
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


What happens when you stop hiding behind vague financial language and stop feeling shame about your financial situation?
In this episode, Ben tackles seven “money words and phrases” that most people are afraid to say out loud. He unpacks the emotional weight behind each word or phrase—from “I’m broke” to “money makes me anxious.” If you’ve ever avoided talking about money because of shame or fear, this episode is your wake-up call.
Here are the seven words and phrases that Ben Matthews, your professional dream-wrecker of shady lenders and predatory payment plans, explores in this episode:
(1:39) #1: “Debt”
* Most people have it, but few talk about it honestly.
(2:36) #2: “I’m Not Broke”
* Rebranding being broke won’t fix it—admitting it will.
(3:39) #3: “Bankruptcy”
* Bankruptcy isn’t a curse word—it’s a reset tool.
(4:38) #4: “I Can’t Afford That”
* This phrase is a flex, not a failure.
(7:30) #5: “I Make $X a Year”
* Salary transparency is key to equity and awareness.
(8:16) #6: “I Don’t Know What I’m Doing”
* Admitting ignorance opens the door to learning.
(9:09) #7: “Money Makes Me Anxious”
* Suppressing anxiety gives it power—naming it gives you clarity.
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/
What questions should you ask before starting a side hustle? Or, if you've already got a side hustle, is it actually helping you reach your goals?
In this episode, Ben dives into the pervasive side hustle culture, exploring the genuine benefits and often-overlooked drawbacks of taking on extra work. He provides a framework of five critical questions to ask before starting a side hustle, ensuring that you make intentional choices that align with your financial goals and personal well-being.
Topics Ben Matthews explores in this episode:
(0:46) Side Hustle Culture
* The rising trend of side hustles and social pressure to earn more.
* Getting honest about what hustling really costs.
(2:04) The Pros of a Side Hustle
* Side hustles can accelerate debt payoff and emergency savings.
* They can help build monetizable skills and a sense of control.
(4:34) The Cons Nobody Talks About
* Burnout and family strain are major risks.
* Hustles can become distractions from long-term goals.
(6:57) Brutally Honest Questions to Ask
* Do you actually have the time and bandwidth to manage a side hustle?
* What are the financial and emotional costs involved?
* Is this side hustle actually a trap dressed as freedom?
(10:03) Real Side Hustles + Listener Q&A
* Ben shares categorized ideas based on energy and skill level.
* A listener asks about failing to make hustles stick.
* Ben reframes the idea that not hustling equals failure—and offers peace-driven alternatives.
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/
What can you do today to start building financial peace in chaos?
This episode explores how to stay financially grounded when everything feels chaotic. From building invisible wealth to resisting fear-based decisions, Ben Matthews invites you to take action—even small steps—amidst the noise. This episode is a reminder that while the world may be unpredictable, you can still take control of your financial future.
Topics Ben explores in this episode:
(0:56) Everything Feels Out of Control
* Economic headlines are wild and unsettling.
* Emotional reactions can lead to self-sabotage.
(2:30) Chaos Is Not New
* Past generations survived global disasters and economic collapses; you can, too.
* People still found ways to move forward with intention.
(7:30) Building Your Financial Bunker
* Create layered protection: create an emergency fund, pay off bills, get some long-term investments.
* Cut financial weak spots before upgrading your lifestyle.
* Do one small thing to build invisible wealth.
(10:12) Your Next Move Matters
* Use Ben’s resources or consider a legal reset 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/
How can you build financial resilience in an era of increasing automation and job insecurity?
In this episode, Ben breaks down the real fear behind automation and job insecurity—and how to fight back with strategy. From building your emergency fund to embracing AI as a tool, Ben shares how to stay resilient when the world is changing fast. It’s not about panicking—it’s about planning with purpose and grit.
Topics Ben Matthews explores in this episode:
(0:25) The Fear Behind “Stop Hiring Humans”
* Automation is replacing jobs, but humans still hold key advantages.
* You are not your job title or productivity score.
(2:10) When Your Paycheck Feels Fragile
* Build a “sh!t happens fund” to stay calm during disruptions.
* Income flexibility gives you power—start looking at what you can offer.
(4:28) Future-Proofing While You’re Still Human
* Get real about your income, expenses, and non-negotiables.
(6:39) Partnering With The Bots
* AI isn’t the enemy—it’s a tool.
* Learn how AI can help with side hustles, skills, and financial tools.
(8:24) The Fresh Start Option
* When debt is overwhelming, bankruptcy may be a strategic reset.
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 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/
From the publisher's feed