234. Financial Scarcity, Debt, and Shame: How to Start Fresh with Natalia Brown (National Debt Relief)

I know firsthand how heavy financial scarcity can feel—especially when you’re dealing with debt. It’s not just numbers on a screen; it’s fear, shame, and anxiety that can leave you frozen in place. In this episode, I’m joined by Natalia Brown, Chief Compliance and Consumer Affairs Officer at National Debt Relief, who not only brings professional expertise, but powerful lived experience growing up in Harlem and navigating financial hardship herself. We talk about the real, raw emotional toll of debt—from the societal stigma to the psychological patterns that keep us stuck. Natalia breaks down predatory lending, payday loan traps, and how to know if debt consolidation or settlement is right for you. We also dive into something so many of us feel but rarely name: financial dysmorphia. This episode is full of judgment-free, actionable advice on how to reclaim your financial power and begin again—with clarity, compassion, and a solid plan. Natalia’s links: For more information on a variety of debt topics, feel free to visit National Debt Relief’s Resource page for more information on individual debt situations: https://www.nationaldebtrelief.com/resources/ Read transcripts, learn more about our guests and sponsors, and get more resources at https://herfirst100k.com/financial-feminist-show-notes/234-financial-scarcity-debt-and-shame-how-to-start-fresh-with-natalia-brown-national-debt-relief/ Looking for accountability, live coaching, and deeper financial education? Check out our exclusive community! Join the $100K Club: https://herfirst100k.com/100k-pod Our favorite travel and cash-back credit cards, plus other financial resources: https://herfirst100k.com/tools Not sure where to start on your financial journey? Take our FREE money personality quiz! https://herfirst100k.com/quiz Special thanks to our sponsors: Squarespace Go to www.squarespace.com/FFPOD to save 10% off your first website or domain purchase. Rocket Money Stop wasting money on things you don’t use. Cancel your unwanted subscriptions by going to RocketMoney.com/FFPOD. Quince For your next trip, treat yourself to the luxe upgrades you deserve from Quince. Go to Quince.com/FFPOD for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Netsuite If your revenues are at least in the seven figures, download the free e-book Navigating Global Trade: 3 Insights for Leaders at NetSuite.com/FFPOD. Masterclass Get an additional 15% off any annual membership at Masterclass.com/FFPOD. Indeed Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at Indeed.com/FFPOD. ZocDoc Visit Zocdoc.com/FFPOD to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. ResortPass Visit Resortpass.com and use code FFPOD to get $20 off your first ResortPass experience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices