I used to think financial freedom was a number. Then I became a dad—and everything changed. In this episode, I share my personal journey from the hustle-and-grind definition of success to a more meaningful, family-centered vision of financial freedom. You’ll hear how my daughter Logan’s health challenges made financial freedom not just a goal, but an urgent mission. I dive into the emotional shifts, the mindset changes, and the practical steps that helped my wife and me build a life that gives us the time and presence our family needs—right now.

If you’re a parent who wants more than just a big bank account—and you’re ready to start living life on your own terms today—this episode is for you.

[0:00] - How fatherhood shattered my old definition of financial freedom.

[2:18] - Our path from $304,000 in debt to millionaires by age 30.

[3:19] - The hustle mindset: working nonstop, chasing an arbitrary number.

[5:22] - The moment my daughter Logan was born and how it redefined everything.

[7:02] - Logan’s first seizures and her Dravet syndrome diagnosis; the life-altering shift it caused.

[9:09] - The emotional punch of realizing time is more valuable than money.

[10:55] - How extreme sensitivity to noise and light made caring for Logan a full-time job.

[13:46] - Retiring my wife 363 days after committing to do it—despite the obstacles.

[14:13] - Moving across the country for Logan’s care and redefining priorities.

[18:19] - Why you shouldn’t wait for “someday” to start living your version of financial freedom.

[22:16] - Tactical steps: building emergency funds, investing for time freedom, and recurring revenue.

[24:21] - Redefining “rich” as the ability to live life on your own terms.

1. Time over numbers – Financial freedom isn’t about hitting a dollar amount, it’s about having time with those who matter most.

2. Start before you’re ready – You don’t need millions to design a life aligned with your values; you just need a plan.

3. Your “why” matters most – A deep, emotional reason will drive you further than any financial goal alone.

“Financial freedom is the ability to do whatever, whenever, with whoever.”

“Money buys time, and time with your kids is priceless.”

“Stop waiting for someday. Start building your freedom now.”

• Book a call with my team – Ready to map your path to financial freedom? Let’s build your custom plan: https://www.budgetdog.com/

• Join my free three-day financial freedom event – Learn practical steps to take control of your money now: https://www.budgetdog.com/

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If you found this episode valuable, please rate, follow, and share Money on My Mind. It helps other parents discover the tools they need to create the life they deserve. Stay intentional—and I’ll see you next week!

Hey everyone! In today’s episode of Money on My Mind, I’m bringing you a special treat: my recent interview on Self Improvement Daily with Brian Ford. We dug deep into one of the most powerful—and often overlooked—parts of your financial journey: your money mindset.

You’ll hear us unpack how your subconscious beliefs about money shape your financial outcomes, why many of us unknowingly hold ourselves back, and what you can do to break through old patterns. We also explore practical steps to take control of your finances by automating your plan and surrounding yourself with the right influences. This conversation is packed with actionable advice to help you build confidence, clarity, and consistency in your money journey. If you’re ready to transform the way you think about money and take charge of your financial future, you won’t want to miss this one!

Episode Timeline & Highlights

[0:00] – Welcome to a special episode: my conversation with Brian Ford on Self Improvement Daily.

[1:06] – Brian introduces my journey from CPA buried in debt to financial freedom advocate.

[2:05] – Why money mindset is the foundation of lasting wealth (and what most people miss).

[4:14] – Uncovering subconscious beliefs that sabotage financial progress—and how awareness changes everything.

[6:37] – How reframing challenges as opportunities can massively shift your financial trajectory.

[8:04] – Why wealthy people don’t see everything as a scam—and how scarcity thinking holds us back.

[13:40] – Overcoming childhood money beliefs that shape how we relate to finances as adults.

[15:44] – The power of environment: surrounding yourself with people who think abundantly.

[22:02] – Advanced planning and unemotional decision-making: key to staying on track with your goals.

[30:09] – The three financial statements you must track (and how automations protect your progress).

[34:09] – Using systems and calendar reminders to build a “system of awareness” and reinforce positive money habits.

Quotables

• “Awareness is usually the first step to really take it to the next level and become financially free.”

• “What you feed your mind is who you become.”

• “Build a moat around your plan so that even when life hits you hard, your financial progress keeps moving forward.”

• “You don’t need complexity—you need simplicity, clarity, and consistency.”

Links & Resources

• https://bookwithbudgetdog.com/ped

• Self Improvement Daily with Brian Ford – https://www.selfimprovementdailytips.com/brian-ford

Final Thoughts

Thanks so much for tuning in! If this episode inspired you to think differently about your money mindset, please rate, review, and share the podcast with someone who needs it. Make sure to follow Money on My Mind so you never miss a new tip on your path to financial freedom. Until next time, stay passionate about your journey and keep taking bold steps towards your money goals!

In this special episode, I’m sharing a powerful conversation I had as a guest on the Two Comma Club podcast with Jonathan Marsh. We got real about what it means to break free from the traditional 9-to-5, the mindset shifts that changed my financial future, and how I turned my personal finance struggles into a mission-driven business helping thousands of others.

You’ll hear my full journey—from crushing $300K of debt to building Budgetdog Academy into a thriving brand. We also dive into the practical tools that helped me, the challenges I faced leaving corporate life, and the strategies I use today to build a business with real impact. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or just ready to take control of your finances, this episode is packed with stories, lessons, and insights to fuel your path forward.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Introduction

[0:43] - Kicking things off with a guest spot on the Two Comma Club podcast

[2:19] - Why I believe financial education should be simple and how we built Budgetdog

[4:20] - Growing up financially uneducated and learning through self-education

[8:08] - The pivotal role environment played in shaping my money mindset

[13:04] - The leap of faith: how I left Deloitte after being forced to choose

[21:20] - Why resilience and handling resistance is the true key to success

[26:17] - Behind the scenes: how we use content, email, and paid ads to grow

[30:04] - Game-changing business book: why Traction is a must-read

[36:12] - The importance of being real and not selling a fake lifestyle

[40:02] - Financial rules of thumb, automation, and building your financial moat

[46:22] - How our book, challenge, and academy help people change their lives

3 Key Takeaways

1. Self-education is a superpower. You don’t need a formal background to master your money—you need curiosity, discipline, and the right resources.

2. Automation is freedom. When your finances run on autopilot, you remove emotion and inconsistency—creating space for real growth.

3. Resistance builds strength. Success isn’t about avoiding hardship—it’s about enduring and overcoming it with intention.

Quoteables

• “The person who keeps the bar on their chest the longest builds the biggest chest.”

• “If someone knows, likes, and trusts you—and you solve their problem—they’ll work with you.”

• “You don’t have to be the most talented. You just have to outlast.”

• “Lock the system, and go live your life.”

Links & Resources

• Budgetdog Academy

• The Roadmap to Financial Freedom by Brendan

• Traction by Gino Wickman – Business systemization resource

• Brendan’s 3-Day Financial Challenge (more at Budgetdog.com)

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow, rate, and review Money on My Mind. Share it with someone who’s ready to build wealth and live with purpose!