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-making

• How debt steals family time, flexibility, and future options

• What life looks like when you stop financing your lifestyle and start funding your values

• The surprising ways becoming debt-free feels like giving yourself a raise

Plus — 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.

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 budget

If 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.

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 check

• The inbox hack that blocks impulse buying (and still lets you snag legit deals)

• Why timers are your best friend for online shopping and time blindness

• How a personal shopping deadline protects your time, money, and mental energy

• How to enjoy the holidays without ditching joy, generosity, or your financial goals

Jewlz 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 budget

• You’re overwhelmed by holiday pressure

• You struggle with online shopping temptation

• You want a holiday season filled with joy, not financial stress

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 saved

• Why “crazy deals” trigger emotional spending

• How I shifted from impulsive shopping to intentional spending

• Simple steps to avoid holiday budget traps and stay in control this season

If 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.

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 conversations

• How to start a safe financial conversation with family (without drama)

• The powerful role of boundaries in building healthy money habits

• What to do when a loved one won’t change their spending habits

• How 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.