In this social media dominant culture, where it's tempting to present our Instagram-worthy "best life" as the everyday, it’s hard to believe that many Americans are saddled with so much debt, which is actually making us sick. In this episode, we dive into why appearances can be deceiving, and how to find your own personal North Star when it comes to dealing with finances.

• In this episode:

• Pretending versus actually being middle class [1:00]

• Carrying the “debt” backpack [2:00]

• Most disease is caused by stress, and debt causes stress [4:00]

• Why debt spending is not reliable economic growth [6:00]

• The worst kind of debt [8:30]

• Tuition costs versus wages [10:00]

• How to deal with stagnant wages [12:00]

• Debt is money you’re not investing [14:00]

• Why universities are failing youth [17:00]

• More auto loans and car debt than every before [20:00]

• One big secret to not ending up in debt cycle [22:00]

• How to reduce your stress [26:00]

• The harsh reality is that the bank owns your home [30:00]

• What if you could see everyone’s credit report? [34:00]

• Why it’s important to not look at the facade [40:00]

• What to ask yourself if you’re tempted to take out debt [42:00]

• How to live within your means [44:00]

• Why roommates at any age isn’t a bad idea [47:00]

• Figure out your side hustle or to bring your expenses down [51:00]

• Is it more important that you look like you’re doing well, or you actually have money to put away? [55:30]

Resources:

Joe Robinson, Huffington Post. Three-Quarters of Your Doctor Bills Are Because of This

Anna Maria Andriotis, Ken Brown and Shane Shifflett, The Wall Street Journal. Families Go Deep in Debt to Stay in the Middle Class