Mike about Money

Mike Schiano

Hi, I'm Mike Schiano. You may know me as "The DebtBuster." I'm the Author of Spend Your Way to Wealth, (Allworth Press, NY). I write and teach about personal finance. I'm a regular guest on radio shows, podcasts and television shows like NBC’s iVillage Live, The Daily Buzz, Geraldo At Large, and WMFE TV. I've been Coaching people just like you to better "Fiscal Fitness" since 2001. We want to help you avoid debt, get out of debt and manage your personal finances better. This podcast is for people who are ready to take action and make real changes to their personal finances.

Episodes

  1. Oct 17

    Debt relief Step One

    Behind on Bills? Start Here—Not With Another PromiseReady-to-record script If you’re behind on bills, the last thing you probably want is another person telling you to “just make a budget.” You may already know the numbers aren’t working. What you need is a place to start without being judged. I’m Mike Schiano. Some of you remember me as the Debt Buster, or from Mike About Money on the radio. I’m bringing that conversation here: straight talk about debt, money, and your next move. Here’s what this show is not going to be. It’s not going to be a parade of promises that you can erase your problems overnight. And it’s not going to be me pretending every money problem comes from buying coffee. We’re going to talk honestly about the situation in front of you and the questions worth asking before you make your next decision. Today, let’s start with one question: What is the money issue you’re most afraid to look at? Maybe it’s the total on your credit cards. Maybe it’s a bill you haven’t opened. Maybe you and your partner haven’t had an honest conversation about what’s happening. You don’t have to fix all of that during this episode. Here’s the exercise I want you to consider: write down three things. First: What do I know? Second: What do I need to find out? Third: What is the next conversation I need to have? That might sound like: “I know I can’t comfortably make every payment this month.” “I need to find out the exact balances and due dates.” “And I need to call someone before I make a decision based on fear.” Notice what’s missing from that list: a promise to solve your entire financial life by Friday. The point is to move from a cloud of worry to a question you can actually answer. And before you sign up for any product or program, give yourself permission to understand it. Ask who’s providing the service, what it costs, and what you’re agreeing to. Next week, we’ll go through five questions I’d want answered before signing up for debt relief. For now, what’s your biggest money question? Send it to [your email]. Don’t include account numbers or private financial documents—just the question. I’m Mike Schiano. This is Mike About Money. No judgment. No magic promises. Let’s work on the next move. Get out of debt, give yourself credit, debt relief step one, how to get out of credit card debt.

About

Hi, I'm Mike Schiano. You may know me as "The DebtBuster." I'm the Author of Spend Your Way to Wealth, (Allworth Press, NY). I write and teach about personal finance. I'm a regular guest on radio shows, podcasts and television shows like NBC’s iVillage Live, The Daily Buzz, Geraldo At Large, and WMFE TV. I've been Coaching people just like you to better "Fiscal Fitness" since 2001. We want to help you avoid debt, get out of debt and manage your personal finances better. This podcast is for people who are ready to take action and make real changes to their personal finances.