Episode 229: Do This, Not That – Debt Edition

Today we celebrate the five year anniversary of the Price of Avocado Toast Podcast. The original production of this show was simply a way to document our own debt-free journey and it has turned into a truly transformative experience. Thank you to every single one of you for being a part of our journey over the last five years. Cheers to FIVE whole years, Toasties!   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Empowered Money Academy ABOUT PRICE OF AVOCADO TOAST: Listen in with Haley and Justin Brown-Woods, married millennials picking up the pieces from the financial fiasco they created as a young couple.  They want to normalize conversations about money and learn from others on the path towards financial empowerment. Whether you are just getting started on your debt-free journey, or if you are really starting to hit your stride, this podcast is for YOU!  Join weekly as they interview some others who have done it the right way, the wrong way, and every way in between. Avocado toast may cost a pretty penny, but that doesn't mean it can't be in your budget! FIND HALEY AND JUSTIN ONLINE + SOCIAL MEDIA HERE: Join Empowered Money Academy priceofavocadotoast.com Price of Avocado Toast Instagram Price of Avocado Toast Twitter Price of Avocado Toast Threads Price of Avocado Toast on TikTok Price of Avocado Toast Facebook Join the Price of Avocado Toast Newsletter OTHER LINKS: Apply for 1:1 Coaching With Haley & Justin Schedule a Budget Builder call with Haley & Justin Price of Avocado Toast customizable 12 month budgeting template   RECOGNITION: Audio engineer: Garrett Davis

In today’s episode we dissect some of the bad, awful, and downright dangerous advice we have seen on personal finance. We tell you why we think it isn’t wise and what we recommend instead. You’ll hear our ideas about how to tackle debt sustainably and what we really think about the FICO score. Enjoy!   In this episode, we chat about: Debt payoff emotions Credit card habits The FICO conundrum   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Straw on Netflix Crew Finance Empowered Money Academy   TODAY’S PODCAST SPONSOR Crew Finance Sign up today for free and Crew is giving $25 to any Toasties who deposit $500 or more trycrew.com/toast  Use code TOAST   ABOUT PRICE OF AVOCADO TOAST: Listen in with Haley and Justin Brown-Woods, married millennials picking up the pieces from the financial fiasco they created as a young couple.  They want to normalize conversations about money and learn from others on the path towards financial empowerment. Whether you are just getting started on your debt-free journey, or if you are really starting to hit your stride, this podcast is for YOU!  Join weekly as they interview some others who have done it the right way, the wrong way, and every way in between. Avocado toast may cost a pretty penny, but that doesn't mean it can't be in your budget! FIND HALEY AND JUSTIN ONLINE + SOCIAL MEDIA HERE: Join Empowered Money Academy priceofavocadotoast.com Price of Avocado Toast Instagram Price of Avocado Toast Twitter Price of Avocado Toast Threads Price of Avocado Toast on TikTok Price of Avocado Toast Facebook Join the Price of Avocado Toast Newsletter OTHER LINKS: Apply for 1:1 Coaching With Haley & Justin Schedule a Budget Builder call with Haley & Justin Price of Avocado Toast customizable 12 month budgeting template   RECOGNITION: Audio engineer: Garrett Davis

On today’s episode we’re giving you the step by step priority list for which debts to tackle first. This is not the strategy you chose to get debt-free; this is the playbook for when life hits the brakes you need to triage some stuff. This is a common situation and one that can be really tense without guidance, so our hope is that you hear our voices in your brain if you ever have to navigate this type of situation. Hang in there, Toasties.    In this episode, we chat about: High priority debts Triaging what to pay Putting debt shame aside   TODAY’S PODCAST SPONSOR Crew Finance Sign up today for free and Crew is giving $25 to any Toasties who deposit $500 or more trycrew.com/toast  Use code TOAST MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Crew Finance Empowered Money Academy ABOUT PRICE OF AVOCADO TOAST: Listen in with Haley and Justin Brown-Woods, married millennials picking up the pieces from the financial fiasco they created as a young couple.  They want to normalize conversations about money and learn from others on the path towards financial empowerment. Whether you are just getting started on your debt-free journey, or if you are really starting to hit your stride, this podcast is for YOU!  Join weekly as they interview some others who have done it the right way, the wrong way, and every way in between. Avocado toast may cost a pretty penny, but that doesn't mean it can't be in your budget! FIND HALEY AND JUSTIN ONLINE + SOCIAL MEDIA HERE: Join Empowered Money Academy priceofavocadotoast.com Price of Avocado Toast Instagram Price of Avocado Toast Twitter Price of Avocado Toast Threads Price of Avocado Toast on TikTok Price of Avocado Toast Facebook Join the Price of Avocado Toast Newsletter OTHER LINKS: Apply for 1:1 Coaching With Haley & Justin Schedule a Budget Builder call with Haley & Justin Price of Avocado Toast customizable 12 month budgeting template   RECOGNITION: Audio engineer: Garrett Davis

On today’s episode we scroll through the subreddit r/debtfree to give some friendly financial counseling advice. We each handpicked two scenarios to ask the other one live for some coaching support. While obviously we don’t have all the information, this episode was such a blast to record. Let us know your thoughts on this structure - we’d love to do more of these if you all like it. Enjoy! In this episode, we chat about: Life after debt payoff  Cash out refinances - is this a good idea? Inheritance advances How to stay motivated on the debt free journey   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Empowered Money Academy Reddit question #1 - what next? I paid off all my debt. Reddit question #2 - cash out refinance Reddit question #3 - inheritance advance Reddit question #4 - motivation on the journey Die With Zero by Bill Perkins   ABOUT PRICE OF AVOCADO TOAST: Listen in with Haley and Justin Brown-Woods, married millennials picking up the pieces from the financial fiasco they created as a young couple.  They want to normalize conversations about money and learn from others on the path towards financial empowerment. Whether you are just getting started on your debt-free journey, or if you are really starting to hit your stride, this podcast is for YOU!  Join weekly as they interview some others who have done it the right way, the wrong way, and every way in between. Avocado toast may cost a pretty penny, but that doesn't mean it can't be in your budget! FIND HALEY AND JUSTIN ONLINE + SOCIAL MEDIA HERE: Join Empowered Money Academy priceofavocadotoast.com Price of Avocado Toast Instagram Price of Avocado Toast Twitter Price of Avocado Toast Threads Price of Avocado Toast on TikTok Price of Avocado Toast Facebook Join the Price of Avocado Toast Newsletter OTHER LINKS: Apply for 1:1 Coaching With Haley & Justin Schedule a Budget Builder call with Haley & Justin Price of Avocado Toast customizable 12 month budgeting template   RECOGNITION: Audio engineer: Garrett Davis

Today’s episode debunks the polarizing personal finance tool of a debt settlement. We share why we think these companies can be dangerous and give you anecdotal evidence to share our reasoning. You’ll hear how these companies might be harmful and ways to combat it on your own instead. In this episode, we chat about: Debt settlement flaws Creditors and collectors Strategies for debt reduction   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Empowered Money Academy Adrienne’s Bankruptcy episode   ABOUT PRICE OF AVOCADO TOAST: Listen in with Haley and Justin Brown-Woods, married millennials picking up the pieces from the financial fiasco they created as a young couple.  They want to normalize conversations about money and learn from others on the path towards financial empowerment. Whether you are just getting started on your debt-free journey, or if you are really starting to hit your stride, this podcast is for YOU!  Join weekly as they interview some others who have done it the right way, the wrong way, and every way in between. Avocado toast may cost a pretty penny, but that doesn't mean it can't be in your budget! FIND HALEY AND JUSTIN ONLINE + SOCIAL MEDIA HERE: Join Empowered Money Academy priceofavocadotoast.com Price of Avocado Toast Instagram Price of Avocado Toast Twitter Price of Avocado Toast Threads Price of Avocado Toast on TikTok Price of Avocado Toast Facebook Join the Price of Avocado Toast Newsletter OTHER LINKS: Apply for 1:1 Coaching With Haley & Justin Schedule a Budget Builder call with Haley & Justin Price of Avocado Toast customizable 12 month budgeting template   RECOGNITION: Audio engineer: Garrett Davis  

In this week’s podcast episode we are talking all about REALISTIC ways to approach your debt payoff journey. There are a million and one ways to tackle your debt, but we are breaking down a few of our favorite things to keep in mind to make sure that you are being realistic with your goals. We want to make sure you are sustainably paying off your debt and this episode gives you exactly what you need to do that!    In this episode, we chat about: Realistic ways to approach your debt payoff journey  Why you need an emergency fund  Rolling through a difficult season of life    MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Episode 174: How to Pay off Your Debt in a Strategic Way That Is Best for Your Financial Situation Carly Hill from Debt Free Mom  Rachel Duncan from Money Healing Club   ABOUT PRICE OF AVOCADO TOAST: Listen in with Haley and Justin Brown-Woods, married millennials picking up the pieces from the financial fiasco they created as a young couple.  They want to normalize conversations about money and learn from others on the path towards financial empowerment. Whether you are just getting started on your debt-free journey, or if you are really starting to hit your stride, this podcast is for YOU!  Join weekly as they interview some others who have done it the right way, the wrong way, and every way in between. Avocado toast may cost a pretty penny, but that doesn't mean it can't be in your budget! FIND HALEY AND JUSTIN ONLINE + SOCIAL MEDIA HERE: priceofavocadotoast.com Price of Avocado Toast Instagram Price of Avocado Toast Twitter Price of Avocado Toast Threads Price of Avocado Toast on TikTok Price of Avocado Toast Facebook Join the Price of Avocado Toast Newsletter OTHER LINKS: Apply for 1:1 Coaching With Haley & Justin Schedule a Budget Builder call with Haley & Justin Price of Avocado Toast customizable 12 month budgeting template   RECOGNITION: Audio engineer: Garrett Davis Podcast Support: Weir Digital Marketing  

On today's episode we talk to Rebecca, an licensed attorney from California who practices civil litigation including estate planning. Rebecca comes on to answer some of our burning questions about estate planning and to get into some of the more nitty-gritty details that our quick hitter episode didn’t cover the first time. We are so thankful to have had an expert on the show, and we know you’re going to get a ton from this episode.    Disclaimer: this is all legal education and not legal advice, so please do your research and connect with a local estate attorney for your specific situation.   In this episode, we chat about: Estate Planning 101 Holographic Wills Why “lawyering up” could save you money in the long run   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Empowered Money Academy   TODAY’S PODCAST SPONSOR Crew Finance Sign up today for free and Crew is giving $25 to any Toasties who deposit $500 or more  trycrew.com/toast  Use code TOAST   ABOUT PRICE OF AVOCADO TOAST: Listen in with Haley and Justin Brown-Woods, married millennials picking up the pieces from the financial fiasco they created as a young couple.  They want to normalize conversations about money and learn from others on the path towards financial empowerment. Whether you are just getting started on your debt-free journey, or if you are really starting to hit your stride, this podcast is for YOU!  Join weekly as they interview some others who have done it the right way, the wrong way, and every way in between. Avocado toast may cost a pretty penny, but that doesn't mean it can't be in your budget! FIND HALEY AND JUSTIN ONLINE + SOCIAL MEDIA HERE: Join Empowered Money Academy priceofavocadotoast.com Price of Avocado Toast Instagram Price of Avocado Toast Twitter Price of Avocado Toast Threads Price of Avocado Toast on TikTok Price of Avocado Toast Facebook Join the Price of Avocado Toast Newsletter OTHER LINKS: Apply for 1:1 Coaching With Haley & Justin Schedule a Budget Builder call with Haley & Justin Price of Avocado Toast customizable 12 month budgeting template   RECOGNITION: Audio engineer: Garrett Davis

In this episode, we explore how to tackle debt without sacrificing the things that bring joy and meaning to life. From intentional travel planning to evaluating extracurriculars for your kids, we discuss ways to align spending with personal values and maintain a sustainable financial journey. Plus, we dig into practical tools and mindset shifts to help you make confident, values-based decisions around money. In this episode, we chat about: Intentional spending  Aligning spending with your values Understanding the trade-offs and balance   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Empowered Money Academy   TODAY’S PODCAST SPONSOR Crew Finance Sign up today for free and Crew is giving $25 to any Toasties who deposit $500 or more trycrew.com/toast  Use code TOAST ABOUT PRICE OF AVOCADO TOAST: Listen in with Haley and Justin Brown-Woods, married millennials picking up the pieces from the financial fiasco they created as a young couple.  They want to normalize conversations about money and learn from others on the path towards financial empowerment. Whether you are just getting started on your debt-free journey, or if you are really starting to hit your stride, this podcast is for YOU!  Join weekly as they interview some others who have done it the right way, the wrong way, and every way in between. Avocado toast may cost a pretty penny, but that doesn't mean it can't be in your budget! FIND HALEY AND JUSTIN ONLINE + SOCIAL MEDIA HERE: Join Empowered Money Academy priceofavocadotoast.com Price of Avocado Toast Instagram Price of Avocado Toast Twitter Price of Avocado Toast Threads Price of Avocado Toast on TikTok Price of Avocado Toast Facebook Join the Price of Avocado Toast Newsletter OTHER LINKS: Apply for 1:1 Coaching With Haley & Justin Schedule a Budget Builder call with Haley & Justin Price of Avocado Toast customizable 12 month budgeting template   RECOGNITION: Audio engineer: Garrett Davis

On today’s episode we go over an exercise we do with all of our clients to find clear numbers on the savings journey. The canned tuna and sushi numbers reflect the pitstops you might make when saving for the future. You’ll find out how to calculate the numbers for your household and some questions to ask as you navigate this important step of debt-proofing your life. Finally, we’ll tell you where to park your savings so that it is safe and maybe even give you some additional support toward your goals.   In this episode, we chat about: Emergency fund numbers How to find what you need Questions to spark conversations   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Find your canned tuna and sushi numbers here Empowered Money Academy TODAY’S PODCAST SPONSOR Crew Finance Sign up today for free and Crew is giving $25 to any Toasties who deposit $500 or more by April 30, 2025.  trycrew.com/toast  Use code TOAST ABOUT PRICE OF AVOCADO TOAST: Listen in with Haley and Justin Brown-Woods, married millennials picking up the pieces from the financial fiasco they created as a young couple.  They want to normalize conversations about money and learn from others on the path towards financial empowerment. Whether you are just getting started on your debt-free journey, or if you are really starting to hit your stride, this podcast is for YOU!  Join weekly as they interview some others who have done it the right way, the wrong way, and every way in between. Avocado toast may cost a pretty penny, but that doesn't mean it can't be in your budget! FIND HALEY AND JUSTIN ONLINE + SOCIAL MEDIA HERE: Join Empowered Money Academy priceofavocadotoast.com Price of Avocado Toast Instagram Price of Avocado Toast Twitter Price of Avocado Toast Threads Price of Avocado Toast on TikTok Price of Avocado Toast Facebook Join the Price of Avocado Toast Newsletter OTHER LINKS: Apply for 1:1 Coaching With Haley & Justin Schedule a Budget Builder call with Haley & Justin Price of Avocado Toast customizable 12 month budgeting template   RECOGNITION: Audio engineer: Garrett Davis

Today’s guest is our good friend, David Gourley. David comes on to walk step by step through the process needed to discover your financial needs in retirement. While retirement looks very different for each person, having a general idea and understanding of the amount you’ll need will help you feel empowered moving forward. David shares a simple tool you can use to find this number and walks through an example so that you can try it on your own along with us on the show. Enjoy!   In this episode, we chat about: Budgeting + cash flow Pensions + social security Cutting expenses to raise income   TODAY’S PODCAST SPONSOR Crew Finance Sign up today for free and Crew is giving $25 to any Toasties who deposit $500 or more by April 30, 2025.  trycrew.com/toast  Use code TOAST   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Crew Finance Empowered Money Academy https://www.k-12planning.com/links David's retirement calculator tool Former episodes of POAT with David Episode 112: The Current State of Student Loans w/ Financial Planner, David Gourley Episode 073: The Budget Teacher CONNECT WITH TODAY’S GUEST:  Three time podcast guest, David Gourley is joining us today. He is a former teacher, a father to three sweet babies, and a current Financial Planner focusing on helping other educators and public servants. He specializes in student loan planning and loves talking about taxes, retirement, and of course, budgeting! https://www.k-12planning.com/links  Twitter @DavidG_CSLP  LinkedIn David's retirement calculator tool ABOUT PRICE OF AVOCADO TOAST: Listen in with Haley and Justin Brown-Woods, married millennials picking up the pieces from the financial fiasco they created as a young couple.  They want to normalize conversations about money and learn from others on the path towards financial empowerment. Whether you are just getting started on your debt-free journey, or if you are really starting to hit your stride, this podcast is for YOU!  Join weekly as they interview some others who have done it the right way, the wrong way, and every way in between. Avocado toast may cost a pretty penny, but that doesn't mean it can't be in your budget! FIND HALEY AND JUSTIN ONLINE + SOCIAL MEDIA HERE: Join Empowered Money Academy priceofavocadotoast.com Price of Avocado Toast Instagram Price of Avocado Toast Twitter Price of Avocado Toast Threads Price of Avocado Toast on TikTok Price of Avocado Toast Facebook Join the Price of Avocado Toast Newsletter OTHER LINKS: Apply for 1:1 Coaching With Haley & Justin Schedule a Budget Builder call with Haley & Justin Price of Avocado Toast customizable 12 month budgeting template   RECOGNITION: Audio engineer: Garrett Davis