Debt, Shame and Being Honest About Finances with Julian Kohlbrand

If you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/support In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Julian Kohlbrand about navigating six figures of consumer debt, financial shame, and the path to authentic money management. Based just outside Seattle, Washington, Julian opens up about her experiences as an economics major, her personal struggles with debt despite a strong financial education, and how her journey led her to both self-acceptance and coaching others. Listeners will hear honest reflections on the emotional weight of debt, the power of open communication, and the practical, values-driven steps Julian took to change her financial future. About Julian Kohlbrand: Julian "Jewlz The Budget Nerd" Kohlbrand is on a mission to empower families to take control of their finances and reclaim their time. Through her coaching practice and podcast, she provides practical advice, actionable strategies, and ADHD-friendly support to help individuals and families achieve their financial dreams. Main Topics Covered: The emotional impact of consumer debt and why shame is so prevalent—even for those with financial know-how. How family values, generational beliefs, and upbringing shape our relationship with money and debt. The disconnect between academic economics and real-life personal finance skills (budgeting, debt management). Communication and transparency in relationships: aligning money philosophies with your partner. The role of ADHD in money management, executive functioning, and day-to-day financial decision-making. Creating actionable, judgment-free plans to dig out from debt—why talking about it is the first step to transformation. Rethinking social spending, boundaries with friends and family, and the tough adjustments that support financial health. Prioritizing values and intentional spending—how to manage your money without feeling deprived. Quote from the Episode: "It just felt like I had put on this backpack that I couldn't let go of. I carried it around with me everywhere. Then one day I said, we can't do this anymore. We have to rip the Band-Aid off. We have to figure this out and get rid of this because this is not how I envisioned my life to be." — Julian Kohlbrand Timestamps: [00:00:22] Julian introduced; Seattle life and love for Western Washington summers [00:01:38] Navigating generational identity and family patterns [00:04:10] Studying economics: college experience and the surprising lack of personal finance education [00:06:19] Choosing not to pursue grad school—financial motivations and career pivots [00:12:54] What qualifies as consumer debt? Differentiating mortgage, student loans, car loans, and credit cards [00:16:00] Real estate commissions, irregular income, prioritizing family over bills, and how debt snowballs [00:19:59] Breaking down the origins and weight of financial shame [00:21:35] The turning point: deciding to face the debt and rebuild as a couple [00:28:09] How talking about debt (and dropping the “backpack”) was key to overcoming shame [00:31:04] The ripple effect on friendships and the need to reset social spending habits [00:34:11] Calculating the true extent of debt years later; importance of facing the numbers [00:37:12] The first actionable steps: emergency savings, redefining what’s an “emergency,” and ongoing communication [00:40:32] Why Julian shares her story publicly: hope for others and the ADHD connection [00:45:15] How Julian helps others as a financial coach (and podcast info: Debt Rebel) [00:46:37] Special offer: free financial self-care journal for listeners [00:47:50] Recommendations—favorite podcast for family nostalgia [00:49:21] Online shopping and intentional splurges: golf clubs, joy, and mindful value-based spending [00:50:38] Closing thoughts on values-based money management and gratitude for community ABOUT THE SHOW: The Art of Imperfect Adulting shares authentic conversations with and for women about the choices and decisions that shape a life. These are the choices that nobody gives you an instruction book to handle. Topics include: career reinvention, divorce and starting over, caregiving for aging parents, getting sober, menopause, and healing from abuse and trauma and more. These are stories of lived experience, not advice because there's a difference between being told what to do and hearing how someone else actually navigated a similar crossroads CONNECT WITH THE GUEST: https://www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/ GET JEWLZ'S SPECIAL OFFER: Financial Self-Care Journal ($27 value) https://www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/financial-self-care-journal?coupon=IMPERFECT Never Miss a Moment of Imperfect Adulting We invite you to join our email community and let us bring the podcast directly to you! As a subscriber, you'll receive notifications about new episodes, exclusive offers from our amazing guests, and easier access to any of the important links mentioned on the show—no more scrambling to write down websites or remember special codes. 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