5 Ways to Get Your Financial House in Order

Welcome to the Empowered Slacker Society, where we believe in working smarter, not harder, so you can focus more on what truly matters. Each week, we bring you powerful strategies from expert guests, helping you achieve more with less effort. Make sure to subscribe to our channel, follow our podcast, and sign up for our weekly newsletter for these transformative tips!

Meet Julian Kohlbrand: Financial Coach and Debt Rebel

Julian Kohlbrand, affectionately known as Jules, is more than just a budget nerd. She hosts the "Debt Rebel Podcast" and is a certified financial coach, here to guide you in organizing your finances. Julian's journey began in the 80s, where she learned to live within her means—a lesson that shaped her approach to personal finance. Despite her education and knowledge, she faced financial struggles alongside her husband, which sparked her passion for coaching others.

From Debt to Financial Freedom

Julian and her husband accumulated over $107,000 in debt, a staggering realization for someone who was taught to avoid debt. In 2012, job layoffs forced them to reassess their financial situation. Discovering their mounting debt was a wake-up call; it motivated them to not only tackle it but to eventually eliminate it. By 2018, they celebrated their newfound financial freedom with a vow renewal, marking both their 10th anniversary and journey to debt-free living.

The Power of Financial Organization

Embracing financial organization was pivotal for Julian's family. It allowed them to respond, not react, to life’s unexpected challenges. After becoming a mother at 36 and leaving a beloved career, Julian enjoyed quality time with her daughter because she was debt-free. Furthermore, when her sister battled breast cancer, Julian was present for her and her nieces—a testament to the life-changing power of financial stability.

Strategies for a Financially Free Lifestyle

Julian shares practical strategies that transformed her life, starting with a clear, actionable budget. She emphasizes that financial management is more about behavior and mindset than just numbers. Reviewing monthly bank statements helps identify unnecessary expenses, like redundant subscriptions, freeing up resources for more important needs.

Create a Realistic and Followable Budget: Start by reviewing past expenses to understand where your money goes. Highlight recurring costs to decide what’s essential.

Meal Planning and Smart Shopping: Reduce grocery bills by planning meals. Use resources like supercook.com to find ingredients-based recipes, cutting down costs by using what you already have.

Organize Digitally: Set up a separate email account for bills and receipts, allotting specific times for reviewing them. This practice helps maintain focus and fosters consistent financial discipline.

Prioritize Essential Needs: Apply Maslow's hierarchy of needs to your budget. Ensure necessities like housing, food, and transportation are covered, then plan for savings and fun.

Continuous Learning: Absorb knowledge from those who've succeeded in areas you aspire to excel. Julian suggests learning from credible, successful individuals through podcasts, books, or courses

Unlock Financial Peace of Mind

Julian encourages everyone to explore her Debt Rebel Starter Kit, based on successful financial habits she and her family developed. It's an opportunity to create financial margin—the space between income and expenses—allowing for intentional saving or investing.

Achieving financial stability can reshape your life, providing peace of mind and freedom to enjoy meaningful experiences. Stay empowered and remember that smart work beats busy work every time. Join us on this journey to financial freedom, and as always, stay slacking smartly! We appreciate your feedback and support—leave a comment, subscribe, or leave a review to help us grow and continue bringing you valuable content.