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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.

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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.

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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.

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

Connect With Brad

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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!

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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!

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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

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!