Advertise on podcast: The Debt Free Dad Podcast

Get our free Simplify My Money newsletter and start taking control of your finances: https://www.debtfreedad.com/newsletters/simplify-my-money Christmas is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, so why does it leave so many people stressed, overwhelmed, and buried in debt? In this episode, Brad, Chris, and Kati tackle the pressure to create the perfect Christmas, the growing reliance on credit cards and Buy Now, Pay Later, and why we often spend more than we can afford to impress others. They share their own experiences with holiday debt, discuss the expectations surrounding gift-giving, and offer practical ways to enjoy the holidays without sacrificing your financial progress. Because the memories you make should last longer than the payments! Support the show The Totally Awesome Debt Freedom Planner https://www.debtfreedad.com/planner  Connect With Brad  Website- https://www.debtfreedad.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thedebtfreedad Private Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/debtfreedad Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debtfreedad/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@debt_free_dad YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@bradnelson-debtfreedad2751/featured  Thanks For Listening  Like what you hear? Please, subscribe on the platform you listen to most: Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Tune-In, Stitcher, YouTube Music, YouTube  We LOVE feedback, and also helps us grow our podcast! Please leave us an honest review in Apple Podcasts, we read every single one.  Is there someone that you think would benefit from the Debt Free Dad podcast? Please, share this episode with them on your favorite social network!

Get our free Simplify My Money newsletter and start taking control of your finances: https://www.debtfreedad.com/newsletters/simplify-my-money If it's under $10, it's basically free, right? And if something was $100 but you got it for $60, you just saved $40! Welcome to the hilarious world of Girl Math! With Brad away, Amber and Katie are taking over the Debt Free Dad Podcast to have some fun with the ridiculous ways we justify spending money. From shopping sales and credit card rewards to free shipping, impulse purchases, and buy now, pay later, we're talking about the little money stories we tell ourselves and how they can quietly keep us broke. Plus, we're flipping the script and sharing how a little GOOD girl math can help you save thousands, pay off debt, and take back control of your money. Support the show The Totally Awesome Debt Freedom Planner https://www.debtfreedad.com/planner  Connect With Brad  Website- https://www.debtfreedad.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thedebtfreedad Private Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/debtfreedad Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debtfreedad/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@debt_free_dad YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@bradnelson-debtfreedad2751/featured  Thanks For Listening  Like what you hear? Please, subscribe on the platform you listen to most: Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Tune-In, Stitcher, YouTube Music, YouTube  We LOVE feedback, and also helps us grow our podcast! Please leave us an honest review in Apple Podcasts, we read every single one.  Is there someone that you think would benefit from the Debt Free Dad podcast? Please, share this episode with them on your favorite social network!

Get our free Simplify My Money newsletter and start taking control of your finances: https://www.debtfreedad.com/newsletters/simplify-my-money Everything feels more expensive right now, but higher prices aren’t the whole story. In this episode, Brad, Amber, and Katie talk about why we keep spending even when money feels tight. From Buy Now Pay Later and subscriptions to food delivery, car payments, social media pressure, and doom spending, they break down how convenience and lifestyle habits can quietly drain your budget. Plus, how to tell whether you have an income problem, a spending problem, or both, and what you can actually control starting today. Support the show The Totally Awesome Debt Freedom Planner https://www.debtfreedad.com/planner  Connect With Brad  Website- https://www.debtfreedad.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thedebtfreedad Private Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/debtfreedad Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debtfreedad/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@debt_free_dad YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@bradnelson-debtfreedad2751/featured  Thanks For Listening  Like what you hear? Please, subscribe on the platform you listen to most: Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Tune-In, Stitcher, YouTube Music, YouTube  We LOVE feedback, and also helps us grow our podcast! Please leave us an honest review in Apple Podcasts, we read every single one.  Is there someone that you think would benefit from the Debt Free Dad podcast? Please, share this episode with them on your favorite social network!

Get our free Simplify My Money newsletter and start taking control of your finances: https://www.debtfreedad.com/newsletters/simplify-my-money If your financial goals went a little sideways this year, you do NOT have to write off the rest of the year and wait for January to start again. In this episode of the Debt Free Dad Podcast, Brad, Amber, Chris, and Katie are finally back together and talking about what it really looks like to reset when you've fallen off track. Whether your budget got messy, spending crept up over the summer, you've stopped making progress on debt, or you're simply tired of thinking about money, there's still time to turn things around. We talk about why small actions matter more than trying to fix everything at once, how to rebuild financial habits, preparing for upcoming holiday expenses, finding your motivation again, and why accountability can make such a huge difference. You don't need a perfect restart. You just need to start moving again. Support the show The Totally Awesome Debt Freedom Planner https://www.debtfreedad.com/planner  Connect With Brad  Website- https://www.debtfreedad.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thedebtfreedad Private Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/debtfreedad Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debtfreedad/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@debt_free_dad YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@bradnelson-debtfreedad2751/featured  Thanks For Listening  Like what you hear? Please, subscribe on the platform you listen to most: Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Tune-In, Stitcher, YouTube Music, YouTube  We LOVE feedback, and also helps us grow our podcast! Please leave us an honest review in Apple Podcasts, we read every single one.  Is there someone that you think would benefit from the Debt Free Dad podcast? Please, share this episode with them on your favorite social network!

Get our free Simplify My Money newsletter and start taking control of your finances: https://www.debtfreedad.com/newsletters/simplify-my-money Have you ever created a budget with the best intentions... only to abandon it a few weeks later? You're not alone. The truth is, most budgets fail because they're built for a perfect month instead of real life. Unexpected expenses, emotional spending, busy schedules, and life simply getting in the way can make even the best budget fall apart. In this episode, Brad shares the biggest reasons budgets fail and, more importantly, how to build one that actually works. You'll learn why budgeting isn't about perfection, restriction, or giving up everything you enjoy. It's about creating a realistic plan that helps reduce stress and gives every dollar a purpose. If you've been frustrated with budgeting in the past, this episode could completely change the way you look at managing your money.  Support the show The Totally Awesome Debt Freedom Planner https://www.debtfreedad.com/planner  Connect With Brad  Website- https://www.debtfreedad.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thedebtfreedad Private Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/debtfreedad Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debtfreedad/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@debt_free_dad YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@bradnelson-debtfreedad2751/featured  Thanks For Listening  Like what you hear? Please, subscribe on the platform you listen to most: Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Tune-In, Stitcher, YouTube Music, YouTube  We LOVE feedback, and also helps us grow our podcast! Please leave us an honest review in Apple Podcasts, we read every single one.  Is there someone that you think would benefit from the Debt Free Dad podcast? Please, share this episode with them on your favorite social network!

Get our free Simplify My Money newsletter and start taking control of your finances: https://www.debtfreedad.com/newsletters/simplify-my-money Have you ever spent money you didn't actually want to spend... just because saying no felt uncomfortable? Maybe you've covered the dinner bill, bought another fundraiser, loaned money you knew you probably wouldn't get back, or agreed to plans that weren't in your budget. This episode isn't about becoming selfish. It's about learning the difference between generosity and guilt. If people pleasing is quietly costing you your financial goals, this conversation may completely change how you think about money. Support the show The Totally Awesome Debt Freedom Planner https://www.debtfreedad.com/planner  Connect With Brad  Website- https://www.debtfreedad.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thedebtfreedad Private Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/debtfreedad Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debtfreedad/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@debt_free_dad YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@bradnelson-debtfreedad2751/featured  Thanks For Listening  Like what you hear? Please, subscribe on the platform you listen to most: Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Tune-In, Stitcher, YouTube Music, YouTube  We LOVE feedback, and also helps us grow our podcast! Please leave us an honest review in Apple Podcasts, we read every single one.  Is there someone that you think would benefit from the Debt Free Dad podcast? Please, share this episode with them on your favorite social network!

Learn more about Roots here: https://www.debtfreedad.com/rootsmain You're working hard. You're making money. You're trying to do all the right things. So why does it still feel like you're not getting ahead? In this episode, Brad shares why the problem isn't a lack of information, discipline, or effort. Most people already know what they should be doing with their money. The real challenge is creating systems, habits, and accountability that help you stay consistent when life gets busy. If you've ever felt stuck financially despite your best intentions, this episode is for you. Support the show The Totally Awesome Debt Freedom Planner https://www.debtfreedad.com/planner  Connect With Brad  Website- https://www.debtfreedad.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thedebtfreedad Private Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/debtfreedad Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debtfreedad/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@debt_free_dad YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@bradnelson-debtfreedad2751/featured  Thanks For Listening  Like what you hear? Please, subscribe on the platform you listen to most: Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Tune-In, Stitcher, YouTube Music, YouTube  We LOVE feedback, and also helps us grow our podcast! Please leave us an honest review in Apple Podcasts, we read every single one.  Is there someone that you think would benefit from the Debt Free Dad podcast? Please, share this episode with them on your favorite social network!

Get our free Simplify My Money newsletter and start taking control of your finances: https://www.debtfreedad.com/newsletters/simplify-my-money What actually counts as an emergency? In this solo episode, Amber shares how a crushed air conditioner, trailer repairs, a roof leak, a broken washing machine, and an unexpected vet bill all hit within a matter of months. She breaks down the difference between a true emergency and an expense you should be planning for, why emergency funds are about more than money, and how to rebuild your savings after life drains it. If you've ever wondered whether an expense belongs in your emergency fund, this episode is for you. Support the show The Totally Awesome Debt Freedom Planner https://www.debtfreedad.com/planner  Connect With Brad  Website- https://www.debtfreedad.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thedebtfreedad Private Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/debtfreedad Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debtfreedad/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@debt_free_dad YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@bradnelson-debtfreedad2751/featured  Thanks For Listening  Like what you hear? Please, subscribe on the platform you listen to most: Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Tune-In, Stitcher, YouTube Music, YouTube  We LOVE feedback, and also helps us grow our podcast! Please leave us an honest review in Apple Podcasts, we read every single one.  Is there someone that you think would benefit from the Debt Free Dad podcast? Please, share this episode with them on your favorite social network!

👇 Get our free Simplify My Money newsletter and start taking control of your finances: https://www.debtfreedad.com/newsletters/simplify-my-money Summer is supposed to be fun, but it can also become one of the most expensive times of the year if you're not careful. In this solo episode, Amber shares 7 simple ways to enjoy your summer without draining your bank account or ending up with a credit card hangover in September. From becoming a tourist in your own town to creating a summer adventure jar, these practical ideas will help you make lasting memories while staying focused on your financial goals. Because the best summer memories don't have to come with a payment plan. Support the show The Totally Awesome Debt Freedom Planner https://www.debtfreedad.com/planner  Connect With Brad  Website- https://www.debtfreedad.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thedebtfreedad Private Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/debtfreedad Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debtfreedad/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@debt_free_dad YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@bradnelson-debtfreedad2751/featured  Thanks For Listening  Like what you hear? Please, subscribe on the platform you listen to most: Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Tune-In, Stitcher, YouTube Music, YouTube  We LOVE feedback, and also helps us grow our podcast! Please leave us an honest review in Apple Podcasts, we read every single one.  Is there someone that you think would benefit from the Debt Free Dad podcast? Please, share this episode with them on your favorite social network!

Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.debtfreedad.com/newsletters/simplify-my-money If you've ever thought, "I'll be happy when I make more money," this episode is for you. Today, Brad dives into the financial and emotional cost of constantly chasing more. From lifestyle creep and social media comparison to the psychology behind why upgrades stop making us happy, you'll learn why so many people feel broke even when they're earning more than ever before. Discover how modern culture trains us to stay dissatisfied, why contentment isn't the same as giving up, and how learning what "enough" looks like can completely change your financial future. If you're tired of feeling like you're always behind, this conversation might be exactly what you need. Support the show The Totally Awesome Debt Freedom Planner https://www.debtfreedad.com/planner  Connect With Brad  Website- https://www.debtfreedad.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thedebtfreedad Private Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/debtfreedad Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debtfreedad/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@debt_free_dad YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@bradnelson-debtfreedad2751/featured  Thanks For Listening  Like what you hear? Please, subscribe on the platform you listen to most: Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Tune-In, Stitcher, YouTube Music, YouTube  We LOVE feedback, and also helps us grow our podcast! Please leave us an honest review in Apple Podcasts, we read every single one.  Is there someone that you think would benefit from the Debt Free Dad podcast? Please, share this episode with them on your favorite social network!

Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.debtfreedad.com/newsletters/simplify-my-money What happens when you finally get tired of the stress, the payments, and wondering where all your money went? In this episode, Brad sits down with Sonya Kunz, who paid off more than $90,000 in debt after joining Roots in 2022. Since then, she became debt free, built a strong savings account, and even turned a side hustle into her own business. Sonya shares the mindset shifts that changed everything for her, including overcoming emotional spending, using sinking funds, breaking free from paycheck-to-paycheck living, and learning how to think differently about money. She also opens up about marriage, raising kids, financial habits passed down from parents, and how debt freedom created opportunities she never imagined possible. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by debt or wondered if real financial change is possible, this episode will leave you inspired and motivated to keep going. Support the show The Totally Awesome Debt Freedom Planner https://www.debtfreedad.com/planner  Connect With Brad  Website- https://www.debtfreedad.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thedebtfreedad Private Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/debtfreedad Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debtfreedad/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@debt_free_dad YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@bradnelson-debtfreedad2751/featured  Thanks For Listening  Like what you hear? Please, subscribe on the platform you listen to most: Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Tune-In, Stitcher, YouTube Music, YouTube  We LOVE feedback, and also helps us grow our podcast! Please leave us an honest review in Apple Podcasts, we read every single one.  Is there someone that you think would benefit from the Debt Free Dad podcast? Please, share this episode with them on your favorite social network!

After nearly three years of hard work, setbacks, side hustles, and sacrifice, Paige is officially debt free. In this episode, Paige shares how she paid off over $51,553.34 in just 2 years and 8 months on a single income. From budgeting and accountability to overcoming emotional spending and building a successful dog-sitting side hustle, she opens up about what really helped her change her financial life. If you’ve ever wondered whether becoming debt free is actually possible for you, this episode will give you hope, and a real plan to start. Support the show The Totally Awesome Debt Freedom Planner https://www.debtfreedad.com/planner  Connect With Brad  Website- https://www.debtfreedad.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thedebtfreedad Private Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/debtfreedad Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debtfreedad/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@debt_free_dad YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@bradnelson-debtfreedad2751/featured  Thanks For Listening  Like what you hear? Please, subscribe on the platform you listen to most: Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Tune-In, Stitcher, YouTube Music, YouTube  We LOVE feedback, and also helps us grow our podcast! Please leave us an honest review in Apple Podcasts, we read every single one.  Is there someone that you think would benefit from the Debt Free Dad podcast? Please, share this episode with them on your favorite social network!

Katie, shares practical ways to cut costs and free up money for savings and faster debt payoff, drawing on her own journey of paying off over $254,762 on a single income. She describes getting a free haircut as a community college hair model and suggests similar savings through schools and training programs (cosmetology services, dental cleanings, trade-school auto repairs), plus free Home Depot workshops and trades training resources. She encourages using libraries for books and more, local buy/sell/trade and giveaway groups, community pantries, and reviewing workplace benefits for services and discounts. Other tips include using free trials carefully, working or volunteering at venues for concerts/sports, earning travel rewards, and maximizing restaurant rewards and birthday freebies, including apps like Flashfood and resources like food banks and Feeding America. Support the show The Totally Awesome Debt Freedom Planner https://www.debtfreedad.com/planner  Connect With Brad  Website- https://www.debtfreedad.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thedebtfreedad Private Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/debtfreedad Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debtfreedad/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@debt_free_dad YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@bradnelson-debtfreedad2751/featured  Thanks For Listening  Like what you hear? Please, subscribe on the platform you listen to most: Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Tune-In, Stitcher, YouTube Music, YouTube  We LOVE feedback, and also helps us grow our podcast! Please leave us an honest review in Apple Podcasts, we read every single one.  Is there someone that you think would benefit from the Debt Free Dad podcast? Please, share this episode with them on your favorite social network!

Subscribe to Simplify My Money: https://www.debtfreedad.com/newsletters/simplify-my-money  Are you waiting for a lucky break to fix your finances? A lottery win. A big raise. Maybe even an inheritance someday. The truth is, most people who become financially stable didn’t get lucky. They got intentional. In this episode of the Debt Free Dad Podcast, Amber talks about the difference between hoping for financial luck and actually creating it. You'll learn why waiting for a miracle keeps people stuck and how small, consistent habits can completely change your financial future. If you're tired of living paycheck to paycheck and ready to start making real progress with your money, this episode will show you where to start. Support the show The Totally Awesome Debt Freedom Planner https://www.debtfreedad.com/planner  Connect With Brad  Website- https://www.debtfreedad.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thedebtfreedad Private Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/debtfreedad Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debtfreedad/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@debt_free_dad YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@bradnelson-debtfreedad2751/featured  Thanks For Listening  Like what you hear? Please, subscribe on the platform you listen to most: Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Tune-In, Stitcher, YouTube Music, YouTube  We LOVE feedback, and also helps us grow our podcast! Please leave us an honest review in Apple Podcasts, we read every single one.  Is there someone that you think would benefit from the Debt Free Dad podcast? Please, share this episode with them on your favorite social network!

Subscribe to Simplify My Money: https://www.debtfreedad.com/newsletters/simplify-my-money  On the Debt Dad Podcast, Brad Nelson (founder of Debt Free Dad) explains why many people struggle financially even with decent income and hard work, arguing that daily money decisions are often shaped by outside influences: how you were raised, marketing, and social influence.  He discusses research on financial socialization, including that core money habits can form by age seven, and how inherited beliefs about stress, spending, saving, and debt can become default adult behaviors. He outlines how marketing targets emotions and promotes “easy payments,” causing people to stack obligations that consume future income. He also covers social comparison and findings from The Millionaire Next Door showing that affluent environments can increase pressure to spend, while modest surroundings can help build wealth.  Support the show The Totally Awesome Debt Freedom Planner https://www.debtfreedad.com/planner  Connect With Brad  Website- https://www.debtfreedad.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thedebtfreedad Private Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/debtfreedad Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debtfreedad/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@debt_free_dad YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@bradnelson-debtfreedad2751/featured  Thanks For Listening  Like what you hear? Please, subscribe on the platform you listen to most: Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Tune-In, Stitcher, YouTube Music, YouTube  We LOVE feedback, and also helps us grow our podcast! Please leave us an honest review in Apple Podcasts, we read every single one.  Is there someone that you think would benefit from the Debt Free Dad podcast? Please, share this episode with them on your favorite social network!