In this episode, I share the story behind why I built BudgetDog and the mission that drives me every single day. From starting out $304,000 in debt as a 22-year-old CPA, to becoming a millionaire in seven years, I explain how personal finance systems transformed my life—and why I knew I had to share them with others.

This isn't about quick fixes or get-rich-quick schemes. It's about creating simple, automated systems that work for real families in the real world. I also talk about the deeper "why" behind my work—from my daughter Logan's fight with Dravet Syndrome, to our family's $1 million donation goal, to the long-term community we're building through BudgetDog Academy.

Episode Timeline & Highlights

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:33] – My own financial struggles after college and the wake-up call that changed everything

[2:29] – How I paid off $304K in debt and built a millionaire net worth in just seven years

[3:06] – From sharing online casually to building a national bestseller and full-time business

[5:05] – Why our six-month roadmap works for families at every stage

[7:04] – The power of simplifying and automating your money systems

[9:24] – Why money matters when it comes to making an impact—especially in the fight against Dravet Syndrome

[13:29] – Reframing budgeting: not restriction, but aligning your money with your values

[16:15] – The hidden burden of decision fatigue—and how automation solves it

[18:16] – Why I pour into students even when it's not the most "commercially profitable" choice

[23:32] – Why I don't view other financial platforms as competition

[25:25] – Fatherhood, motivation, and building for the next generation

Key Takeaways

1. Systems Beat Discipline – Financial freedom comes from automation and simplification, not white-knuckled discipline.

2. Money Creates Impact – Wealth isn't just about you; it's fuel for making a bigger difference in the world.

3. Play the Long Game – Success—both financial and entrepreneurial—is a marathon, not a sprint.

Quotables

"Budgeting isn't about restriction—it's about aligning your money with your values." "Money does fund impact, whether we like it or not." "Simple scales, fancy fails. The less you do, the better your results." "If you don't bring the best of yourself, you'll get a lax version of the next generation."

Links & Resources

• My book, The Roadmap to Financial Freedom: https://budgetdog.com/book

• Learn more about BudgetDog Academy: https://budgetdog.com

• Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/budgetdog

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who needs encouragement on their financial journey. And don't forget to rate, follow, and review the podcast—your support helps more families discover the path to freedom and impact.