Is your credit score helping you, or just keeping you stuck in debt? Also, how can you prioritize your actual financial well-being over your credit score?

In this episode, Ben Matthews challenges the pervasive obsession with credit scores, asserting that this three-digit number is merely a "debt behavior score" and not a reflection of your financial success. He emphasizes that true financial freedom comes from building invisible wealth, managing bills without panic, and having a plan for unexpected challenges, rather than meticulously maintaining a perfect score.

Topics Ben explores in this episode:

(1:17) The Myth of the Magic Number

Your credit score is not your GPA for adulthood—it’s a debt behavior score.

The system rewards borrowing and punishes debt freedom.

People fear hurting their score more than missing peace of mind.

(2:12) The Credit Score Trap

Paying off debt can temporarily hurt your score—and that’s okay.

Financial health is about stability, savings, and freedom—not points.

You can still keep your score healthy with practical, non-obsessive habits.

(2:54) What Actually Matters

True wealth is invisible—like flexibility, security, and peace of mind.

Credit scores can be helpful, but they’re not your identity.

Your challenge: stop checking your score and do one real wealth-building action.

(3:47) Six Credit Score Survival Tips

1. Don’t Close Old Credit Cards (Yet).

2. Keep Your Credit Utilization Low.

3. Pay On Time, Every Time.

4. Don’t Apply for a Bunch of New Credit.

5. If You’re Paying Off Debt Aggressively, Pick Your Priorities.

6. Check Your Score—But Don’t Obsess.

Learn more: https://debtsucks.info

Talk with Ben Matthews: 803-799-1700

Subscribe to the Debt Sucks Podcast!

Apple: https://apple.co/3Fz2vXE

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4kvltyl

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DebtSucksPod

Facebook: https://facebook.com/debtsuxspod

Instagram: https://instagram.com/debtsuckspod

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@debtsuckspod

X: https://x.com/debtsuckspod

The Debt Sucks Podcast is your fun, no-BS approach to debt relief. Say goodbye to stress, shame, and debt. Hosted by consumer bankruptcy attorney Ben Matthews, this is your weekly dose of real, relatable advice on crushing debt. If you’re dealing with mounting bills or sick of living paycheck to paycheck, we’re here to help you take control of your finances and find your way out.

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

Are you measuring your financial progress against someone else's highlight reel? If you are, what steps can you take to protect your financial peace of mind?

Ben Matthews returns with a no-nonsense reality check on the toxic game of financial comparison. In this punchy episode, he breaks down why the comparison trap is rigged—and how to escape it. Check out this episode if you want to build invisible wealth that leads to peace, not just praise.

Topics Ben explores in this episode:

(2:06) Why Comparison Is Always a Scam

* Comparison erodes self-esteem and derails momentum.

* Social media shows beach pics, not the credit card bill.

(2:49) Escape the Comparison Game

* Curate your inputs by muting toxic social media accounts.

* Track your own progress and wins—not others’.

(4:29) The Invisible Wealth Challenge

* Ben introduces a 7-day challenge to ditch comparison and build quiet wealth.

* Each day has a task: from muting influencers to celebrating small wins.

* The goal is to build stability and confidence from the inside out.

(7:40) Even in Chaos, You Have Control

* It’s overwhelming trying to make financial progress during global chaos.

* Try tiny steps like unsubscribing from a marketing email or saving $10.

Learn more: https://debtsucks.info

Talk with Ben Matthews: 803-799-1700

Subscribe to the Debt Sucks Podcast!

Apple: https://apple.co/3Fz2vXE

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4kvltyl

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DebtSucksPod

Facebook: https://facebook.com/debtsuxspod

Instagram: https://instagram.com/debtsuckspod

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@debtsuckspod

X: https://x.com/debtsuckspod

The Debt Sucks Podcast is your fun, no-BS approach to debt relief. Say goodbye to stress, shame, and debt. Hosted by consumer bankruptcy attorney Ben Matthews, this is your weekly dose of real, relatable advice on crushing debt. If you’re dealing with mounting bills or sick of living paycheck to paycheck, we’re here to help you take control of your finances and find your way out.

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

Why do our financial budgets sometimes fail the moment life presents unexpected challenges? Also, what emotional triggers might be causing our financial habits to go awry?

In this episode, Ben Matthews is joined by his daughter and trauma-informed therapist Dorothy Selmon for an honest, funny, and insightful conversation about the emotional side of money. Together, they unpack how stress, shame, and survival mode can wreck even the best financial plans. They also share ways you can recognize emotional spending and build tools for lasting change.

Topics Ben and Dorothy explores in this episode:

(1:47) Why Math Doesn’t Explain Your Money Problems

* Money issues stem from emotions, not equations.

* Spending often masks stress, shame, or survival instincts.

* The real challenge is emotional pressure, not poor math skills.

(3:53) Common Emotional Money Triggers

* Guilt, comparison, fear, and reward drive overspending.

* Emotional spending offers relief but deepens debt.

* Awareness is the first step to change.

(6:48) Flip the Script: Handle the Feelings First

* Pause and name the feeling before spending.

* Swap spending for emotional alternatives.

* Use tools that make your plan feel freeing, not punishing.

Thanks to my daughter for coming on the show! Connect with Dorothy Selmon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorothy-selmon-368888133/

Learn more: https://debtsucks.info

Talk with Ben Matthews: 803-799-1700

Subscribe to the Debt Sucks Podcast!

Apple: https://apple.co/3Fz2vXE

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4kvltyl

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DebtSucksPod

Facebook: https://facebook.com/debtsuxspod

Instagram: https://instagram.com/debtsuckspod

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@debtsuckspod

X: https://x.com/debtsuckspod

The Debt Sucks Podcast is your fun, no-BS approach to debt relief. Say goodbye to stress, shame, and debt. Hosted by consumer bankruptcy attorney Ben Matthews, this is your weekly dose of real, relatable advice on crushing debt. If you’re dealing with mounting bills or sick of living paycheck to paycheck, we’re here to help you take control of your finances and find your way out.

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

If you’ve ever felt like money just doesn’t “click” for you, that’s not a failure. When you were younger, did anyone ever sit you down and say, “Hey, here’s how to manage money”?

This episode unpacks why so many people feel like they’re failing with money—and why it’s not their fault. Ben Matthews breaks down how society’s lack of real-world money education fuels shame and poor decisions, and offers a clear, shame-free path forward.

Topics Ben explores in this episode:

(2:00) The Money Education No One Got

* Schools taught us mitochondria—not money management.

* Parents often passed down vague financial advice, not real tools.

(3:56) Rewriting the Script

* Common beliefs like “I’m just bad with money” can be unlearned.

* You didn’t fail—no one gave you the manual, but now you have one.

(4:53) What You Should’ve Been Taught (Instead of the Pythagorean Theorem)

* Real-world lessons like budgeting, credit, and financial communication are missing from school.

* Ben outlines the “Debt Sucks Plan” with five steps to rebuild.

(10:05) Ditch the Shame, Grab the Tools

* Shame doesn’t help you grow—it keeps you stuck.

Get your free “Debt Sucks” tools from https://debtsucks.info

Talk with Ben Matthews: 803-799-1700

Subscribe to the Debt Sucks Podcast!

Apple: https://apple.co/3Fz2vXE

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4kvltyl

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DebtSucksPod

Facebook: https://facebook.com/debtsuxspod

Instagram: https://instagram.com/debtsuckspod

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@debtsuckspod

X: https://x.com/debtsuckspod

The Debt Sucks Podcast is your fun, no-BS approach to debt relief. Say goodbye to stress, shame, and debt. Hosted by consumer bankruptcy attorney Ben Matthews, this is your weekly dose of real, relatable advice on crushing debt. If you’re dealing with mounting bills or sick of living paycheck to paycheck, we’re here to help you take control of your finances and find your way out.

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

What financial wisdom from your grandparents still holds up today? Are you ignoring old-school wisdom that could save your financial future?

In this episode, Ben Matthews channels his grandmother's no-nonsense financial wisdom, sharing timeless advice that still holds true today. He breaks down eight old sayings, emphasizing the importance of diversification, saving, and living within one's means to build financial freedom.

Join Ben as he explores the following eight old sayings about money, finances, and debt that still hold up today.

(1:13) "Don’t put all your eggs in one basket."

(2:06) "A penny saved is a penny earned."

(3:06) "Live below your means."

(4:02) "Neither a borrower nor a lender be."

(5:28) "Money doesn’t grow on trees."

(6:29) "It’s not what you make, it’s what you keep."

(7:47) "Time is money."

(9:32) "You can have your cake and eat it too."

Learn more: https://debtsucks.info

Talk with Ben Matthews: 803-799-1700

Subscribe to the Debt Sucks Podcast!

Apple: https://apple.co/3Fz2vXE

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4kvltyl

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DebtSucksPod

Facebook: https://facebook.com/debtsuxspod

Instagram: https://instagram.com/debtsuckspod

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@debtsuckspod

X: https://x.com/debtsuckspod

The Debt Sucks Podcast is your fun, no-BS approach to debt relief. Say goodbye to stress, shame, and debt. Hosted by consumer bankruptcy attorney Ben Matthews, this is your weekly dose of real, relatable advice on crushing debt. If you’re dealing with mounting bills or sick of living paycheck to paycheck, we’re here to help you take control of your finances and find your way out.

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

If you’ve got consumer debt, what are your rights when dealing with debt collectors? Also, how can bankruptcy be a fresh start instead of a failure?

In this episode, Ben Matthews exposes the tactics debt collectors use and empowers you to defend yourself against them. He talks about your rights and how you should not be intimidated by aggressive collection practices. Ben also provides practical advice on how to handle debt collectors, including staying calm, documenting interactions, and seeking help when needed.

Topics Ben explores in this episode:

(0:10) The Problem With Debt Collectors

* The emotional toll of collector intimidation and the legal boundaries debt collectors often cross.

(2:43) Your Rights Under the FDCPA

* How the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act legally protects you if you have consumer debt.

* Ben lists common collector tactics that violate the law, such as calling at odd hours or contacting your employer.

(3:33) How to Respond to Common Threats

* Ben breaks down specific scare tactics like wage garnishment, arrest threats, and sheriff visits.

* The power of asking for everything in writing and keeping detailed records.

(5:35) Staying Calm and Taking Control

* A step-by-step game plan for handling collection calls without losing your cool.

(9:46) When and How to Walk Away

* Ben answers a listener question about blocked-number calls and shady identity verification.

* He encourages listeners to seek help, including bankruptcy if needed.

Learn more: https://debtsucks.info

Talk with Ben Matthews: 803-799-1700

Subscribe to the Debt Sucks Podcast!

Apple: https://apple.co/3Fz2vXE

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4kvltyl

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DebtSucksPod

Facebook: https://facebook.com/debtsuxspod

Instagram: https://instagram.com/debtsuckspod

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@debtsuckspod

X: https://x.com/debtsuckspod

The Debt Sucks Podcast is your fun, no-BS approach to debt relief. Say goodbye to stress, shame, and debt. Hosted by consumer bankruptcy attorney Ben Matthews, this is your weekly dose of real, relatable advice on crushing debt. If you’re dealing with mounting bills or sick of living paycheck to paycheck, we’re here to help you take control of your finances and find your way out.

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

Is it possible to responsibly use credit cards and avoid falling into debt traps?

In this episode, Ben Matthews delves into the deceptive allure of credit cards, revealing how their enticing perks and rewards often mask high interest rates and hidden fees that can lead to significant debt. Your host has probably made every money mistake you're trying to avoid right now. So be sure to listen to this episode where Ben explores minimum payment traps, strategies for responsible credit card use, and more.

Topics Ben explores in this episode:

(00:44) Why Credit Cards Are So Hard to Quit

* Credit cards make spending feel less real and more abstract.

* The convenience of plastic makes us lose emotional connection to our purchases.

(02:35) The Psychological Manipulation of Plastic

* How credit cards are designed to numb your financial awareness.

* Spending with cash creates emotional friction, which can lead to better choices.

(05:02) It’s Not About Points—It’s About Control

* Ben critiques the myth of “points” and cashback as a smart financial move.

* The illusion of winning through credit card perks keeps people in debt.

(07:31) What Happens When You Ditch Credit Cards?

* Ben shares his personal journey of ditching credit cards completely.

(10:08) Take Back Your Power

* Ben encourages you to break the cycle, take control of your money, and make spending decisions that align with your values.

Learn more: https://debtsucks.info

Talk with Ben Matthews: 803-799-1700

Subscribe to the Debt Sucks Podcast!

Apple: https://apple.co/3Fz2vXE

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4kvltyl

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DebtSucksPod

Facebook: https://facebook.com/debtsuxspod

Instagram: https://instagram.com/debtsuckspod

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@debtsuckspod

X: https://x.com/debtsuckspod

The Debt Sucks Podcast is your fun, no-BS approach to debt relief. Say goodbye to stress, shame, and debt. Hosted by consumer bankruptcy attorney Ben Matthews, this is your weekly dose of real, relatable advice on crushing debt. If you’re dealing with mounting bills or sick of living paycheck to paycheck, we’re here to help you take control of your finances and find your way out.

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

As the world feels like a financial dumpster fire, how can you unf*ck your finances?

The fear and uncertainty surrounding personal finances in a challenging economy are real. In this episode, your bankruptcy BFF Ben Matthews introduces the Debt Sucks plan, a practical strategy for managing debt and building resilience. With this plan, you can keep more of your money and build long-term wealth on your terms.

Topics Ben explores in this episode:

(0:16) Economic Anxiety

* Ben reassures listeners that these economic downturns are temporary and emphasizes that fear can be more damaging than the situation itself.

* How to navigate financial challenges with a level-headed approach.

(2:38) The Perils of Fear

* How fear can impair financial decision-making.

* Ben introduces the Debt Sucks plan as a practical strategy to combat financial instability.

* Conducting a brutally honest assessment of your income and expenses.

(4:37) Prioritizing Savings and Debt Management

* The importance of establishing a “shit happens fund” before aggressively paying off debt.

* Ben’s “pile driver method” for tackling debt, which involves focusing on eliminating one debt at a time.

(6:34) The Flexibility of the Debt Sucks Plan

* It’s okay to pause or adjust your debt repayment plan when necessary.

* A real-life example of someone applying the Debt Sucks plan to improve their financial situation.

(8:34) Addressing Listener Concerns

* Ben answers a listener question about the value of saving and paying off debt during economic uncertainty.

Learn more: https://debtsucks.info

Talk with Ben Matthews: 803-799-1700

Subscribe to the Debt Sucks Podcast!

Apple: https://apple.co/3Fz2vXE

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4kvltyl

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DebtSucksPod

Facebook: https://facebook.com/debtsuxspod

Instagram: https://instagram.com/debtsuckspod

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@debtsuckspod

X: https://x.com/debtsuckspod

The Debt Sucks Podcast is your fun, no-BS approach to debt relief. Say goodbye to stress, shame, and debt. Hosted by consumer bankruptcy attorney Ben Matthews, this is your weekly dose of real, relatable advice on crushing debt. If you’re dealing with mounting bills or sick of living paycheck to paycheck, we’re here to help you take control of your finances and find your way out.

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

Why is financial behavior often more critical than financial intelligence?

In this episode, Ben Matthews breaks down five powerful money truths that can radically shift how you think about debt, wealth, and financial freedom. Drawing from Morgan Housel’s book, The Psychology of Money, Ben explores why behavior matters more than intelligence, and why flashy wealth is often a mirage.

Topics Ben explores in this episode:

(0:50) Truth 1: Behavior

* Financial success depends more on behavior than intelligence.

(1:22) Truth 2: Luck and Risk

* Luck and risk play significant roles in financial outcomes, so avoid comparing yourself to others.

(3:33) Truth 3: Savings

* Consistent saving is more effective for building wealth than chasing high returns.

(4:53) Truth 4: Wealth

* Real wealth is often unseen and includes things like being debt-free and having an emergency fund.

(6:25) Truth 5: Getting Rich vs. Staying Rich

* Getting rich and staying rich require different strategies

(8:33) Money Struggles

* Ben answers a listener question about why people struggle with money management despite knowing what to do.

Learn more: https://debtsucks.info

Get The Psychology of Money, a book by Morgan Housel: https://amzn.to/3YRpDHo

It's not a how-to money book, it's a how-to think (0:28) about money book.

Talk with Ben Matthews: 803-799-1700

Subscribe to the Debt Sucks Podcast!

Apple: https://apple.co/3Fz2vXE

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4kvltyl

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DebtSucksPod

Facebook: https://facebook.com/debtsuxspod

Instagram: https://instagram.com/debtsuckspod

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@debtsuckspod

X: https://x.com/debtsuckspod

The Debt Sucks Podcast is your fun, no-BS approach to debt relief. Say goodbye to stress, shame, and debt. Hosted by consumer bankruptcy attorney Ben Matthews, this is your weekly dose of real, relatable advice on crushing debt. If you’re dealing with mounting bills or sick of living paycheck to paycheck, we’re here to help you take control of your finances and find your way out.

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

What are some strategies for couples to align their financial goals?

In this episode, Ben Matthews shares a family-friendly framework for managing money without constant stress or arguments. He introduces the “Level-Up Money Plan” and mixes in negotiation wisdom from Chris Voss to make money talks easier. From automatic savings to setting up fun funds, this episode is packed with real-world advice for couples juggling debt, kids, and chaos.

Topics Ben explores in this episode:

(0:27) The Level-Up Money Plan

* Traditional budgeting is out; the Level-Up Money Plan is a more flexible, family-friendly approach.

* Automate bill payments, savings, and “fun money” to reduce financial stress and arguments.

(2:36) If Your Partner Isn’t Onboard

* Financial talks with a resistant husband or wife don't have to be war zones.

* View money conversations as a way to build partnership, not assign blame.

(4:07) Psychology of Money Talks

* Frame conversations using “loss aversion” to make saving feel like a choice, not a punishment.

* Build a “sh!t happens fund” to turn financial emergencies into minor hiccups.

(8:06) Listener Question

* Most people who file bankruptcy aren't irresponsible—they’re hit by life’s curveballs.

* Helping people avoid bankruptcy is Ben’s real mission, even if it means fewer clients.

(10:07) When You Need More Than a Plan

* If debt has you underwater, bankruptcy can be a reset, not a failure.

* Ben’s firm offers judgment-free consultations to help people find real solutions.

Learn more: https://debtsucks.info

Watch Chris Voss’s TEDx talk, Never Split The Difference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjhDkNmtjy0

Get Chris Voss’s book, Never Split The Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It: https://amzn.to/3YKRIQL

Talk with Ben Matthews: 803-799-1700

Subscribe to the Debt Sucks Podcast!

Apple: https://apple.co/3Fz2vXE

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4kvltyl

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DebtSucksPod

Facebook: https://facebook.com/debtsuxspod

Instagram: https://instagram.com/debtsuckspod

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@debtsuckspod

X: https://x.com/debtsuckspod

The Debt Sucks Podcast is your fun, no-BS approach to debt relief. Say goodbye to stress, shame, and debt. Hosted by consumer bankruptcy attorney Ben Matthews, this is your weekly dose of real, relatable advice on crushing debt. If you’re dealing with mounting bills or sick of living paycheck to paycheck, we’re here to help you take control of your finances and find your way out.

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/