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The Top Personal Finance Podcasts for Motivating You to Get Out of Debt!

Whether you have a 25-minute commute, enjoy a 30-minute exercise routine, or just make time for personal study each day, you likely have time to listen to an informative and personally-enriching podcast. Since you are reading this post, finding a personal finance podcast is even more relevant to you.

Check out these great personal finance podcasts that were made to help people get out of debt!

Great personal finance podcasts offer more than theoretical approaches to debt elimination. They share practical and easy-to-implement steps to reduce your debts, including do-it-yourself and third-party programs, identifying the pros and cons of each for various individual circumstances. They also share success stories that motivate the listener to action.

Criteria

As we considered the hundreds of podcasts that address personal finance generally and debt elimination specifically, we looked for those that satisfied the following conditions:

  1. Practical – Does the podcast offer steps for eliminating debt that is practical, applicable, and easy to implement?

  2. Enduring – Has the podcast either been publishing episodes for a year or more or are there dozens of episodes to choose from? If the podcast has only published a few episodes or is brand new, we will withhold judgment for now and reconsider it in the future. Additionally, the podcast must have published at least one episode in the past three months as of the time of this post’s publication.

  3. Broad – Do the episodes address a variety of debt types (credit cards, car loans, mortgages, student loans, store cards, collections)?

  4. Unbiased – The podcast may be the product of a business, nonprofit or other commercial venture, but if it promotes one business, service, author, or organization over others, no matter how good it is, its bias means it will miss highlighting and reviewing many powerful tools that can benefit the listener. The podcast may even give away or sell their own program(s), which is an indication of their authority and their dedication to the topic, but if they do so at the expense of all other books and programs, their podcast will not make this list.

  5. US-based – Although many principles of debt elimination are universal in application, many practical issues will vary by the laws and business practices from country to country. The podcasts on this list will generally be based in the US and provide information about debt reduction options for US consumers.

  6. Broad-minded – Does the podcast consider and address a variety of debt elimination approaches? If it only promotes the Debt Snowball, then it misses many positive alternatives and does not have the listener’s well-being in mind. There are many great podcasts out there that share valuable advice and tools about getting out of debt. However, you will generally not find podcasts listed here that are devotees of just one talk show personality or one financial expert to the exclusion of all others. The podcasts in this post are listed in alphabetical order, not in order of preference. If they made the list, they are worth your time to check out. Find the one or two that connect with you personally, and share your experiences with us and other readers in the comments section below.

The Money Podcast from BiggerPockets

With over 300 episodes by mid-June 2022, this podcast from BiggerPockets remains one of the most popular shows in the podcast sphere. From debt repayment to homeownership to credit building and financial independence, The Money Podcast hits a variety of important personal finance topics, and it does so with enthusiasm and often humor.

Twice a week hosts Mindy and David interview experts and achievers who share their best tips and experiences listeners can benefit from on their own journeys.

Where to Find:

Journey to Launch

Jamila is a financially independent wife and mother of two who purchased her first piece of real estate at age 22. Unlike many podcasters, Jamila did not need to make all the common financial mistakes before jumping on her journey to financial independence. That does not mean she has not experienced financial challenges, but her drive for financial freedom includes a desire to share important principles and tools with others wanting to get out of debt and take control of their money.

With nearly 300 episodes to choose from, you will find many on the topic of debt, debt elimination, and personal stories of achieving debt freedom. Check out episode 119 as Jamila interviews Kenishia Mais from Jamaica about her own journey out of debt, out of overspending, and out of the role of being the “family bank.”

Many of Jamila’s episodes last an hour, so you will have the chance to get to know her guests better than you might with other podcasts that only last 10 to 25 minutes.

Where to Find:

His & Her Money

Talaat and Tai offer scores of podcast episodes to choose from when it comes to personal finance, many of which address debt. Like many blogs and podcasts of personal journeys from indebtedness to debt freedom, His & Her Money also hosts others who have traveled similar journeys. These stories offer hope, ideas, and tools for those just starting out.

As a husband and wife team, Talaat and Tai offer additional insight into the importance of working together in relationships to tame, control, and maximize financial tools to achieve what is most important in your life. Plus, Talaat brings the perspective of both a veteran and a teacher while Tai brings the perspectives of a military spouse and someone who had to deal with the challenge of marrying into debt when you are debt-free yourself. Finally, faith is also a big part of this podcast.

With His & Her Money podcast, you have hundreds of episodes to choose from going all the way back to 2014. With all those stories and ideas, you are bound to find the motivation and inspiration to get you out of your own debt.

Where to Find:

DIY Money

Since 2019, Daniel and Quint offer 15-minute bite-sized content on a great variety of personal finance topics. Tune in for a primer on household budgets or to learn more about Etherium and NFTs.

DIY Money may not have its own home page, but you’ll find it on my podcast platforms.

Where to Find:

Debt Free in 30

Yes, Doug Hoyes and his company are based in Ontario, Canada, but I love the variety of his topics and the principles he takes on. If you live in the US, you will just skip over the few episodes that are Canadian-specific, such as those having to do with the Canadian tax system, but these 30- to 40-minute podcasts are so insightful you’ll want to bookmark them on all your electronic devices.

One of my pet topics about why we keep spending our money on terrible purchases (such as legal gambling, the lottery, and illegal scams) is the “Sunk Cost” notion. We think that we have spent so much money on this item or activity already, we might as well see it through to the end. This leads many households (American and Canadian) into excessive debt. Doug addresses this in episode 273 and why we have to free ourselves from this fallacy.

You should also ask yourself the question from episode 255 in July 2019, “Are you financially dependent on debt?” Of course, you want to answer “no,” but the answer is not as cut and dry as it seems.

Where to find:

Debt Free Dad

Debt Free Dad is an up-and-coming personal finance podcast housed at BalancedCents Financial Coaching and hosted by Brad Nelson. Although started in early 2020, the show already has over 100 episodes. However, the site has an extensive blog with hundreds of posts on many of the foundational personal finance topics that are critical to getting out and staying out of debt. Brad Nelson hosts the show and includes the video along with the audio on his site, Balanced Cents. He leads the conversations with his brother and others.

The show’s format is easy to follow as a podcast or as a video segment, with a nice back and forth between the hosts. I hope the show continues to grow and would even expect Brad and his fellow hosts to start reaching out to other personal finance experts and those with compelling debt reduction stories.

As a product of Financial Peace University, Brad and his co-hosts are understandably huge fans of the debt snowball, but they do at least address the Debt Avalanche in episode 7.

Where to Find:

Follow Me Out of Debt

Podcast host Tom Merlino has recorded over 400 episodes, lasting from just 7 or 8 minutes to as much as 20, so these podcasts are ideal for your commute. You may even get two or three of them each morning or afternoon. Additionally, Tom conscientiously avoids toeing the line of any one financial expert, so he stays open to the best ideas available.

Despite the podcast’s name, Tom offers discussions and insights into a variety of personal finance topics, from spending and saving to investing and the general mindset of someone who will successfully pay off their debts.

Check out episode 357 on “How and Why to Focus on One Debt at a Time” for a good discussion of this critical principle in debt reduction.

Where to Find:

How To Money

You don’t have to be a beer drinker to enjoy listening to these two best friends who are. Reading their “About Us” section and seeing the photo of them drinking beer at their table, you might expect these Joel and Matt to be the Bob and Doug McKenzie of the 1980’s CBC TV show, “Great White North.” They will mention the name of the beer they are drinking during the show, but they will also offer some great information along with their opinions and ideas about debt and other money-related topics.

How to Money meets pretty much all the criteria to be on this list. Joel and Matt have already amassed more than 500 episodes since late 2017. Plus, if you would like to listen to their comparison of the Debt Avalanche and the Debt Snowball, check out How to Money episode 085 from May 2019. Want to learn more about debt consolidation? Check out episode 77 from April 2019. You will also find episodes on dealing with student loans, mortgage debt, and even the concept of good debt vs. bad debt.

Where to Find:

Scott Alan Turner Best Money Academy

Also known as Financial Rock Star, Scott Alan Turner’s 40-minute podcasts offer great insights into important topics through interactive and engaging episodes. Many of Scott’s podcasts include links to surveys and additional resources to add value to the already great content.

Along with his co-host, Maddie, Scott addresses debt on several episodes (e.g. July 30, 2019, and January 8, 2020), but I appreciate the choice of subjects that have a direct impact on a person’s or household’s consumer debt. One of my favorite topics is busting the myths of the millionaire lifestyle so that young people, in particular, will reevaluate their current financial aspirations and spending behaviors. Listen to Scott’s October 17 and November 20 from 2019 for good discussions on these ideas.

You can also find Scott and Maddie on video live casts through YouTube if you prefer the visuals. For the podcast or video, just expect a lot of rock and roll music in the background during the intros and the commercial breaks. This could be a great way to stay awake on your commute.

Where to Find:

Related Questions

Where can you find personal finance podcasts? You will find scores of personal finance podcasts on iTunes, Stitcher, iHeartRADIO, and even Pandora, in addition to many podcasts that have corresponding videos on YouTube and Facebook. Go to your favorite podcast app and search for “personal finance,” “debt,” or “how to become a millionaire.”

How often should you listen to personal finance podcasts? If you only get your personal finance information from podcasts, listen to two podcasts per week. Consider listening to one episode from your favorite podcaster each week and to one episode from a different podcaster each week to provide perspective and variety.

About the Author

Picture of Todd Christensen

Todd Christensen

As the education manager for Money Fit, author, speaker, and financial educator, Todd Christensen develops financial education programs and provides credit and debt counseling for individuals and groups around the country. In 2014, Todd published his first 5-star-rated book, Everyday Money for Everyday People based on stories and ideas he had heard in nearly 1,000 workshops he facilitated on budgeting, credit, debt reduction, saving, and identity protection.
Visit Todd Christensen's Page
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You hereby authorize and instruct Debt Reduction Services, Inc. (DRS, dba Money Fit by DRS) and/or its assigned agents to:
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Your credit report will be obtained from a credit reporting agency chosen by DRS. You understand and agree that DRS intends to use the credit report evaluate your financial readiness to purchase or rent a home and/or to engage in post-purchase counseling activities and not to grant credit. You understand you may ask any questions pertaining to your credit report. However, while DRS will review the information with you, the company is not able to furnish you with a copy of your credit profile. You hereby authorize DRS to share your information from your credit report and any information that you provided (including any computations and assessments produced) with the entities listed below to help DRS determine your viable financial options.
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Entities such as mortgage lenders and/or counseling agencies may contact your DRS counselor to evaluate the options for which you may be eligible. In connection with such evaluation, you authorize the credit reporting and/or financial agencies to release information and cooperate with your DRS counselor. No information will be discussed about you with entities not directly involved in your efforts to improve your housing situation. You hereby authorize the release of your information to program monitoring organizations of DRS, including but not limited to, Federal, State, and nonprofit partners for program review, monitoring, auditing, research, and/or oversight purposes. In addition, you authorize DRS to have your credit report pulled two additional times to conduct program evaluations. You also agree to keep DRS informed of any changes in address, telephone number, job status, marital status, or other conditions which may affect your eligibility for a program you have applied for or a counseling service that you are seeking. Finally, you understand that you may revoke consent to these disclosures by notifying DRS in writing.

Client Privacy, Data Security, and Client Rights Policy

NOTE: This sheet is to inform new or returning clients about our services, records, fees, and limitations that may affect you as a consumer of our services. This form also discloses how we might release your information to other agencies and/or regulators. If you do not understand a statement, please ask a Debt Reduction Services (DRS) counselor for assistance.

Debt Reduction Services, Inc. (DRS) has put into place policies and procedures to protect the security and confidentiality of your nonpublic personal information. This notice explains our online information practices and how we use and maintain your information to conduct our financial education and credit counseling sessions and to fulfill information and question requests. This privacy policy complies with federal laws and regulations.

To provide our financial education and credit counseling services, we collect nonpublic personal information about you as follows: 1) Information we receive from you, 2) Information about your transactions with us or others, and 3) Information we receive from your creditors or a consumer reporting agency. We do not share this information with outside parties.

We use non-identifying and aggregate information to better design our website and services, but we do not disclose anything that could be used to identify you as an individual.

You hereby authorize DRS, when necessary, to share your nonpublic personal, financial, credit, and any information that you provided (including any computations and assessments produced) with the following entities in order to help DRS provide you with appropriate counseling or guide you to appropriate services: third parties such as government agencies, your lender(s), your creditor(s), and nonprofit housing-related and other financial agencies as permitted by law, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

To prevent unauthorized access, maintain data accuracy, and ensure the correct use of information, we have put in place appropriate physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online. We limit access to your nonpublic personal information to our employees, contractors and agents who need such access to provide products or services to you or for other legitimate business purposes.

Debt Reduction Services, Inc. complies with the privacy requirements set forth in the HUD housing counseling agency handbook 7610.1 (05/2010), including the sections 2-2 Mc, 3-1 H(2), 3-3, 5-3 F, and Attachment A.5. At all times, we will comply with all additional laws and regulations to which we are subject regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of individually identifiable information.

  1. Services: DRS provides the following housing-related services: counseling that includes Homeless Assistance, Rental Topics, Pre-purchase/Homebuying, and Home Maintenance and Financial Management for Homeowners (Non-Delinquency Post-Purchase); Education courses that include Financial literacy (including home affordability, budgeting, and understanding use of credit), Predatory lending, loan scam or other fraud prevention, Fair housing, Rental topics, Pre-purchase homebuyer education, Non-delinquency post-purchase workshop (including home maintenance and/or financial management for homeowners), and other workshops not listed above.

Please refer to DebtReductionServices.org for details of our services.

  1. Limits: Our services are limited to our normal weekday business hours. We do not provide individual counseling or education services after hours or on weekends, although our education courses are available 24/7.
  2. Fees: We do not charge fees for our financial management counseling and education. However, if you use them, you may have to pay for our Debt Management Program, Student Loan Counseling, Bankruptcy Certificate Services or certain financial education courses (homebuyer education, rental topics, fair housing, predatory lending, and post-purchase-non-delinquency including home maintenance and/or financial management for homeowners).
  3. Records: We maintain records of the services you receive, including notes about your progress or other relevant information to your work with us. You have the right to access and view your records by making a request to your counselor.
  4. Confidentiality: We respect your privacy and offer our services in confidence with the understanding that we may share such information with auditors and government regulators. Certain laws or situations may also lead to disclosing confidential issues, such as those involving potential child abuse or neglect, threats to harm self or others, or court subpoenas.
  5. Refusal of Services: You have the right to refuse services without any penalty or loss.
  6. Disclosure of Policies and Practices: You will be provided our agency disclosure statement.
  7. Sharing of Information: Sometimes we will need to contact other agencies or we may need to share your information, including your records, with other agencies or with regulators. We will do this only if you sign this form that gives us permission except for limited reasons; please see # 5 above for examples of such situations.
  8. Other: You have the right to be treated with respect by our staff, and we expect the same from you in return. We encourage you to always ask questions if something is not clear. We also encouraged you to express your thoughts and advocate throughout our services.

You acknowledge that this authorization will remain in effect for the duration of time that DRS serves as your housing counselor or financial education provider. You also acknowledge that should you wish to terminate this authorization, you will notify DRS in writing.

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NOTE: If you have an impairment, disability, language barrier, or otherwise require an alternative means of completing this form or accessing information about our counseling services, please communicate with your DRS representative about arranging alternative accommodations.

Program Disclosure Form

Disclosure to Client for HUD Housing Counseling Services

Debt Reduction Services, Inc. and its financial education arm, Money Fit by DRS, offer the following housing counseling and educational services related to housing, personal finance, and bankruptcy certificates to consumers:
  • Housing Education Courses: DRS offers many online self-guided education programs classified as Financial, Budgeting, and Credit Workshops (FBC), Fair Housing Pre-Purchase Education Workshops (FHW), Homelessness Prevention Workshops (HMW), Non-Delinquency Post Purchase Workshops (NDW), Predatory Lending Education Workshops (PLW), Pre-purchase Homebuyer Education Workshops (PPW), and Rental Housing Workshops (RHW). These courses help participants increase their knowledge of and skills in personal finance, including home affordability, budgeting, and understanding the use of credit, as well as predatory lending, loan scams, and other fraud prevention topics, fair housing, rental topics, pre-purchase homebuyer education, non-delinquency post-purchase topics including home maintenance and/or financial management for homeowners, homeless prevention workshop, and other workshops not listed above relating to personal finance and housing. Course details are found below under “Housing Workshops.”
  • Home Equity Conversation Mortgage (HECM) Counseling (RMC): Via telephone and virtual platforms, we offer the required HECM counseling nationwide in addition to in-person counseling in Boise, Idaho. We also offer in-home counseling options in thirty counties across southern Idaho for an additional fee to cover our travel and additional staff time costs.
  • Home Maintenance and Financial Management for Homeowners (Non-Delinquency Post-Purchase) (FBC): Clients receive counseling and materials on the proper maintenance of their home and mortgage refinancing. Clients can find help and resources by phone, in our Boise office, or virtually on all topics related to stabilizing their long-term homeownership.
  • Services for Homeless Counseling (HMC): Clients receive phone, virtual, or in-person (Boise) counseling to evaluate their current housing needs, identify barriers to and goals for housing stability, establish a path to self-sufficiency, and connect with emergency shelters, income-appropriate housing, and/or other community resources (e.g. mental healthcare, job training, transportation, etc.).
  • Pre-Purchase Counseling (PPC): Clients receive counseling through the entire homebuying process. Assistance may involve creating a sustainable household budget, understanding mortgage options, building their credit rating, and putting together a realistic action plan to set and achieve homeownership goals.  Additionally, clients will receive materials and resources about home inspections and other homeownership topics relevant to successfully maintaining a home.
  • Rental Housing Counseling (RHC): Via phone, in-person appointments (Boise, ID), or virtual platforms, clients receive housing counseling relevant to renting, including rent subsidies from HUD or other government and assistance programs. Topics can also address issues and concerns having to do with fair housing, landlord and tenant laws, lease terms, rent delinquency, household budgeting, and finding alternate housing.
DRS also offers the following services:
  • A Debt Management Program (DMP) for consumers struggling to pay their credit cards, collections, medical debts, personal loans, old utility bills, and past-due cell phone accounts;
  • The Budget Briefing and Debtor Education Certificates that are required during the Bankruptcy filing process;
  • A Student Loan Repayment Plan Counseling and application service.

Relationships with Industry Partners

Through such services, DRS has established financial relationships with hundreds of banks, credit unions, and creditors such as American Express, Bank of America, Barclays, Capital One, Chase, Citibank, Credit One, Discover, Synchrony, US Bank, USAA, Wells Fargo, and others.

No Client Obligation

The client is not obligated to receive, purchase or utilize any other services offered by DRS or its exclusive partners to receive financial education or housing counseling services. Alternatives: As a condition of our counseling services, in alignment with meeting our client services goals, and in compliance with HUD’s Housing Counseling Program requirements, we may provide information on alternative services, programs, and products available to you, if applicable and known by our staff. Alternative DMP services include negotiating better repayment terms directly with your individual creditors, paying your debts as agreed, or, in extreme cases, filing for personal bankruptcy. Alternative credit and education services can be found through MyMoney.gov or the Jump$tart Clearinghouse of online financial education resources. Housing counseling alternatives can be found through HUD at www.hud.gov/findacounselor.
Finally, you understand that you may revoke consent to these disclosures by notifying DRS in writing.
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Housing Counseling and Education Fee Schedule

 

Online Education Program Fees*

Homebuyer Education Course: $59 per participant

  • Self-paced course available here, our online housing counseling and education center. Certificates will be automatically generated upon completion of the course (approximately 6-8 hours)

Rental, Fair Housing, Predatory Lending / HOEPA, Post-Purchase (Non-delinquency post-purchase workshop, including home maintenance and/or financial management for homeowners) Online Workshops: $49 per participant

  • Approximately 1 hour each

Other Self-Guided Financial Literacy Webinars (e.g. credit, budgeting, homeless prevention, debt prevention): $0

One-on-one Counseling Fees*

Pre-purchase Homebuying Counseling, Rental Counseling, Post-purchase Ownership Maintenance and Financial Management: $75

  • Session by the hour

Reverse Mortgage/HECM Counseling with Required Certificate:

  • $200†

Credit Report Fee: Paid Directly by Client

*Fees for all but our online education courses and workshops can be paid online by debit card, credit card, or PayPal or in person by cash, check or money order to: “Debt Reduction Services, Inc.” Registration fees are non-refundable 24 hours or less before the start of an in-person course or workshop. Certificates are non-transferable

*Fees may be waived for households with income of 150% or less of that identified on the US Department of Health and Human Services Poverty Guidelines Page

†Home visit counseling is available in 30 southern Idaho counties for potential HECM borrowers at additional costs to cover our travel (IRS reimbursement rates apply) and staff time ($50 per hour or fraction there).

Close

Housing Counseling and Education Fee Schedule

 

Online Education Program Fees*

Homebuyer Education Course: $59 per participant

  • Self-paced course available here, our online housing counseling and education center. Certificates will be automatically generated upon completion of the course (approximately 6-8 hours)

Rental, Fair Housing, Predatory Lending / HOEPA, Post-Purchase (Non-delinquency post-purchase workshop, including home maintenance and/or financial management for homeowners) Online Workshops: $49 per participant

  • Approximately 1 hour each

Other Self-Guided Financial Literacy Webinars (e.g. credit, budgeting, homeless prevention, debt prevention): $0

One-on-one Counseling Fees*

Pre-purchase Homebuying Counseling, Rental Counseling, Post-purchase Ownership Maintenance and Financial Management: $75

  • Session by the hour

Reverse Mortgage/HECM Counseling with Required Certificate:

  • $200†

Credit Report Fee: Paid Directly by Client

*Fees for all but our online education courses and workshops can be paid online by debit card, credit card, or PayPal or in person by cash, check or money order to: “Debt Reduction Services, Inc.” Registration fees are non-refundable 24 hours or less before the start of an in-person course or workshop. Certificates are non-transferable

*Fees may be waived for households with income of 150% or less of that identified on the US Department of Health and Human Services Poverty Guidelines Page

†Home visit counseling is available in 30 southern Idaho counties for potential HECM borrowers at additional costs to cover our travel (IRS reimbursement rates apply) and staff time ($50 per hour or fraction there).