Advertise on podcast: The Debt Free Dad Podcast

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! 

Subscribe to Simplify My Money: https://www.debtfreedad.com/newsletters/simplify-my-money  If you’ve ever looked at your paycheck and wondered where it all went… this episode is for you. Today we’re talking about the real cost of living with payments. Not just the interest. Not just the monthly bill. But the stress, the lost freedom, the reduced flexibility, and the opportunities that quietly disappear when your income is already committed. Payments feel normal. Car payments. Credit cards. Buy now, pay later. Personal loans. Phone upgrades. But normal doesn’t mean healthy. In this episode, we break down how payments shrink big financial decisions into small “only” numbers… and why that mindset is keeping so many people stuck living paycheck to paycheck. If you’re ready to think differently about debt and start building real financial margin, this conversation will challenge you in the best way. 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  Get your Free Tracking Sheets: https://www.debtfreedad.com/tracker-worksheets  Most financial “emergencies” aren’t emergencies at all. They’re predictable expenses we didn’t plan for. In this episode, Amber breaks down what sinking funds are, how they work, and how to set them up step by step. She also shares how she’s teaching her 9-year-old granddaughter about saving for Disney Paris and why involving your kids can completely change your family’s money mindset. If you’re tired of reacting to expenses and want to feel confident and prepared instead, 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! 

Subscribe to Simplify My Money: https://www.debtfreedad.com/newsletters/simplify-my-money  If budgeting, saving, or paying off debt makes you feel awkward, overwhelmed, or just plain bad with money… this episode is for you. In this episode, Brad shares a powerful story about teaching his son to drive, and why that experience perfectly explains what it feels like to start taking control of your finances. Growth doesn’t feel good at first. It feels uncomfortable. It feels uncertain. It feels like you’re messing up. But that doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re learning. If you’ve ever blown your budget, overspent, hesitated to look at your debt, or felt anxious about money conversations, you’re not broken. You’re just new. It’s time to move Fear Forward. 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  If you’ve ever made a budget and felt great about it, only to watch it fall apart, this episode is for you. Budgets don’t fail because you don’t care. They fail because of sneaky habits that quietly drain your money month after month. In this episode, Brad breaks down the top 10 budget busters he’s seen over the last decade — and how to fix them without making your life miserable. 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  In this episode of the Debt-Free Dad podcast, host Amber shares why overly strict budgets often fail and how incorporating planned fun into your budget can lead to better financial outcomes. Learn practical steps to include joy in your financial plan without derailing your debt-free goals. Discover how flexible, enjoyable budgeting can help you build consistency, avoid burnout, and achieve long-term financial freedom. Join us to find out how getting out of debt doesn't have to mean sacrificing all the things you love. 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  In today's episode, Brad Nelson, the founder of Debt Free Dad, discusses how to cultivate real financial discipline without the feelings of restriction or deprivation often associated with it. He highlights the misconceptions around discipline and willpower, emphasizing the importance of removing challenges and creating systems that make good financial choices easier. Brad offers practical advice for creating clear spending plans, allowing for enjoyment in your budget, automating finances, and focusing on consistency rather than perfection. Additionally, he discusses the emotional side of spending and provides strategies for managing it. If you're looking to break free from paycheck to paycheck living and want to build a strong financial foundation, this episode is packed with valuable insights and resources.    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  In this episode of the Debt Free Dad podcast, Brad Nelson discusses the importance of having a small emergency fund and how it can significantly change the way you handle money, reduce stress, and help you feel more prepared. Brad explains why an emergency fund is a crucial step towards financial stability and debt-free living. He also shares tips on how to start building an emergency fund, even if you're living paycheck to paycheck. Tune in to learn how creating a small buffer can provide peace of mind and lead to better money management.  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 Join the Waitlist In this episode of the Debt-Free Dad podcast, Kati shares her personal journey through financial setbacks and how she has managed to stay on track toward debt freedom despite numerous challenges. Hit hard by unexpected financial burdens in 2025, including job loss and medical expenses, Kati emphasizes the importance of resilience and community support. She outlines practical tips for managing spending, saving, and rebuilding after financial setbacks. Tune in for inspirational advice and learn how to take control of your finances and live a stress-free life. Subscribe for more empowering stories and strategies from Brad Nelson and the Debt Free Dad team. 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! 

🎯 Ready for real momentum in 2026? Learn more about Roots of Personal Finance and join the waitlist at 👉 rootsofpersonalfinance.com Getting out of debt isn’t about knowing what to do. Budgets are free. Advice is everywhere. And yet millions of people start strong and then quietly fall off. In this episode, Brad breaks down the real reason most people struggle to get out of debt and why motivation, willpower, and even discipline aren’t enough on their own. As we kick off 2026, this conversation might completely change how you approach your money journey. If you’re tired of starting over, this episode is for you. 👇 In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why knowledge isn’t the problem • Why motivation fades (and always will) • The most overlooked factor in debt freedom • How support and accountability change everything • What actually helps people follow through long term 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 Join the Waitlist In this episode, Brad Nelson, founder of Debt Free Dad, flips the script on financial advice for the new year by focusing on what to stop doing in 2026. Highlighting key points such as avoiding the perfect start, not treating January as a reset button, and ceasing financial comparisons, Brad emphasizes how reducing certain behaviors can lead to more financial clarity and less stress. He also discusses the importance of acknowledging small wins and setting simple, clear priorities. Brad shares success stories from the Roots support and accountability program, encouraging listeners to join the wait list for more structured help in achieving long-term financial freedom.  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 As we wrap up 2025, Brad Nelson, founder of Debt Free Dad, introduces a transformative idea to revolutionize your financial life in 2026. Learn why traditional methods like budgeting harder aren't the solution and discover the power of shifting your focus. Brad shares his expert tips on creating a clear, meaningful vision that pulls you forward, rather than relying on willpower. Find out why clarity, emotion, and identity are key to lasting financial change and get actionable steps to start the new year with purpose. Tune in for valuable insights and free resources to help you break free from debt, reduce stress, and build lasting financial habits. 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 In this episode of the Debt Free Dad Podcast, host Amber explores the psychology behind emotional spending and how financial stress leads to impulsive buying habits. Drawing from real studies and personal experiences, she explains why people turn to shopping for temporary relief and offers actionable tips to break the cycle. Discover how understanding emotional triggers, delaying purchases, finding alternative feel-good activities, and implementing a simple money system can help you gain control over your finances.  Sources  Black, D. W. (2007). Compulsive buying disorder. CNS Drugs. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1805733/  Emotional difficulties & compulsive buying study (2024). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11737423/  Coping styles & compulsive buying tendencies (2021). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9669662/  Consumer indebtedness & psychological factors (2015). https://arxiv.org/abs/1502.05911  Recommendation agents & impulsive purchasing (2016). https://arxiv.org/abs/1606.01349  Psychology Today – Emotional Spending (2023). https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/mental-wealth/202305/the-psychology-of-emotional-spending  Why shopaholics overspend — San Francisco State University study summary (2013). https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/499300  Homewood Health Centre — Money & Mood article. https://homewoodhealthcentre.com/articles/money-and-mood/  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!