Gone South Podcast Episode Summary: "Introducing: What We Spend"

Introduction

In the April 23, 2025 episode of Gone South, host Jed Lipinski introduces a special feature on an Odyssey original podcast titled "What We Spend." This episode marks a departure from the usual true crime narratives, delving into the intricate and often unspoken complexities of personal finances. By spotlighting individual financial journeys, "What We Spend" offers listeners a profound look into how money shapes our lives, emotions, and relationships.

Overview of "What We Spend"

"What We Spend" is a groundbreaking podcast hosted by Courtney Harrell, where each episode follows a different individual over the course of a week. The format involves intimate audio diaries detailing every financial decision, from everyday purchases to significant expenditures. This approach provides a raw and unfiltered view of the guest's financial habits, challenges, and aspirations. As Courtney explains, the podcast aims to demystify money management and foster open conversations about finances, which are often considered taboo.

Spotlight on Kelly: Navigating Student Loan Debt

The episode highlights Kelly, a 32-year-old Director of Client Services at a medical spa, who is grappling with substantial student loan debt. Kelly's story is a compelling exploration of financial strain, personal goals, and the emotional toll of debt.

Kelly's Financial Background

Kelly resides in Salt Lake City, Utah, with her husband Ben, an engineer earning approximately $78,000 annually. Kelly herself earns around $50,000 before taxes and health insurance. Collectively, their household income positions them just below the average for married couples in their region. Despite their steady incomes, they shoulder a significant debt burden of $202,728, primarily from student loans.

Kelly [06:38]: "I have 150,000. I had more. I had 300,000 after my master's...it still feels like I have still $150,000 of debt."

Weekly Budgeting and Expense Management

Kelly meticulously manages her finances using a detailed spreadsheet, categorizing monthly expenses such as rent, utilities, gym memberships, car insurance, gas, and groceries. Her monthly expenditures total approximately $4,800, excluding debt repayments. Kelly emphasizes the all-consuming nature of her financial worries, likening it to having a "monkey on their back."

Kelly [07:50]: "Oh, I would describe it as all consuming...it feels like that. And I try really hard to, like, be in control."

Tracking Finances: A Week in Kelly's Life

Over the course of the episode, Kelly documents her financial activities for seven days, providing listeners with an unvarnished account of her spending habits and the emotional landscape intertwined with them.

1. Day One [16:03]: Kelly spends $250.38 on groceries and faces an unexpected overdraft due to a missed student loan payment, highlighting the precarious balance she maintains.

2. Day Two [19:08]: Adhering to her budget, Kelly records $0 spending and experiences a financial boon by receiving $11,000 from a canceled laser hair removal membership, which she allocates toward her credit card debt.

3. Day Three [23:05]: With a major sales day at her workplace, Kelly ends up spending $75, juxtaposing her debt struggles with the influx of cash from her job.

4. Day Four [31:23]: Kelly faces the possibility of jury duty but hopes to be exempted due to her hourly employment. She incurs $144.80 in unexpected payments from apps like Afterpay, underscoring the hidden costs of consumer finance tools.

5. Day Five [34:07]: Indulging in leisure, Kelly spends $40.65 on mini-golf with her husband, reflecting on the emotional need for connection despite financial constraints.

6. Day Six: Engaging in free activities like a dance party at home, Kelly avoids spending but remains emotionally burdened by her financial goals versus daily expenditures.

7. Day Seven [40:49]: A final grocery trip totals $22, rounding out her week's expenses with a mix of necessity and small pleasures.

Insights and Reflections

Throughout the week, Kelly grapples with the tension between her immediate desires and long-term financial goals. She employs the debt snowball method—a strategy where she pays off smaller debts first to build momentum. Kelly credits financial guru Dave Ramsey for introducing her to this method, which provides a semblance of control amid overwhelming debt.

Kelly [21:43]: "I can solve the problem in my head...it makes it feel so simple and accomplishable."

Her reflections reveal a profound struggle with societal expectations of financial success, the scarcity of financial education during her upbringing, and the emotional weight of debt. Kelly's journey underscores the importance of financial literacy and the psychological impact of debt on personal well-being.

Conclusion

In concluding her week's financial tracking, Kelly notes a slight reduction in her debt, bringing it down to $200,000. The exercise, though exhausting, offers her a clearer perspective on her spending habits and financial priorities. Kelly expresses a sense of relief and increased presence, acknowledging that while her financial challenges are far from resolved, the act of tracking has empowered her to better manage her resources.

Kelly [41:37]: "It helped me examine my mindset about it a little bit more, and it helped me actually not feel quite as bad."

Final Thoughts

Jed Lipinski's introduction of "What We Spend" on Gone South provides listeners with a poignant narrative that transcends typical financial discussions. By embedding Kelly's story within the podcast's framework, the episode illuminates the human side of finances, making it relatable and impactful for a broad audience. "What We Spend" serves as a crucial reminder that behind every financial statement lies a deeply personal story of aspirations, struggles, and resilience.

Notable Quotes

• Kelly [06:38]: "I have 150,000. I had more. I had 300,000 after my master's...it still feels like I have still $150,000 of debt."

• Kelly [07:50]: "Oh, I would describe it as all consuming...it feels like that. And I try really hard to, like, be in control."

• Courtney Harrell [16:03]: "Do you feel as in control as you possibly can be?"

• Kelly [21:43]: "I can solve the problem in my head...it makes it feel so simple and accomplishable."

• Kelly [41:37]: "It helped me examine my mindset about it a little bit more, and it helped me actually not feel quite as bad."

Timestamps Reference

• Kelly discusses her student loan debt at 06:38.
• Describing her relationship with money at 07:50.
• Introducing the debt snowball method at 21:43.
• Reflecting on the week's financial tracking at 41:37.

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, weaving together Kelly's financial narrative with the overarching themes of "What We Spend." It offers potential listeners a detailed and engaging overview, encouraging them to explore the podcast for deeper insights into the personal dynamics of money management.