The Debt Free Dad Podcast

Latest Episodes:

378. Overcoming Debt Setbacks and Finding Your Path to Financial Freedom Jan 13, 2026

Show notes

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.

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377. The Real Reason Most People Fail at Getting Out of Debt Jan 06, 2026

Show notes

🎯 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

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!

376. Stop Doing These Things to Achieve Financial Success in 2026 Dec 16, 2025

Show notes

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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

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!

375. Build Your 2026 Vision in 2 Minutes Dec 09, 2025

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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

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!

374. The Dark Side of Retail Therapy Dec 02, 2025

Show notes

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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

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!

373. Overcoming Money Fatigue Nov 25, 2025

Show notes

Subscribe to Simplify My Money: https://www.debtfreedad.com/newsletters/simplify-my-money

Feeling burned out from budgeting or paying off debt? You’re not alone — especially during the holidays. In this episode, we break down how to rest, reset, and stay on track without losing momentum.

Support the show

The Totally Awesome Debt Freedom Planner https://www.debtfreedad.com/planner

Connect With Brad

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!

372. Struggling to Save? Start Here. Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

Subscribe to Simplify My Money: https://www.debtfreedad.com/newsletters/simplify-my-money

Saving money is one of the hardest financial habits to build, especially when you’re living paycheck to paycheck. In this episode, we break down why saving feels impossible, how to finally build a system that sticks, and the simple steps that can help you build real financial momentum. If you want less stress and more breathing room, this episode is a game-changer.

Support the show

The Totally Awesome Debt Freedom Planner https://www.debtfreedad.com/planner

Connect With Brad

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!

371. 4 Holiday Money Traps to Avoid This Year Nov 11, 2025

Show notes

Subscribe to Simplify My Money: https://www.debtfreedad.com/newsletters/simplify-my-money

The holidays are supposed to be joyful, but for many families, they bring stress, guilt, and a pile of credit card bills come January. In this episode, Brad breaks down the four biggest traps that lead to overspending and stress during the holidays… and how to avoid them without feeling like a Grinch.

Learn how to set boundaries, cut the pressure, and keep your peace (and your wallet) intact this season.

Support the show

The Totally Awesome Debt Freedom Planner https://www.debtfreedad.com/planner

Connect With Brad

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!

370. Simple Gratitude Hack to Transform Your Spending Habits Nov 04, 2025

Show notes

Subscribe to Simplify My Money: https://www.debtfreedad.com/newsletters/simplify-my-money

In this episode, Brad Nelson, introduces a powerful mindset shift that can help you improve your spending habits and reduce financial stress. Unlike traditional budgeting tricks, this approach focuses on practicing gratitude to change your financial mindset. Brad shares practical tips on how to incorporate gratitude into your daily life to curb overspending and build financial confidence. Tune in to learn actionable strategies and start your journey towards financial freedom today.

Support the show

The Totally Awesome Debt Freedom Planner https://www.debtfreedad.com/planner

Connect With Brad

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!

369. Stop the Year-End Money Spiral: 6 Steps to End Strong Instead of Stressed Oct 28, 2025

Show notes

🎯 Free Workshop: Find Your First $100 (or more) FAST!

Subscribe to Simplify My Money: https://www.debtfreedad.com/newsletters/simplify-my-money

You still have time to make real progress with your money before the year ends. In this episode Amber shares six simple steps to help you finish the year strong even if you’ve fallen off track, overspent, or haven’t looked at your budget in months.

No guilt. No perfection. Just a real plan that works.

Support the show

The Totally Awesome Debt Freedom Planner https://www.debtfreedad.com/planner

Connect With Brad

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!

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