David and John Auten-Schneider talk about how they accumulated $51,000 in credit card debt living a stereotypical gay lifestyle and trying to keep up with the expectations set by the community. They were purchasing acceptance and validation from the people they thought they needed to impress. They had designer clothing, went to all the cocktail parties, and traveled frequently.
They share their experiences of transitioning from living in debt to owning a successful business, the Debt Free Guys, which provides financial coaching to the LGBTQ+ community.
David and John’s work has appeared on Forbes, Yahoo!Finance, NBC’s Squawk Box and The News with Sheppard Smith, ABC News, Rachel Ray Show and Good Morning America to name a few. They’ve partnered with some of the best in financial services, including Capital One, Experian, MassMutual, American Express, and Prudential. They’ve partnered with some of the best LGBTQ+ organizations including, The Trevor Project, Callen-Lorde, The William Way Foundation, One Colorado and LGBTQ+ centers nationwide. More Below
Queer Money Podcast & Debt Free Guys Website
The Contradiction of Being Financial Consultants in Debt
John and David both had backgrounds in the finance industry when they found themselves in a cycle of credit card debt. They were living what they refer to as the stereotypical gay lifestyle, t
John and David both had backgrounds in the finance industry when they found themselves in a cycle of credit card debt. They were living what they refer to as the stereotypical gay lifestyle, trying to keep up with the expectations set by the community. They were purchasing acceptance and validation from the people they thought they needed to impress. They had designer clothing, went to all the cocktail parties, and traveled frequently. However, they were living off their credit cards, and their everyday expenses were covered by their paychecks. They had amassed $51,000 in credit card debt. They were both aware of the irony of being financial consultants in debt. They were the cobblers’ kids with no shoes, but they had really good shoes.
A Lifestyle with a Financial Plan Brings Happiness
After realizing they were in a precarious financial situation, John and David decided to take control of their lives. The Debt Free Guys’ story is an inspiration to many individuals struggling with debt. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to take control of one’s finances and design a lifestyle that brings happiness. Their story also highlights the importance of understanding personal finance with a twist, especially for the LGBTQ+ community. By layering personal stories and money mindset on top of the transactional side of money, queer money provides a unique perspective on how queer people interact with money differently.
Their journey from being in debt to having a self-sustaining business that provides value to the LGBTQ+ community demonstrates the importance of designing a lifestyle that brings happiness. By understanding the personal side of money, individuals can learn how to interact with money in a way that aligns with their values and personal stories. Queer money is an important concept that takes into account the unique challenges and opportunities faced by the LGBTQ+ community. The Debt Free Guys have shown that it’s possible to achieve financial stability and success while staying true to oneself. By having a financial plan and a positive money mindset, individuals can achieve their financial goals and build a secure financial future.
