DevonRobertsFamily I came here to say the same thing! I think we have all been there too. I know my husband and I have. We all make mistakes and I think it’s awesome that you guys are sharing this with us. You are NOT alone! ❤️
Cullen & Katie. THANK YOU. My husband and I are 24 and we took the Dave Ramsey classes a year ago. My husband and I started out with $75,000 in debt.. 20 grand was a car and the rest was all college loans. In 1 year we sliced that amount in HALF. We are now down to about $35,000. We recently have been starting to fade away and started saving for a house.... We have been very close to buying a house we're not ready for and I THANK YOU for making this video. We need to get refocused and you have opened my eyes to that. I appreciate you both opening up so much.
Thank you for being honest. I have followed along with you for so long now. I am so thankful that you are grounded and admit to messing up... we’ve all been there and it’s refreshing to have someone say the same so openly.
Real live is what the vlogs were all about back in the day... we don’t need Disney magic perfect live we need to learn together, cry and smile together and be a real community together! Cullen and Katie will keep it real and that brave!
I stopped watching you guys as often a few years ago and couldn’t really put my finger on why but now it’s very clear it’s because it didn’t feel genuine. That’s not the case anymore. The changes you guys have made in your lives over the past year have been remarkable and I hope you truly sit down and reflect on how much growth you’ve done as individuals, parents, and a couple. I can even see it in the way you interact with with Brooks and Gaines. While I certainly don’t wish for you to be in the financial place you are in I applaud your transparency. We do such a horrible job at teaching financial responsibility in this country I hope your story can be one of encouragement and guidance for those who need a good example of turning over a new leaf. It’s hard, being open is hard, facing your past choices is hard, and yea maybe even embarrassing but I bet a heck of a lot more of us are supportive and inspired by your openness and decision to do FPU than judge you. Great job, keep it up, it’s a joy to see you guys “back” again.
You are going to help so many people. You are going to help me. There are so many people in your exact situation. Your story, this story you are about to share is going to HELP so many people! This is why you are here. You are young, you are here, you will recover, and you will never do it again because this is it. This is your teachable moment. I'm thrilled to follow along and learn for myself. Thank you Cullen & Katie in your strength. This is your year!
To be honest, I haven’t been watching you guys lately because I felt like I could no longer relate. BUT this is what I’ve missed! My husband and I are having our first baby this year and this video has motivated us to get our debt under control. We relate to y’all and appreciate how relatable, vulnerable and open you guys are. We don’t see this with UA-cam families or couples anymore. THANK YOU FOR SHARING AND BEING REAL!!!!!
This. Video. This video is exactly what I needed. I had a baby anf then less than a year later I had surgery. I lived off of credit cards while I was on FMLA. Cullen getting emotional is me 100% of the time right now. I want to be financially responsible and financially stable. I want to be that way for my sanity and my family. Just pulled out my envelopes and marker! Thank you so much for putting this out here for the world to see. And I would love updates. That way we can get OUT OF DEBT TOGETHER!
This was raw and real. What “normal” People need to see. We too started the Dave Ramsey journey was “gazelle” intense but lost our way. It happens. You have a plan. Nothing is to far gone to accomplish. You got this!!!
I love the realness and rawness of this video. Cullen, the first time I added mine up I burst into tears and just panicked. To see the actual number all added up and not divided among my cards and bills was overwhelming and frankly I thought I couldn't do it. I cut up all my cards and I'm ALMOST there! Working on the very very last bill. It has taken me years, and I went backwards through my divorce and some medical things, but i'm still at it and it's totally worth it! I'm almost there. You'll be almost there soon too! I'm proud of both of you for sticking it out and sticking together.
These are the types of videos people need in their lives! Don’t feel ashamed at all. So many people are living this exact situation, they just hide it very very well. I’ve been truly enjoying all of your content lately on both channels!
Oh Cullen, I cried with you at the end. I understand your feelings. I too am in a huge financial bind/debt. And it didn’t happen until I had my daughter. We’re all in this together!! Y’all are such an inspiration. Love these kinds of videos. Just goes to show you never really know what someone is going through.
Thank you for being open and honest about your journey both the good and not so good parts. It’s easy to say “don’t feel embarrassed” but in a way, it’s good because you realize where you went wrong and you’re working on fixing it. Please keep sharing your journey with us!!!
It’s only for a season ❤️ 4 years ago my credit was 580 without a penny to my name.. now we are in a great position in life and closing on first home ❤️ you got this
Grace thank you... we are so excited .. we’ve been there and back and all I kept telling myself was it’s only for A season. Nobody’s perfect .. we all Make mistakes in life.. it’s how we learn and grow from it that matters
Thank you for being candid and honest. I think what speaks loudest is how we need to maintain focus on things we want in our life; just because we hit a milestone (being debt-free) doesn't mean we are unable to fall again. I'm personally experiencing this in other areas of my life and have made it my mission to get back on track for the life I once lived and know I can live again. It's not a great feeling, like you've let yourself or your loved ones down, but you have a plan and you will make it happen. Even more so, you're sharing it and have people to support you and help keep you accountable. Please keep up updated, you're doing great and it's only up from here (except the debt, that goes down)!
I love how you’re being so open! What you’ve shared over the past year has taught me so much and has truly changed my life for the better. I can’t thank you both enough!
I will be watching every single day. We are in terrible shape. And like you mental health, relationship issues, etc. all of our areas of life were unhealthy. Now we are spiritually heathy, mentally heathy, and relationship, we are now poised to make positive financial steps. Thank you so much for doing this!!! Ready to walk with you all in this.
I love how honest and real this video was! This reminded me of the Cullen and Katie I fell in love with watching WAY BACK in the Tallahassee days! We all make mistakes, but learning and growing from those mistakes is what’s important! Sounds like that’s exactly what y’all are doing! Send prayers and love y’alls way!
I am so grateful you shared this. My husband and I went through our own debt-free journey when we were first married and you have to be so courageous and honest about your patterns and habits. And...Cullen, thank you for showing just how vulnerable this is. I remember there sitting with my husband crying and wondering how we were going to make it all come together. You've got this!
This! This is the Cullen and Katie I used to binge watch and wait anxiously for new videos from. I hate that you guys are going through this, but I’m so glad you are finding yourselves and getting back to your roots-but as even better people and a better couple. Kids and family videos are great, but I think anyone who has been around since before Gaines was born will agree that we were hooked on your videos for your real-ness and relatable-ness and the two of you as people and a couple. You two have been through so much and you will get through this, too. Thank you for letting us in. Thank you for being real.
No need to be embarrassed. You guys are not alone. You just have the balls to fix it and share it. It doesn’t matter how you got there it’s more how to get out of it. Thank you for sharing your story. You both inspired me to get very serious this time to get out of debt. Keep looking ahead!
I’m so glad you guys seem so much mOre “real” now. That’s not the right word, but there is some vibe that is so much mOre authentic and relatable coming from you guys, and I’m so happy for you!! Your future will unfold slowly but beautifully don’t worry!
I really commend you two. It’s hard to talk about all of this, but it helps all of us to hear you talk about hard times because we typically only see vloggers talk/show their success and their financial gains. That I think is what causes the disconnect between creators and viewers. But when we see you get real and vulnerable and scared, it draws us closer to you and we find a reconnection. Thanks for doing this and for being so forthcoming. Looking forward to the next video. You got this.
I’m so thankful that you guys use your platform to show your vulnerable sides to help others. we are not in any debt that we cannot afford but I am really looking forward to seeing how a couple who are so level headed and savy with their money have gotten to this place.
Cullen, don't be embarrassed. There are so many of us on the same train so we understand how easy it is to get into debt and how hard it is to get out of. You go ahead and cry - it's ok - just know that your vulnerability and transparency is helping so many of us (in more ways than one). I am looking forward to this series! You are sharing your reality and that's harder than heck to do - especially with 500 thousand+ subscribers watching you - but please don't let that hold you back from talking about something we can ALL learn from. Thank you so much for being real! I admire your courage, Cullen & Katie!
Yes! We’re on the Dave journey too! We started in December... we got everything together and officially started Jan 1. We’ve sadly gotten ourselves in $40k in debt. We have paid off one credit card already and are on track to pay 2 more by the end of the month. We plan to have this done in 18 months. I’m excited to go on this journey with you guys!
It’s ok Cullen!!!! Don’t be embarrassed please. You are not alone. So many of us make these mistakes let’s do this together! So proud of y’all and THANKFUL for you guys being open and sharing
Caren Collins good for you guys! If you find that you need extra support in that area, if you look up the #DebtfreeCommunity on Instagram you will find a ton of people who are doing the same thing!!
Caren, if you feel like it is the best move for you and your family I would take the steps forward right away. We are going through some financial issues and I brought this up to my husband 2 years before we started to do anything about it and he was against it (not sure if it was a pride thing) but now looking back I kick myself for NOT doing it then because we would have been so far ahead. Also, I've seen a person on TikTok talk about medical debt and has offered up suggestions - maybe something to look into on that one as well.
I love how real you guys are. I love the new turn your channel has taken over the past year. I feel like everyone else is UA-cam for show and it’s a competition of who is doing the best on UA-cam. I’ve unsubbed from several of of the other channels similar to yours (pretty sure everyone knows who i’m referring to) but still follow y’all. You guys are the ones who have decided to come out and be real about your lives and that it’s not a never ending chain of fun events for UA-cam. Love it. Keep keeping it real guys :) 👍🏼
Don’t be embarrassed. You are working towards a better life. We all make mistakes. This makes you HUMAN and is so refreshing to see people talking about real life issues. Thank you SO much for sharing this. I am looking forward to the next video.
I understand the emotional reaction you had. 😢 I completely felt your emotions as if they were my own. It’s humbling to make an admission of your current state and it does bring a sense of shame when you finally get real with yourself, much less opening yourselves up for public comment. I have ZERO doubts that you’ll be successful in working the DR baby steps again!! I’m currently on baby step 2 still. Feels like I have forever to go but I started in Aug ‘18 with $40k in debt and I’m scheduled to be debt free by August of this year! It’s amazing what we’re capable of when we get real and get focused on what we really want! I can’t wait to hear about your success along the way. 💗💗💗 You got this, y’all!!!!
Yes I love this so much. Thank you for being transparent and honest. We are all right there with you!!!! It is so comforting to have a community that is literally going through all the same stuff.
This is what I love about you guys. You’re real and don’t shy away from what tons of other people are also experiencing. Thanks for being so vulnerable...I’m sure it isn’t easy!
I loved this video. Thank you for being so vulnerable, I know it must’ve been really hard. I related to it so much. My husband and I are 26&28 and we have a lot of CC debt and student loans from him. We are at a really tough spot but you’ve definitely motivated me to work on getting it paid off! Let’s do it together!
About 5 minutes into this video I paused it, bought (with a credit) the dave ramsey book on audible and then finished watching while I wrote down all my debts, incomes, and a tentative plan! I am also coming up from a deep well (divorce followed by 4 years nursing school alone with 2 kids, followed by a surprise baba). And I am determined to get things in order!! Thank YOU!!!! I am so inspired and I already have 600 of my 1000 saved!!
Cullen's emotions at the end of the video were EXACTLY mine when my husband and I set down and totaled up our budget and began our debt free journey a year ago. We haven't been "gazelle" intense, but have definitely been more mindful of spending and using a budget. I am loving your transparency. It is awesome to see other's going through the journey with you.
I really appreciate you being honest like this because you are NOT alone in this struggle. We are going through the same thing and working to get back on track but we are now trying to do it with my husband being unemployed as well. It sucks and looking back is always 20/20 but you will come out better and stronger moving forward. One foot in front of the other and remember instead of blaming each other lean into one another for the support as you go down this journey.
please don't be embarrassed. you guys are on the right track...you are changing things. and you are not the only one.. thanks for sharing...and being open. there are a lot of people who need this and we can all work together to get to a better place.
The changes you've gone through separately, together and in every other aspect of your lives is honestly inspiring. I love the honesty in your videos recently and Cullen the podcast is AWESOME. Showing us your vulnerability takes some balls but I've honestly fell back in love with your videos and channel. It's real, raw and maaaaaan I laugh way too hard at the dad jokes 😂 but I just wanted to let you both know that I'm rooting for ya'll and know you will all smash 2020. It's your year guys !! xxx
Do not be embarrassed! Things happen and the most important thing is that you are working towards fixing your situation. You are both to be commended for being open and honest in order to help others. You will impact many people’s lives in a positive way. You are not alone. Many of us have gone through situations similar to this. We live and learn. Sending you love and prayers. ❤️ Thank you for sharing.
I appreciate you guys talking about it while you’re going through instead of just waiting until you’re doing well. It makes you more relatable and helps people realize they can do it too. Good luck to you!
Thank you for this video. I think everyone has the same feeling as Cullen with the embarrassment, but I think there are more people probably worse than your current debt. Like Katie said, “now we have a plan”. Money is a very vicious thing! It can make you very happy, but also get you in trouble! I am 52 years old and lost my husband 4 years ago. He only had 10k in life insurance and it took that plus for funeral services and burial. I can’t even afford to live on my own and I struggle with making ends meet. No car payment and no credit cards, just rent, utilities, cell and insurance. Embarrassing as hell that this is where I am at this stage in my life. Depressing to say the least. Good luck with your struggles as money sucks!
So appreciated for you to be so vulnerable! Cullen.. better late than never! The knowledge and perspective gained is yours forever! I am almost 48 and only have learned the magic of Dave Ramsey in the last couple years. SO MANY people don't know better and want to do better!
I’m so here for this! I appreciate your honesty and I’m sure this was hard for y’all to do. Thanks for sharing and being who you are! You two are so real and so loved!
The honesty and vulnerability behind these videos yet to come is amazing. Everyone can learn from this and even though it sounds embarrassing it’s so common. Thank you for being so open to how hard life and money can be.
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” It might be hard to see it right now but God knew you were going to be in this place so He already has a solution. Maybe this is God’s way of shifting your hearts more toward him. Who knows? “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” You guys got this. Remember in the whole scheme of things this will just be a small chunk of time in your lives when things were really hard. And sometimes, even when you’re Christian, life can just really suck. But you are working to correct your mistakes, and that is a huge step in itself. I believe in you. 😊
Thank you so much for being real with us! I lost you guys through 2019 and I am so happy I have found you again. You are wonderful for being real. My husband and I (married two years) are both digging out of crappy student debt and I love how real you are lately. Thank you! I know it sucks to be it debt, but being real about it is so inspiring to me and my husband!
Love Dave Ramsey. Good luck guys. There’s a huge debt free community on Instagram and UA-cam who are super inspiring. Baby step 4&7 here xxx Keep going x
Cullen, This is just a season. You can turn things around as long as you are determined to do so... And clearly you are! Life is a rollercoaster. Sometimes it's a good one that you get off of and want to go on again.. & sometimes it's one that leaves you nauseated and sick to your stomach. That's okay! You guys have this! Thank you for being SO honest.
This is probably going to be the most life changing video series for so many people. Full speed ahead you two. You know what to do and sooner than you think you’ll look back at this video and think, wow. Look at how we felt, look at what we did, and look at how strong we were to fix it.
Thanks for sharing your struggles. Most everyone is struggling, yet of course, we don't all share it. We smile and move on like nothing is happening. We went through ours and are now on the road to recovery and it has never felt better. Basically, we were in denial and skating by, until my husband got laid off a few years ago. That is when we sat down and put it all out on the table and KNEW we had to make a change and get ourselves out of debt and to living a life we enjoyed. We have never felt better and are moving ahead to buying our first home, hopefully in 2021. It is a life struggle that we all share and it is nothing to be ashamed over. The good thing is realizing that things need to be fixed and your financial life needs to change. Thanks for being so vulnerable and opening up to us all. It helps you and will for surely help others!
You’ve done this before you can do it again. Thank you for both being raw and honest about this. I’m excited to watch your journey of navigating through this new debt free journey. No judgement at all.
Cullen and Katie, thank you for your honesty and raw emotion. It is hard to admit when we have not done what we set out to do. But that is why there is always second chances. I'm in the same boat. My husband is chronically ill with Lyme Disease and I am the only one working. I am trying to get our finances in order and keep my husband as healthy as I can. Prayers for you and your family.
You guys have helped me so much!! I just love these sit down talks. I’ve changed my perspective on a lot of things. Btw LOVEEE those glasses on you Katie
This video proves, once again, how you guys are truly such a light to this world and will overcome life's many challenges! You are not only changing your lives, but others also because you are so honest, open, and relatable. Keep striving to be and do the best you can and God will be there with you and for you during it all! ❤
Cullen!!! 😭 Thank you for always keeping it real. I appreciate both of you being so honest and straightforward. We too are Dave'ish and have fallen back into old ways. This video has motivates me to get back to the envelopes and doing it Dave's way. Thank you again, much respect.
I don't think I have ever commented on youtube. Ever. But Cullen tearing up at the end was enough to make my fingers type. You guys are SO strong! Humbling yourselves enough to be vulnerable with the world and sharing your experiences is powerful. Especially in this world where everyone seems to try and maintain a certain image on social media. I know this can't be easy in the world you live in to acknowledge your hardships. I can tell you though, your relationship being so strong through such a struggle as finances is the richest you can ever be. All the money in the world can't buy you a strong and loving marriage. You guys will come out of this stronger, together! Thank you for sharing!
Loved your openness!! The financial Peace University is all online now. You get a book but the actual videos are online and then you also get access to other perks.
I hope you guys realise how far this video will go in reducing the stigma and embarrassment that goes along with debt. You guys have been open and raw about so many of your real life struggles and I love and admire you both so much for that. Will love watching you guys succeed xo
You guys are very brave to share all of this. Sometimes going through my debt free journey I feel so alone. I listen to the podcast and Dave always asks about the cheerleaders that people had, and sometimes I feel like I don't have any cheerleaders. Sometimes I just want to talk to other people about my cash envelopes and how their budget is going! So thanks for being a voice, and hopefully more people can start to feel comfortable talking about finances and dumb mistakes that we all have made. It's hard, but it's a good hard.
The way you felt when you helped your coworker with the car is the way you should feel now by sharing your story. You are helping so many people now by guiding them in the right direction financially!!
I just want to say that I really admire the fact that you all are doing this! I love the quote “Don’t Waste Your Trials” and I truly believe that you all are not going to better your own lives by opening this can of worms but I think you’re going to open the door to help so many others change their lives. Tackle this head on, and we look forward to supporting you all every step of the way!
Cullen and Katie, millions of people are in the same boat. Our courage is amazing, I have been watching our vlogs for years and have been loving our vlogs. Thank you for being so honest and being real. So many vlogs are about buying expensive items and not about having to pay for all the items that they buy for the vlogs
I so appreciate your transparency. I sometimes feel so disconnected from the vlogs/vloggers I watch... this felt honest and real. I’m so sorry you’re going through this but you’re also helping so many people along the way.
This was my husband and I a few months back but we still haven’t changed. We started on Dave’s plan then fell back again. We need to do the whole decluttering and get our life fixed.
Please don't be embarrassed. This video is somehow making me feel normal, not like a loser you know. I feel like this video is going to help me get on the right path when it comes to finances, you two are really awesome. Thanks for being so open and honest.
I freaking love you guys so much. Cullen. Thank you for being raw and real with us. You are not stupid because you are choosing to make a change. I admire you both so much. Katie. Your positivity inspires me. And thank you for making these real nitty gritty videos. I am learning so much through your experiences. Keep your head up and reach for the stars.
I am a former (non-profit) Credit Counsellor. I want you to know that you guys will be okay. I promise. I don’t even have to see the numbers and I know you will be okay. When you’re without hope, please borrow some of mine. ❤️
I am so impressed with your honesty. It is groundbreaking. I actually started watching you for the first time yesterday because of what u guys else’s facing and moving through and it’s impressive and inspiring. So many vlog families seem to get so lost with their real ness and money. Thank u so much. I think many of us viewers respond very well to seeing truth, real ness and vulnerability. Your lessons can help so many of us within our lives as well. Truly. Thank u.
I so appreciate you both being open and transparent with us! It can be a huge reality check to sit down and look at where your money is going and figuring out a budget. You've got this and we are all here to cheer you on!!
I haven’t watched y’all’s videos in a while (or any YT videos!) but I really enjoyed this one. You guys seem like you’re really turning things around and in a good spot for change. I’m looking forward to what you have to share in the next video because I know you can help a lot of people, myself included!
Please don’t be embarrassed you are not alone so many of us are in debt struggling to get out! Thanks for sharing your stories and helping me and others see the light ❤️ keep going!
No reason at all to be embarrassed. Like Dave Ramsey says “wow! You’re normal!” You sharing your struggles will encourage and help so many people.❤️❤️
DevonRobertsFamily I came here to say the same thing! I think we have all been there too. I know my husband and I have. We all make mistakes and I think it’s awesome that you guys are sharing this with us. You are NOT alone! ❤️
I was going to ask if y'all were still working on your debt free journey? I know your prego and moved, so I'm guessing you paused it. 😁❤
Katie said years ago she would go back to work in psychology at some point. She has her doctorate. Seems like a good time to do that.
Cullen & Katie. THANK YOU. My husband and I are 24 and we took the Dave Ramsey classes a year ago. My husband and I started out with $75,000 in debt.. 20 grand was a car and the rest was all college loans. In 1 year we sliced that amount in HALF. We are now down to about $35,000. We recently have been starting to fade away and started saving for a house.... We have been very close to buying a house we're not ready for and I THANK YOU for making this video. We need to get refocused and you have opened my eyes to that. I appreciate you both opening up so much.
Any updates? 😮
Cullen thank you. As someone who's currently in debt you've given me the motivation to make the change and not just hide from it.
yes!!! I love this!
Thank you for being honest. I have followed along with you for so long now. I am so thankful that you are grounded and admit to messing up... we’ve all been there and it’s refreshing to have someone say the same so openly.
Kathrin Helen I agree!!! I love there honesty! This is real life
Real live is what the vlogs were all about back in the day... we don’t need Disney magic perfect live we need to learn together, cry and smile together and be a real community together! Cullen and Katie will keep it real and that brave!
GABRIELA MEDEROS EXACTLY!!
I love and respect youtubers who are open and honest 110% more! This video hits homes with many of us.
the transparency is admirable. i don’t think it’s embarrassing at all.. being relatable will help other people not feel alone.
I stopped watching you guys as often a few years ago and couldn’t really put my finger on why but now it’s very clear it’s because it didn’t feel genuine. That’s not the case anymore. The changes you guys have made in your lives over the past year have been remarkable and I hope you truly sit down and reflect on how much growth you’ve done as individuals, parents, and a couple. I can even see it in the way you interact with with Brooks and Gaines. While I certainly don’t wish for you to be in the financial place you are in I applaud your transparency. We do such a horrible job at teaching financial responsibility in this country I hope your story can be one of encouragement and guidance for those who need a good example of turning over a new leaf. It’s hard, being open is hard, facing your past choices is hard, and yea maybe even embarrassing but I bet a heck of a lot more of us are supportive and inspired by your openness and decision to do FPU than judge you. Great job, keep it up, it’s a joy to see you guys “back” again.
Love how REAL this is. Millions of people are in debt and get out! You have time to get out and save for retirement and the kids. You got this!!
You are going to help so many people. You are going to help me. There are so many people in your exact situation. Your story, this story you are about to share is going to HELP so many people! This is why you are here. You are young, you are here, you will recover, and you will never do it again because this is it. This is your teachable moment. I'm thrilled to follow along and learn for myself. Thank you Cullen & Katie in your strength. This is your year!
Um I’ve never clicked so fast on a video-- I have a feeling this is going to speak to my soul
Omg Cullen broke my heart, thanks for sharing y'all are going to do great things and inspire so many people with this part of your lives! ❤❤❤
To be honest, I haven’t been watching you guys lately because I felt like I could no longer relate. BUT this is what I’ve missed! My husband and I are having our first baby this year and this video has motivated us to get our debt under control. We relate to y’all and appreciate how relatable, vulnerable and open you guys are. We don’t see this with UA-cam families or couples anymore. THANK YOU FOR SHARING AND BEING REAL!!!!!
This. Video. This video is exactly what I needed. I had a baby anf then less than a year later I had surgery. I lived off of credit cards while I was on FMLA. Cullen getting emotional is me 100% of the time right now. I want to be financially responsible and financially stable. I want to be that way for my sanity and my family. Just pulled out my envelopes and marker! Thank you so much for putting this out here for the world to see. And I would love updates. That way we can get OUT OF DEBT TOGETHER!
This was raw and real. What “normal”
People need to see. We too started the Dave Ramsey journey was “gazelle” intense but lost our way. It happens. You have a plan. Nothing is to far gone to accomplish. You got this!!!
As a young person I greatly appreciate your willingness to share your experiences to educate and prepare people like me. Good luck! Y’all got this!
I love the realness and rawness of this video. Cullen, the first time I added mine up I burst into tears and just panicked. To see the actual number all added up and not divided among my cards and bills was overwhelming and frankly I thought I couldn't do it. I cut up all my cards and I'm ALMOST there! Working on the very very last bill. It has taken me years, and I went backwards through my divorce and some medical things, but i'm still at it and it's totally worth it! I'm almost there. You'll be almost there soon too! I'm proud of both of you for sticking it out and sticking together.
These are the types of videos people need in their lives! Don’t feel ashamed at all. So many people are living this exact situation, they just hide it very very well. I’ve been truly enjoying all of your content lately on both channels!
Oh Cullen, I cried with you at the end. I understand your feelings. I too am in a huge financial bind/debt. And it didn’t happen until I had my daughter. We’re all in this together!! Y’all are such an inspiration. Love these kinds of videos. Just goes to show you never really know what someone is going through.
Thank you for being open and honest about your journey both the good and not so good parts. It’s easy to say “don’t feel embarrassed” but in a way, it’s good because you realize where you went wrong and you’re working on fixing it. Please keep sharing your journey with us!!!
It’s only for a season ❤️ 4 years ago my credit was 580 without a penny to my name.. now we are in a great position in life and closing on first home ❤️ you got this
DEE TALKS DAILY I love this. Congratulations!
Grace thank you... we are so excited .. we’ve been there and back and all I kept telling myself was it’s only for
A season. Nobody’s perfect .. we all
Make mistakes in life.. it’s how we learn and grow from it that matters
DEE TALKS DAILY That’s Wonderful
Congrats, that is so awesome.
Thank you for being candid and honest. I think what speaks loudest is how we need to maintain focus on things we want in our life; just because we hit a milestone (being debt-free) doesn't mean we are unable to fall again. I'm personally experiencing this in other areas of my life and have made it my mission to get back on track for the life I once lived and know I can live again. It's not a great feeling, like you've let yourself or your loved ones down, but you have a plan and you will make it happen. Even more so, you're sharing it and have people to support you and help keep you accountable. Please keep up updated, you're doing great and it's only up from here (except the debt, that goes down)!
I love how you’re being so open! What you’ve shared over the past year has taught me so much and has truly changed my life for the better. I can’t thank you both enough!
I will be watching every single day. We are in terrible shape. And like you mental health, relationship issues, etc. all of our areas of life were unhealthy. Now we are spiritually heathy, mentally heathy, and relationship, we are now poised to make positive financial steps. Thank you so much for doing this!!! Ready to walk with you all in this.
I love how honest and real this video was! This reminded me of the Cullen and Katie I fell in love with watching WAY BACK in the Tallahassee days! We all make mistakes, but learning and growing from those mistakes is what’s important! Sounds like that’s exactly what y’all are doing! Send prayers and love y’alls way!
I am so grateful you shared this. My husband and I went through our own debt-free journey when we were first married and you have to be so courageous and honest about your patterns and habits. And...Cullen, thank you for showing just how vulnerable this is. I remember there sitting with my husband crying and wondering how we were going to make it all come together. You've got this!
This! This is the Cullen and Katie I used to binge watch and wait anxiously for new videos from. I hate that you guys are going through this, but I’m so glad you are finding yourselves and getting back to your roots-but as even better people and a better couple. Kids and family videos are great, but I think anyone who has been around since before Gaines was born will agree that we were hooked on your videos for your real-ness and relatable-ness and the two of you as people and a couple. You two have been through so much and you will get through this, too. Thank you for letting us in. Thank you for being real.
No need to be embarrassed. You guys are not alone. You just have the balls to fix it and share it. It doesn’t matter how you got there it’s more how to get out of it. Thank you for sharing your story. You both inspired me to get very serious this time to get out of debt. Keep looking ahead!
I’m so glad you guys seem so much mOre “real” now. That’s not the right word, but there is some vibe that is so much mOre authentic and relatable coming from you guys, and I’m so happy for you!! Your future will unfold slowly but beautifully don’t worry!
I really commend you two. It’s hard to talk about all of this, but it helps all of us to hear you talk about hard times because we typically only see vloggers talk/show their success and their financial gains. That I think is what causes the disconnect between creators and viewers. But when we see you get real and vulnerable and scared, it draws us closer to you and we find a reconnection. Thanks for doing this and for being so forthcoming. Looking forward to the next video. You got this.
THIS WAS BOTH HEART BREAKING AND BEAUTIFUL ALL AT THE SAME TIME....THE HONESTY WAS SO REAL .....YOU HAVE GAINED A NEW SUBSCRIBER.
I’m so thankful that you guys use your platform to show your vulnerable sides to help others.
we are not in any debt that we cannot afford but I am really looking forward to seeing how a couple who are so level headed and savy with their money have gotten to this place.
Praying for y’all. No reason to be embarrassed at all, this is real life. So appreciate your honesty. You WILL come out on the other side of this!! ❤️
Cullen, don't be embarrassed. There are so many of us on the same train so we understand how easy it is to get into debt and how hard it is to get out of. You go ahead and cry - it's ok - just know that your vulnerability and transparency is helping so many of us (in more ways than one). I am looking forward to this series! You are sharing your reality and that's harder than heck to do - especially with 500 thousand+ subscribers watching you - but please don't let that hold you back from talking about something we can ALL learn from. Thank you so much for being real! I admire your courage, Cullen & Katie!
Yes! We’re on the Dave journey too! We started in December... we got everything together and officially started Jan 1. We’ve sadly gotten ourselves in $40k in debt. We have paid off one credit card already and are on track to pay 2 more by the end of the month. We plan to have this done in 18 months. I’m excited to go on this journey with you guys!
It’s ok Cullen!!!! Don’t be embarrassed please. You are not alone. So many of us make these mistakes let’s do this together! So proud of y’all and THANKFUL for you guys being open and sharing
I cant wait for this series. I have a lot of medical debt and I'm trying to convince my husband to do the course.
Caren Collins good for you guys! If you find that you need extra support in that area, if you look up the #DebtfreeCommunity on Instagram you will find a ton of people who are doing the same thing!!
Caren Collins we too have medical debt!
Caren, if you feel like it is the best move for you and your family I would take the steps forward right away. We are going through some financial issues and I brought this up to my husband 2 years before we started to do anything about it and he was against it (not sure if it was a pride thing) but now looking back I kick myself for NOT doing it then because we would have been so far ahead. Also, I've seen a person on TikTok talk about medical debt and has offered up suggestions - maybe something to look into on that one as well.
I love how real you guys are. I love the new turn your channel has taken over the past year. I feel like everyone else is UA-cam for show and it’s a competition of who is doing the best on UA-cam. I’ve unsubbed from several of of the other channels similar to yours (pretty sure everyone knows who i’m referring to) but still follow y’all. You guys are the ones who have decided to come out and be real about your lives and that it’s not a never ending chain of fun events for UA-cam. Love it. Keep keeping it real guys :) 👍🏼
Thank you guys for being so vulnerable in this video--speaks volumes to who you are as people!
Don’t be embarrassed. You are working towards a better life. We all make mistakes. This makes you HUMAN and is so refreshing to see people talking about real life issues. Thank you SO much for sharing this. I am looking forward to the next video.
I understand the emotional reaction you had. 😢 I completely felt your emotions as if they were my own. It’s humbling to make an admission of your current state and it does bring a sense of shame when you finally get real with yourself, much less opening yourselves up for public comment. I have ZERO doubts that you’ll be successful in working the DR baby steps again!! I’m currently on baby step 2 still. Feels like I have forever to go but I started in Aug ‘18 with $40k in debt and I’m scheduled to be debt free by August of this year! It’s amazing what we’re capable of when we get real and get focused on what we really want! I can’t wait to hear about your success along the way. 💗💗💗 You got this, y’all!!!!
Don't be embarrassed, this is so many people today and you guys are going to inspire and motivate a lot of people.
Yes I love this so much. Thank you for being transparent and honest. We are all right there with you!!!! It is so comforting to have a community that is literally going through all the same stuff.
This is what I love about you guys. You’re real and don’t shy away from what tons of other people are also experiencing. Thanks for being so vulnerable...I’m sure it isn’t easy!
I loved this video. Thank you for being so vulnerable, I know it must’ve been really hard. I related to it so much. My husband and I are 26&28 and we have a lot of CC debt and student loans from him. We are at a really tough spot but you’ve definitely motivated me to work on getting it paid off! Let’s do it together!
Same same and same. good luck!
About 5 minutes into this video I paused it, bought (with a credit) the dave ramsey book on audible and then finished watching while I wrote down all my debts, incomes, and a tentative plan! I am also coming up from a deep well (divorce followed by 4 years nursing school alone with 2 kids, followed by a surprise baba). And I am determined to get things in order!! Thank YOU!!!! I am so inspired and I already have 600 of my 1000 saved!!
Cullen's emotions at the end of the video were EXACTLY mine when my husband and I set down and totaled up our budget and began our debt free journey a year ago. We haven't been "gazelle" intense, but have definitely been more mindful of spending and using a budget. I am loving your transparency. It is awesome to see other's going through the journey with you.
I really appreciate you being honest like this because you are NOT alone in this struggle. We are going through the same thing and working to get back on track but we are now trying to do it with my husband being unemployed as well. It sucks and looking back is always 20/20 but you will come out better and stronger moving forward. One foot in front of the other and remember instead of blaming each other lean into one another for the support as you go down this journey.
Seriously you guys are helping SO many people with this video!
Thank you!! 🥰
please don't be embarrassed. you guys are on the right track...you are changing things. and you are not the only one.. thanks for sharing...and being open. there are a lot of people who need this and we can all work together to get to a better place.
The changes you've gone through separately, together and in every other aspect of your lives is honestly inspiring. I love the honesty in your videos recently and Cullen the podcast is AWESOME. Showing us your vulnerability takes some balls but I've honestly fell back in love with your videos and channel. It's real, raw and maaaaaan I laugh way too hard at the dad jokes 😂 but I just wanted to let you both know that I'm rooting for ya'll and know you will all smash 2020. It's your year guys !! xxx
Do not be embarrassed! Things happen and the most important thing is that you are working towards fixing your situation. You are both to be commended for being open and honest in order to help others. You will impact many people’s lives in a positive way. You are not alone. Many of us have gone through situations similar to this. We live and learn. Sending you love and prayers. ❤️ Thank you for sharing.
It shouldn't be embarrassing! If you can help one other couple by admitting your mistakes you've done a great thing. Thank you for being so open.
Its Not embarrassing, Thank you for talking about this❤️ My husband and i are 27&28 with debt and working everyday to get our way out. Life happens
I appreciate you guys talking about it while you’re going through instead of just waiting until you’re doing well. It makes you more relatable and helps people realize they can do it too. Good luck to you!
Thank you for this video. I think everyone has the same feeling as Cullen with the embarrassment, but I think there are more people probably worse than your current debt. Like Katie said, “now we have a plan”. Money is a very vicious thing! It can make you very happy, but also get you in trouble! I am 52 years old and lost my husband 4 years ago. He only had 10k in life insurance and it took that plus for funeral services and burial. I can’t even afford to live on my own and I struggle with making ends meet. No car payment and no credit cards, just rent, utilities, cell and insurance. Embarrassing as hell that this is where I am at this stage in my life. Depressing to say the least. Good luck with your struggles as money sucks!
So appreciated for you to be so vulnerable! Cullen.. better late than never! The knowledge and perspective gained is yours forever! I am almost 48 and only have learned the magic of Dave Ramsey in the last couple years. SO MANY people don't know better and want to do better!
I’m so here for this! I appreciate your honesty and I’m sure this was hard for y’all to do. Thanks for sharing and being who you are! You two are so real and so loved!
The honesty and vulnerability behind these videos yet to come is amazing. Everyone can learn from this and even though it sounds embarrassing it’s so common. Thank you for being so open to how hard life and money can be.
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” It might be hard to see it right now but God knew you were going to be in this place so He already has a solution. Maybe this is God’s way of shifting your hearts more toward him. Who knows? “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” You guys got this. Remember in the whole scheme of things this will just be a small chunk of time in your lives when things were really hard. And sometimes, even when you’re Christian, life can just really suck. But you are working to correct your mistakes, and that is a huge step in itself. I believe in you. 😊
Thank you so much for being real with us! I lost you guys through 2019 and I am so happy I have found you again. You are wonderful for being real. My husband and I (married two years) are both digging out of crappy student debt and I love how real you are lately. Thank you! I know it sucks to be it debt, but being real about it is so inspiring to me and my husband!
Love Dave Ramsey. Good luck guys. There’s a huge debt free community on Instagram and UA-cam who are super inspiring. Baby step 4&7 here xxx Keep going x
Cullen,
This is just a season. You can turn things around as long as you are determined to do so... And clearly you are! Life is a rollercoaster. Sometimes it's a good one that you get off of and want to go on again.. & sometimes it's one that leaves you nauseated and sick to your stomach. That's okay!
You guys have this! Thank you for being SO honest.
Love you guys! Money can be so stressful but at the end of every day you have each other and your beautiful children. The rest will come and go.
This is probably going to be the most life changing video series for so many people. Full speed ahead you two. You know what to do and sooner than you think you’ll look back at this video and think, wow. Look at how we felt, look at what we did, and look at how strong we were to fix it.
I love how real you are now. My husband and I just had to sit down and do the same thing. It’s shocking but it’s a relief to know you have. Plan
Thanks for sharing your struggles. Most everyone is struggling, yet of course, we don't all share it. We smile and move on like nothing is happening.
We went through ours and are now on the road to recovery and it has never felt better. Basically, we were in denial and skating by, until my husband got laid off a few years ago. That is when we sat down and put it all out on the table and KNEW we had to make a change and get ourselves out of debt and to living a life we enjoyed. We have never felt better and are moving ahead to buying our first home, hopefully in 2021. It is a life struggle that we all share and it is nothing to be ashamed over. The good thing is realizing that things need to be fixed and your financial life needs to change.
Thanks for being so vulnerable and opening up to us all. It helps you and will for surely help others!
Honestly I kind of believe we all should be a bit more open about finances.
You’ve done this before you can do it again. Thank you for both being raw and honest about this. I’m excited to watch your journey of navigating through this new debt free journey. No judgement at all.
I LOVE DGAF Cullen and Katie!!! The honesty is amazing! We are also starting a budget this year. So awesome to be on a similar journey as y’all
Cullen and Katie, thank you for your honesty and raw emotion. It is hard to admit when we have not done what we set out to do. But that is why there is always second chances. I'm in the same boat. My husband is chronically ill with Lyme Disease and I am the only one working. I am trying to get our finances in order and keep my husband as healthy as I can. Prayers for you and your family.
You guys have helped me so much!! I just love these sit down talks. I’ve changed my perspective on a lot of things. Btw LOVEEE those glasses on you Katie
This video proves, once again, how you guys are truly such a light to this world and will overcome life's many challenges! You are not only changing your lives, but others also because you are so honest, open, and relatable. Keep striving to be and do the best you can and God will be there with you and for you during it all! ❤
Cullen!!! 😭
Thank you for always keeping it real. I appreciate both of you being so honest and straightforward.
We too are Dave'ish and have fallen back into old ways. This video has motivates me to get back to the envelopes and doing it Dave's way.
Thank you again, much respect.
I don't think I have ever commented on youtube. Ever. But Cullen tearing up at the end was enough to make my fingers type. You guys are SO strong! Humbling yourselves enough to be vulnerable with the world and sharing your experiences is powerful. Especially in this world where everyone seems to try and maintain a certain image on social media. I know this can't be easy in the world you live in to acknowledge your hardships. I can tell you though, your relationship being so strong through such a struggle as finances is the richest you can ever be. All the money in the world can't buy you a strong and loving marriage. You guys will come out of this stronger, together! Thank you for sharing!
Loved your openness!! The financial Peace University is all online now. You get a book but the actual videos are online and then you also get access to other perks.
I hope you guys realise how far this video will go in reducing the stigma and embarrassment that goes along with debt. You guys have been open and raw about so many of your real life struggles and I love and admire you both so much for that. Will love watching you guys succeed xo
Dave Ramsey has literally changed our lives!!! It works! You just have to stick with it. Listen to his podcast, it really helps to keep you motivated.
You guys are very brave to share all of this. Sometimes going through my debt free journey I feel so alone. I listen to the podcast and Dave always asks about the cheerleaders that people had, and sometimes I feel like I don't have any cheerleaders. Sometimes I just want to talk to other people about my cash envelopes and how their budget is going! So thanks for being a voice, and hopefully more people can start to feel comfortable talking about finances and dumb mistakes that we all have made. It's hard, but it's a good hard.
Hey we’ve all been there, I’m still there! But the important thing is the first step of realizing it’s something you gotta fix! You guys will make it!
The way you felt when you helped your coworker with the car is the way you should feel now by sharing your story. You are helping so many people now by guiding them in the right direction financially!!
My hubby and I down sized a few months ago. We have a beautiful home that needs no maintenance, are mortgage free and have no worries. #livingthedream
I just want to say that I really admire the fact that you all are doing this! I love the quote “Don’t Waste Your Trials” and I truly believe that you all are not going to better your own lives by opening this can of worms but I think you’re going to open the door to help so many others change their lives. Tackle this head on, and we look forward to supporting you all every step of the way!
FPU is the best!! Stick with it! It’s life changing. Good luck!
Cullen and Katie, millions of people are in the same boat. Our courage is amazing, I have been watching our vlogs for years and have been loving our vlogs.
Thank you for being so honest and being real. So many vlogs are about buying expensive items and not about having to pay for all the items that they buy for the vlogs
Thank you for being real! This is so common and a good reminder to only live within your means. This too shall pass for you guys 💕
I so appreciate your transparency. I sometimes feel so disconnected from the vlogs/vloggers I watch... this felt honest and real. I’m so sorry you’re going through this but you’re also helping so many people along the way.
This was my husband and I a few months back but we still haven’t changed. We started on Dave’s plan then fell back again. We need to do the whole decluttering and get our life fixed.
Please don't be embarrassed. This video is somehow making me feel normal, not like a loser you know. I feel like this video is going to help me get on the right path when it comes to finances, you two are really awesome. Thanks for being so open and honest.
This video couldn’t have come at a better time for me and my husband. Thank you for your vulnerability, truth and rawness. You are NOT alone. ❤️
I freaking love you guys so much. Cullen. Thank you for being raw and real with us. You are not stupid because you are choosing to make a change. I admire you both so much. Katie. Your positivity inspires me. And thank you for making these real nitty gritty videos. I am learning so much through your experiences. Keep your head up and reach for the stars.
I am a former (non-profit) Credit Counsellor. I want you to know that you guys will be okay. I promise. I don’t even have to see the numbers and I know you will be okay. When you’re without hope, please borrow some of mine. ❤️
I am so impressed with your honesty. It is groundbreaking. I actually started watching you for the first time yesterday because of what u guys else’s facing and moving through and it’s impressive and inspiring. So many vlog families seem to get so lost with their real ness and money. Thank u so much. I think many of us viewers respond very well to seeing truth, real ness and vulnerability. Your lessons can help so many of us within our lives as well. Truly. Thank u.
Love you guys and your story. This is real marriage and I can’t wait to see how far you are able to go moving forward! 🖤
I so appreciate you both being open and transparent with us! It can be a huge reality check to sit down and look at where your money is going and figuring out a budget. You've got this and we are all here to cheer you on!!
The kitty is coming to give you some comfort, how sweet 😍
I haven’t watched y’all’s videos in a while (or any YT videos!) but I really enjoyed this one. You guys seem like you’re really turning things around and in a good spot for change. I’m looking forward to what you have to share in the next video because I know you can help a lot of people, myself included!
My husband and i need to start this ASAP. Thank you for sharing your story!
Please don’t be embarrassed you are not alone so many of us are in debt struggling to get out! Thanks for sharing your stories and helping me and others see the light ❤️ keep going!
Just remember....This too will pass. Most of us has been there. I am a Sending hugs, prayers and kindness. Hang in there!!!! 💕👍🏼🙏🏼One day at a time.