In this special episode, I’m sharing a powerful conversation I had as a guest on the Two Comma Club podcast with Jonathan Marsh. We got real about what it means to break free from the traditional 9-to-5, the mindset shifts that changed my financial future, and how I turned my personal finance struggles into a mission-driven business helping thousands of others.

You’ll hear my full journey—from crushing $300K of debt to building Budgetdog Academy into a thriving brand. We also dive into the practical tools that helped me, the challenges I faced leaving corporate life, and the strategies I use today to build a business with real impact. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or just ready to take control of your finances, this episode is packed with stories, lessons, and insights to fuel your path forward.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Introduction

[0:43] - Kicking things off with a guest spot on the Two Comma Club podcast

[2:19] - Why I believe financial education should be simple and how we built Budgetdog

[4:20] - Growing up financially uneducated and learning through self-education

[8:08] - The pivotal role environment played in shaping my money mindset

[13:04] - The leap of faith: how I left Deloitte after being forced to choose

[21:20] - Why resilience and handling resistance is the true key to success

[26:17] - Behind the scenes: how we use content, email, and paid ads to grow

[30:04] - Game-changing business book: why Traction is a must-read

[36:12] - The importance of being real and not selling a fake lifestyle

[40:02] - Financial rules of thumb, automation, and building your financial moat

[46:22] - How our book, challenge, and academy help people change their lives

3 Key Takeaways

1. Self-education is a superpower. You don’t need a formal background to master your money—you need curiosity, discipline, and the right resources.

2. Automation is freedom. When your finances run on autopilot, you remove emotion and inconsistency—creating space for real growth.

3. Resistance builds strength. Success isn’t about avoiding hardship—it’s about enduring and overcoming it with intention.

Quoteables

• “The person who keeps the bar on their chest the longest builds the biggest chest.”

• “If someone knows, likes, and trusts you—and you solve their problem—they’ll work with you.”

• “You don’t have to be the most talented. You just have to outlast.”

• “Lock the system, and go live your life.”

Links & Resources

• Budgetdog Academy

• The Roadmap to Financial Freedom by Brendan

• Traction by Gino Wickman – Business systemization resource

• Brendan’s 3-Day Financial Challenge (more at Budgetdog.com)

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow, rate, and review Money on My Mind. Share it with someone who’s ready to build wealth and live with purpose!

Welcome back to Money on My Mind! Today’s episode is one of the most personal and powerful I’ve ever recorded. Despite battling a heavy heart and a tough cold, I felt compelled to sit down and share something deeply important: why we so often sabotage our own financial goals—and more importantly, how to break the cycle.

I open up about recent personal loss and the emotional struggles that come with it, tying it all back to how our mindset and subconscious beliefs can quietly but forcefully derail our money journey. We dive deep into childhood money scripts, upper limit beliefs, fear of success, and the psychological traps that keep us stuck. If you’ve ever wondered why it feels so hard to follow through with your financial plans, this episode is for you.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Introduction

[0:41] - Why we set goals but never follow through—and why I still showed up to record today

[2:15] - How self-sabotage and upper limit beliefs shape your financial ceiling

[4:39] - The impact of childhood money scripts and subconscious programming

[8:27] - Personal story: learning money lessons the hard way as a kid

[13:05] - Fear of success and how our past can create hidden resistance

[16:58] - The tribal psychology of money and fear of outgrowing your circle

[21:07] - Stockholm Syndrome and why staying broke sometimes feels safer

[25:01] - Signs you’re sabotaging your success—spending sprees, over-research, and distractions

[29:31] - Tools to interrupt self-sabotage and shift your financial identity

[39:13] - Journal prompts to help rewire your beliefs and unlock new success

Quoteables

“Until people see themselves as someone who handles money well, they’ll keep proving the opposite.”

“Sometimes we’re not afraid to fail—we’re afraid to succeed and lose it all.”

“Money is energy. Money is value. Money is not time spent.”

“If I had money already, what would I be doing differently?”

“You don’t need to be great to start, but you need to start to become great.”

Links & Resources

• https://bookwithbudgetdog.com/ped

If this episode spoke to you, I’d be grateful if you rated and reviewed the show! Don’t forget to follow Money on My Mind and share it with someone else who might need to hear it. Your financial freedom starts with your mindset—let’s rewire it together.

In this deeply personal episode of Money on My Mind, I walk you through the emotional and financial rollercoaster that followed what seemed like the perfect move for our family. We left everything behind to relocate for our daughter’s specialized medical care—only to discover our dream home was poisoning her. A hidden mold and mycotoxin issue triggered severe health setbacks and cost us nearly $300,000 in recovery expenses.

From dealing with a rare epilepsy diagnosis to losing almost all our possessions and scrambling to relocate again, this episode is a raw, transparent look at how fast life can shift. More importantly, I talk about the mindset and financial preparation that allowed us to move quickly and decisively—and how this experience completely redefined my understanding of wealth.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Why our dream home nearly destroyed our health and finances

[1:10] - Our daughter’s diagnosis with Dravet syndrome

[1:54] - Relocating to Texas for expert care and a miraculous 8-month stretch

[2:50] - Seizures return, triggering deeper investigation

[4:07] - Blood and urine tests reveal shocking mold exposure

[5:56] - Emergency travel to Iowa for treatment amid chaos

[7:19] - Realizing we had to abandon our home and everything in it

[8:52] - Financial pressure mounts as we scramble to protect our daughter

[10:00] - How years of financial planning helped us weather the storm

[14:04] - Losing 99% of our belongings due to contamination

[15:12] - The breakdown of the $300K cost: housing, health, and recovery

[16:46] - What money can’t fix—and what really matters

[18:46] - How this crisis reshaped my perspective on wealth

[20:25] - Preventative measures we’ve taken to safeguard our new home

[21:37] - What are you putting off that’s costing you peace of mind?

Key Takeaways

1. Prepare financially for the unexpected. You never know when a crisis will hit. Building financial flexibility gave us the ability to make life-saving decisions without hesitation.

2. Health is the real wealth. No amount of money is worth more than your family’s well-being. Prioritize health investments now before you’re forced to later.

3. Don’t wait for crisis to force change. If something is causing you low-grade stress or health concerns today, deal with it now—because the cost of waiting can be far greater.

Links & Resources

• Infinity Wellness Clinic (Josh, Iowa location)

• Dravet Syndrome Foundation: dravetfoundation.org

• Home air quality resources: AirDoctor, dehumidifiers, air scrubbers

If this episode made you think twice about how you define wealth, I’d love for you to rate, follow, and review the show. And if you know someone who could benefit from this story, share it with them. See you next week!

In this episode, I dive deep into the heart of why I created this podcast—and why I believe it’s about so much more than money. From humble beginnings and life-altering challenges to building a thriving community focused on purpose-driven financial freedom, I open up about the real reason this show exists.

You’ll hear my journey of going from a negative net worth to building a life of freedom, and why sharing not just the “how” but the “why” behind financial success is critical. This podcast isn’t just about spreadsheets and Roth IRAs—it’s about values, mindset, and overcoming adversity to build the life you deserve.

Episode Highlights & Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Why I launched this podcast and the deeper mission behind Budget Dog

[2:20] - From being financially clueless to a debt-free millionaire: my personal backstory

[3:06] - The story behind my national bestselling book and the cause it’s dedicated to

[6:48] - The moment I realized I wasn’t maximizing my financial potential in college

[8:06] - Why time is the most powerful wealth-building tool

[10:21] - My early misconceptions about investing and the transformative power of mentorship

[13:14] - How Budget Dog started with a raw idea and a photo of my dog

[17:03] - My wife’s key role in helping me see my potential

[20:48] - Going from anonymous IG posts to building a million+ follower brand

[24:06] - The unexpected and life-changing results students have achieved through my guidance

[26:22] - The unethical financial advice I fight against—and why it fuels my mission

[30:08] - Why this podcast won’t focus on technical tips but the habits and mindsets behind success

[33:21] - Personal challenges, including my daughter’s diagnosis, and the strength it’s built in us

[35:48] - A call to build wealth beyond money—and to do it together, as a community

Notable Quotes from the Episode

1. “It’s not about the spreadsheets. It’s about the values and character that build real wealth.”

2. “I didn’t choose social media—social media chose me.”

3. “You have to get strong yourself before you can truly serve others.”

4. “Everything worthwhile takes intentional hard work, whether you like it or not.”

5. “This podcast isn’t about woe is me—it’s about extreme ownership and overcoming.”

Links & Resources

• https://bookwithbudgetdog.com/ped

If you found value in this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s ready to take charge of their financial future. Let’s get wealthy together—beyond just the bank account.

I’m showing up raw and real in this episode—white tee, unfiltered, and straight from the heart. I take you behind the scenes of my journey from fear-filled moments to life-altering breakthroughs. From failing multiple CPA exams to quitting a secure job at Deloitte, from launching Budget Dog to facing my daughter’s rare medical condition—every leap was powered by fear. But not the kind that paralyzes; the kind that fuels you when there’s no other choice but to rise.

In this episode, I share how fear can either break you or build you. I recount how I used fear to pass the CPA exams against the odds, walk away from my 9-to-5, support my family through unimaginable challenges, and ultimately find our dream home after losing almost everything. This is the rawest, most powerful episode I’ve ever recorded—and I hope it lights a fire in you to lean into your own fears.

[0:00] Why I ditched the polished look for this episode and decided to go raw and real

[2:09] The pivotal moment that shifted my mindset after college

[4:11] My intense CPA study grind and early failures that nearly broke me

[6:13] The public humiliation that sparked a turning point

[11:04] The moment I finally passed the CPA exams—and what it taught me about fear

[13:30] How I transitioned from Deloitte to full-time entrepreneurship with Budget Dog

[16:12] The conversation that led me to leave my 9-5 earlier than planned

[18:05] Welcoming my daughter Logan and the life-changing diagnosis we faced

[23:08] Retiring my wife and relocating to Texas for Logan’s care

[28:22] Discovering mold and mycotoxins—and losing nearly everything

[33:55] Facing homelessness, uncertainty, and massive financial losses

[37:13] The moment we found our safe home and a new beginning

[40:59] Why fear has become my greatest motivator

• https://bookwithbudgetdog.com/ped

• National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA)

• Functional Neurologist & Health Journey Insights (referenced in Logan’s story)

If this episode moved you, I’d love for you to leave a review, follow the podcast, and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Thanks for tuning in—and remember, fear might just be the sign that you’re on the brink of greatness.

What if the only thing standing between you and a massive income jump was your mindset? In this episode, I walk you through the real-life transformation of one of my students, who went from juggling multiple part-time jobs and drowning in debt to landing a $500,000 per year position. Her story is more than just about money—it’s about reclaiming confidence, cutting loose the things that held her back, and stepping boldly into a new season of life.

We explore the three core shifts that led to her breakthrough: investing in herself, releasing dead weight (financial and emotional), and embracing a mindset of abundance. I also open up about my own recent family and business struggles to remind you that growth often comes disguised as adversity. If you’ve been stuck in fear or waiting for the right time to make a move—this episode is your wake-up call.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Introduction

[1:11] - Why most people struggle with a scarcity mindset—even while making six figures

[2:54] - Miranda’s “sweaty palms” moment: confronting financial fear head-on

[5:01] - The marathon effect: building momentum through small wins

[10:07] - Taking the shot: lessons from a $26K failed investment (and why it still paid off)

[14:24] - How Miranda cut her expenses in half by walking away from a toxic relationship

[16:03] - Paying off $10K in 30 days and stepping into clarity and confidence

[27:22] - Accepting a $500K job offer and stepping into a life of purpose

[34:08] - Why serving others from a place of abundance brings unexpected rewards

[36:45] - The 3 keys to transformation: invest in yourself, release the weight, and think abundantly

Quotables from the Episode

Links & Resources

• https://bookwithbudgetdog.com/ped

• BudgetDog Academy: https://www.budgetdog.com

• Join our weekly free events and live Q&As on Instagram: @budgetdog_

Final Thoughts

Miranda’s story isn’t just inspiring—it’s proof that transformation is possible when you choose courage over comfort. If this episode spoke to you, don’t just sit on the motivation—take action. Start where you are, trust the process, and surround yourself with the right support.

If you found value in today’s conversation, I’d love for you to rate, follow, review, and share the podcast with someone who needs it. Until next time—stay focused, stay bold, and keep building your financial future.

We all love a good comeback story—but what happens when the setbacks keep coming? In this episode, I’m getting raw and real about the most challenging season of our lives, and how we pushed through against all odds. From leaving a stable W-2 job and facing an unexpected diagnosis with our daughter, to losing our home and rebuilding from scratch—not once, but twice—this episode is a front-row seat to what resilience really looks like.

If you’ve ever felt like life keeps hitting harder just when you think you’re catching your breath, this one’s for you. I’m sharing not just the pain and chaos we faced, but also the mindset that helped us keep going when it would’ve been easier to give up. No fluff, no sugarcoating—just the truth, the tears, and the triumph.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Why this isn’t a victim story—it’s a resilience story

01:25 Quitting my 9-5, paying off our house, and welcoming our first daughter

04:11 The moment everything changed: Logan’s first seizure

07:43 A devastating diagnosis—and how we responded

10:26 Building a business while holding my daughter through nap time

12:13 The decision to move across the country for better care

15:13 My wife quits her job—without a backup plan

20:08 Losing our home to toxic mold (and everything in it)

27:15 How we found a new home after two near misses

30:58 The mindset that kept us from breaking

35:20 Why the toughest moments have made us stronger

Quotables

“Just because you get hit one time—or eight times—doesn’t mean you don’t get back up.”

“It’s bad to bet against us… because of the mindset we’ve adopted.”

“Money can bridge gaps, but it can’t fix everything. You still have to face the real stuff as a human.”

Links & Resources

Budgetdog
https://budgetdog.com

If this episode moved you, inspired you, or gave you a fresh perspective, share it with a friend who needs to hear it. And if you haven’t yet, take a moment to rate, follow, and leave a review for the podcast—it helps more people find these powerful stories. Thanks for being here, and I’ll catch you next week.

In this week’s episode of Money on My Mind, I dive into a real-life experience that had me reflecting deeply on the power of accountability—and why it’s absolutely critical if you want to win in life. I share the messy (and at times frustrating) story of how a simple car accident turned into a lesson on ownership, responsibility, and the hard truths many people avoid. This episode is a wake-up call for anyone who’s tired of playing the blame game and is ready to step into true leadership in their finances—and their life.

Tune in to hear my take on how personal responsibility shapes not just your bank account but your entire future. Whether you’ve been burned by someone else’s mistakes or struggled to own up to your own, I lay out exactly why accountability is the secret ingredient to lasting success—and how you can start applying it today.

Timeline Summary:

[0:00] - Introduction

[1:01] - Walking past my old house and discovering unexpected damage.

[2:06] - Tracking down the neighbor responsible—and the initial honest mistake.

[3:19] - When accountability gets shaky: dodging responsibility and broken promises.

[4:15] - My own story of being held accountable at 16—and why it stuck with me.

[7:21] - Conversations with the parents: denial, deflection, and hard truths.

[10:24] - The lesson: why taking ownership is non-negotiable for true success.

[15:10] - The victim vs. leader mindset—are you giving away your power?

[18:22] - A call to action: why accountability is the foundation for winning in life.

Quotables:

• “If you want to win in life, you have to take responsibility and ownership of your mistakes.”

• “You can’t give your power away by blaming others—step up and take control.”

• “Being accountable isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being honest and taking action.”

• “Leadership starts when you stop pointing fingers and start owning your results.”

• “Excuses don’t pay the bills—accountability does.”

Links & Resources:

• Budgetdog

https://budgetdog.com

Thanks for tuning in! If today’s episode gave you something to think about, please take a moment to rate, follow, and review the podcast. Sharing it with someone who needs a dose of accountability helps more than you know. See you next week!