5 Hacks for a Credit Card–Free Christmas (Without Killing the Holiday Spirit)
Tired of starting January with a holiday spending hangover? In this episode, Jewlz the Budget Nerd shares five no-fluff hacks to help you enjoy Christmas without debt or guilt.
You’ll learn how to:
🎁 Set a realistic holiday spending cap and actually stick to it
💰 Build a last-minute Christmas sinking fund
🧣 Simplify gift-giving with healthy boundaries
✨ Create low-cost, memory-filled family traditions
Because your kids won’t remember the price tag—they’ll remember the moments.
If you’re ready to trade overspending for intentional joy, this episode will help you plan, save, and celebrate—credit card not required.
🎧 Listen now and grab your free Debt Rebel Starter Kit at DebtRebelPodcast.com.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:Jewlz reminds listeners that your kids won’t remember the price tag—they’ll remember the time you spent together. This episode will help you trade financial guilt for intentional joy this holiday season.
Set your spending limit early and treat it like a boundary, not a suggestion.
Even small weekly savings add up before the holidays.
Focus on meaning over money—your kids want your time, not your receipts.
Memories matter more than matching pajamas from Target (yes, even the cute ones).
Tracking as you go = no post-holiday regret.
RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED:
💡 Get your FREE Debt Rebel Starter Kit → DebtRebelPodcast.com
🎯 Join the Alliance Coaching Program for step-by-step money guidance → JewlzTheBudgetNerd.com/membership
📱 Use EveryDollar App (or any budgeting app you love) to track spending
🍪 Bonus idea: make cocoa, grab your thermos, and do a family Christmas lights drive night—free, fun, and memory-filled!
🎙️ Listen to more episodes: DebtRebelPodcast.com
💻 Work with Jewlz: JewlzTheBudgetNerd.com
💌 Subscribe & Review: Leave a 5-star review to help other families find financial freedom faster
Are you worried about how a government shutdown—or any unexpected financial disruption—could affect your family’s budget? In this episode of the Debt Rebel Podcast, I’m giving you practical, no-nonsense tips to take control of your money, even when paychecks aren’t guaranteed.
I dive into real questions from members of the Alliance Coaching Program, covering topics like:
Creating a survival mode budget to prioritize essentials: roof over your head, food on the table, and transportation.
Managing debt and understanding the role of credit scores during financial uncertainty.
Emergency funds vs. debt payoff vs. investing—what to tackle first.
How to communicate with creditors when income is unstable.
Month-to-month budgeting adjustments when life and finances shift unexpectedly.
Plus, I give you a behind-the-scenes look at Alliance Coaching Program office hours, sharing how members get personalized answers to their money questions every month—and how you can join too.
💡 If you’re ready to stop living paycheck-to-paycheck and finally build a debt-free, stress-free financial life, this episode is packed with actionable tips to take immediate control of your finances.
Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Join the Alliance Coaching Program: jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/membership
Free Debt Rebel Starter Kit: DebtRebelPodcast.com
Submit questions via voice memo: speakpipe.com/debtrebelpodcast
Budgeting tip: SuperCook.com – turn what’s in your pantry into easy meals
Key Takeaways:
Your emergency fund is the first line of defense—before debt payoff or investing.
Essentials come first: housing, utilities, transportation, food, and healthcare.
Pause discretionary spending and additional debt payments if your income is unstable.
Communicate proactively with creditors if your income is affected.
Use a budget as a tool to pause and respond, not react, to financial emergencies.
Connect with Me:
Website & Resources: DebtRebelPodcast.com
Join our community & monthly coaching: jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/membership
Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help other families take control of their finances
If budgeting feels overwhelming or impossible to stick with—especially when you’ve got a busy brain or a full plate—this episode is your financial reset button. 💥
In just 15 minutes, Jewlz the Budget Nerd walks you through how to:
✅ Pick ONE area to focus on (so you actually make progress)
✅ Make simple, ADHD-friendly tweaks to your budget that stick
✅ Reduce stress around groceries, gas, and housing—the big three budget-busters
✅ Create momentum with short, focused check-ins that take less time than scrolling Pinterest
Whether you’re managing ADHD, juggling kids, or just short on time, this episode proves that small, consistent actions lead to massive money wins.
🎯 Want more help staying focused on your finances? Grab Jewlz’s free webinar: 15 Minutes to Money Clarity → jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/clarity
Connect With Jewlz The Budget Nerd:
Website: https://debtrebelpodcast.com/
Send Jewlz a message: Free resources and tools to crush debt: DebtRebelPodcast.com
Do you feel like payday disappears before you even blink? Mortgage, groceries, gas—by the time your paycheck hits, it’s already gone. If you’ve been stuck in survival mode, constantly reacting to bills and unexpected expenses, this episode is your roadmap to financial stability.
In this episode of The Debt Rebel Show, Julian "Jewlz The Budget Nerd" Kohlbrand shares actionable steps to move from financial panic to peace of mind. You’ll learn how to:
Break the cycle of living paycheck to paycheck
Build your first emergency fund—even on a tight budget
Protect your family and your peace of mind with financial margin
Identify what truly counts as a financial emergency
Celebrate small wins and create lasting financial habits
Julian draws from personal experience, having eliminated over $107,000 in consumer debt, and combines practical budgeting strategies with ADHD-friendly systems for busy families. Whether you’re juggling unpredictable income or just want to take control of your money, this episode gives you a step-by-step plan to stop surviving and start thriving.
🎯 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Grab your free Debt Rebel Starter Kit: jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/starterkit
Join the Alliance Coaching Program for ongoing accountability and on-demand workshops: jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/membership
💡 Action Step:
Start building your emergency fund today—whether it’s $25 or $100 a paycheck, every deposit is a step toward financial freedom. Share your wins with Julian by sending a voice note—she loves celebrating progress with listeners!
https://www.speakpipe.com/debtrebelpodcast
Connect With Jewlz The Budget Nerd:
Website: DebtRebelPodcast.com
Send Jewlz a message: https://www.speakpipe.com/debtrebelpodcastFree resources and tools to crush debt: DebtRebelPodcast.com
If the latest headlines have you checking your bank account twice and praying your job stays secure, you’re not alone.
Between rising costs and government shutdown chaos, it’s easy to feel powerless — but here’s the truth:
Peace with your money doesn’t depend on the headlines. It depends on you.
In this episode of The Debt Rebel Podcast, Jewlz the Budget Nerd shares a timely clip from her Financial Peace in Uncertain Times workshop — a practical, encouraging guide to help working families slim down expenses, prepare for uncertain income, and breathe again when finances feel shaky.
Whether you’re facing a government furlough, reduced hours, or just feeling the ripple effects of economic instability, this short, powerful episode will help you:
Create a shutdown survival budget that keeps food on the table and bills paid
Shift from panic mode to proactive mode
Find financial peace even when the world feels chaotic
Stay grounded in your values instead of reacting to the noise
💡 Mentioned in this episode:
👉 Watch the full Financial Peace in Uncertain Times workshop + download the exercises: jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/peace
👉 Listen to [Episode 53: How Headlines and Social Media Mess with Your Money Mindset] for more perspective
Hosted by Julian “Jewlz the Budget Nerd” Kohlbrand, The Debt Rebel Podcast helps working families stop living paycheck to paycheck, crush debt for good, and build financial peace — all without debt, shame, or overwhelm. Jewlz and her family paid off over $107,000 in consumer debt, and now she’s teaching others to do the same.
Visit DebtRebelPodcast.com for free tools, resources, and workshops to help you take your next brave step toward debt freedom.
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with a friend who needs some peace (and hope) in their finances today.
💬 About The Debt Rebel Podcast💥 Ready to take control of your family budget?
Tired of your January budget falling apart by October? You’re not alone—and you’re not failing at money. Most family budgets fail because they aren’t built to survive real life.
In this episode, I break down the main reasons budgets fail, including overcomplicating, not updating regularly, skipping fun money, and lacking accountability.
I’ll show you how to create a flexible, value-based zero-based budget that evolves with your family, helps you stop living paycheck to paycheck, and reduces money fights along the way.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
Why your budget from January isn’t working in October
How overcomplicating your budget sets you up to fail
The importance of updating your budget regularly
How guilt-free fun money prevents budget burnout
Simple ways to build accountability for long-term success
How to reset your budget without stress or overwhelm
I also share personal insights from my journey eliminating over $107,000 in consumer debt and how my family’s system keeps our money aligned with what truly matters.
Resources & Tools Mentioned in This Episode:
Debt Rebel Starter Kit: Create a flexible, step-by-step budget that evolves with your life. Grab it here → DebtRebelPodcast.com
Send me a voice note with your budgeting struggles → SpeakPipe: Debt Rebel Podcast
If You Loved This Episode:
Subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts
Share this episode with a friend who’s struggling to stick to their budget
Join the Alliance Coaching Program for live coaching, accountability, and a supportive community: https://www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/membership
Your debt-free life starts with one brave step—and I’m cheering you on every step of the way.
Ever wondered what actually goes on inside the Alliance Coaching Program?
In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to be a member. You’ll hear a real coaching conversation from one of our monthly Office Hours where we dig into an important (and super relatable) money question:
👉 What should I do with extra income — pay off debt, save for home improvements, or something else?
Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:
How to prioritize extra money when you’re building your financial foundation
Why the $1,000 emergency fund is your first non-negotiable step
How to use the debt snowball method to create momentum and knock out debt faster
The trade-offs between debt payoff vs. home improvements (and how to decide what’s right for you)
Why community + coaching makes decision-making about money so much less overwhelming
Inside the Alliance, we don’t just “talk about” budgeting — we celebrate wins, ask hard questions, and get the practical support we need to keep moving forward.
💡 If you’re tired of trying to figure it all out alone, the Alliance Coaching Program is here to help you create a plan that actually works for your family — and stick with it.
👉 Join us inside the Alliance Coaching Program today: https://www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/membership
Drowning in debt is overwhelming—but staying there is optional. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the 3 biggest mistakes I made while paying off $107,000 of consumer debt… and what I would do differently if I could hop in a time machine.
If you’re just starting your debt-free journey or you’re tired of spinning your wheels, these lessons will save you stress, time, and money:
✅ Why building a starter emergency fund is non-negotiable
✅ The budgeting tweak that prevents burnout (yes, fun money matters!)
✅ How accountability and support can speed up your payoff timeline
You don’t need a perfect plan to win with money—you just need the right focus at the right time. Learn from my regrets so you can avoid repeating them, and start moving toward financial freedom with confidence.
👉 Mentioned in this episode:
🎙️ Episode 1: Our $107K Debt Elimination Journey
✨ Free Workshop: 15 Minutes to Money Clarity: www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/clarity
Back-to-school season can feel like a financial ambush—supplies, sports fees, clothes, fundraisers, and picture day all hitting at once. Most families grab the credit card to cover it, but the stress (and interest) sticks around long after the school year starts.
In this episode, I’m sharing three simple, practical hacks to help you handle back-to-school expenses without debt—so you can feel confident and stress-free as your kids head into a new year.
You’ll learn:
✅ How to create a sinking fund that makes August expenses way less painful
✅ Smart strategies for back-to-school clothes shopping (without blowing the budget)
✅ How reusing and inventorying what you already have can save $20–$40 instantly
✅ Why progress > perfection when it comes to budgeting during busy seasons
Whether you’ve got little ones just starting school or teens with never-ending sports and activities, these tips will help you cover costs without credit cards—and with a lot more confidence.
✨ Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Debt Rebel Starter Kit (Free Guide) – Build your emergency fund + find hidden money in your budget
Episode 44: [Saving Money with Secondhand & Consignment Sales]
👋 Did this episode help you? Share it with another mama who’s feeling the back-to-school money pressure. Let’s spread the word: you don’t have to go into debt to provide for your kids.
Follow Jewlz The Budget Nerd on Instagram @jewlzthebudgetnerd
Ever feel like saying no to your kids instantly makes you the “worst mom ever”? You’re not alone, mama. That mom guilt is real — but it doesn’t have to control how you parent or how you handle money.
In this episode, I’m breaking down why we feel guilty when we tell our kids no, the sneaky lies that fuel overspending, and how to shift from guilt to confidence when it comes to parenting and money.
You’ll learn:
The 3 biggest reasons moms feel guilty saying no (and how to spot them in your own life)
Why “just making it work” is a dangerous money lie that keeps families in debt
How saying no now actually models delayed gratification and financial confidence for your kids
Practical ways to decide your “no” ahead of time (without caving at Target or the trampoline park)
Simple strategies to include your kids in money decisions (at an age-appropriate level)
How to align your family spending with your true values — so no feels freeing, not shameful
Saying no isn’t rejection — it’s redirection toward what matters most to your family. By the end of this episode, you’ll feel more equipped to stand firm in your decisions, spend with intention, and break free from that mom guilt spiral.
👉 Want support from other moms learning to parent and budget with confidence?
Join us inside The Alliance Coaching Membership, where we say yes to purpose and no to pressure. Live coaching, monthly budget planning, and a community of families walking this same countercultural path.
👉 jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/membership
Are you constantly stressed by your budget, overspending, or running out of time each month?
In this episode of the Debt Rebel Podcast, I share my three-step monthly planning system that busy parents can implement to regain control over their time, meals, and money.
I break down:
✅ How to plan your time to prevent financial chaos
✅ Meal planning strategies that save money and reduce food waste
✅ How to budget effectively with a zero-based approach using tools like EveryDollar
✅ Quick, actionable tips for busy families to save thousands each year
This episode is perfect if you want to:
Stop panicked trips to the store or drive-thru
Reduce decision fatigue and stress
Take practical steps toward financial stability
Implement a simple system that actually works
🎧 Listen now and discover how planning a few key areas each month can make your budget—and your life—so much easier.
💌 Get ahead faster: Join the Alliance Coaching Program for guided monthly planning, on-demand resources library, co-working sessions, and actionable support for your family budget.
Related Episodes:
The average car payment in America is over $700 — and that’s before you add insurance, gas, maintenance, and the emotional stress of keeping up appearances. In this episode, I’m breaking down the hidden costs of car ownership, sharing my family’s real-life story of car debt (including the embarrassing window incident), and showing you practical ways to lower your transportation costs so you can free up cash for your real financial goals.
We’ll cover:
How to spot if your car is sabotaging your budget
The true cost of that “affordable” monthly payment
Smart alternatives to expensive car ownership
How driving a paid-off car can change your life faster than you think
If you’ve ever wondered why your budget still feels tight — even when you’re “doing all the right things” — this episode might be your wake-up call. It’s time to put your paycheck to work for you instead of your car.
👉 Start my FREE 5-day challenge and create breathing room in your budget in just 15 minutes a day: www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/challenge📲 Connect with me on Instagram @jewlzthebudgetnerd💰Learn to be Debt-Free Here: https://www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/me...👉Work With Me: https://www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/wo...
Are you tired of watching your credit card balance barely budge despite making “on-time” payments every month? In this episode of The Debt Rebel Podcast, I’m sharing exactly how my family eliminated over $107K in consumer debt — and how you can pay off your credit cards faster without gimmicks, shame, or going broke in the process.
You’ll learn how to:
Pick the debt payoff method that works for your brain
Slash expenses without sucking the joy out of life
Find hidden cash in your budget and home
Stop the swipe and break the credit card cycle for good
If you’re ready to trade minimum payments for massive progress and create a debt-free plan that sticks, this episode will give you the roadmap, tools, and motivation to make it happen.
Friend, you are not failing—you just need a better system. Let’s build one together.
👉 Start my FREE 5-day challenge and create breathing room in your budget in just 15 minutes a day:
www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/challenge
📲 Connect with me on Instagram @jewlzthebudgetnerd
💰Learn to be Debt-Free Here:
https://www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/membership
👉Work With Me:
Feel like you’re way behind when it comes to saving for retirement? You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not too late. In this myth-busting episode, I’m sharing how overwhelmed parents can take 3 powerful steps to start saving for the future even if you’re still paying off debt.
You’ll learn:
✅ Why eliminating debt is the key to building wealth
✅ How to create margin and make the most of your current income
✅ Easy ways to start investing (even if it’s just $20/month)
Plus, I’m sharing how my family got intentional with our money and ditched debt for good—no more robbing from our future just to survive today.
🎁 Ready to stop spinning and start saving? Grab my FREE 5-Day Better Budgeting Challenge: jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/challenge
Are you constantly spinning plates and praying nothing crashes—especially your finances? In this episode, I break down why busy parents feel stuck in survival mode and how to finally gain control of your money without dropping everything else.
You’ll learn:
Why budgeting feels impossible when you’re overwhelmed
How to use habit stacking and automation to simplify your finances
Easy ways to meal plan and save over $1,000 this year
How to give your future self a financial win with a zero-based budget
Why community support and accountability is your secret weapon
Friend, you are not failing—you just need a better system. Let’s build one together.
👉 Start my FREE 5-day challenge and create breathing room in your budget in just 15 minutes a day: www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/challenge
📲 Connect with me on Instagram @jewlzthebudgetnerd
💰Learn to be Debt-Free Here: https://www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/membership
👉Work With Me: https://www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/workwithme
Hey friend! 👋 If you’ve ever tried a no-spend month hoping it would magically reset your money habits, you’re not alone—but you might be aiming at the wrong target.
In today’s episode, I’m busting the myth that a no-spend month is the answer to your budgeting struggles. Because let’s be real: skipping Starbucks for 30 days isn’t going to change your money story if you don’t have a plan underneath it.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
✅ Why no-spend months don’t lead to lasting financial change
✅ What to focus on instead (hint: it’s not restriction—it’s strategy)
✅ How to create a realistic budget you’ll actually stick to as a busy family
If you’re tired of temporary fixes and want a long-term plan that fits your real life (without guilt, overwhelm, or cutting out all the fun), this episode is your fresh start.
💥 Ready to build a budget that works and finally feel confident with your money?
👉 Join my FREE 5-Day Budget Challenge — You’ll get quick wins each day to kickstart your financial momentum. Start now at: www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/challenge
📲 Connect with me on Instagram @jewlzthebudgetnerd
💰Learn to be Debt-Free Here: https://www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/membership
👉Work With Me: https://www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/workwithme
Ever feel like your budget has a messy secret closet, just like Monica’s in Friends? You know—the one where you throw all the “random” spending and hope no one opens the door? 👀
Yeah... that’s your miscellaneous category, and spoiler alert: it’s probably leaking more money than you think.
In this episode, we're digging into why the miscellaneous line item is a budget killer and how it's secretly sabotaging your financial goals. I’ll show you how to:
Uncover hidden money leaks
Give every dollar a name (and "miscellaneous" isn't one)
Build a budget that’s clear, intentional, and 100% guilt-free
Plus, I’ll walk you through real examples of what might be hiding in that category—from impulse Amazon buys to kid birthday gifts—and how to reassign them to categories that actually make sense.
Ready to ditch the chaos and budget like a Debt Rebel? Let’s bust open that door and clean out your financial junk drawer—for good.
👣 Next Step: Want help building a budget you’ll actually follow? Check out the Alliance Coaching Membership at jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/membership.
Feeling stuck with your money?
Learn how financial coaching, accountability, and a custom budget can kickstart your debt-free journey—without shame or overwhelm.
💰Learn to be Debt-Free Here: https://www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/membership
➡️Take the FREE 5-Day Challenge & Stop Living Paycheck-to-Paycheck: https://www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/challenge
👉Work With Me: https://www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/workwithme
Do money conversations with your spouse always end in a fight, a shutdown, or total avoidance? You’re not alone—and you’re not doomed. In today’s episode, we’re breaking down the real reasons why you and your partner keep clashing about money (spoiler alert: it’s not just about the numbers).
Whether you’re the planner or the free spirit, the saver or the spender, you’ll walk away with practical, grace-filled tools to communicate, create shared goals, and finally get on the same page financially. I’m sharing the exact steps my husband and I used to go from chaos to clarity—and how you can too.
💡 You’ll learn:
Why opposites attract—and then attack—when it comes to money
The role of financial baggage, fear, and control in your arguments
How to talk money with curiosity instead of criticism
Why vision must come before budgeting apps
How to lead by example and start creating shared money goals
Plus, I’ll give you a free resource that’s helped dozens of couples stop fighting and start budgeting like a team.
🎯 Grab my 5-Day Budget Challenge to build your first budget, find $1,000 for your emergency fund, and ditch credit cards for good.
Let’s rewrite your money story—together. 💛
Want some good conversation starters for Date Night? https://www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/datenight
Learn more about financial coaching and working with Jewlz The Budget Nerd: https://www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/workwithme
Thinking about buying a home but feeling overwhelmed by the mortgage process? In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Kristy Bass of C2 Financial to break down the 5 most commonly asked questions mortgage lenders get—and her honest answers might just surprise you.
We’re talking credit scores, down payments, interest rates, pre-approval, and what really makes or breaks a mortgage application. Kristy also shares how a little preparation can make homeownership a blessing, not a burden—especially if you’re focused on debt-free living and intentional finances.
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or just want to feel more confident in the process, this episode will equip you with practical, peace-giving steps to move forward.
👉 Tune in and find out how to ask the right questions, avoid common pitfalls, and make a smart, faith-aligned decision for your family’s future.
Connect with Kristy Bass, C2 Financial at https://www.c2financialcorp.com/kbass.
Kristy Bass
Trusted Mortgage Advisor
C2 NMLS #135622 | C2 AZ #919209 | C2 FL #MBR3519/MLD2635 | C2 OR #ML-4917 | C2 TN #135622 | C2 TX #135622 | C2 WA #MB-135622 | NMLS #2124325 | AZ #1027160 | FL #LO136438 | OR #2124325 | TN #2124325 | TX #2124325 | WA #MLO-2124325
🏠Want to be the first to know about the Preparing for Homeownership Private Podcast launching soon?
Join the waitlist here: https://www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/private-podcast-homeownership
🎯 Ready to ditch money stress for good?
Join my Free 5-Day Challenge designed to help you get financially unstuck in 15 minutes a day → jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/challenge