It’s that time of year when I like to look back on all the things—both big and small—that make me happy and grateful. And I’m so excited to tell you about them!

In this episode of The Rachel Cruze Show, you’ll learn:

• 10 things that made my life so much better in 2019
• How paying with cash and budgeting saved one couple hundreds of dollars a month
• Favorite things from my Facebook Community that will save you money

Sponsors pay the producer of this show, The Lampo Group, LLC, advertising fees for mentioning their services or products during programming. Advertising fees are not based upon or otherwise tied to any product sale or business transacted between any consumer or sponsor. The following sponsors have paid for the programing you are viewing:

Churchill Mortgage

EveryDollar

Woman’s Day

Money touches every area of our lives, and even if we don’t realize it, it affects our relationships too. That’s why I want to spend some time helping you navigate the way money can play out in your friendships, family and marriage.

In this episode of The Rachel Cruze Show, you’ll learn:

• Three times the show Friends taught us about how not to handle money within relationships.
• Expert advice from Dr. Henry Cloud on how to protect your time and money during the holiday season when your family feels entitled to all of it. (Hey people-pleasers, this segment is especially for you!)
• The best gift my family gives me every year.
• How money fights actually made one couple closer than ever before.

Sponsors pay the producer of this show, The Lampo Group, LLC, advertising fees for mentioning their services or products during programming. Advertising fees are not based upon or otherwise tied to any product sale or business transacted between any consumer or sponsor. The following sponsors have paid for the programing you are viewing:

Zander Insurance

Money & Marriage event tickets

Henry Cloud’s website

It’s November—which means Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner! Does that make you excited . . . or just overwhelmed?

If you feel like the holidays are another reminder that you don’t have the time or money to make your holiday table perfect, make your Christmas tree Instagram-worthy, or even shop for presents, I created this episode just for you.

In this episode of The Rachel Cruze Show, you’ll learn:

• Incredible insights from Emily Ley on how to make the most of your holidays with less. You guys, this interview is a must-watch for everyone.
• Why the Cruzes are saying no to buying toys this Christmas.
• How much most people spend on the holidays and how to keep boundaries around your Christmas budget.

 Sponsors pay the producer of this show, The Lampo Group, LLC, advertising fees for mentioning their services or products during programing. Advertising fees are not based upon or otherwise tied to any product sale or business transacted between any consumer or sponsor. The following sponsors have paid for the programing you are viewing:

RESOURCES:

Zander Insurance

The Contentment Journal

Emily Ley’s website

All Cash Christmas Printable

Have you ever dreamed about the possibility of adopting, but then thought, Well, I couldn’t afford that?

I think adoption is awesome, but I know it can be super expensive. It’s a deeply personal conviction, and money shouldn’t be the obstacle that’s holding you back.

If adoption is something you’re considering, I want to help you do it debt-free. In this episode of The Rachel Cruze Show, you’ll learn:

• Author and speaker Lisa Harper’s emotional journey walking through the international adoption process as a single woman
• Extremely practical steps and creative ways (that really surprised me!) to raise money for your adoption from author Julie Gumm
• My personal dream and goals surrounding adoption

Even if you think adoption isn’t for you, you probably know someone who could use the valuable information in this episode! My guests this week really opened my eyes to new ways to make adopting a child a possibility for anyone, so go ahead and forward this to your friends! 

Resources (everything mentioned in this episode):

Zander Insurance

Lisa Harper’s Website

Julie Gumm’s Website

My Favorite Budgeting App

So, in this episode of The Rachel Cruze Show, you’ll learn:

• The insecurity that 90% of women feel ashamed of and which industry is profiting the most from it
• How to keep insecurities from ruining your marriage
• How one woman’s spending habits led her into $40K in debt—and what gave her a wake-up call

Sponsors pay the producer of this show, The Lampo Group, LLC, advertising fees for mentioning their services or products during programming. Advertising fees are not based upon or otherwise tied to any product sale or business transacted between any consumer or sponsor. The following sponsors have paid for the programming you are viewing:

Resources (everything mentioned in this episode):

Zander Insurance

Les Parrott’s website

The New York Times article on honeymoons

Show Notes Page

Student loan debt is costing Americans trillions of dollars and now surpasses every other type of consumer debt.1 People rarely talk about student loans anymore without attaching the word crisis to it. If you’re in the depths of your own student loan crisis, I want to show you how to get out of debt fast!

In the latest episode of The Rachel Cruze Show, you’ll learn:

• Four simple ways to pay off your student loan debt faster
• The reality about student loan forgiveness that politicians won’t tell you
• How to go to college without going into debt

 Plus, my friend and bestselling author Anthony ONeal will be here to answer questions about student loans and payments from people just like you.

 Sponsors pay the producer of this show, The Lampo Group, LLC, advertising fees for mentioning their services or products during programming. Advertising fees are not based upon or otherwise tied to any product sale or business transacted between any consumer or sponsor. The following sponsors have paid for the programming you are viewing:

 — Zander Insurance

Resources (everything mentioned in this episode):

Debt-Free Degree

Zander Insurance

Adjusting your tax withholding video

How Long Does It Take to Pay Off Student Loans

BONUS LISTEN: Borrowed Future Podcast

Wondering why you can’t get ahead? Look in your driveway! Over the past decade, car debt has gone up 60%, and the average car payment is now $554! 

I don’t want car loans to steal from your future! In the latest episode of The Rachel Cruze Show, you’ll learn:

• Why financing a car is the worst financial decision you can make
• How to pay off your current car and pay cash for your next one
• How to save real money on car repairs—a mechanic shares his secrets

Resources (everything mentioned in this episode):

Zander Insurance

ELP

Show Notes Page 

We love keeping up with the latest clothes, shows and gadgets. But what is our obsession with trends really costing us?

In the latest episode of The Rachel Cruze Show, we’re taking on trends. You’ll learn: 

• Trends you’re probably wasting money on without even thinking about it
• The biggest money-wasting trend (in my opinion) that gets me riled up over and over again
• The real cost of being on reality TV, plus show secrets from former Bachelorette Kaitlyn Bristowe

Resources (everything mentioned in this episode):

Zander Insurance 

Contentment Journal / LYLNT Bundle 

Woman’s Day

TimeShare Exit

What would your life look like if you didn’t have any credit card payments? If you had a pile of money saved up in the bank? If you owned your stuff instead of it owning you?

You guys—that life is possible!

So, in the latest episode of The Rachel Cruze Show, I’m going to show you how to live debt free. You’ll learn:

• The number one proven method for getting out of debt
• How one couple dug their way out of almost $40,000 in credit card debt
• 10 ways to stay super motivated while getting out of debt

RESOURCES

Zander Insurance 

Financial Peace University 

Contentment Journal

Millions of Americans are being duped by credit card companies every day. And, you guys, I’ve had it! So, in the latest episode of The Rachel Cruze Show, I’m going to expose credit cards for what they really are. You’ll learn:

• Lies you’ve probably heard about credit cards
• The truth no one is telling you about credit card points
• How to buy a house without a credit score

Resources:

Zander Insurance

Financial Peace University

What Affects Your Credit Score Article

Show Notes Page

In our culture today, you might hear people say things like:

 “It’s impossible to graduate from college without taking out student loans.”

 “You can’t buy a car or have nice things without debt.”

 “The only way to become a millionaire is to be born into a rich family.”

But believe it or not, our culture doesn’t always tell the truth. Shocking, I know. So, in the latest episode of The Rachel Cruze Show, I’m going to set the record straight. You’ll learn:

• Three truths society doesn’t tell you about money
• How a school teacher paid off $40,000 of debt in just 14 months
• The proven plan to become a millionaire, no matter your income

Resources (everything mentioned in this episode):

Show Notes Page

Become a Financial Peace University Coordinator!

The 7 Baby Steps

SmartVestor Pro

Investment Calculator

Financial Peace University

Everyday Millionaires

Your parents’ money choices will affect you in one way or another, but talking to them about it can be hard. Maybe the very thought of having that conversation intimidates you, or maybe you’ve tried before and it didn’t go well. So in the latest episode of The Rachel Cruze Show, you’ll learn:

• Four key questions to ask your parents right now about their finances
• A step-by-step plan for getting your parents and your whole family on the same page when it comes to money
• How to deepen your relationship with aging parents and create memorable moments with them that will stay with you forever

Show Notes Page

Will Prep Checklist

5-Minute Coverage Checkup

Zander Insurance

Food is one of the biggest budget-busters out there, so this is a category where we can all cut back! If you can save just a couple hundred dollars a month in your food budget, you’ll be amazed at how much faster you can get out of debt and build up that emergency fund. So in this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to adjust your food budget based on the season of life you’re in
• How much the average family spends on groceries and where you land on the spectrum
• Easy meal plans that feed a family for under $125 per week from my guest, Debt Kickin’ Mom
• Mouth-watering summer recipes that  will keep your food budget in check

Resources (everything mentioned in this episode):

Show Notes Page

Zander Insurance

Financial Peace University

Chef Marlon’s Recipes

Debt Kickin’ Mom’s Powerful Story

Getting to a place of financial freedom  is hard. That’s why it’s so important to remember what you’re working toward—and that success isn’t just for yourself. In this episode, you’ll hear some of the most inspiring and motivating stories we’ve ever had on the show. You’ll learn: 

• The decision my dad made that completely changed my life
• The keys to overcoming adversity and staying motivated from podcast host Lewis Howes
• The one thing successful people do to stay happy
• How small-business owner Judy Zimmerman paid off $750,000 of debt and changed her family tree in more ways than one

Resources (everything mentioned in this episode):

Show Notes Page

Financial Peace University

Zander Insurance

Lewis Howes’s Podcast

Do you ever wonder why you keep making the same mistakes with money? I want to shed some light on your personality type so you can make real progress! In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Whether you’re a Spender or a Saver and whether you’re a Nerd or a Free Spirit—and how to avoid pitfalls for each type
• All about my favorite personality typing system, the Enneagram, from Enneagram expert and author Ian Cron
• How to gain self-awareness and use your personality type to win with money

Resources:

Are you a Nerd or a Free Spirit?

Ian Cron’s Typology Podcast

Ian Cron’s Enneagram Assessment

My Facebook Group

If you want to change your life, you need to prepare your heart for this: Change isn’t easy. But you know what else? It’s worth it. In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why most people struggle to make lasting change, and what you can do to be different.
• How a family of six hit rock bottom before paying off $77,460 in 36 months—and what changes they made to make it happen.
• Practical steps you can take to overcome fear and find a career you love.

Resources (everything mentioned in this episode):

The Proximity Principle - (Start reading for free)

My mom, Sharon, is the keeper of all the Ramsey family stories. She was there when she and my dad, Dave Ramsey, declared bankruptcy. She was the one who had to stretch their very tight, getting-out-of-debt grocery budget to feed and diaper us three kids. At times, she even felt guilty for staying at home with us instead of working outside the home to bring in money.

She also spills the tea about our family camping trips and the moment she knew I was just a bit different than my siblings! I can’t wait for you to hear her side of the story in this special Mother’s Day episode.

Is saving money on everyday items a struggle? You work too hard for the money you have for one trip to the store to eat it all up! So in this episode, I’m going to help you shop smarter. You’ll learn:

• The shopping hack almost no one knows about
• Budget-friendly meals with healthy ingredients (that taste amazing too!)
• My money-saving tips to budgeting, spending and shopping for clothes

Resources (everything mentioned in this episode):   

The Contentment Journal     

Get Jenna's Recipes

Christine Caine is one of my favorite people ever, and she was gracious enough to let me in on all her wisdom and record it to share with you! Our conversation was so rich. In this episode, you’ll learn:

• why you shouldn’t feel guilty for delegating and asking for help
• how to stop the comparisons and see your life’s meaning, significance and worth
• the incredible and radical ways Christine’s ministry is literally saving women around the world

Disney World is one of my favorite places on earth, but it can cost a small fortune. Good news is, it doesn’t have to! In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to know if you, your family and your bank account are actually ready to go to Disney.
• Twenty-one ways to save time and money at Disney—I’m talking thousands of dollars and hours of time saved!
• The best-kept Disney dining secrets from our Disney food expert, Rachel Bshero.

 Resources (everything mentioned in this episode):

Zander Insurance       

The Contentment Journal

Churchill Mortgage

The Contentment Journal

Show Notes – Download the Disney Savings Goal Tracker

If you don’t set the foundation for what your kids learn about money, they’ll pick it up somewhere else. So in this episode, you’ll find out:

• How to teach your kids about money the way I learned from my dad, Dave Ramsey
• The best ways to break down the walls between you and your teen to make a real connection (Guest: teen and millennial expert Anthony ONeal)
• How a family of four paid off $303,000 in debt and got their kids involved in their debt-free journey

Resources:

Start reading The Contentment Journal for Free

Buy The Contentment Journal  

Smart Parent event                
Smart Money Smart Kids       

The Graduate Survival Guide 

What does being rich really look like? It’s more attainable than you may think! Research shows there are three things wealthy people have in common, and in this episode I’ll reveal what they are so you can live rich, too. 

You’ll learn how to:

• Build wealth in America today
• Practice a daily habit that’s my secret to a rich life
• Enrich not just your bank account but your marriage as well (Guest: Dr. Les Parrott, co-creator of eHarmony)
• Live and give like no one else
• Find contentment and happiness in every season you’re in

 Resources (everything mentioned in this episode):

Zander Insurance     

Get a sneak peek of the new Contentment Journal!

Buy The Contentment Journal

Money & Marriage Event

Today’s episode is a conversation Dr. Henry Cloud and I had backstage at The Smart Conference, where he taught me the four keys to having healthy relationships. This is something I hear again and again that people want in their lives! Maybe for you that means to put up some boundaries so that others stop taking advantage of you. Maybe you need to let go of perfectionism. Whatever your situation looks like, this episode will give you the truth we all need.

Resources (everything mentioned in this episode):

Get a personal Boundaries mentor

The one thing that’s always true about traveling is that it costs money. Whether you love it (like I do!) or hate it, it seems like there’s always one reason or another to spend money going somewhere! Maybe you’re planning a honeymoon or a beach vacation. Maybe you’re getting out of debt and can’t spend much but have to travel to a family reunion or an out-of-town wedding. In this episode, we’re going to talk about how you can travel cheaper.

 You’ll learn how to:

• take a vacation without going into debt
• travel like a pro using insider secrets from our expert guest, travel agent Rachel Lackey
• spend less money on your next flight
• get the absolute best deal on hotels and lodging
• avoid the most common mistakes people make when planning a trip

Download Rachel's Vacation Budget Worksheet

Get Your Copy of Love Your Life, Not Theirs

Buying a house is the biggest financial investment most people will ever make, but your home is a big deal for other reasons too. It’s the place where you lay your head down to sleep at night, where you prepare your meals, and where you raise your kids. It’s where your life happens! So, I don’t want this to be something stressful in your life. I want it to be a place of joy. 

In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

• make the most of the space and furniture you have
• decide when the time is right to buy a new home
• avoid red flags during the home-buying process
• pay off your mortgage early

If you’re buying or selling a home in the near future, connect with an ELP today.

And get the best mortgage or refi for you and your family with my friends at Churchill Mortgage.

Get tickets to see Rachel at her Money & Marriage event here!

Be prepared for your future with term life insurance from Zander here.

Download the Down Payment Goal Tracker

This episode is a little different! I actually recorded it sitting on the floor in my closet, sharing my thoughts on life balance and the struggles we face as parents. We’ll talk through why you don’t need to do everything, how to be the best version of yourself for your kids and how to give yourself grace when you mess up. 

Do you wish you had more money? Wouldn’t that make it a little easier to reach your financial goals in 2019? You’ve come to the right place, because this episode is all about how to give yourself a raise this year!

In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

• Avoid the most common tax mistake that’s probably costing you money right now
• Have more money today without even getting a raise
• Find contentment in all areas of life using one simple method from my guest, Annie F. Downs

Resources (everything mentioned in this episode):

• Financial Peace University
• EveryDollar
• Connect with an ELP Tax Pro
• Take the Tax Quiz
• Annie F. Downs’s “That Sounds Fun” podcast

I’m going to let you in on a secret: You can actually enjoy your life while you’re getting out of debt!

Getting out of debt may be uncomfortable. It’s pretty countercultural. And it definitely requires discipline. But believe it or not, millions of people have gotten out of debt and didn’t hate their lives in the process. This episode is all about super practical ways to love your life while getting out of debt!

Here are some of the lies you might hear about getting out of debt:

“You can’t find a nice, affordable used car.”

“You can’t eat healthy on a budget.”

“It’s too hard to have fun when you’re getting out of debt.”

One of the lies you might tell yourself is that you’re the only one stressed or struggling with your money. But that’s not true, and if you need a safe space to have all the feelings about it, check out my Facebook community for encouragement.

Resources:

Learn Rachel's Simple Rules of Successful Negotiating

EveryDollar

Financial Peace University

Jenna's Peanut Butter Cups Recipe

Stephanie and Taylor Shivers were pretty much drowning in debt. Between student loans, medical bills and living expenses, they owed $142,000—which would take them 25 to 30 years to pay off. The happiest of moments in their lives were paired with an undercurrent of fear, anxiety and hopelessness related to debt. You can imagine, right?

So, Stephanie and Taylor took a big step of faith: They sold their house. Talk about radical! In this episode, you’ll hear how debt affected their marriage on a practical and an emotional level—and if their plan of selling their home to pay off as much debt as possible worked. Aren’t you dying to know how it went?

Plus, some of my favorite guests ever are on this episode. The Minimalists are here! Our messages are so similar, and during our conversation we talk about why stuff doesn’t equal happiness and how to make room for what really matters. 

Who set the standard of living in America today anyway? Who decided that you must have a garage with two cars in it, a house filled with all the latest and greatest technology, a home just for vacations, and a closet full of new, trendy clothes? I’m getting mad again just thinking about it! So in this episode, we’ll challenge the status quo.

Learn more about Financial Peace University

Meet with a Financial Coach

Connect with The Minimalists

Read the show notes

Coming January 21st, 2019! Learn how to take control of your money and create a life you love.