Earn Your Leisure Founders Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings Talk Teamwork, Wealth-Building, and Their Book You Deserve To Be Rich

It’s hard to talk about financial literacy and empowerment without mentioning Earn Your Leisure (EYL). Founded by longtime friends Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings, EYL has grown from a podcast into a global movement, bringing practical advice and inspiring conversations to anyone looking to build wealth. GlobalGrind Sr. We sat down with the duo to talk about their dynamic partnership, actionable financial tips, and their book, You Deserve To Be Rich, which breaks down the journey to financial independence in a way that’s both relatable and transformative.

The synergy between Rashad and Troy feels like second nature. Their relationship, which dates back to their teenage years, serves as the foundation of their success.

“We have our strong suits,” Rashad explained. “It’s not necessarily a thing where it’s dictated—like this person’s responsibility is this person’s responsibility. It’s just kind of understood. Troy is good at handling money, operations, and organizational stuff, while I’m on the creative side—ideas, marketing, and social media. It’s like chemistry. You just kind of know who’s going to do what.”

Troy echoed the sentiment, emphasizing trust and familiarity: “We’ve known each other for so long. I know his strengths, he knows mine. There’s this trust factor because I’ve seen his work ethic since we were playing basketball at 14 or 15. That dedication and commitment to success translated into business.”

With their growing platform comes a lot of responsibility, something Rashad and Troy are acutely aware of.

“We know it’s a great responsibility, and we never want to disappoint our audience—or ourselves,” Troy said. “It’s about staying humble, remaining even-keeled, and continuing to innovate. We’ve seen ups and downs in life, so we never get too high on the wins or too low on the losses. It’s about the next step: creating new ways to foster a responsible approach to money.”

Debunking Wealth-Building Myths

One of the biggest misconceptions about building wealth? According to Rashad, it’s that you have to be rich to start.

“Most people build wealth the slow way, not the quick way,” he explained. “It’s one brick at a time—investing in the stock market, retirement accounts, buying a home. It’s not like winning the lottery and suddenly being a millionaire. It takes time.”

Troy added that education is key: “Had I learned about the stock market when I was 14, or even earlier — like 10, I don’t even know where I’d be today. It’s why we focus on teaching these lessons now. The earlier people start, the better.”

Actionable Steps to Building Wealth

For those just starting their financial journey, the advice is simple: start with a budget.

“Know where you’re at,” Rashad said. “How much money is coming in, how much is going out? Where are you spending your money? From there, create a budget for going forward—cutting back where needed and setting financial goals.”

Troy broke it down further with percentages: “In the book, we suggest allocating 55% of your income to necessities, 20% to investing, 15% to savings, and 10% to charity. Investing is how people build wealth, but savings are just as important for emergencies. And giving back is part of receiving—it’s something we’ve built our journey on.”

The Power of You Deserve To Be Rich

Rashad and Troy’s book, You Deserve To Be Rich, is more than a guide—it’s a mindset shift.

“The title is intentional,” Rashad said. “You have to believe you’re worthy of wealth. It takes courage to pursue it, and mindset is a huge part of that. The book helps readers rethink everything they’ve been taught about money, abundance, and the American Dream.”

Troy elaborated on the book’s structure: “It’s designed to be actionable. We wanted readers to stop, reflect, and implement changes in real time. The chapters are relatable, featuring different scenarios so readers can see themselves—or someone they know—and take steps to improve their financial situation.”

Looking Ahead: InvestFest and Beyond

Rashad and Troy’s impact extends far beyond their podcast and book. Their annual event, InvestFest, has become a hub for financial education and empowerment, offering everything from pitch competitions to workshops.

“We’re focused on creating even more opportunities for people,” Rashad shared. “Last year, we gave away over $200,000 in various forms. This year, the impact will be even greater.”

Music, Culture, and Inspiration

As lifelong hip-hop fans, Rashad and Troy credit the culture for shaping their journey. “Hip-hop played a huge role in the book,” Troy revealed. “We designed it like an album, with an A side and B side, even down to the font, which pays homage to Nas’ Illmatic. It’s our first offering in the literary world, and we wanted it to reflect who we are.”

Their playlist is just as diverse as their approach to financial literacy, featuring everyone from Nas and Griselda to SZA and Tyler, the Creator.

Building Wealth, One Brick at a Time

Rashad and Troy are proof that financial freedom is attainable for everyone—no matter where you start. With You Deserve To Be Rich, they’ve created a guide that’s as practical as it is inspiring. Whether you’re creating a budget, investing for the first time, or simply rethinking your relationship with money, their insights are a game-changer.

For more on Earn Your Leisure, their book, and InvestFest, visit their platform and start your journey to building wealth today.