The First Step to Debt Freedom: Look at Your Numbers

Want to know the real first step to debt freedom? It's not making a budget. It's not cutting up credit cards. It's something much simpler - and scarier: Actually looking at your numbers.

If you've been avoiding your accounts, deleting bank notifications, or living in that constant state of "I hope this payment goes through," this episode is your permission slip to start fresh. Discover why the stories we tell ourselves about our numbers are almost always scarier than reality, and how simply looking at your accounts can transform your entire money relationship.

Learn exactly how to take that first look in a way that feels safe and manageable, plus why awareness itself is your secret weapon in debt payoff. Perfect for anyone who's been avoiding their numbers or feeling overwhelmed about where to start.

Plus: Get my free guide "9 Ways to Break Up with Your Credit Cards" to help you take the next step on your debt-free journey.

Get your free copy of 9 Ways to Break Up With Your Credit Cards: https://www.katyalmstrom.com/9-ways

Connect with Katy:

IG: www.instagram.com/katy_almstrom
FB Group: www.facebook.com/groups/networthwoman

Ever notice how money is kind of like a child? Give it an inch, and it'll take a mile. Leave it unsupervised, and chaos follows. In this episode, we're talking about why your debt-free journey needs better boundaries - both with your money and in your relationships.

Discover how to shift from constantly reacting to your money's "tantrums" to being confidently in charge. Learn the difference between spending time (and money) intentionally with people you love versus defaulting to spending out of habit. Plus, get practical strategies for becoming the boss of your money without stressing about being perfect.

Perfect for anyone who's tired of their money running wild or feeling like social situations always lead to spending. It's time to take charge of your money relationship - and this episode shows you exactly how.

Get your free copy of 9 Ways to Break Up With Your Credit Cards: https://www.katyalmstrom.com/9-ways

Connect with Katy:

IG: www.instagram.com/katy_almstrom
FB Group: www.facebook.com/groups/networthwoman

Want to know why spreading your extra money across all your debts is actually slowing down your progress? In this episode, we're busting the myth that you need to make massive changes to get massive results. Instead, discover how focusing your "small" actions strategically can create powerful momentum in your debt payoff journey.

You'll learn why adding $10 extra to each debt feels like nothing's happening (and what to do instead), how to make your small steps actually count, and the simple-but-mighty strategy that turns modest actions into major progress. Perfect for anyone who's been waiting to "really get started" on their debt-free journey because they can't make huge payments yet.

Plus: Get practical guidance on where to find that first bit of extra money and exactly how to use it for maximum impact. No extreme budgeting required – just smart strategy that works in real life.

Get your free copy of 9 Ways to Break Up With Your Credit Cards: https://www.katyalmstrom.com/9-ways

Connect with Katy:

IG: www.instagram.com/katy_almstrom
FB Group: www.facebook.com/groups/networthwoman

Ever notice how emergencies never wait until you're "financially ready"? Your car doesn't care that you're finally making progress on your debt payoff journey. Your refrigerator doesn't check your savings account before it decides to stop working. And don't even get me started on those surprise vet bills or last-minute kid expenses that pop up exactly when you least expect them.

Traditional financial advice tells us to "just save 3-6 months of expenses" (while paying off debt, building wealth, and probably discovering unicorns too). But what about real life? What about the space between zero savings and that perfect emergency fund?

In this episode, we're talking about:

• Why traditional emergency fund advice often misses the mark (and what actually works)
• How to build savings while paying off debt (yes, it's possible!)
• Smart strategies for handling unexpected expenses without derailing your debt payoff journey
• The real cost difference between using savings vs. credit cards
• Creating a realistic emergency fund plan that works in real life

Whether you're just starting to save, rebuilding after an emergency, or trying to balance saving with debt payoff, this episode will show you exactly how to create a plan that works for your real life.

Emergency expenses don't have to mean emergency stress. You can build financial security while paying off debt, handle unexpected costs without panic, and create a savings strategy that actually works - even if you're starting with just $20 per paycheck.

Listen now to learn how to handle life's expensive surprises without derailing your debt payoff journey. Trust me - your future self (and your stress levels) will thank you.

Get your free copy of 9 Ways to Break Up With Your Credit Cards: https://www.katyalmstrom.com/9-ways

Connect with Katy:

IG: www.instagram.com/katy_almstrom
FB Group: www.facebook.com/groups/networthwoman

Getting everyone into the car after basketball practice, dreading the inevitable 'What's for dinner?' question...

We've all been there. Because let's be real - between coaching the team and running a business, something had to give. And dinner prep was usually that something.

But that nightly takeout habit? It was costing us nearly $200 extra each week during basketball season.

In today's episode of The Debt Payoff Podcast (Episode 143), I'm sharing:

• The difference between regular busy seasons and true emergencies
• How to create simple systems that prevent panic spending
• A realistic approach to saving convenience for when you truly need it
• The exact system we created for basketball season (and how you can adapt it)

Because paying for convenience every day gets expensive fast - but having it as a backup plan for when life gets hard? That's priceless.

Get your free copy of 9 Ways to Break Up With Your Credit Cards: https://www.katyalmstrom.com/9-ways

Connect with Katy:

IG: www.instagram.com/katy_almstrom
FB Group: www.facebook.com/groups/networthwoman

Join the Done With Debt 30-Day Bootcamp: https://moneywise.thrivecart.com/done-with-debt-bootcamp-copy-2/

Free resource: 9 Ways to Break Up With Your Credit Cards:
https://www.katyalmstrom.com/9-ways

Those sneaky subscription charges are draining your account every month without you even realizing it. Feel like money disappears but can't figure out where it's going? This episode is for you.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• The 30-minute strategy my clients use to find an average of $100 in monthly savings
• Why those "small" charges are more dangerous than the big expenses
• My simple 3-question process for deciding what stays and what goes
• Real examples from clients who found hundreds in hidden charges

No extreme budgeting required - just practical steps that get real results, fast. By the end of this episode, you'll know exactly how to find and fix the money leaks that are keeping you stuck in the credit card cycle.

Get your free copy of 9 Ways to Break Up With Your Credit Cards: https://www.katyalmstrom.com/9-ways

Connect with Katy:

IG: www.instagram.com/katy_almstrom
FB Group: www.facebook.com/groups/networthwoman

Join the Done With Debt 30-Day Bootcamp today! We begin January 13th.
https://moneywise.thrivecart.com/done-with-debt-bootcamp-copy-2/

Transform your relationship with debt in 2025! If you're tired of restrictive budgets and unrealistic advice, this episode is your permission slip to do debt payoff differently. Discover how to create a plan that lets you save money, pay off debt, AND still enjoy your life (yes, really!). Learn the secrets to guilt-free spending while making progress, build your savings safety net, and create a payoff strategy uniquely designed for you. Plus, find out how to potentially save thousands in interest with proven negotiation tactics. Whether you've tried debt payoff before or you're just starting out, this episode shows you exactly how to make the next 30 days your breakthrough moment. Get ready to transform your debt story with strategies that actually work in real life!

Get your free copy of 9 Ways to Break Up With Your Credit Cards: https://www.katyalmstrom.com/9-ways

Connect with Katy:

IG: www.instagram.com/katy_almstrom
FB Group: www.facebook.com/groups/networthwoman

Join the Done With Debt 30 Day Bootcamp: https://moneywise.thrivecart.com/done-with-debt-bootcamp-copy-2/

Transform your debt payoff dreams into real-world success with Part 2 of our special planning series.

Discover how to create a month-by-month roadmap that actually works with your life, including practical strategies for building sustainable habits, celebrating milestones, and adapting your plan as life happens.

Learn exactly how to track your progress, refine your approach, and maintain momentum throughout 2025.

Whether you've already listened to Part 1 or you're just joining us, this episode gives you the concrete steps needed to make 2025 the year you break free from credit card debt.

Get your free copy of 9 Ways to Break Up With Your Credit Cards: https://www.katyalmstrom.com/9-ways

Connect with Katy:

IG: www.instagram.com/katy_almstrom
FB Group: www.facebook.com/groups/networthwoman