Master Your Money Podcast

Welcome

to Master Your Money: Budgeting, Saving, and Debt-Free Living

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Episode List

In Episode 95, Nate unpacks the hidden emotional side of financial stress and shows you how to build a Peace Toolkit that strengthens both your mind and your money. You’ll learn why money stress hits so hard, how your brain responds under financial pressure, and how simple weekly rhythms can dramatically lower anxiety. Nate breaks...
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In this episode, Nate Tanner explores the emotional and practical benefits of building a Peace of Mind Fund—a system of savings that includes your Emergency Fund, Alligator Fund, Fun Fund, and Retirement Fund. Using the metaphor of Andy Dufresne’s tunnel in The Shawshank Redemption, Nate shares personal stories, actionable steps, and research-backed strategies for creating...
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In this episode, Nate Tanner uses the Apollo 13 mission as a powerful metaphor for overcoming debt. You’ll learn why debt freedom feels impossible, how to work the problem using the Triggator Triangle (Budget, Save, Pay Off Debt), and why celebrating small wins is essential for staying motivated. Nate shares practical strategies for prioritizing debt...
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In this festive episode, Nate Tanner uses classic scenes from Christmas Vacation to guide listeners through joyful, guilt-free holiday spending. Learn how to build a Spending Plan that sparks joy, discover creative gift ideas (including Nate’s favorite personal gifts), and master the Alligator Fund to prepare for predictable expenses like Christmas, birthdays, and memberships. Featuring...
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In this episode, Nate Tanner tackles the looming Social Security shortfall and empowers listeners to take control of their retirement future. Learn what the Social Security Board of Trustees report means for you, how to build a retirement plan that starts now, and why automation and employer matches are your secret weapon for consistent savings....
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In this episode, Nate Tanner helps you uncover your true financial why, turn it into a driving force, and stay true to it—even when life gets messy. You’ll learn how to dig deeper than surface-level goals, connect your money to your purpose, and use practical strategies to keep your why front and center. Featuring pop...
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In this episode, Nate Tanner returns to the lab to bust common personal finance myths using stories, humor, and practical examples. Myths covered include buying in bulk, buying generic, keeping a mortgage for tax reasons, and investing only for the wealthy. Each myth is tested against the Triggator Triangle, with results revealed as Busted, Plausible,...
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In this episode, Nate Tanner guides listeners through a quarterly subscription audit using the garden metaphor—helping you prune financial weeds, nurture blooms of joy, and harvest true value. Learn how to run a joy vs. value filter, negotiate or pause subscriptions, and create a Purpose Plan for recurring expenses. Featuring personal stories, pop culture quotes,...
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Nate Tanner channels Sherlock Holmes to help you spot hidden savings, negotiate like a pro, and reassign every dollar for maximum impact. Learn how to find subtle leaks in your spending plan, use negotiation and timing to your advantage, and ensure every ‘found dollar’ strengthens your Peace of Mind Fund or accelerates debt payoff. Packed...
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Are you ready to stop confusing predictable expenses with true emergencies? In this episode, Nate Tanner helps you become the CFO of You, Inc.—teaching you how to spot Alligator Expenses before they bite, distinguish genuine emergencies, and build buffers that keep you far from the financial edge. With stories, pop culture references, and actionable steps,...
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About the Host

Hi, I’m Nate Tanner—co-creator of Triggator, host of the Master Your Money podcast, and a firm believer that financial freedom is about more than just numbers on a spreadsheet.

I started Triggator and this podcast because I know what it’s like to feel stuck, stressed, and overwhelmed by money—and I also know that it doesn’t have to be that way. Over the years, I’ve helped countless people trade in their budgets for something better: a spending plan that actually fits their life, lets them save with confidence, and ditch debt for good.

Each episode, I blend real-world experience with practical tips, a little tough love, and maybe even a few dad jokes (fair warning). Whether you’re living paycheck to paycheck, trying to finally build that emergency fund, or just want to stop losing arguments with your Amazon cart, I’ve got your back.

I’m passionate about making personal finance simple, motivating, and—dare I say—fun. I love sharing listener stories, answering real-life questions, and challenging you to make small changes that lead to big results.

When I’m not behind the mic, you can find me chasing my kids, working on the Triggator app, or plotting my next victory over an alligator-sized expense.

Welcome to the show—let’s master your money together!