugal People Never Buy begins at the 3:40 mark. 24 Things Frugal People Do begins at the 24:05 mark. (Image Credit: Donna Spearman, Unsplash.com) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nostringswithrell/support

    Budgeting is Hard, Right?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2023 26:47


    It may be tedious, but learning how to budget will help cover your bases worry-free. It also helps to sharpen the skill of foresight. Living as you are in the present while being active in your future is massively beneficial. I provide opinionated advice on how to budget. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nostringswithrell/support

    Don't Forget to Tip.

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2023 38:31


    "Tipping Culture" is hotly debated, but neccessary. How much you decide to offer is ultimately your personal preference. I react to three different articles (adapting to change, business structures, and racism) regarding the matter. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nostringswithrell/support

    T.I.M.E. (Eight Keys for Life)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2023 26:42


    Time (Literally). Trusting the One you have Faith in. Intelligence. Investing. Money. Making a Difference. Everyone You Love. Enjoyment. Eight solid pillars to pay attention to throughout your life. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nostringswithrell/support

    F.U.S.T. (the Bare Necessities)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2023 30:22


    I've learned much during my financial journey, with one tidbit coming from Dave Ramsey. Ensuring your “Four Walls” are covered is crucial before trying to tackle anything else with your finances. Food, utilities, shelter, and transportation are the components covered in this episode. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nostringswithrell/support

    An Apple a Day...

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2023 39:37


    ...may keep the the doctor away, but that's not even my angle here. An Apple a Day keep the COMPETITORS away. I touch on Apple's dominance into the technology market; gauge how loyal you are willing to be for them; wonder if the company has taken over many aspects of our lives yet; and ask about one asset you may not even own yet from them. A brief, "No-Strings" dive into the nearly $3 Trillion dollar company. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nostringswithrell/support

    Financial Regrets and the idea of “Failure”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2023 44:42


    I share three mistakes and regrets I have made financially over the years and reflect on the lessons learned. I then opine on Giannis Antetokounmpo's response to a reporter's question on failure from the 2023 NBA Playoffs. The words "mistake, regret, and failure" allow for a larger commentary on viewing life from a different perspective. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nostringswithrell/support

    No Strings in New Orleans

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2023 71:01


    Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler! Let the Good Times Roll! The CYAM (Connectional Young Adult Ministry) held its retreat this year in New Orleans. The slogan for the event was “W.T.F. 2023” (Word. Truth. Free). I interviewed the president of the CYAM, Ms. Tiffanie Thompson (at the 3:30 mark). She shared her thoughts on the state of the young adult ministry as a whole and the direction it should be headed.  I then give my overall impressions of the retreat (at the 43:00 mark). Enjoy! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nostringswithrell/support

    No Strings in Kentucky (and Indiana?!?)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2023 27:55


    Multi-plane and airport travel. A dope graduation ceremony. Multi-city and state travel. Even a sighting of some AEW Wrestlers. I recap my trip to Kentucky (with a splash of Indiana snuck in between). --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nostringswithrell/support

    No Strings with Credit Cards

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2023 39:51


    I examine the dangers and consequences that comes with credit cards and debt. I also offer an optimistic take in regards to taking advantage of the perks and rewards that come with them. This is truly a Jekyll and Hyde episode. For those in that debt bubble, my monologue begins around the 3:55 mark; for those comfortably out of debt, I dive into more detail begining around 19:40. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nostringswithrell/support

    The Two-Five!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2023 36:30


    Twenty-Five episodes in the books. I reflect on the road this podcast has paved so far, along with anticipation for the future. Later in the episode, I leap into complete randomness and share whatever was on my mind at the moment. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nostringswithrell/support

    No Strings with SNAP & EBT (aka Food Stamps)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2023 30:48


    SNAP benefits are likely to decrease this year starting October 1st, 2023. I react to a New York Times article detailing this harsh reality. I provide personal perspective as someone who remembers the “food coupons” and EBT Card fondly. I also mention different organizations you may have interest in donating towards to help those in need survive. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nostringswithrell/support

    No Strings when you Retire (Part. 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2023 31:54


    It's no myth that millions of Americans are broke when nearing or at their retirement age. On this episode, I react to a CBS Evening News video that details this harsh reality. I then provide tools and guidance (from MoneyGuy.com and my own Medium.com article), on how you can prepare for retirement with no strings attached. *Note: Retirement is a broad topic; as such, expect future versions of the topic in later episodes. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nostringswithrell/support

    No Strings with the Cost of Living Single

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2023 27:34


    On this episode, I read and react to an article (from MVEMNT.com) regarding the burden of living single. I elaborate on multiple scenarios and circumstances (example: “single” could also mean being the only source of income if you have people living with you). I offer guidance to navigate and survive in these tough times. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nostringswithrell/support

    No Strings at the Movie Theater

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2023 28:59


    A typical night out watching that new release can hit your pockets hard. I give my opinion on the wise ways the movie theater business keeps you hooked in. I then offer some alternatives you can implement and still have a good time. Video version available on my YouTube Channel. Article available to read on Medium.com. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    What the Popeyes Chicken Sandwich taught us about Finances

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2023 29:36


    A brief case study regarding the sandwich you either love, like, or hate. This is a window dressing of the bigger commentary at hand involving proper financial and human decision making. The audio & video was recorded using Riverside.fm, with the audio also imported into Anchor.fm. The audio is available on all podcast platforms; the video version is available on YouTube. (Article credits: Eater.com, TheRoot.com, The Dallas Morning News, and Wikipedia). --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    New Year's Evolutions, not Resolutions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2023 23:18


    Let's not commit to the "Resolutions" that we start in January and don't finish. Instead, it's time to "evolve". We will expand our minds, creativity, worldview, loving, and finances. On this episode, I share the five evolutions I plan to keep for 2023 and beyond. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    No Strings: Seven Things to Stop/Limit Buying

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2022 29:16


    Cutting back or modifying how much you consume these seven things can benefit your financial & emotional well-being: The Upgrade, The Subscription/Membership, The Wardrobe, The YOLO Ticket, The Literature, The Bad Investments, and The Impressions. I explain what each category means and provide insight into how you can operate moving forward. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    No Strings: Escape living Paycheck to Paycheck

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2022 30:25


    Sixty-Three percent (63%) of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. With both inflation and housing interest costs skyrocketing, where is the relief? You cant even make a smooth $100K without feeling like you're drowning. I react to a few articles and provide insight into how you can break free. (Article and source credits from Forbes, CNBC, NerdWallet, Statista). --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    No Strings in Minneapolis

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2022 41:18


    I took a solo trip to Minneapolis, MN over the October Holiday weekend. There was football, art, sightseeing, wandering, and becoming in awe of the Mall of America. I provide thoughts on the experience. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    No Strings with Student Loan Forgiveness

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2022 29:46


    United States President Joe Biden will enact a plan to forgive student loans (Federal Loans only; $10K forgiven if under a certain income level; $20K forgiven if your loan was a Pell Grant). Everyone is divided: from those who are thankful, to those who are appalled. On this episode, I react to news articles regarding the plan and offer my honest opinion. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    No Strings, just Cheap Flight Tips & Tricks

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2022 28:58


    If you or someone you know is a frequent flyer/traveler, then this episode is for you! I provide plenty of insight into searching for your next flight (or vacation) on the cheap. [Episode timestamps in parentheses] I cover browsers, apps, websites (2:40), risky moves (10:45), and everyone's favorite (Google Flights, 17:16). Play your cards right and enjoy a getaway while keeping your pockets healthy. There are many more tips that I didn't cover; make sure to share and pay it forward. Enjoy! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

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