Crushing Debt

What is the difference between a "want" and a "need"?

Can you go one day without spending money? How about one week? One Month? One Year?

Shawn & George talk every week about tips and tricks and strategies to help you save money, reduce debt, and become debt free. Now, they're "putting their money where their mouth is" and taking action to help you do just that.

In this episode, Shawn & George talk about their No Spend Challenge for July !!

A No Spend Challenge is a freeze on spending money on things that are unnecessary or no spending on things that are wants versus necessities. It can last for any length of time, so we have chosen the entire month of July - starting on July 6 (to get beyond the 4th of July Holiday). The goal of a No Spend Challenge can be whatever you want - saving money, resetting habits, paying off debt, saving money to invest, etc.

Some of the expenses you are allowed:

• Mortgage / Rent
• Utilities
• Insurance
• Bills
• Grocercies
• Gas

Some of the expenses you are not allowed:

• Eating Out
• Anything Discretionary
• Anything to Drink other than Water

To help track our progress, we've created a Facebook Group called "Crushing Debt Spending Challenge." To participate, you must join that group, which you can do here: Crushing Debt Spending Challenge | Facebook

Every dollar you save becomes one point. At the end of the challenge, we'll add up all the points, and Shawn & George have each put up a $25 gift card to the winner - plus you will have hopefully accomplished whatever goal you set for yourself.

One more important rule for this challenge - every dollar you save must be set aside, either in a separate bank account, or in a physical envelope. For example, if you go to the grocery store and forgo buying a bag of chips for $5, you MUST set aside $5 in a separate bank account or in an envelope. At the end of July, we'll count all the money saved, and the winner(s) will have saved up the most money. Could someone go out and say "I'm not going to spend $30,000 to buy that new care in July."? Yes, but then to qualify for the game you would have to set aside $30,000 in a separate savings account !!

There are other ways to get points too:

• Leave us a Podcast Review = 2 points
• Submit a question for an upcoming episode = 2 points
• Become a Patron of the show at www.patreon.com/crushingdebt = 1 point per dollar spent

Join the Facebook Group, save money, have fun and talk some trash !! If you know someone who would benefit from a No Spend Challenge, please share this episode and ask them to join the Facebook Group!

To contact George Curbelo, you can email him at [email protected] or follow his Tiktok channel - https://www.tiktok.com/@curbelofinancialcoach

To contact Shawn Yesner, you can email him at [email protected] or visit www.YesnerLaw.com.

What age groups tend to owe the most debt? Boomers? Millenials? Gen X?

Would it surprise you to know that credit card debt, on average, has returned to or exceeds pre-pandemic levels?

Why has it increased, and what can you do about it? How do you break the credit card cycle?

In this week's episode, Shawn and George talk about the reason that credit card debt has increased and some tactics for reducing or crushing your credit card debt if it has risen to a level that you are struggling (or even if you just want to pay it off).

The two articles we discuss on today's show:

• How much credit card debt Americans hold by age (cnbc.com)
• How to break the credit card debt cycle (yahoo.com)

Let us know if you enjoy this episode and, if so, please share it with your friends!

Please also visit our sponsor Mark Purvis who helps families looking for a fun and rewarding project by capturing the wisdom and stories of past generations that will bless their families today and for generations to come. www.LegacySpotlight.com.

Or, you can support the show by visiting our new Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/crushingDebt

To contact George Curbelo, you can email him at [email protected], or follow his Tiktok channel - https://www.tiktok.com/@curbelofinancialcoach

To contact Shawn Yesner, you can email him at [email protected] or visit www.YesnerLaw.com.

What is the Freddie Mac Exclusionary List, and why should you care?

We done many previous episodes on the Freddie Mac Exclusionary List:

• Episode 32 - Freddie Mac List
• Episode 83 - Freddie Mac List Updates
• Episode 132 - Coming Off the Freddie Mac List
• Episode 179 - Freddie Mac's Policy
• Episode 262 - The Secret to Coming Off the Freddie Mac List
• Episode 277 - Top 5 Myths of the Freddie Mac List
• Episode 306 - Staying Off the Freddie Mac Exclusionary List

Someone who finds themselves on the Freddie Mac Exclusionary List is prohibited from participating in a transaction where Freddie Mac is a party - this excludes buyers, sellers, Realtors, Lenders, Title Agents, Attorneys, Inspectors, Appraisers, and others.

In today's episode, Shawn & George talk about how Shawn almost literally stumbled across the Exclusionary List, and how help people come off the List turned into a part of the Yesner Law practice. Plus we give tips on how to stay off the List and ask to come off the List if you find yourself on the List.

If you find yourself on the List, please contact us for some tips on how you might be able to come off the Freddie Mac Exclusionary List.

Let us know if you enjoy this episode and, if so, please share it with your friends!

Please also visit our sponsor Mark Purvis to help retirees who are looking for a fun and rewarding project by capturing wisdom and stories that will bless their families today and for generations to come. www.LegacySpotlight.com.

Or, you can support the show by visiting our new Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/crushingDebt

To contact George Curbelo, you can email him at [email protected] or follow his Tiktok channel - https://www.tiktok.com/@curbelofinancialcoach

To contact Shawn Yesner, you can email him at [email protected] or visit www.YesnerLaw.com.

What are the 14 steps to financial freedom?

What is your financial personality? Your financial health? The TTCI Method?

Today's guest on the Crushing Debt Podcast is a CPA, speaker, course creator, and passionate about helping people become financially free. Bruce Scott is the territory leader of (senior partner) at PricewaterhouseCoopers Jamaica. He has an MBA, FCA, FCCA, CPA (Colorado), chartered accountant (Jamaica), and chartered certified accountant (UK). Bruce is passionate about financial intelligence leading to financial independence, and he offers financial training in several countries on strategies and behavioral changes required to pursue a path of financial freedom.

Bruce, Shawn & George talk about:

• Being Obsessed with Financial Goals
• Your Financial GPS (Grow, Protect & Sow)
• TTCI (Track, Trim, Chop & Income)
• Rainy-Day Fund
• Reducing Debt
• Rules of Investing

You can connect with Bruce at www.14stepstofinancialfreedom.com, as well as pick up a copy of his book there. You can connect with Bruce on Facebook and LinkedIn as well.

Some memorable quotes from today's episode:

• "Excuses are just diagnosed lies."
• "When your Why makes you Cry."

Let us know if you enjoy this episode and, if so, please get a copy of Bruce's book and share this episode with your friends!

Please also visit our sponsor Mark Purvis to help retirees who are looking for a fun and rewarding project by capturing wisdom and stories that will bless their families today and for generations to come. www.LegacySpotlight.com.

Or, you can support the show by visiting our new Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/crushingDebt

To contact George Curbelo, you can email him at [email protected] or follow his Tiktok channel - https://www.tiktok.com/@curbelofinancialcoach

To contact Shawn Yesner, you can email him at [email protected] or visit www.YesnerLaw.com.

It's that time of year again! Shawn's neighborhood holds garage sales twice per year, in May and October. At each garage sale, Shawn practices some sales technique - what better low pressure enviornment to practice sales and negotiation skills?

What sales technique did we practice at this year's May garage sale? Delegation!

How? Shawn delegated the negotiations to his sons and allowed them to keep a percentage of what they collected from selling. How did it work out? Listen to this week's episode!

If you want to listen to previous episodes, you can listen to:

• Episode 68 - Negotiation
• Episode 86 - Presentation
• Episode 118 - Patience
• Episode 168 - Preparation
• Episode 241 - Approach
• Episode 270 - Target Audience

Let us know what sales techniques you practice at garage sales! Also, if you enjoy this episode and, if so, please share it with your friends!

Please also visit our sponsors, Mark Purvis who helps families who are looking for a fun and rewarding project by capturing wisdom and stories that will bless their families today and for generations to come. www.LegacySpotlight.com.

Or, you can support the show by visiting our new Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/crushingDebt

To contact George Curbelo, you can email him at [email protected], or follow his Tiktok channel - https://www.tiktok.com/@curbelofinancialcoach

To contact Shawn Yesner, you can email him at [email protected] or visit www.YesnerLaw.com.

How does your fitness impact your finances?

What is the connection between the two?

I'm reminded of the meme: "I'm into Fitness. Fitness this pizza into my mouth!"

People who are more healthy, typically have larger incomes and savings. Conversely financial stress can negatively impact your health. People who are more fit are more likely to get hired, have lower health care costs, more energy at work, and more mental clarity in general.

This week's guest on the podcast is a long-time friend and referral partner of both Shawn & George, Moh Koutouby. Moh is a personal trainer with over 20 years experience in fitness and health. Moh started his journey by overcoming being an overweight kid. He loves to help motivated clients to maximize their training and ancestral nutrition so they can be the best in their business and family life.

You can visit Moh's website at www.generationfitfl.com, or contact him directly at [email protected].

Let us know if you enjoy this episode and, if so, please share it with your friends!

Please also visit our sponsor, Mark Purvis to help retirees who are looking for a fun and rewarding project by capturing wisdom and stories that will bless their families today and for generations to come. www.LegacySpotlight.com.

Or, you can support the show by visiting our new Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/crushingDebt

To contact George Curbelo, you can email him at [email protected] or follow his Tiktok channel - https://www.tiktok.com/@curbelofinancialcoach

To contact Shawn Yesner, you can email him at [email protected] or visit www.YesnerLaw.com.

How do you overcome a negative mindset?

What does it mean to win? To win in life? To win in relationships? To win in finances? To win in other areas of your life?

Our guest on this week's show is Brad DeMint. Brad is an account executive with Greenleaf Title, LLC (www.greenleaftitle.com) and host of the podcast How to Win with Brad Demint (www.BradDeMint.com), a podcast about life, sales, and inspiration. Listen to Brad DeMint break down important winning strategies in every area of your life. Brad teaches and coaches success!

In this week's episode, George and Shawn talk to Brad about:

• How to Win
• Persistence
• Freedom
• Never Quitting
• How to Keep Moving Forward
• How to Overcome a Negative Mindset
• Your Power Army
• Eliminating Limiting Beliefs

You can connect with Brad (and check out his Reels and other Social Media content) at:

• [email protected]
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WinwithBradDeMint/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/braddemint9
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/win_with_Brad_DeMint/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-demint-38b295179/

Let us know if you enjoy this episode and, if so, please share it with your friends!

Please also visit our sponsors:

• Sam Cohen of Attorneys First Insurance for Attorneys and Title Companies looking to get a quote on Errors & Ommissions (malpractice) Insurance coverage. www.AttorneysFirst.com.
• Mark Purvis to help retirees who are looking for a fun and rewarding project by capturing wisdom and stories that will bless their families today and for generations to come. www.LegacySpotlight.com.

Or, you can support the show by visiting our new Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/crushingDebt

To contact George Curbelo, you can email him at [email protected], or follow his Tiktok channel - https://www.tiktok.com/@curbelofinancialcoach

To contact Shawn Yesner, you can email him at [email protected] or visit www.YesnerLaw.com.

What are the money hacks that you use every day?

What are some that you would never do?

Today George and Shawn talk about money hacks - simple things you can do to save a few dollars here or there that, when added up, amount to significant savings!

For example:

• Unplugging Vampire Devices
• Making Coffee at Home
• Bulk Buying
• AC Maintenance
• Toilet Water Hacks
• Zip Up Your Pants Before Washing
• Extended Warranties
• And Others...

If you want to participate with George and Shawn in a "No Spend Day" please let us know by email or commenting on this post!

If you want more money hacks, pick up your free online copy of Become Debt Free at this link: www.ShawnMYesner.com/BecomeDebtFree. Also, let us know your favorite hacks and if you know someone who could use a few of these, please share the episode!

Please also visit our sponsors:

• Sam Cohen of Attorneys First Insurance for Attorneys and Title Companies looking to get a quote on Errors & Ommissions (malpractice) Insurance coverage. www.AttorneysFirst.com.
• Mark Purvis to help retirees who are looking for a fun and rewarding project by capturing wisdom and stories that will bless their families today and for generations to come. www.LegacySpotlight.com.

Or, you can support the show by visiting our new Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/crushingDebt

To contact George Curbelo, you can email him at [email protected], or follow his Tiktok channel - https://www.tiktok.com/@curbelofinancialcoach

To contact Shawn Yesner, you can email him at [email protected] or visit www.YesnerLaw.com.

Are you able to leave the office for a week on vacation and leave your work behind?

What do you need to do prior to leaving, to make sure that your vacation is a vacation, and not just working remote from some other place?

This past week, Shawn & his family took a trip to Arizona. They were gone for a week, but Shawn left behind his iPad and laptop (he did bring his phone, but he needed a phone, GPS, camera, etc.). In this week's episode Shawn & George discuss what Shawn did prior to leaving, so that Shawn could "unplug" for a week!

You may also want to listen to Episode 307, Twenty-One Ways to Crush Your Vacation Debt (which Shawn also did prior to leaving), but this episode is more about unplugging than it is reducing debt: https://yesnerlawpodcast.libsyn.com/21-ways-to-crush-your-vacation-debt-episode-307

Some things to think about that we discuss in this week's episode:

• How long will you be gone?
• What bills need to be paid in advance?
• If you're the one with authority over the bank account, how do you handle unforseen expenses that might pop up?
• Should you bring anything for work purposes (my vote is no)?
• Setting auto-responders for emails and phones.
• How the office can reach you in the event of a real emergency?

Let us know if you enjoy this episode and, if so, please share it with your friends!

Please also visit our sponsors:

• Sam Cohen of Attorneys First Insurance for Attorneys and Title Companies looking to get a quote on Errors & Ommissions (malpractice) Insurance coverage. www.AttorneysFirst.com.
• Mark Purvis to help retirees who are looking for a fun and rewarding project by capturing wisdom and stories that will bless their families today and for generations to come. www.LegacySpotlight.com.

Or, you can support the show by visiting our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/crushingDebt

To contact George Curbelo, you can email him at [email protected], or follow his Tiktok channel - https://www.tiktok.com/@curbelofinancialcoach

To contact Shawn Yesner, you can email him at [email protected] or visit www.YesnerLaw.com.

What happens to finances in a time of loss? Loss of job, loss of family or friends, loss due to illness, loss because of a divorce?

Losses can happen to any of us at any time, but how you deal with the loss will also impact how the loss affects your finances.

In this week's episode Shawn and George talk to Bobby Clark, a personal finance coach and content writer for the Clark on Money Blog. Bobby helps his clients take the stress out of their personal finances, stop living paycheck to paycheck, plan for their future and achieve their life goals.

Shawn and George talk to Bobby about:

• How to track spending
• How to maintain systems
• How to update a budget when loss happens
• The importance of open communication with family
• The importance of health care and estate documents, and more!

You can contact Bobby at [email protected] or visit his website, which has a ton of great content and free downloads at www.ClarkOnMoney.com.

Let us know how you deal with loss and if this episode will help someone dealing with loss, please share it with them.

Please also visit our sponsors:

• Sam Cohen of Attorneys First Insurance for Attorneys and Title Companies looking to get a quote on Errors & Ommissions (malpractice) Insurance coverage. www.AttorneysFirst.com.
• Mark Purvis to help retirees who are looking for a fun and rewarding project by capturing wisdom and stories that will bless their families today and for generations to come. www.LegacySpotlight.com.

Or, you can support the show by visiting our new Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/crushingDebt

To contact George Curbelo, you can email him at [email protected] or follow his Tiktok channel - https://www.tiktok.com/@curbelofinancialcoach

To contact Shawn Yesner, you can email him at [email protected] or visit www.YesnerLaw.com.