Today’s episode features another couple’s debt-freedom journey…with a twist. Like all of the other couples we’ve interviewed, Brad and Tara worked together to conquer a mountain of debt. The difference between Brad and Tara’s story is their path toward debt freedom.
This couple’s debt-free journey included two full-time jobs, a profitable side business, two kids, a death in the family, and a move to a new home.
That roller coaster of a ride helped Brad and Tara change their view of the “American Dream.” This couple realized that “living the American dream” doesn’t mean working long hours to buy expensive things or take expensive vacations to show off to other people on Instagram.
Another big insight that Brad and Tara shared with the His & Her Money Show was about life after the debt-free journey. Many of us assume that life as a debt-free couple means a life of care-free vacations, expensive clothes, and fancy dinners but that’s not always the reality.
As Brad and Tara learned, being debt-free doesn’t have to involve any big changes on the outside. You don’t have to live an expensive life after going debt-free. In fact, you might want to.
As Brad and Tara will tell you, reaching debt freedom is all about big changes in your state of mind. It’s about living free of the shame and crushing burden of debt.
If you’re ready to hear how this couple conquered over $180,000 in debt in a little over two years while running a business and two full-time jobs..and came out on the other side more appreciative of the “ordinary life”, you don’t want to miss out on this episode.
Brad Finn is a physics teacher and owner of a profitable small business (brewery) who was earning a 6-figure salary.
After realizing that he was losing money on his expensive lifestyle, he followed his wife Tara on a debt-cutting journey. You can find out more about him on his website, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter
Tara Finn is also a teacher, Mom, Crossfitter, and marathoner who inspired and supported Brad through a debt-free journey to conquer a 6-figure debt and turn it into financial freedom. You can find out more about her on Instagram.
What You Will Learn
- Getting your spouse or partner on board with a debt freedom plan…when you’re not on the same page about your money
- Why having too much income can be an obstacle to getting free of debt
- Finding support and help for the guilt and shame of having debt
- Finding the time to handle two full-time jobs and a side business as a family
- The importance of family budget meetings
- Dealing with money disagreements in a healthy way
- How should you handle friends and family who don’t understand your new debt-busting lifestyle?
- Dealing with “lifestyle creep”: Why keeping up with the Joneses’ is more expensive…even when you make more money
- How to lead by example with your family’s finances
- Staying within your budget when you’re addicted to going out
- Living on a budget without deprivation
- How do you deal with extra money (like bonuses or tax refunds) while you’re on the debt-free journey?
- Letting go of emotional attachments to things on your debt-free journey
- Getting over the stereotype of hand-me-downs
- How do you deal with the expense of kids and get debt free at the same time?
- Learning to appreciate the greatest treasures in life (Hint: It’s not money!)
- Why the final step in debt-free doesn’t have to be a BIG celebration to make a big impact
- Why life after going debt-free doesn’t have to be expensive
- How to fight society’s pressure for expensive experiences like high-priced vacations
Resources Mentioned
- What is private mortgage insurance?
- 9 Steps to Make Your Next Family Budget Meeting Awesome
- FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early)
Thanks For Listening!
Thanks for tuning in to us on The His & Her Money Show. If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post.
Today’s show is sponsored by Legal and General America. Legal & General America makes understanding and applying for life insurance easy. Also, agents are standing by to help you determine the best coverage to fit your family’s needs. Visit HisandHerMoney.com/lgapodcast to get started on your journey toward financial wellness.
