Debt Sucks Podcast

What happens when you stop hiding behind vague financial language and stop feeling shame about your financial situation? In this episode, Ben tackles seven “money words and phrases” that most people are afraid to say out loud. He unpacks the emotional weight behind each word or phrase—from “I’m broke” to “money makes me anxious.” If you’ve ever avoided talking about money because of shame or fear,...

What questions should you ask before starting a side hustle? Or, if you've already got a side hustle, is it actually helping you reach your goals? In this episode, Ben dives into the pervasive side hustle culture, exploring the genuine benefits and often-overlooked drawbacks of taking on extra work. He provides a framework of five critical questions to ask before starting a side hustle, ensuring t...

What can you do today to start building financial peace in chaos? This episode explores how to stay financially grounded when everything feels chaotic. From building invisible wealth to resisting fear-based decisions, Ben Matthews invites you to take action—even small steps—amidst the noise. This episode is a reminder that while the world may be unpredictable, you can still take control of your fi...

How can you build financial resilience in an era of increasing automation and job insecurity? In this episode, Ben breaks down the real fear behind automation and job insecurity—and how to fight back with strategy. From building your emergency fund to embracing AI as a tool, Ben shares how to stay resilient when the world is changing fast. It’s not about panicking—it’s about planning with purpose...

Is your credit score helping you, or just keeping you stuck in debt? Also, how can you prioritize your actual financial well-being over your credit score? In this episode, Ben Matthews challenges the pervasive obsession with credit scores, asserting that this three-digit number is merely a "debt behavior score" and not a reflection of your financial success. He emphasizes that true financial freed...

Are you measuring your financial progress against someone else's highlight reel? If you are, what steps can you take to protect your financial peace of mind? Ben Matthews returns with a no-nonsense reality check on the toxic game of financial comparison. In this punchy episode, he breaks down why the comparison trap is rigged—and how to escape it. Check out this episode if you want to build invisi...

Why do our financial budgets sometimes fail the moment life presents unexpected challenges? Also, what emotional triggers might be causing our financial habits to go awry? In this episode, Ben Matthews is joined by his daughter and trauma-informed therapist Dorothy Selmon for an honest, funny, and insightful conversation about the emotional side of money. Together, they unpack how stress, shame, a...

If you’ve ever felt like money just doesn’t “click” for you, that’s not a failure. When you were younger, did anyone ever sit you down and say, “Hey, here’s how to manage money”? This episode unpacks why so many people feel like they’re failing with money—and why it’s not their fault. Ben Matthews breaks down how society’s lack of real-world money education fuels shame and poor decisions, and offe...

What financial wisdom from your grandparents still holds up today? Are you ignoring old-school wisdom that could save your financial future? In this episode, Ben Matthews channels his grandmother's no-nonsense financial wisdom, sharing timeless advice that still holds true today. He breaks down eight old sayings, emphasizing the importance of diversification, saving, and living within one's means...

If you’ve got consumer debt, what are your rights when dealing with debt collectors? Also, how can bankruptcy be a fresh start instead of a failure? In this episode, Ben Matthews exposes the tactics debt collectors use and empowers you to defend yourself against them. He talks about your rights and how you should not be intimidated by aggressive collection practices. Ben also provides practical ad...

Is it possible to responsibly use credit cards and avoid falling into debt traps? In this episode, Ben Matthews delves into the deceptive allure of credit cards, revealing how their enticing perks and rewards often mask high interest rates and hidden fees that can lead to significant debt. Your host has probably made every money mistake you're trying to avoid right now. So be sure to listen to thi...

As the world feels like a financial dumpster fire, how can you unf*ck your finances? The fear and uncertainty surrounding personal finances in a challenging economy are real. In this episode, your bankruptcy BFF Ben Matthews introduces the Debt Sucks plan, a practical strategy for managing debt and building resilience. With this plan, you can keep more of your money and build long-term wealth on y...

Why is financial behavior often more critical than financial intelligence? In this episode, Ben Matthews breaks down five powerful money truths that can radically shift how you think about debt, wealth, and financial freedom. Drawing from Morgan Housel’s book, The Psychology of Money , Ben explores why behavior matters more than intelligence, and why flashy wealth is often a mirage. Topics Ben exp...

What are some strategies for couples to align their financial goals? In this episode, Ben Matthews shares a family-friendly framework for managing money without constant stress or arguments. He introduces the “Level-Up Money Plan” and mixes in negotiation wisdom from Chris Voss to make money talks easier. From automatic savings to setting up fun funds, this episode is packed with real-world advice...

How can a simple mindset shift, like treating your budget as if you always have a car payment, lead to financial freedom? In this episode, Ben shares a powerful perspective change inspired by his uncle's approach to car payments, which involves saving as if you have a payment even after the car is paid off, to achieve financial freedom. Ben also answers a listener's question about overspending, pr...

Is the game rigged? If you've ever felt like you're playing financial whack-a-mole, this one's for you. In this episode, Ben Matthews shares a jaw-dropping story about a literal speed trap—and how it's a perfect metaphor for debt. From shady credit card rates to sneaky fees, Ben calls out the real traps keeping people stuck, and how to dodge them like a pro. Topics Ben unpacks in this episode: (0:...

Is there really such a thing as “good debt,” or is it all bad? Debt is often marketed as normal, necessary, and even beneficial—but is that really true? In this episode, Ben Matthews exposes common money myths and the hidden debt traps that keep people stuck in financial struggles. Check out this episode if you want practical strategies to break free from debt and take control of your money. Topic...

In this episode of Debt Sucks , Ben Matthews dives into the WHY behind your debt-free journey. A strong WHY keeps you focused when temptation strikes—whether it’s wanting a dream vacation, saying yes to your kid’s soccer camp, or stopping money fights with your partner. Ben shares tips on defining your debt-free dream , staying motivated, and avoiding common pitfalls like comparison traps and unre...

What’s up, debt crushers? Welcome back to The Debt Sucks Podcast , where we talk about ditching debt, surviving adulting, and calling out the financial BS that keeps you stuck. I’m Ben Matthews, your friendly neighborhood bankruptcy attorney who’s seen it all—good, bad, and straight-up chaotic. This week, we’re tackling a messy approach that way too many people use: Debt Whack-a-Mole. You know the...

Budgets: the dreaded word that makes you feel guilty before you even start. If you’ve ever tried (and failed) to stick to a traditional budget, you’re not alone. They’re rigid, unrealistic, and about as fun as eating plain rice cakes. In this episode of Debt Sucks, Ben Matthews, your favorite no-BS bankruptcy attorney, breaks down why traditional budgets don’t work and introduces a game-changer: T...

In this episode of the Debt Sucks Podcast , Ben Matthews dives into one of the fastest ways to free up cash and crush debt—cutting expenses. While not the most glamorous approach, it’s an incredibly effective way to build your financial hammer. Ben shares his personal journey of cutting back on fast food, proving that small changes can lead to big savings and better habits. From slashing unnecessa...

Need extra cash to smash your debt faster? Side hustles might be your secret weapon. In this episode, Ben Matthews breaks down how to build your financial "hammer" by finding the right side hustle that fits your time, energy, and lifestyle. He shares key factors to consider, from profitability to long-term benefits, and offers practical tips for success—like setting goals, tracking expenses, and s...

You don’t need a sledgehammer to smash your debt—just a solid game plan and some consistency. The Piledriver Method is all about starting small, building momentum, and turning those little victories into big wins. Sell some stuff, cut back on coffee, and throw that extra cash at your first debt. Once it’s gone, roll that freed-up payment into the next one—boom, your hammer gets bigger, and the deb...

Chipping away at debt with your regular budget is like using a spoon on a boulder—but with a hammer, you can take big swings and see real progress. In this episode, we’re talking about your financial power tool: the extra money you find, earn, or save to crush debt and build your “Sh*t Happens” fund. Whether it’s selling unused stuff, picking up a side hustle, or slashing subscriptions, we’ll show...

Life loves to throw curveballs—flat tires, medical bills, surprise expenses that hit when you least expect them. That’s where the Sh*t Happens Fund comes in. In this episode, we break down why having an emergency stash is a game-changer. No complicated finance talk, just real, practical steps to keep you from spiraling when life (inevitably) happens. Because being broke and blindsided? Yeah, that...