Let’s talk about faith, finances, and freedom, because Drew Mariani just had a great conversation with Jonathan Teixeira (Catholic money coach and certified debt-freedom expert) that hit us right in the wallet… and the soul.
🧾 The Real Talk: We’re Drowning in Debt
Drew shares a startling stat:
Americans racked up $1.2 TRILLION in credit card debt last year. Yup. Trillion. With a T.
We’re living in a culture where “buy now, pay later” has turned into “buy now panic forever.” Whether it’s jet skis or big screen TVs, debt has become normal. But normal isn’t holy, and Drew reminds us that Scripture calls debt a form of slavery. 👀
💬 “Owe no debt to anyone – except the debt of love.” – St. Paul
🙋♂️ Enter Jonathan Teixeira
Jonathan and his wife Amanda paid off their own student loans (around $25K back in the day) and now they help people escape debt. His message is simple but 🔑:
“You can wander into debt, but you can’t wander out.”
He breaks it down:
💳 Credit card companies set traps with high interest rates (some up to 30%).
🎓 Student loans are out of control.
🛑 Most people don’t even realize how deep they’re in until it’s too late.
👩👦 Real Calls, Real People, Real Struggles
Jane in PA called in about her adopted son who’s in debt, living at home, and struggling after making some poor choices. Jonathan gently told her:
-Don’t take on his debt. You don’t help someone drowning by jumping in without a life vest.
-Help with structure. Maybe charge him small rent and secretly save it up to gift later.
-Teach him money smarts.
Dina called to warn about “Daily Pay” apps; they give you paycheck advances and feel like help… but really just sneak in debt through the backdoor. Jonathan says that it’s like selling your future to pay for your past.
Jacqueline called about her hubby’s struggling small biz. Jonathan’s advice:
-Budget. Together.
-Cover essentials first.
-Keep giving to the Church, even when tight.
💡 Marriage = financial teamwork, not financial solo missions.
David in Illinois is 30-something, has a daughter, and is stuck in a cycle of credit card debt. Jonathan offered him some free help with his program, no strings attached. That’s how the Body of Christ works. 🕊️
✝️ Final Gospel Truths:
Debt is a spiritual weight that holds us back from living generously, freely, and faithfully.
🙏 God doesn’t want you enslaved to Visa. He wants you living in mission, in freedom.
🛠️ There’s always a way out. But you need a plan. And some holy hustle.
Feeling stuck? You’re not alone. But you can get out. And hey, maybe trade the jet ski dreams for some peace-of-mind savings. 🚤➡️💆♂️
Don’t serve MasterCard. Serve the Master.
The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
