Freedom Credit Repair

March 12, 2025

Mar 12, 202500:03:49Tap to summarize

Hey there, I'm Matt Brody, and you're listening to Freedom Credit Repair, where we turn credit nightmares into financial dreams. Today, we're diving into something I'm super excited about - the Side Hustle Credit Hack. You know what drives me crazy? Seeing hardworking freelancers and side hustlers getting rejected for loans despite making great money. It happens all the time, and I recently worked with Sarah, a graphic designer making $85,000 a year, who couldn't get approved for a mortgage. But here's the thing - we turned it all around, and I'm going to show you exactly how. Let's get real for a second. If you're a freelancer or running a side hustle, you've probably felt that sting of rejection from lenders. You're crushing it financially, but banks look at you like you're a risk. Why? Because they're stuck in the old way of thinking where a steady paycheck equals stability. But here's what most people don't know - you can actually use your side hustle to boost your credit score. I'm talking about going from rejection to approval, just like Sarah did. She went from a 680 to a 785 in just eighteen months, and it wasn't magic - it was method. Here's the first game-changer: documentation. Listen, I know it's not sexy, but it's your secret weapon. Start creating monthly profit and loss statements. You can find free templates online, but the key is consistency. Every single month, track your income and expenses like your financial future depends on it - because it does. Second breakthrough: the credit utilization dance. Here's what I mean. When you have irregular income, you need to be extra smart about how much credit you're using. Sarah's trick? She built a three-month income buffer and never let her utilization go above 20%, even during slow months. That steady utilization pattern tells credit bureaus you're reliable, regardless of when the money comes in. Here's a power move that most people miss: business credit cards. Getting one does two things - it separates your personal and business expenses, and it often doesn't report to your personal credit unless you default. That means you can use it for business expenses without impacting your utilization ratio. Genius, right? Now, let me share something that changed everything for Sarah. She started using Experian Boost to get credit for her Netflix, utilities, and even her phone bill. These are bills you're already paying, so why not get credit for them? It's like finding free money in your couch cushions, except it's free credit points. But here's the real secret sauce - the income stability illusion. Traditional employment isn't actually more stable than freelancing - I mean, how many people got laid off during COVID? The key is showing lenders that your irregular income is actually predictable. Those monthly statements we talked about? They tell your financial story in a way lenders understand. Here's your action plan: First, start documenting everything. Today. Not tomorrow, not next week. Download a profit and loss template and start filling it out. Second, build that income buffer. Aim to save three months of expenses so you can keep your credit utilization steady. Third, apply for a business credit card, but be smart about it - choose one with rewards that match your business spending. Remember, this isn't just about getting approved for loans. It's about taking control of your financial narrative. Sarah didn't just get her mortgage - she got it with rates that made traditional employees jealous. This is Matt Brody with Freedom Credit Repair. Remember, your financial freedom is worth fighting for. See you next time, credit warriors.

Transcribe →

March 8, 2025

Mar 8, 202500:03:37Tap to summarize

Hey there, I'm Matt Brody, and you're listening to Freedom Credit Repair, where we turn credit nightmares into financial freedom. Today, we're diving into a story that'll probably hit close to home for many of you - medical debt and how it can absolutely demolish your credit score. Let me tell you about Sarah Chen. She thought she was doing everything right - great job, perfect payment history, solid credit score. Then one Sunday evening, while making dinner, a kitchen accident landed her in the ER. Fifteen minutes and one bandage later, she walked out thinking insurance would cover most of it. But when that $3,000 bill hit her mailbox? Her financial world turned upside down. Now, I see cases like Sarah's all the time in my credit repair work, and here's what drives me crazy - medical debt is crushing good people who did nothing wrong. We're not talking about overspending or being irresponsible. We're talking about getting sick or hurt and getting hammered with bills that seem to come out of nowhere. Here's what makes Sarah's story different, though. Instead of letting that debt destroy her credit, she fought back - and won. When her score dropped 100 points and she got denied for an apartment, she didn't give up. She got educated, got organized, and got results. First thing Sarah did? She demanded an itemized bill and her insurance explanation of benefits. Guess what she found? Multiple billing errors and insurance processing mistakes. This happens way more often than you'd think - studies show up to 80% of medical bills contain errors. Here's what you need to know: The credit bureaus have actually changed their policies on medical debt. They're removing paid medical collections completely, and they're giving you a full year before unpaid medical bills even show up on your credit report. This is huge, folks. It gives you time to fight back. Let me break down the three steps that saved Sarah's credit score, because these could save yours too: First, never pay a medical bill without getting an itemized statement. Those summary bills? They're usually full of errors. Request everything in writing and compare it to your insurance explanation of benefits. Second, if the debt hits your credit report, dispute it immediately with the credit bureaus. Make them prove the debt is yours and accurate. Half the time, they can't, and it has to come off your report. Third, know your rights. The Fair Credit Reporting Act is your friend. If a medical provider or collector can't validate the debt with proper documentation, they legally have to remove it from your credit report. Sarah used these exact steps, and you know what happened? That $3,000 bill got reduced to $300, the collection account was removed, and her credit score bounced back. She got approved for that apartment, and more importantly, she got her financial confidence back. Here's your action plan: Pull your credit report today. If you see medical collections, request validation letters immediately. Get itemized bills from your providers. And remember, you have more power than you think in this fight. Look, I know medical debt can feel overwhelming. But I've helped thousands of clients tackle this exact problem, and I'm telling you - it's a battle you can win. The system might be complicated, but the solution starts with taking that first step. This is Matt Brody with Freedom Credit Repair. Remember, your financial freedom is worth fighting for. I'll catch you on the next episode.

Transcribe →

March 6, 2025

Mar 6, 202500:03:59Tap to summarize

Hey there, I'm Matt Brody, and you're listening to Freedom Credit Repair, where we turn financial setbacks into comebacks. Today, we're diving into a story that might hit close to home for many of you - how bankruptcy can actually be the first step toward financial freedom. Three years ago, Sarah Martinez stood in her kitchen, hands shaking as she opened yet another collection notice. With $87,000 in medical debt from her husband's cancer treatment, maxed-out credit cards, and a foreclosure notice on their family home, she felt like she was drowning. But here's the thing - today, Sarah's credit score is 680, she owns a thriving small business, and she's living proof that bankruptcy isn't the end of your financial story - it's often just the beginning. You know what kills me? The number of people who suffer in silence because they think bankruptcy means they're failures. Sarah thought the same thing. She spent months trying to juggle payments, negotiate with creditors, and basically perform financial gymnastics just to stay afloat. Sound familiar? But here's what changed everything for Sarah. During a free consultation with a bankruptcy attorney, she learned something crucial - Chapter 7 bankruptcy could eliminate her medical debt while protecting her retirement savings. It wasn't about giving up; it was about getting smart. Now, let me break down what happened next, because this is where it gets good. Sarah completed the required credit counseling - yeah, it's mandatory, but it's also incredibly valuable. She filed her paperwork, and boom - something amazing happened. The automatic stay kicked in. Think of it like hitting a pause button on all those collection calls and letters. For the first time in months, Sarah could breathe. But here's where Sarah really showed us how it's done. The day after her bankruptcy was discharged, she started rebuilding. First move? She got a secured credit card with a $500 deposit. Small? Yes. Strategic? Absolutely. She set up automatic payments for everything - and I mean everything. Even her Netflix subscription became a credit-building tool. Here's what most people don't realize - bankruptcy can actually fast-track your recovery if you play it smart. Sarah's approach was methodical. Month one: secured card. Month three: started a side business selling handmade jewelry. Month six: opened a high-yield savings account for emergencies. Every move was intentional. Let me share three power moves that Sarah used to accelerate her recovery: First, she treated her secured card like a debit card - never charging more than she could pay off that same day. This built her credit without risking new debt. Second, she worked with a financial therapist to address her money anxiety. Because let's be real - financial recovery is as much about mindset as it is about money. Third, she diversified her income streams. That little jewelry business? It became her emergency fund builder, ensuring she'd never be caught off guard again. Today, Sarah isn't just surviving - she's thriving. Her credit score jumped from 520 to 680 in just over two years. She's approved for reasonable credit limits, and more importantly, she's in control of her financial future. Here's your takeaway: Bankruptcy isn't a dead end - it's a detour. If you're drowning in debt, stop treading water. Talk to a bankruptcy attorney. Get the facts. Make an informed decision. And remember, some of the most successful people and companies in history have used bankruptcy as a launchpad for their greatest comebacks. This is Matt Brody with Freedom Credit Repair. Remember, your financial freedom is worth fighting for.

Transcribe →

March 4, 2025

Mar 4, 202500:03:27Tap to summarize

Hey there, I'm Matt Brody, and you're listening to Freedom Credit Repair, where we turn credit nightmares into financial dreams. Today's episode is going to hit home for a lot of you - we're diving into Sarah's incredible journey from financial disaster to recovery. Let me share something powerful. The day Sarah's credit score hit 450, she was sitting in her car outside a hospital where her six-year-old daughter had just finished chemotherapy. Between medical bills and missed work, she'd maxed out every credit card they had. Sound familiar? Maybe not the exact situation, but that feeling of watching your financial world crumble? I see it every day in my work, and I know many of you are living it right now. Sarah's story started like many of yours - good job, healthy savings, perfect payment history. Then life threw her that curveball. Her daughter's diagnosis changed everything. Emergency medical expenses piled up. She cut back work hours to care for her baby girl. Those credit cards? They became survival tools. One missed payment turned into another, and we all know that snowball effect on credit scores. Here's where it gets real - and where the turnaround begins. Sarah got that wage garnishment notice. You know what she did? Instead of hiding from it like many folks do - and trust me, I've seen it - she faced it head-on. She started educating herself about how credit actually works. Not those quick-fix promises you see on late-night TV, but the real deal. Let me break down what Sarah did, because this is where you can take action today. First, she learned about credit utilization ratios - keeping your credit card balances below 30% of your limits. She discovered the power of goodwill letters - yes, simply asking creditors to remove late payments can work wonders. I've seen it happen countless times. Here's a game-changer Sarah used that you can try: She called her creditors and asked about hardship programs. You'd be amazed how many people don't know these exist. Most creditors would rather work with you than against you. I had a client last month who got her interest rate cut in half just by making that call. Now, let's talk recovery steps you can implement today. Start with your free credit report - and I mean today, not tomorrow. Create a realistic budget that prioritizes essentials. Set up automatic minimum payments - late payments are credit score killers. And consider a secured credit card to rebuild your credit. These are like credit training wheels, and they work. Sarah's story has a happy ending. Three years later, her daughter was in remission, and her credit score had crossed 700. But here's what really matters - she proved that financial disasters don't define us. It's how we recover that counts. Let me leave you with three takeaways: First, pull your credit report today - knowledge is power. Second, don't be afraid to contact your creditors - they're often more helpful than you'd expect. Third, remember that credit repair is a marathon, not a sprint. I've seen countless success stories, and yours can be next. This is Matt Brody with Freedom Credit Repair. Remember, your financial freedom is worth fighting for.

Transcribe →

February 27, 2025

Feb 27, 202500:03:24Tap to summarize

Hey there, I'm Matt Brody, and you're listening to Freedom Credit Repair, where we turn credit nightmares into financial dreams. Today, we're talking about something that's silently killing your wealth - and it might be sitting in your cup holder right now. Remember that $4 latte you grabbed this morning? Well, I recently met Sarah, a 29-year-old graphic designer, who showed me how that simple coffee run turned into a $200 nightmare. Stick with me, because what I'm about to share could save you thousands. Let me paint you a picture. Sarah's morning routine probably looks familiar - rush to work, swing by the coffee shop, tap that credit card for a quick caffeine fix. No big deal, right? That's what she thought, until she tried to lease a new apartment six months later and got hit with a brutal rejection. Here's what happened behind the scenes. That daily $4 coffee, plus lunch runs, random Amazon purchases - all on credit - stacked up to $7,000 in debt. But here's the kicker - she was only making minimum payments, letting that 24% interest compound month after month. That $4 coffee? When you factor in compound interest and stretched-out payments, it actually cost her over $200. I see this all the time in my credit repair business. People don't realize they're playing with financial fire until they get burned. Sarah's credit score tanked because she was using 30% of her available credit - that's like getting a D minus on your financial report card. But here's where it gets interesting. Sarah's story isn't about coffee - it's about habits. Those small, daily decisions that seem harmless but compound into serious wealth killers. Think about it - would you buy that latte if the price tag actually said $200? Let me share what Sarah did to turn things around, because these are strategies you can start using today. First, she switched to cash for daily purchases. When you feel those bills leaving your wallet, you think twice about every swipe. Second, she set up real autopay - not just minimum payments, but actual debt-crushing payments. And third - this is crucial - she started tracking her credit score using free apps like Credit Karma. Now, let me give you three power moves you can use right now to avoid Sarah's situation: Number one: Follow the 24-hour rule. Before making any credit purchase over $50, wait 24 hours. Most impulse buys won't survive this cooling-off period. Number two: Calculate the real cost. Multiple any purchase by 1.5 to see what you're actually paying with credit card interest. That $100 dinner? Think $150. Number three: Set up purchase alerts on your credit cards. Getting a notification for every swipe makes you more aware of your spending patterns. Here's the truth - that morning coffee isn't just about caffeine. It's about the small decisions that shape your financial future. Before your next purchase, ask yourself: What's the real cost? Is this helping me build wealth, or slowly destroying it? This is Matt Brody with Freedom Credit Repair. Remember, your financial freedom is worth fighting for. See you next time, credit warriors.

Transcribe →

February 25, 2025

Feb 25, 202500:03:31Tap to summarize

Hey there, I'm Matt Brody, and you're listening to Freedom Credit Repair, where we turn credit nightmares into financial dreams. Today, we're talking about a sneaky credit trap that's derailing homebuyers left and right. You know what kills me? Seeing good people lose their dream homes over totally preventable credit mistakes. Let me tell you about Sarah, a software developer who lost her shot at homeownership because of a $50 pizza order. Yeah, you heard that right - a pizza. But here's the thing: it wasn't the pizza that torpedoed her dreams - it was when she paid for it. Sarah had done everything right. She saved forty grand for a down payment, kept her credit score at a solid 720, and was all set to close on her first home. Then came that crazy work week. You know the kind - where cooking feels impossible and takeout becomes your best friend. Sarah put that pizza and a few other expenses on her credit card, thinking she'd just pay it off with her next paycheck like always. Here's where things went sideways. Her credit card reported to the bureaus right before her statement due date, showing 94% credit utilization. Even though she paid that balance in full two weeks later, her score had already dropped 42 points. Boom - just like that, her mortgage rate jumped half a percent, and she no longer qualified for her loan program. Now, I see this all the time in my credit repair business. People don't realize that credit utilization has no memory. The bureaus don't care if you've had low utilization for years - they only see that snapshot moment when your card reports. It's like getting your picture taken while blinking - that split second tells the whole story. But here's the good news - Sarah's story has a happy ending. Once she understood how credit reporting cycles work, she adjusted her habits. She recovered her score within two months and ended up buying a different house at her original rate. Let me break down exactly what you need to do if you're planning to buy a home. First, keep your credit utilization under 30% at all times during the mortgage process. That means if you have a $10,000 credit limit, never let your reported balance go above $3,000 - even if you're planning to pay it in full. Second, call your credit card companies and find out exactly when they report to the bureaus. It's usually your statement closing date, not your due date. This is crucial information that most people never think to ask about. Third, consider requesting credit limit increases before you start house hunting. Higher limits give you more breathing room with that utilization ratio. Just make sure you do this well before applying for your mortgage, as those hard inquiries need time to age off. Here's my ninja tip of the day: During the home-buying process, keep one credit card completely separate for essential purchases. Use it at a low utilization rate, and pay it down before the reporting date. This gives you a safety net for necessary expenses without risking your credit score. Remember, we're not just talking about numbers on a screen. We're talking about your family's future, your dream home, and thousands of dollars in interest over the life of your mortgage. These small credit decisions have major consequences. This is Matt Brody with Freedom Credit Repair. Remember, your financial freedom is worth fighting for.

Transcribe →

All episodes

March 12, 2025

March 8, 2025

March 6, 2025

March 4, 2025

February 27, 2025

February 25, 2025