We're moving forward passed an obstacle in our plan to build wealth, develop passive income and achieve financial independence.

We're moving forward passed an obstacle in our plan to build wealth, develop passive income and achieve financial independence.

F.I.R.E. Update - Squatter Saga Edition

Have you heard of turnkey real estate investment firms? These firms find properties, get tenants, and turn the keys and profit over to you. I'm a real estate investor and would love to add more properties, but finding reliable property management is going to be a key factor in my ability to grow. So I was happy to chat with Clayton Morris of Morris Invest and learn some helpful tricks of the trade. Whether you work with a turnkey operation and build your portfolio on your own, this is a great interview with useful ideas for investors at every level.

Have you heard of turnkey real estate investment firms? These firms find properties, get tenants, and turn the keys and profit over to you. I'm a real estate investor and would love to add more properties, but finding reliable property management is going to be a key factor in my ability to grow. So I was happy to chat with Clayton Morris of Morris Invest and learn some helpful tricks of the trade. Whether you work with a turnkey operation and build your portfolio on your own, this is a great interview with useful ideas for investors at every level.

Finding Your Financial Freedom Number

Your credit score tells lenders whether you are likely to repay loans. A higher credit score is in your best interest. Learn what you can do to improve your credit score quickly.

Your credit score tells lenders whether you are likely to repay loans. A higher credit score is in your best interest. Learn what you can do to improve your credit score quickly.

Behind the FICO score

Your FICO score is an indicator to banks and financial institutions of how dependable you are with money. We know the higher your score, the better. But just how high should you aim? We'll talk about that and why this three-digit number matters.

Your FICO score is an indicator to banks and financial institutions of how dependable you are with money. We know the higher your score, the better. But just how high should you aim? We'll talk about that and why this three-digit number matters.

Credit Cleanup Series Day 2

This series will cover the basics of understanding credit and what you can do to improve it.

This series will cover the basics of understanding credit and what you can do to improve it.

Credit Cleanup Series

Melanie Lockert

Melanie Lockert used the "good debt", student loans, to fund her undergraduate and masters degrees. When she couldn't find full-time work, she battled depression, loneliness, and self-confidence issues. Writing a Dear Debt letter and taking action helped her rebound emotionally and financially from a dark hole and helped her pay back all $81,000 of her student loan debt. September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. If you debt has you down and you are plagued with thoughts of hurting yourself, please seek help. Melanie did and it was useful. NAMI is a good place to start.

Melanie Lockert used the "good debt", student loans, to fund her undergraduate and masters degrees. When she couldn't find full-time work, she battled depression, loneliness, and self-confidence issues. Writing a Dear Debt letter and taking action helped her rebound emotionally and financially from a dark hole and helped her pay back all $81,000 of her student loan debt. September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. If you debt has you down and you are plagued with thoughts of hurting yourself, please seek help. Melanie did and it was useful. <a href="http://www.nami.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NAMI is a good place to start</a>.

Melanie Lockert Broke Up with $81,000 of Student Loan Debt

Spending energy and time on unproductive relationships can sap your debt free progress. We wrap up our look into obstacles to the debt-free lifestyle by exploring why and how connections come into play.  Connections matter. Be intentional about who you permit into your social circle.

Spending energy and time on unproductive relationships can sap your debt free progress. We wrap up our look into obstacles to the debt-free lifestyle by exploring why and how connections come into play.  Connections matter. Be intentional about who you permit into your social circle.

Avoiding Debt-Free Obstacles: Connections

A lot! Accomplishing something as life-altering as digging out of debt will not happen without change. We have to change our priorities, our environment, and our habits to make the progress needed to be successful in this endeavor. Change is hard and can be an obstacle if we let it.

A lot! Accomplishing something as life-altering as digging out of debt will not happen without change. We have to change our priorities, our environment, and our habits to make the progress needed to be successful in this endeavor. Change is hard and can be an obstacle if we let it.

Avoiding Debt-Free Obstacles: Change

Work on developing the courage necessary to become debt free. Be bold about your mission. Be bold about dealing with temptations to give up. You have to stand up to outside forces and yourself. 

Work on developing the courage necessary to become debt free. Be bold about your mission. Be bold about dealing with temptations to give up. You have to stand up to outside forces and yourself.

Avoiding Debt-Free Obstacles with Courage

If you want to be a debt-free success story, consistency must become a part of your routine. Have you struggled in this area? We'll look at obstacles and tips for developing a consistent habit to pay off debt.

If you want to be a debt-free success story, consistency must become a part of your routine. Have you struggled in this area? We'll look at obstacles and tips for developing a consistent habit to pay off debt.

Avoiding Debt-Free Obstacles: Consistency

Join the Debt Free Divas - personal finance coaches who can help you save more of your hard earned cash so you can eradicate debt and build wealth. We provide unCommon financial good cents! solutions to your common money struggles. The Divas are making finance fashionable. Your personal finances that is...Visit us @ www.debtfreedivas.org

MAPS Really? A lot of talk, but little to do with money...

BUSY?  Another pointless acronym

More of a self help podcast. If you’re trying to get out of debt just read Dave Ramsey.

This podcast is everything!!! Thanks for sharing Toni!!

Everything!

Join the Debt Free Divas - personal finance coaches who can help you save more of your hard earned cash so you can eradicate debt and build wealth. We provide unCommon financial good cents! solutions to your common money struggles. The Divas are making finance fashionable. Your personal finances that is... Visit us @ <a href="http://www.debtfreedivas.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.debtfreedivas.org</a>

Midday Money Show

We have over 20 personal finance experts assembled to help you start the New Year off right. Learn from the masters on everything from budgeting to boosting your income to investing. I spoke with two women who made incredible strides paying off credit card debt. They took different paths, but ultimately landed at a place of debt freedom. Lynnette Khalfani-Cox is a nationally recognize speaker and financial educator. She is The Money Coach and she's a speaker for our summit. LaTisha Styles started YoungFinances.com to chronicle her journey out of debt and ended up becoming a highly successful digital entrepreneur. Here is your preview of what to expect in the upcoming New Year New You Financial Summit.

We have over 20 personal finance experts assembled to help you start the New Year off right. Learn from the masters on everything from budgeting to boosting your income to investing. I spoke with two women who made incredible strides paying off credit card debt. They took different paths, but ultimately landed at a place of debt freedom. Lynnette Khalfani-Cox is a nationally recognize speaker and financial educator. She is The Money Coach and she's a speaker for our summit. LaTisha Styles started <a href="http://YoungFinances.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YoungFinances.com</a> to chronicle her journey out of debt and ended up becoming a highly successful digital entrepreneur. Here is your preview of what to expect in the upcoming <a href="http://rockstarfinancialsummit.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New Year New You Financial Summit</a>.

She Paid Off $100,000 in Credit Card Debt in 3 Years

If you're living from paycheck to paycheck, putting money aside for savings might seem like a pipe dream. This podcast, originally recorded in 2011 when I had co-hosts, covers tried and true tips for generating extra cash. We need to look no further than the ant as we figure out how to pad a saving's stash before an emergency strikes.   Also, if you want to know what Osama bin Laden can teach us about the need to save, I apparently went there.

If you're living from paycheck to paycheck, putting money aside for savings might seem like a pipe dream. This podcast, originally recorded in 2011 when I had co-hosts, covers tried and true tips for generating extra cash. We need to look no further than the ant as we figure out how to pad a saving's stash before an emergency strikes. Also, if you want to know what Osama bin Laden can teach us about the need to save, I apparently went there.

Savings Tips: Learning From the Ant

Effrem Jackson has 12 years of experience in the financial services industry. However, we focus on the three years it took him and his wife to pay off $40,000 of consumer debt. Toward the end of their journey, they experience a potentially life-changing course of action that was confirmation that debt freedom is a wise lifestyle of choice.

Effrem Jackson has 12 years of experience in the financial services industry. However, we focus on the three years it took him and his wife to pay off $40,000 of consumer debt. Toward the end of their journey, they experience a potentially life-changing course of action that was confirmation that debt freedom is a wise lifestyle of choice.

I Paid Off $40,000 of Debt and Am Now Free To Serve

I spoke with two women who made incredible strides paying off credit card debt. They took different paths, but ultimately landed at a place of debt freedom. Lynnette Khalfani-Cox is a nationally recognize speaker and financial educator. She is The Money Coach and she's a speaker for our summit. LaTisha Styles started YoungFinances.com to chronicle her journey out of debt and ended up becoming a highly successful digital entrepreneur.

I spoke with two women who made incredible strides paying off credit card debt. They took different paths, but ultimately landed at a place of debt freedom. Lynnette Khalfani-Cox is a nationally recognize speaker and financial educator. She is The Money Coach and she's a speaker for our summit. LaTisha Styles started <a href="http://YoungFinances.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YoungFinances.com</a> to chronicle her journey out of debt and ended up becoming a highly successful digital entrepreneur.

This week, I'll be sharing how I've learned from my money mistakes. To kick off the conversation, here's a blast from the past. 5 common money mistakes and how we can do better.

This week, I'll be sharing how I've learned from my money mistakes. To kick off the conversation, here's a blast from the past. 5 common money mistakes and how we can do better.

5 Dumb Things to Do While in Debt

Anita Dhake

Anita Dhake has taken her plan for financial independence from concept to reality. It started – of course – with paying off debt. That has to be the number 1 priority - financially speaking. As you enjoy Anita’s story, think about what your plan is. Do you have it clearly defined? Not like ours was in the past - “someday I want to be a millionaire”. But have you figured out what it will take to reach your goals. If you are dumping debt right now. Keep pushing. If not, there's no time like the present.

Anita Dhake has taken her plan for financial independence from concept to reality. It started – of course – with paying off debt. That has to be the number 1 priority - financially speaking. As you enjoy Anita’s story, think about what your plan is. Do you have it clearly defined? Not like ours was in the past - “someday I want to be a millionaire”. But have you figured out what it will take to reach your goals. If you are dumping debt right now. Keep pushing. If not, there's no time like the present.

How Anita Dhake Became Financially Independent at 35

Maarten Van Lier makes his home in Milwaukee, but he traveled from the Netherlands to find the American Dream. In 2000, Maarten’s co-worker made a side comment that started the ball rolling on Maarten’s 13-year journey to millionaire status. This mild-mannered, salaried employee &amp; his wife drew a line in the sand. They wanted to be millionaires in 10 years and he joins us today to describe exactly how they did it.  Show notes for this episode. If $200/month extra would make a difference in your debt dumping progress, let me help you find it. Sign up for a free consultation. Disclaimer: Maarten Van Lier is not a financial advisor or expert. All information provided is based on his specific situation and offered for information and motivational purposes only. You should seek advice from a licensed investment professional for custom feedback on your specific situation.

Maarten Van Lier makes his home in Milwaukee, but he traveled from the Netherlands to find the American Dream. In 2000, Maarten’s co-worker made a side comment that started the ball rolling on Maarten’s 13-year journey to millionaire status. This mild-mannered, salaried employee &amp; his wife drew a line in the sand. They wanted to be millionaires in 10 years and he joins us today to describe exactly how they did it. <a href="http://debtfreedivas.org/index.php/39-aboutus/aboutus/408-how-to-create-a-300-000-in-the-bank-attitude" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Show notes for this episode</a>. If $200/month extra would make a difference in your debt dumping progress, let me help you find it. <a href="http://debtfreedivas.org/index.php/power-of-community/287-free-consultation" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Sign up for a free consultation</a>. Disclaimer: Maarten Van Lier is not a financial advisor or expert. All information provided is based on his specific situation and offered for information and motivational purposes only. You should seek advice from a licensed investment professional for custom feedback on your specific situation.

How to Build a $300,000 in the Bank Attitude

Whitney Hansen

Whitney Hansen shares an amazing story of knocking out a financial goal. She paid off $30,000 10 months after graduating from college - without parental help.

Whitney Hansen shares an amazing story of knocking out a financial goal. She paid off $30,000 10 months after graduating from college - without parental help.

How Whitney Hansen Dumped $30,000 in Student Loan Debt in 10 Months

Inspired by a segment on the PBS New Hour about a growing trend among people nearing retirement. We're not saving. We're not preparing for a time when our income may drop significantly. Even if you want to work and can, you may find it hard to find suitable employment. While a discussion about what those who are in that stage of life can and should do, this podcast is all about avoiding financial fragility.

Inspired by a segment on the PBS New Hour about a growing trend among people nearing retirement. We're not saving. We're not preparing for a time when our income may drop significantly. Even if you want to work and can, you may find it hard to find suitable employment. While a discussion about what those who are in that stage of life can and should do, this podcast is all about avoiding financial fragility.

A Wake Up Call – From Middle Class to Scraping By

72% of Americans experience financial stress at least once during the month. I spoke with a range of experts to figure out what we can do to minimize the money related stress. Stress can inhibit progress toward financial goals. Give yourself a mental break and refocus without money-related stress.

72% of Americans experience financial stress at least once during the month. I spoke with a range of experts to figure out what we can do to minimize the money related stress. Stress can inhibit progress toward financial goals. Give yourself a mental break and refocus without money-related stress.

Simple Ways to De-Stress Over Money

Day #2 of the Miracle Morning Challenge should have you sitting in silence and thinking about positive affirmations. The science is in. When you can see it, you can be it. That's all that visualizations are. First, the thoughts are planted and then you actually move in the direction of bringing these desires to pass. Let's do this. But, Stuart Smalley is not our reference point. Remember him? LOL! Let's go. Day #2. Dig in. Join the challenge at DebtFreeDivas.org/miracle.

Day #2 of the Miracle Morning Challenge should have you sitting in silence and thinking about positive affirmations. The science is in. When you can see it, you can be it. That's all that visualizations are. First, the thoughts are planted and then you actually move in the direction of bringing these desires to pass. Let's do this. But, Stuart Smalley is not our reference point. Remember him? LOL! Let's go. Day #2. Dig in. Join the challenge at <a href="http://www.DebtFreeDivas.org/miracle." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DebtFreeDivas.org/miracle.</a>

Affirmations That Work - Miracle Morning 7-day Challenge

Today’s guest also highlighted his brand of accountability that helped him kick butt and dump debt. Phil Risher graduated with $30K in student loans. But he got focused and didn’t let those student loans become a permanent fixture. This story is for students, parents of students, or just those who think I’ll never get out of debt – it can’t be done. I’m here to say, after repaying 107K in debt – debt freedom is possible. You  just might need a little accountability.

Today’s guest also highlighted his brand of accountability that helped him kick butt and dump debt. Phil Risher graduated with $30K in student loans. But he got focused and didn’t let those student loans become a permanent fixture. This story is for students, parents of students, or just those who think I’ll never get out of debt – it can’t be done. I’m here to say, after repaying 107K in debt – debt freedom is possible. You  just might need a little accountability.

How a Recent Grad Dumped $30K in Student Loans in 1 Year

Aja McClanahan became "Hood Rich" when she moved to a blighted neighborhood and paid off $120,000. That was 10 years ago. Now, she's embarking on the next phase of her plan to take over the world...or at least take control of her family's financial future.

Aja McClanahan became "Hood Rich" when she moved to a blighted neighborhood and paid off $120,000. That was 10 years ago. Now, she's embarking on the next phase of her plan to take over the world...or at least take control of her family's financial future.

She's No Longer Saving For Retirement

Paying off debt is a long-term goal and can definitely be "boring" here and there. To achieve success, I'm sharing how to break the big goal into manageable chunks and knock out a few quick wins.  You can trick yourself into staying focused over the long-term by taking action on interim steps for the win.

Paying off debt is a long-term goal and can definitely be "boring" here and there. To achieve success, I'm sharing how to break the big goal into manageable chunks and knock out a few quick wins.  You can trick yourself into staying focused over the long-term by taking action on interim steps for the win.

Sticking to Long-Term Goals: Focus on Manageable Chunks

Jose was making plenty of money but had nothing to show for it. His family came together and learned to budget, live within their means, and pay off debt as a team.

Jose was making plenty of money but had nothing to show for it. His family came together and learned to budget, live within their means, and pay off debt as a team.

Enjoying the Debt Free Side of Life

A look at what financial independence is and how you and I can take steps to make that happen while we are young enough to enjoy it. I speak with Todd Tressider, the Financial Mentor, and Mindy Jenson of Bigger Pockets to get their experience achieving financial independence.

A look at what financial independence is and how you and I can take steps to make that happen while we are young enough to enjoy it. I speak with Todd Tressider, the Financial Mentor, and Mindy Jenson of Bigger Pockets to get their experience achieving financial independence.

F.I.R.E. Up Your Financial Goals

I invite you into a private conversation that's been happening for years. I have a number of girlfriends who are open to talking about a tough topic - money.  You'll hear from one of my money mentors and a contemporary in this adventure toward financial freedom. We also share practical tips to add a money mentor or accountability team to your life. If you were born with a financial planning spoon in your mouth, then surrounding yourself with money mentors is the next best thing.

I invite you into a private conversation that's been happening for years. I have a number of girlfriends who are open to talking about a tough topic - money.  You'll hear from one of my money mentors and a contemporary in this adventure toward financial freedom. We also share practical tips to add a money mentor or accountability team to your life. If you were born with a financial planning spoon in your mouth, then surrounding yourself with money mentors is the next best thing.

Finding Money Mentors

If you're like 60% of Americans, you agree that operating from a budget is a good idea. It's easier said than done. Today, we'll cover 3 easy tips for staying on budget. You want to prioritize TCB, taking care of your business.

If you're like 60% of Americans, you agree that operating from a budget is a good idea. It's easier said than done. Today, we'll cover 3 easy tips for staying on budget. You want to prioritize TCB, taking care of your business.

3 Tips for Staying on Budget

Damus Smith wanted to be the next Sean John, FUBU, or what have you. He has a gift for entrepreneurship and an eye for fashion. Why not start a clothing line. He was rubbing shoulders with Russel Simmons – chasing his dream. He was also over $100,000 in debt. More details here at  DebtFreeDivas.org.

Damus Smith wanted to be the next Sean John, FUBU, or what have you. He has a gift for entrepreneurship and an eye for fashion. Why not start a clothing line. He was rubbing shoulders with Russel Simmons – chasing his dream. He was also over $100,000 in debt. More details here at <a href="http://debtfreedivas.org/2015/how-damus-kicked-butt-and-dumped-125k-in-debt-in-1-year/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> DebtFreeDivas.org</a>.

How Damus Kicked Butt and Dumped $125K in Debt of 1 Year

The best podcast episodes of the most interesting stories and things. From skyping someone while they're in space, to tracking down and meeting a telephone scammer in person, to the story of a Galapagos. These episodes will keep you and all your friends entertained and captivated for hours. Learn something new in every episode! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes: Interesting Stories & Things

The best podcast episodes about true crime. For any thrill seeking podcast listeners who just can't get enough of the captivating stories of murderers and criminals. This topic has all the best episodes from many different true crime podcasts.  Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!