Don't Retire...Graduate!

From Homeless Teen to Millionaire: Matt Paradise’s Journey of Hope, Resilience, and Financial Wellness


Listen Later

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! On today’s episode, I’m joined by a truly inspiring guest whose personal journey offers hope, resilience, and valuable lessons about financial wellness: Matt Paradise. Matt is a financial wellness speaker for young professionals, an award-winning author, and a living example of perseverance—having gone from being a homeless teen to achieving financial independence and now dedicating himself to helping others beat financial stress and unlock their full potential.
In our conversation, Matt and I dive deep into his incredible story of transformation, moving from addiction and hopelessness to sobriety, stability, and success. He shares candid reflections on the intersection of addiction, mental health, and financial habits, reminding us that these struggles can affect anyone, and that there’s always hope—even in the darkest times. We talk about the ongoing commitment involved in both addiction recovery and financial wellness, as well as the pivotal role that mindset, mentors, and community play in helping us overcome adversity.
Matt draws on his decades of experience in credit counseling and financial coaching, sharing powerful insights into behavioral addictions like overspending and debt accumulation—and how these patterns often stem from deeper emotional or psychological challenges. He recounts his own family’s story of long-term financial planning, caring for aging parents, and the anxieties and transitions that come with giving up independence later in life. Together, we explore the importance of vision, purpose, and building support systems—whether for our children, our elders, or ourselves as we pursue wellness and growth at every stage.
5 Key Takeaways:
  1. Pain to Purpose: Matt’s journey shows that personal pain can be transformed into service and purpose—helping others find hope and resilience amid their own struggles.
  2. Recovery Is Lifelong: Addiction recovery, whether chemical or behavioral (like debt or spending), is a lifelong process. Accountability, support, and “speaking the truth in love” are critical for lasting change.
  3. Financial Wellness Is Holistic: True financial wellness goes beyond dollars and cents—it's deeply linked to mindset, emotional health, and the support systems we build. Financial anxiety can persist even after basic needs are met, especially when rooted in past trauma or scarcity.
  4. Generational and Individual Challenges: Our experiences around money, independence, and mental health are shaped by generational patterns, cultural backgrounds, and personal histories. There’s no “one-size-fits-all”—every journey is unique.
  5. The Importance of Vision and Purpose: Building a vision for our future—even if it feels difficult or intimidating—is essential. Whether planning for retirement, caregiving, or breaking out of survival mode, a clear purpose helps us create better present and future outcomes.

  6. Join us for this powerful and motivating episode as we shine a light on overcoming adversity and creating financial and personal well-being through mindset, action, and community. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with anyone who might benefit from a message of hope and practical wisdom—on their journey to financial freedom and purpose-filled living!
    Access special book bonuses from Matt's award-winning and best-selling book, Financially Capable: A Friendly Guide to Building Whole-Health Wealth, here: https://www.mattparadise.com/capablebonus
    [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FiSQk8mVE8[/embed]
    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    Don't Retire...Graduate!By Eric Brotman

    • 5
    • 5
    • 5
    • 5
    • 5

    5

    40 ratings


    More shows like Don't Retire...Graduate!

    View all
    Afford Anything by Paula Pant | Cumulus Podcast Network

    Afford Anything

    3,549 Listeners

    Money Guy Show by Brian Preston and Bo Hanson

    Money Guy Show

    3,218 Listeners

    The Stacking Benjamins Show by StackingBenjamins.com | Cumulus Podcast Network

    The Stacking Benjamins Show

    1,991 Listeners

    Jill on Money with Jill Schlesinger by Audacy

    Jill on Money with Jill Schlesinger

    1,943 Listeners

    Talking Real Money - Investing Talk by Don McDonald

    Talking Real Money - Investing Talk

    762 Listeners

    Retirement Answer Man by Roger Whitney, CFP®, CIMA®, RMA, CPWA®

    Retirement Answer Man

    1,312 Listeners

    Retire Sooner with Wes Moss by Wes Moss

    Retire Sooner with Wes Moss

    456 Listeners

    Retirement Starts Today by Benjamin Brandt CFP®, RICP®

    Retirement Starts Today

    530 Listeners

    The Clark Howard Podcast by Clark Howard

    The Clark Howard Podcast

    5,464 Listeners

    The Retirement and IRA Show by Jim Saulnier, CFP® & Chris Stein, CFP®

    The Retirement and IRA Show

    747 Listeners

    Retire With Purpose - The Retirement Podcast by Casey Weade

    Retire With Purpose - The Retirement Podcast

    586 Listeners

    Ready For Retirement by James Conole, CFP®

    Ready For Retirement

    810 Listeners

    The Rob Berger Show by Rob Berger

    The Rob Berger Show

    190 Listeners

    MoneyWatch with Jill Schlesinger by CBS News

    MoneyWatch with Jill Schlesinger

    426 Listeners

    Retirement Planning Education, with Andy Panko by Andy Panko

    Retirement Planning Education, with Andy Panko

    914 Listeners