Master Your Money Podcast

Welcome

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

Submit a Question to Nate

Episode List

If your budget feels like punishment, you’re doing it wrong. In this episode, Nate Tanner shares how to build a guilt-free “Fun Fund” into your Spending Plan—without sabotaging progress. Learn how joy deprivation leads to burnout, why intentional spending fuels long-term success, and how to align your joy with your Triggator Triangle. Featuring personal stories,...
Listen to this episode
In this episode of *Master Your Money: Budgeting, Saving, and Debt-Free Living*, Nate Tanner tackles the emotional and financial pressure to buy—or upgrade—a home in today’s unpredictable market. With humor and clarity, he breaks down how to know if you’re *truly* ready for homeownership using the Triggator framework. From current market conditions to real financial...
Listen to this episode
Back-to-school season doesn’t have to ambush your budget. In this episode, Nate Tanner walks through how to separate predictable vs surprise school expenses, build a better Alligator Fund, time your purchases wisely, and avoid panic spending. Plus, a bonus section on how to turn back-to-school wants into teachable moments for your kids—starting with earning, saving,...
Listen to this episode
Is it just inflation—or are you exhausted from swiping? In this episode, Nate Tanner breaks down the hidden burnout caused by cashless convenience. From one-click checkouts to app-triggered nostalgia, we unpack how swipe fatigue dulls financial awareness, feeds hijackers, and derails your Triggator Triangle. Learn how to add friction back into your spending, rewire your...
Listen to this episode
In this episode of *Master Your Money: Budgeting, Saving, and Debt-Free Living*, Nate Tanner shares how to pay off debt without sacrificing your sanity, savings, or lifestyle. He breaks down the pros and cons of popular methods like Snowball and Avalanche, then introduces the Triggator approach to sustainable debt freedom. With stories, strategy, and motivation,...
Listen to this episode
In this episode of *Master Your Money: Budgeting, Saving, and Debt-Free Living*, Nate Tanner explores why credit cards are not true emergency funds—and how even a small savings cushion can transform your peace of mind. You’ll learn how to start building a safety net one paycheck at a time and why financial preparedness beats points...
Listen to this episode
In this episode of *Master Your Money: Budgeting, Saving, and Debt-Free Living*, host Nate Tanner dismantles the toxic myth of a ‘perfect’ budget. Learn why traditional budgeting guilt is sabotaging your progress and how the Triggator approach reframes balance as alignment—not restriction. With practical mindset shifts, listener stories, and a healthy dose of grace, you’ll...
Listen to this episode
In this episode of *Master Your Money: Budgeting, Saving, and Debt-Free Living*, host Nate Tanner calls out the sneaky spending habits that quietly steal your paycheck—and your progress. From impulse food delivery to forgotten subscriptions, you’ll learn how to spot these ‘hijackers’ and build friction, habits, and intentionality that keep your money aligned with your...
Listen to this episode
In this episode of *Master Your Money: Budgeting, Saving, and Debt-Free Living*, Nate Tanner unpacks the myth that more income automatically solves money problems. Through stories, stats, and Triggator strategies, Nate exposes lifestyle inflation and shows how to align new income with your goals—Budget, Save, and Pay Off Debt. If you’ve ever wondered why your...
Listen to this episode
In this episode of *Master Your Money: Budgeting, Saving, and Debt-Free Living*, Nate Tanner explains why May is the perfect month to start your Christmas Alligator Fund. Discover how early planning turns a high-stress December into a peaceful, debt-free season. Nate breaks down average holiday spending, how to divide your goal across remaining paychecks, and...
Listen to this episode

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!