Financial Freedom = Life Freedom

Why Debt is the Real Dream Killer

Have you ever logged into your checking account just before fueling up, hoping there’s enough to cover it? I used to do that all the time. Back in college, I lived paycheck to paycheck, stressing over every dollar.

Dave Ramsey’s principles—the infamous Baby Steps—changed everything.

Meeting Dave in a Boba Fett Hoodie is the most Riley thing ever.

Now, I know some people say his advice is outdated. But here’s the truth: financial freedom isn’t about a high credit score. It’s about the ability to live life on your terms.

I know I talk a lot about living intentionally—setting goals, defining priorities, and structuring your life around what actually matters to you. But you can’t do that if you’re trapped financially. That’s why money is such an important part of this conversation.

Breaking Free: My Journey Through the Baby Steps

Dave Ramsey is known as the “get out of debt guy,” but the most challenging part isn’t even paying off debt—it’s actually sticking to a budget.

Here’s how the first three Baby Steps impacted me:

1. The $1,000 Emergency Fund

This isn’t meant to cover every emergency—it’s about building the discipline to save money. The reality? Most Americans couldn’t cover a $1,000 expense without a credit card.

That’s scary.

2. The Debt Snowball

Paying off your debts smallest to largest isn’t about math—it’s about behavior. Small wins create momentum, which is why this works for normal people, not just financial nerds on TikTok.

3. Fully Funding an Emergency Fund

Once you’re out of debt, having 3–6 months of savings is what allows you to breathe. For me, this was the game-changer. It means I won’t be making career decisions based on how many bills I have to pay every month.

How This Shaped My Future

I grew up listening to the radio show, and hearing horror stories of people drowning in student loan debt, which is one of the reasons I fought hard to get an Air Force ROTC scholarship. But even though I avoided debt, I wasn’t great at budgeting early on. That changed when I got serious about saving— first for a wedding ring. (true story)

Here’s a throwback!

I know so many who are trapped by poor financial decisions. They stay in jobs they hate, stuck in relationships they don’t want, living in places they don’t love, all because of debt. And the thing is—this isn’t an accident. Mega finance corporations want you in debt. They spend billions marketing to convince you that a credit score is wealth, that airline miles make up for interest payments, and that making minimum payments is totally normal.

But normal is being financially stuck. And that’s why I’m so passionate about this.

Financial Freedom = Finding Your Death Star

Financial freedom is time freedom, location freedom, and the breathing room to pursue your greatest purpose.

It means having space to try different jobs, explore new relationships, live in new places, and ultimately discover what you’re meant to give to the world. That’s the whole reason I write this newsletter.

In short—being intentional with your money means having control over your life.

So yeah, I’m a giant freaking Dave Ramsey nerd. But the Baby Steps work because they’re simple. And simple works.

If you’re not subscribed to the newsletter yet, hit the link below so you don’t miss more deep dives like this. Until next time,

📺 Content Corner: New YouTube video on financial freedom →

💡 Parting Shot: “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” - Proverbs 22:7

MTFBWY

-Riley