Debt Rebel: Stop Living Paycheck-to-Paycheck, Budget Successfully, Improve Money Mindset

Debt isn’t just numbers on a screen — it’s the late-night anxiety, the missed opportunities, and the constant feeling that you’re always one step behind. In this episode, Jewlz breaks down the invisible price families pay when they rely on credit to survive: the stress, the shame, the strained relationships, and the dreams that quietly get pushed aside.She shares her own story of digging out of over $107,000 of consumer debt, the turning points that finally sparked change, and the powerful moments her family got back because they chose a different path — including becoming debt-free before welcoming a child they never thought they’d have.You’ll learn:The emotional and psychological toll debt creates (even when you “manage” it well)Why debt destroys confidence and decision-makingHow debt steals family time, flexibility, and future optionsWhat life looks like when you stop financing your lifestyle and start funding your valuesThe surprising ways becoming debt-free feels like giving yourself a raisePlus — hear the exciting community goal for 2026: eliminating $1,000,000 of debt together.If you’re exhausted from juggling payments, craving peace, or ready to finally feel in control of your money, this episode is the wake-up call you didn’t know you needed.Grab the free Debt Rebel Starter Kit at DebtRebelPodcast.com and join the rebellion.

Buy Now, Pay Later looks harmless — four cute little payments of $25 and boom, you’ve got the thing you wanted. But let’s tell the truth: BNPL is still debt, and it’s quietly messing with your budget, your goals, and your sanity.In today’s episode, Jewlz The Budget Nerd breaks down why Buy Now, Pay Later services like Afterpay, Klarna, and Affirm feel like budgeting…but actually sabotage your cash flow, spike impulse spending, and leave you scrambling when withdrawals hit.You’ll learn:• The hidden costs BNPL companies do not want families to know• How multiple “small” payments add up to major financial chaos• Why BNPL conditions your brain to normalize debt• The emotional toll of juggling surprise payments• What to do instead so you can buy the thing without wrecking your budgetIf you’re a working parent trying to stop living paycheck to paycheck, this episode is your tough-love wake-up call. No shame, just real talk from someone who’s eliminated over $107,000 of debt without credit cards or gimmicks.Join the Million Dollar Debt Rebellion & Grab Your FREE Starter Guide at https://debtrebelpodcast.com/

Holiday shopping doesn’t have to wreck your budget or your peace. In this episode of The Debt Rebel Podcast, Jewlz The Budget Nerd breaks down four simple, ADHD-friendly money strategies every family can use to stay intentional, avoid overspending, and skip the credit-card hangover this season.If you’ve ever opened your inbox in November and felt personally attacked by “35% OFF TODAY ONLY” emails… this one’s for you.How to create a guilt-free gift list that keeps spending in checkThe inbox hack that blocks impulse buying (and still lets you snag legit deals)Why timers are your best friend for online shopping and time blindnessHow a personal shopping deadline protects your time, money, and mental energyHow to enjoy the holidays without ditching joy, generosity, or your financial goalsJewlz also shares real-life stories from her family’s $107,000 debt-free journey, including the years she and her husband skipped gifts to protect the bigger goal—financial freedom.You’re a working parent trying to stay on budgetYou’re overwhelmed by holiday pressureYou struggle with online shopping temptationYou want a holiday season filled with joy, not financial stress🎁 Grab the FREE Debt Rebel Starter Kit: DebtRebelPodcast.comThis also gets you into the 12 Days of Christmas giveaways + sneak peeks for 2026.If this episode helped you breathe easier about holiday spending, share it with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe so you never miss an episode.Your debt-free life starts with one brave step—and you’re already taking it.

Ever found yourself standing in a store at midnight, clutching a pair of half-priced socks and wondering “What am I even doing?”Yeah… same.In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my old Black Friday obsession—racing out after Thanksgiving dinner, waking up at 4 a.m., and chasing deals that weren’t actually saving me anything. I share how those “can’t-miss” sales were fueling overspending, draining our budget, and keeping us stuck in consumer habits that didn’t align with our long-term goals.You’ll hear:The moment I realized Black Friday was costing me more than it savedWhy “crazy deals” trigger emotional spendingHow I shifted from impulsive shopping to intentional spendingSimple steps to avoid holiday budget traps and stay in control this seasonIf you’ve ever justified a purchase because it was “such a good deal,” this episode is your sign to pause, breathe, and rethink what actually serves your family and financial goals.👉 Ready to ditch the guilt, spend with purpose, and build real margin in your life? Hit play.👉 Ready to create a holiday budget you’ll actually follow — even with ADHD and a busy schedule?Join my membership and get monthly coaching, community, and a 12-week Financial Freedom Action Plan that keeps you consistent and confident.

Most of us were never taught how to talk about money — especially with the people closest to us. But when we avoid the conversation, the tension just grows. In this episode, Jewlz “The Budget Nerd” Kohlbrand gets real about money, boundaries, and healing strained family relationships that have been hurt by financial stress.If you’ve ever borrowed money from family, felt judged about your spending, or avoided the “money talk” altogether — this episode will help you find peace, perspective, and a plan. Jewlz shares personal stories, practical steps, and encouragement to help you face financial conversations with confidence and grace.You’ll learn:Why so many of us feel shame around money conversationsHow to start a safe financial conversation with family (without drama)The powerful role of boundaries in building healthy money habitsWhat to do when a loved one won’t change their spending habitsHow repairing relationships with money leads to peace at home“Things left in the dark stay there — when we bring them into the light, we can finally fix them.”Setting healthy money boundaries isn’t cruel — it’s kindness with clarity.You can’t control how others handle money, but you can control how you respond.Talking about money doesn’t have to be heavy — it can actually bring healing and freedom.Book: Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John TownsendRelated Episode: When the Bank of Mom and Dad Closes: https://www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/blog/setting-financial-boundaries-with-your-kidsJoin The Alliance for a free experience week (Nov 12–19, 2025): jewlzthebudgetnerd.comIf you’re ready to stop living paycheck to paycheck, crush your family’s debt, and find financial peace, join The Alliance Coaching Membership — your community for family budgeting, financial growth, and support.👉 Join here or visit DebtRebelPodcast.com📸 Instagram: @jewlzthebudgetnerd🌐 Website: jewlzthebudgetnerd.com🎧 Subscribe to The Debt Rebel Show for weekly episodes that help your family break free from debt and build lasting financial peace.

5 Hacks for a Credit Card–Free Christmas (Without Killing the Holiday Spirit)Tired of starting January with a holiday spending hangover? In this episode, Jewlz the Budget Nerd shares five no-fluff hacks to help you enjoy Christmas without debt or guilt.You’ll learn how to:🎁 Set a realistic holiday spending cap and actually stick to it💰 Build a last-minute Christmas sinking fund🧣 Simplify gift-giving with healthy boundaries✨ Create low-cost, memory-filled family traditionsBecause your kids won’t remember the price tag—they’ll remember the moments.If you’re ready to trade overspending for intentional joy, this episode will help you plan, save, and celebrate—credit card not required.🎧 Listen now and grab your free Debt Rebel Starter Kit at DebtRebelPodcast.com.KEY TAKEAWAYS:Jewlz reminds listeners that your kids won’t remember the price tag—they’ll remember the time you spent together. This episode will help you trade financial guilt for intentional joy this holiday season.Set your spending limit early and treat it like a boundary, not a suggestion.Even small weekly savings add up before the holidays.Focus on meaning over money—your kids want your time, not your receipts.Memories matter more than matching pajamas from Target (yes, even the cute ones).Tracking as you go = no post-holiday regret.RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED:💡 Get your FREE Debt Rebel Starter Kit → DebtRebelPodcast.com🎯 Join the Alliance Coaching Program for step-by-step money guidance → JewlzTheBudgetNerd.com/membership📱 Use EveryDollar App (or any budgeting app you love) to track spending🍪 Bonus idea: make cocoa, grab your thermos, and do a family Christmas lights drive night—free, fun, and memory-filled!🎙️ Listen to more episodes: DebtRebelPodcast.com💻 Work with Jewlz: JewlzTheBudgetNerd.com💌 Subscribe & Review: Leave a 5-star review to help other families find financial freedom faster

Are you worried about how a government shutdown—or any unexpected financial disruption—could affect your family’s budget? In this episode of the Debt Rebel Podcast, I’m giving you practical, no-nonsense tips to take control of your money, even when paychecks aren’t guaranteed.I dive into real questions from members of the Alliance Coaching Program, covering topics like:Creating a survival mode budget to prioritize essentials: roof over your head, food on the table, and transportation.Managing debt and understanding the role of credit scores during financial uncertainty.Emergency funds vs. debt payoff vs. investing—what to tackle first.How to communicate with creditors when income is unstable.Month-to-month budgeting adjustments when life and finances shift unexpectedly.Plus, I give you a behind-the-scenes look at Alliance Coaching Program office hours, sharing how members get personalized answers to their money questions every month—and how you can join too.💡 If you’re ready to stop living paycheck-to-paycheck and finally build a debt-free, stress-free financial life, this episode is packed with actionable tips to take immediate control of your finances.Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:Join the Alliance Coaching Program: jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/membershipFree Debt Rebel Starter Kit: DebtRebelPodcast.comSubmit questions via voice memo: speakpipe.com/debtrebelpodcastBudgeting tip: SuperCook.com – turn what’s in your pantry into easy mealsKey Takeaways:Your emergency fund is the first line of defense—before debt payoff or investing.Essentials come first: housing, utilities, transportation, food, and healthcare.Pause discretionary spending and additional debt payments if your income is unstable.Communicate proactively with creditors if your income is affected.Use a budget as a tool to pause and respond, not react, to financial emergencies.Connect with Me:Website & Resources: DebtRebelPodcast.comJoin our community & monthly coaching: jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/membershipSubscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help other families take control of their finances

If budgeting feels overwhelming or impossible to stick with—especially when you’ve got a busy brain or a full plate—this episode is your financial reset button. 💥In just 15 minutes, Jewlz the Budget Nerd walks you through how to:✅ Pick ONE area to focus on (so you actually make progress)✅ Make simple, ADHD-friendly tweaks to your budget that stick✅ Reduce stress around groceries, gas, and housing—the big three budget-busters✅ Create momentum with short, focused check-ins that take less time than scrolling PinterestWhether you’re managing ADHD, juggling kids, or just short on time, this episode proves that small, consistent actions lead to massive money wins.🎯 Want more help staying focused on your finances? Grab Jewlz’s free webinar: 15 Minutes to Money Clarity → jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/clarityConnect With Jewlz The Budget Nerd:Website: https://debtrebelpodcast.com/Send Jewlz a message: Free resources and tools to crush debt: DebtRebelPodcast.com

Do you feel like payday disappears before you even blink? Mortgage, groceries, gas—by the time your paycheck hits, it’s already gone. If you’ve been stuck in survival mode, constantly reacting to bills and unexpected expenses, this episode is your roadmap to financial stability.In this episode of The Debt Rebel Show, Julian "Jewlz The Budget Nerd" Kohlbrand shares actionable steps to move from financial panic to peace of mind. You’ll learn how to:Break the cycle of living paycheck to paycheckBuild your first emergency fund—even on a tight budgetProtect your family and your peace of mind with financial marginIdentify what truly counts as a financial emergencyCelebrate small wins and create lasting financial habitsJulian draws from personal experience, having eliminated over $107,000 in consumer debt, and combines practical budgeting strategies with ADHD-friendly systems for busy families. Whether you’re juggling unpredictable income or just want to take control of your money, this episode gives you a step-by-step plan to stop surviving and start thriving.🎯 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Grab your free Debt Rebel Starter Kit: jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/starterkitJoin the Alliance Coaching Program for ongoing accountability and on-demand workshops: jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/membership💡 Action Step:Start building your emergency fund today—whether it’s $25 or $100 a paycheck, every deposit is a step toward financial freedom. Share your wins with Julian by sending a voice note—she loves celebrating progress with listeners! https://www.speakpipe.com/debtrebelpodcastConnect With Jewlz The Budget Nerd:Website: DebtRebelPodcast.comSend Jewlz a message: ⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/debtrebelpodcast⁠Free resources and tools to crush debt: DebtRebelPodcast.com

If the latest headlines have you checking your bank account twice and praying your job stays secure, you’re not alone. Between rising costs and government shutdown chaos, it’s easy to feel powerless — but here’s the truth:Peace with your money doesn’t depend on the headlines. It depends on you.In this episode of The Debt Rebel Podcast, Jewlz the Budget Nerd shares a timely clip from her Financial Peace in Uncertain Times workshop — a practical, encouraging guide to help working families slim down expenses, prepare for uncertain income, and breathe again when finances feel shaky.Whether you’re facing a government furlough, reduced hours, or just feeling the ripple effects of economic instability, this short, powerful episode will help you:Create a shutdown survival budget that keeps food on the table and bills paidShift from panic mode to proactive modeFind financial peace even when the world feels chaoticStay grounded in your values instead of reacting to the noise💡 Mentioned in this episode:👉 Watch the full Financial Peace in Uncertain Times workshop + download the exercises: jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/peace👉 Listen to [Episode 53: How Headlines and Social Media Mess with Your Money Mindset] for more perspectiveHosted by Julian “Jewlz the Budget Nerd” Kohlbrand, The Debt Rebel Podcast helps working families stop living paycheck to paycheck, crush debt for good, and build financial peace — all without debt, shame, or overwhelm. Jewlz and her family paid off over $107,000 in consumer debt, and now she’s teaching others to do the same.Visit DebtRebelPodcast.com for free tools, resources, and workshops to help you take your next brave step toward debt freedom.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with a friend who needs some peace (and hope) in their finances today.💬 About The Debt Rebel Podcast💥 Ready to take control of your family budget?

Tired of your January budget falling apart by October? You’re not alone—and you’re not failing at money. Most family budgets fail because they aren’t built to survive real life.In this episode, I break down the main reasons budgets fail, including overcomplicating, not updating regularly, skipping fun money, and lacking accountability.I’ll show you how to create a flexible, value-based zero-based budget that evolves with your family, helps you stop living paycheck to paycheck, and reduces money fights along the way.Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:Why your budget from January isn’t working in OctoberHow overcomplicating your budget sets you up to failThe importance of updating your budget regularlyHow guilt-free fun money prevents budget burnoutSimple ways to build accountability for long-term successHow to reset your budget without stress or overwhelmI also share personal insights from my journey eliminating over $107,000 in consumer debt and how my family’s system keeps our money aligned with what truly matters.Resources & Tools Mentioned in This Episode:Debt Rebel Starter Kit: Create a flexible, step-by-step budget that evolves with your life. Grab it here → DebtRebelPodcast.comSend me a voice note with your budgeting struggles → SpeakPipe: Debt Rebel PodcastIf You Loved This Episode:Subscribe and leave a review on Apple PodcastsShare this episode with a friend who’s struggling to stick to their budgetJoin the Alliance Coaching Program for live coaching, accountability, and a supportive community: https://www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/membershipYour debt-free life starts with one brave step—and I’m cheering you on every step of the way.

Ever wondered what actually goes on inside the Alliance Coaching Program? In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to be a member. You’ll hear a real coaching conversation from one of our monthly Office Hours where we dig into an important (and super relatable) money question:👉 What should I do with extra income — pay off debt, save for home improvements, or something else?Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:How to prioritize extra money when you’re building your financial foundationWhy the $1,000 emergency fund is your first non-negotiable stepHow to use the debt snowball method to create momentum and knock out debt fasterThe trade-offs between debt payoff vs. home improvements (and how to decide what’s right for you)Why community + coaching makes decision-making about money so much less overwhelmingInside the Alliance, we don’t just “talk about” budgeting — we celebrate wins, ask hard questions, and get the practical support we need to keep moving forward.💡 If you’re tired of trying to figure it all out alone, the Alliance Coaching Program is here to help you create a plan that actually works for your family — and stick with it.👉 Join us inside the Alliance Coaching Program today: https://www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/membership

Drowning in debt is overwhelming—but staying there is optional. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the 3 biggest mistakes I made while paying off $107,000 of consumer debt… and what I would do differently if I could hop in a time machine.If you’re just starting your debt-free journey or you’re tired of spinning your wheels, these lessons will save you stress, time, and money:✅ Why building a starter emergency fund is non-negotiable✅ The budgeting tweak that prevents burnout (yes, fun money matters!)✅ How accountability and support can speed up your payoff timelineYou don’t need a perfect plan to win with money—you just need the right focus at the right time. Learn from my regrets so you can avoid repeating them, and start moving toward financial freedom with confidence.👉 Mentioned in this episode:🎙️ Episode 1: Our $107K Debt Elimination Journey✨ Free Workshop: 15 Minutes to Money Clarity: www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/clarity

Back-to-school season can feel like a financial ambush—supplies, sports fees, clothes, fundraisers, and picture day all hitting at once. Most families grab the credit card to cover it, but the stress (and interest) sticks around long after the school year starts.In this episode, I’m sharing three simple, practical hacks to help you handle back-to-school expenses without debt—so you can feel confident and stress-free as your kids head into a new year.You’ll learn:✅ How to create a sinking fund that makes August expenses way less painful✅ Smart strategies for back-to-school clothes shopping (without blowing the budget)✅ How reusing and inventorying what you already have can save $20–$40 instantly✅ Why progress > perfection when it comes to budgeting during busy seasonsWhether you’ve got little ones just starting school or teens with never-ending sports and activities, these tips will help you cover costs without credit cards—and with a lot more confidence.✨ Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Debt Rebel Starter Kit (Free Guide) – Build your emergency fund + find hidden money in your budgetEpisode 44: [Saving Money with Secondhand & Consignment Sales]Episode 76: [Saying No Without Mom Guilt]👋 Did this episode help you? Share it with another mama who’s feeling the back-to-school money pressure. Let’s spread the word: you don’t have to go into debt to provide for your kids.Follow Jewlz The Budget Nerd on Instagram @jewlzthebudgetnerd

Ever feel like saying no to your kids instantly makes you the “worst mom ever”? You’re not alone, mama. That mom guilt is real — but it doesn’t have to control how you parent or how you handle money.In this episode, I’m breaking down why we feel guilty when we tell our kids no, the sneaky lies that fuel overspending, and how to shift from guilt to confidence when it comes to parenting and money.You’ll learn:The 3 biggest reasons moms feel guilty saying no (and how to spot them in your own life)Why “just making it work” is a dangerous money lie that keeps families in debtHow saying no now actually models delayed gratification and financial confidence for your kidsPractical ways to decide your “no” ahead of time (without caving at Target or the trampoline park)Simple strategies to include your kids in money decisions (at an age-appropriate level)How to align your family spending with your true values — so no feels freeing, not shamefulSaying no isn’t rejection — it’s redirection toward what matters most to your family. By the end of this episode, you’ll feel more equipped to stand firm in your decisions, spend with intention, and break free from that mom guilt spiral.👉 Want support from other moms learning to parent and budget with confidence? Join us inside The Alliance Coaching Membership, where we say yes to purpose and no to pressure. Live coaching, monthly budget planning, and a community of families walking this same countercultural path.👉 jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/membership

Are you constantly stressed by your budget, overspending, or running out of time each month?In this episode of the Debt Rebel Podcast, I share my three-step monthly planning system that busy parents can implement to regain control over their time, meals, and money.I break down:✅ How to plan your time to prevent financial chaos✅ Meal planning strategies that save money and reduce food waste✅ How to budget effectively with a zero-based approach using tools like EveryDollar✅ Quick, actionable tips for busy families to save thousands each yearThis episode is perfect if you want to:Stop panicked trips to the store or drive-thruReduce decision fatigue and stressTake practical steps toward financial stabilityImplement a simple system that actually works🎧 Listen now and discover how planning a few key areas each month can make your budget—and your life—so much easier.💌 Get ahead faster: Join the Alliance Coaching Program for guided monthly planning, on-demand resources library, co-working sessions, and actionable support for your family budget.Related Episodes:Mastering Your Finances: How This Budgeting App Transformed Our Debt Free JourneyWhat If You're Not Actually Bad With Money But Just Financially Disorganized?

The average car payment in America is over $700 — and that’s before you add insurance, gas, maintenance, and the emotional stress of keeping up appearances. In this episode, I’m breaking down the hidden costs of car ownership, sharing my family’s real-life story of car debt (including the embarrassing window incident), and showing you practical ways to lower your transportation costs so you can free up cash for your real financial goals.We’ll cover:How to spot if your car is sabotaging your budgetThe true cost of that “affordable” monthly paymentSmart alternatives to expensive car ownershipHow driving a paid-off car can change your life faster than you thinkIf you’ve ever wondered why your budget still feels tight — even when you’re “doing all the right things” — this episode might be your wake-up call. It’s time to put your paycheck to work for you instead of your car.👉 Start my FREE 5-day challenge and create breathing room in your budget in just 15 minutes a day: www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/challenge📲 Connect with me on Instagram @jewlzthebudgetnerd💰Learn to be Debt-Free Here: https://www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/me...👉Work With Me: https://www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/wo...

Are you tired of watching your credit card balance barely budge despite making “on-time” payments every month? In this episode of The Debt Rebel Podcast, I’m sharing exactly how my family eliminated over $107K in consumer debt — and how you can pay off your credit cards faster without gimmicks, shame, or going broke in the process.You’ll learn how to:Pick the debt payoff method that works for your brain Slash expenses without sucking the joy out of lifeFind hidden cash in your budget and homeStop the swipe and break the credit card cycle for goodIf you’re ready to trade minimum payments for massive progress and create a debt-free plan that sticks, this episode will give you the roadmap, tools, and motivation to make it happen.Friend, you are not failing—you just need a better system. Let’s build one together.👉 Start my FREE 5-day challenge and create breathing room in your budget in just 15 minutes a day: www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/challenge📲 Connect with me on Instagram @jewlzthebudgetnerd💰Learn to be Debt-Free Here: https://www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/membership👉Work With Me: https://www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/workwithme

Feel like you’re way behind when it comes to saving for retirement? You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not too late. In this myth-busting episode, I’m sharing how overwhelmed parents can take 3 powerful steps to start saving for the future even if you’re still paying off debt.You’ll learn:✅ Why eliminating debt is the key to building wealth✅ How to create margin and make the most of your current income✅ Easy ways to start investing (even if it’s just $20/month)Plus, I’m sharing how my family got intentional with our money and ditched debt for good—no more robbing from our future just to survive today.🎁 Ready to stop spinning and start saving? Grab my FREE 5-Day Better Budgeting Challenge: jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/challenge

Are you constantly spinning plates and praying nothing crashes—especially your finances? In this episode, I break down why busy parents feel stuck in survival mode and how to finally gain control of your money without dropping everything else.You’ll learn:Why budgeting feels impossible when you’re overwhelmedHow to use habit stacking and automation to simplify your financesEasy ways to meal plan and save over $1,000 this yearHow to give your future self a financial win with a zero-based budgetWhy community support and accountability is your secret weaponFriend, you are not failing—you just need a better system. Let’s build one together.👉 Start my FREE 5-day challenge and create breathing room in your budget in just 15 minutes a day: www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/challenge📲 Connect with me on Instagram ⁠@jewlzthebudgetnerd⁠💰Learn to be Debt-Free Here: ⁠https://www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/membership⁠👉Work With Me: ⁠https://www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/workwithme