Debt gets a bad reputation - but what if the issue isn’t debt itself, but how we use it?

In this episode, we challenge the idea that all debt is dangerous. We unpack the difference between consumer debt that drains wealth and strategic debt that accelerates it. From high-interest credit cards and lifestyle inflation to house hacking, investment properties, and business acquisitions, we explore how leverage can either trap us or propel us forward.

We also discuss how credit scores really work, why wealthy people don’t avoid debt (they avoid dumb debt), and how to position ourselves to access better financing terms. For communities that have historically inherited debt habits instead of wealth strategies, this mindset shift is critical.

Debt is neutral. It’s the strategy behind it that determines the outcome. The question isn’t whether to use debt - it’s how.

We Talk About:

[00:00] Intro

[01:17] Why Most People Experience Debt as an Anchor

[02:38] Lifestyle Debt vs. Wealth-Building Debt

[05:49] When Debt Becomes Survival Instead of Strategy

[09:23] The Hidden Cost of High-Interest Debt

[11:23] Why Access to Credit Matters More Than Using It

[14:02] The Formula for Good Debt: Cash Flow Over Cost

[17:25] Why House Hacking Can Accelerate Wealth

[28:36] How Optionality Gives You Leverage With Lenders

[36:24] Debt Is Neutral — Strategy Determines the Outcome

Resources:

• Learn more at The Color of Money
• Learn more from Dave Ramsey: https://www.ramseysolutions.com
• Listen to previous episodes of The Color of Money featuring Mark King
• Listen to previous episode of The Color of Money featuring Will Roundtree

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Connect with Our Hosts

Emerick Peace:

• Instagram: @theemerickpeace
• Facebook: facebook.com/emerickpeace

Daniel Dixon:

• Instagram: @dixonsoldit
• Facebook: facebook.com/realdanieldixon
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dixonsoldit
• YouTube: @dixongroupcompanies

Julia Lashay:

• Instagram: @iamjulialashay
• Facebook: facebook.com/growwithjulia
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/julialashay/
• YouTube: @JuliaLashay

Bo Menkiti

• Instagram: @bomenkiti
• Facebook: facebook.com/obiora.menkiti
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bomenkiti/

Produced by NOVA

This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.