Podcast: Download (Duration: 44:31 — 35.7MB)
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Meet Ben, a man faced with many crossroads on his financial journey. Reflecting on his early work experience, his struggles with debt during his first marriage, and the difficult decision to file for bankruptcy, Ben learned about money management like so many of us have: the hard way.
Despite using various tools to manage his cash flow, debt remained a barrier. Emphasizing his analytical approach to challenges, Ben explored debt settlement, consolidation loans, and finally GreenPath where a phone call would bring renewed optimism. His regrets—as well as his insights —are worth a listen for anyone navigating similar challenges.
Key Moments
1:25 Ben details his experience with money growing up.
4:58 He discusses how he struggled with debt in his first marriage.
6:26 He shares what he learned going through bankruptcy.
9:05 He talks about the tools he uses to manage his cash flow.
13:39 After Ben’s debt accumulates again, he uses a debt settlement service.
16:03 When his debt creeps up a decade later, he explores a debt consolidation loan and eventually starts a Debt Management Program with GreenPath.
19:53 He talks about his approach to doing a debt snowball versus a debt avalanche.
22:10 He recalls his experience interacting with GreenPath.
27:03 Ben describes his sacrifice in living without a car to support his budget.
32:20 He recounts how he retrained himself to change his spending and credit habits.
36:43 He regrets using cash advances to make a down payment on the land he purchased.
40:05 He discusses his financial goals such as home ownership and buying a car.
Chris Dlugozima
Chris is a Learning Experience Designer at GreenPath Financial Wellness, where he’s been since the beginning of the millennium. Using creativity and a sense of humor, he provides people with the tools and knowledge to navigate their lives when it comes to their money.
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Music by Hir-O
GreenPath is a non-profit credit counseling organization. GreenPath’s goal is to offer guidance and support to individuals seeking to manage and overcome financial challenges through education, financial counseling and debt management programs. The information provided is for educational purposes only. Consulting with a licensed financial advisor and tax advisor is recommended before making any major financial decisions. GreenPath is not a debt settlement company, credit repair company, credit repair service, nor does GreenPath provide debt consolidation loans. By using this website, you acknowledge and agree that GreenPath is not responsible for any financial decisions you make based on the information provided on this site.