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 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 spend...

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 plan...

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. T...

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 betw...

 👇 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 cre...

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...

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 sid...

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 financia...

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 w...

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...

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 fina...

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 dis...

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 shar...

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 fi...

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 ove...

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 flex...

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 chall...

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...

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 suppo...

🎯 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 motivatio...

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...

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 rely...

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 trigg...

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 Br...

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...