The Debt Free Dad Podcast

Latest Episodes:

368. How Kati Paid Off $236K Debt and Saved $89K on a Single Income Oct 21, 2025

Show notes

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

In this episode of the Debt-Free Dad Podcast, host Kati shares her personal journey of balancing debt payoff and savings. With over $236,446 in debts paid off, Kati discusses the challenges and strategies she used to also save and invest $89,500 into her emergency funds, retirement plans, and health savings account. She highlights the importance of an emergency fund, prioritizing debt repayment, automating savings, and making wise financial decisions with windfalls. Additionally, Kati reflects on her parents' retirement experience and shares actionable steps to manage finances effectively. Join Kati as she offers valuable insights to help you take control of your finances and achieve debt freedom.

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

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Thanks For Listening

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367. Why Most Budgets Fail and How to Create One That Sticks Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

Free Budgeting Workshop: https://www.debtfreedad.com/budgeting-workshop-evergreen-optin
Subscribe to Simplify My Money: https://www.debtfreedad.com/newsletters/simplify-my-money

In this episode of the Debt-Free Dad podcast, hosts Brad Nelson, Amber Taylor, Chris Hawkins, and Katie Hatfield discuss the common reasons why most budgets fail. They emphasize the simplicity needed to create a sustainable budget and share personal stories of overcoming financial challenges and achieving debt freedom. The episode includes actionable advice on how to get started with budgeting, the importance of setting financial priorities, and focusing on behaviors, habits, and choices rather than restrictive plans. Additionally, listeners are encouraged to utilize free resources such as the 'Totally Awesome Budgeting Workshop' to make their budgeting journey more effective and manageable.

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!

366. Debt Free Dad Returns: Why Rest is Key to Financial Success and Avoiding Burnout Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

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

In this episode of the Debt Free Dad podcast, Brad Nelson, the founder of Debt Free Dad, talks about the importance of taking a break to recharge without losing financial progress. He shares his personal experience of taking a break after nearly five years of continuous podcasting and content creation. Brad emphasizes the significance of rest in avoiding burnout and provides actionable tips on how to take a break while maintaining basic financial habits. He encourages listeners to focus on simple steps like sticking to a budget, paying minimum debt payments, and setting a time limit for breaks to avoid setbacks. Brad also highlights the remaining three months of the year as a crucial period for financial progress and offers insights on how to make the most of this time. Additionally, he introduces resources like the Roots Personal Finance membership and the 'Simplify My Money' newsletter to help listeners stay on track with their financial goals.

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!

365. Unlock Financial Wisdom with the Game of Monopoly Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

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

In this episode of the Debt-Free Dad Podcast, host Chris Hawkins discusses how the game of Monopoly can teach valuable financial lessons. Using Robert Kiyosaki's concept of reframing assets, Chris highlights the importance of accumulating income-generating assets and managing finances effectively. By following the original rules of Monopoly, players can learn essentials of saving, investing, and the impact of debt. Tune in to discover how this classic game can help you and your family achieve 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!

364. Simple Ways to Start Saving Money Today Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

Find Hidden Money https://www.debtfreedad.com/find-your-first-$100-workshop

In this episode, we explore 10 easy and actionable tips to save money without drastically altering your life. Brad Nelson and co-hosts Amber Taylor, Katie Hatfield, and Ryan Nelson share their personal success stories of becoming debt-free, including paying off substantial amounts of debt while living on planned budgets. The discussion includes practical advice such as using cash for purchases, auditing subscriptions, switching to generic brands, planning meals, and avoiding automatic shopping apps. We also delve into money-saving strategies like finding forgotten gift cards, negotiating bills, cutting out weekly habits, and automating savings. These simple yet effective tips can help you free up cash, reduce financial stress, build your savings, and make significant progress in your financial journey.

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!

363. Top 5 Simple Steps to Avoiding Holiday Debt This Year Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

Find Hidden Money https://www.debtfreedad.com/find-your-first-$100-workshop

In this episode, Brad Nelson, founder of Debt Free Dad, shares alarming statistics from the 2024 holiday shopping season, revealing the debt crisis many Americans face each year. He offers five actionable steps to prevent holiday debt: setting a holiday budget, starting a holiday sinking fund, reviewing your gift list, tracking every dollar spent, and avoiding last-minute panic buys. Brad emphasizes planning now to reduce stress later and provides insights on managing holiday expenses without going into debt. He also introduces a free workshop to help listeners find hidden money in their budget.

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!

362. Budget Smarts or Splurge: Financial 'Would You Rather' That Hits Home Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

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

In this fun and thought-provoking episode of the Debt Free Dad Podcast, Brad Nelson and his team engage in a series of money-themed 'Would You Rather' questions. The hosts, who have significant personal experience with debt repayment and savings, share their insights on various financial dilemmas. Topics include whether they'd prefer a free vacation or $5,000 in savings, never eating out again vs. never buying clothes again, and choosing between free coffee for life or a $25,000 cash windfall. Tune in to hear their candid answers, gain some financial wisdom, and enjoy a few laughs along the way. This episode is designed to make you reflect on your own financial habits and decisions.

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!

361. Travel Smart: Mastering Budget Friendly Vacations Jul 17, 2025

Show notes

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

Join Katie, your host for the Debt-Free Dad podcast, as she shares her expertise and personal journey to debt freedom. Learn how she managed to pay off over $226,725 in debt while still enjoying memorable vacations. In this episode, Katie reveals creative tips to travel on a budget, including setting up a travel fund, leveraging brand loyalty rewards, creating daily spending caps, pre-booking deals, and more. Whether you're planning a family vacation or a quick getaway, these practical hacks will help you save money and make the most of your trips. Tune in to gain valuable insights and start planning your next budget-friendly adventure!

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!

360. Turn Your Finances Into a Game (And Actually Have Fun) Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

Our Free Life Without Payments Workshop is on July 15th. You can sign up here: https://www.debtfreedad.com/pl/2148605132

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

In this episode of the Debt-Free Dad podcast, host Brad Nelson discusses the power of gamifying your financial journey. Joined by co-hosts Amber Taylor, Katie Hatfield, and Chris Hawkins, they share their personal financial success stories and dive into tactics to make saving money, paying off debt, and staying on track feel motivating and enjoyable. The episode highlights how small wins and progress tracking can transform the often tedious process of managing finances into an engaging and fulfilling experience. Listen in for practical tips, relatable anecdotes, and creative ideas to challenge yourself and make strides toward 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!

359. What Does Your Bank Statement Reveal About You? Jul 10, 2025

Show notes

Our Free Life Without Payments Workshop is on July 15th. You can sign up here: https://www.debtfreedad.com/pl/2148605132

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

In this episode of the Debt-Free Dad podcast, host Amber discusses the importance of aligning your spending with your values. Amber shares a simple reflection exercise to help you analyze your bank statements, categorize your spending, and identify discrepancies between your financial habits and your true priorities. By taking small, actionable steps, you can start to redirect your money towards what genuinely matters to you, potentially giving yourself a 'pay raise' in the process. Tune in to learn how to bring your spending in sync with your values and take control of your financial future.

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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