In this kickoff to our five-part finance series, we open up about our money stories—how we each grew up thinking about finances, how our upbringing shaped our spending habits, and the pivotal moments that forced us to rethink everything. From paycheck-to-paycheck living, traveling on impulse, overeating Chipotle, and owning 20+ board shorts (yes, really!), to discovering budgeting through Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, we share how our perspective shifted from money as a pleasure source to money as a tool for freedom.

We talk about growing up in immigrant and lower-income homes, learning to work young, and realizing that “being good with money” didn’t just mean paying bills on time—it meant intentionality, long-term vision, and building a future for our marriage and kids. You’ll hear how we battled the fear of budgeting (“it’s not a cage, it’s a plan”), hustled through multiple jobs, lived with roommates, ate beans and rice, and found joy in paying off debt together.

If you’ve ever felt behind, embarrassed about past financial choices, or unsure how to shift your money mindset, this episode will feel like sitting with friends who get it. We’re not experts—we’re a couple who started broke, learned a ton, and now want to share what helped us move from financial survival to financial purpose.

00:00 Introduction and Daily Recap
01:33 Introducing the Finance Series
02:42 Our Money Story: Josh's Journey
05:42 Our Money Story: Priscilla's Journey
09:40 Pivotal Moments and Financial Changes
14:48 Implementing Dave Ramsey's Baby Steps
17:16 Budgeting as a Couple
19:25 The Struggles and Successes
21:03 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

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