152: Saving with Steve with Steve Sexton - Episode 152152: Saving with Steve with Steve Sexton - Episode 152
UK Health Radio Podcast
Steve Sexton and attorney Ashley Morgan talk through practical ways to budget for the holidays, manage debt and understand consolidation and bankruptcy options. The conversation focuses on intentional spending, planning ahead and knowing when to seek help with serious financial strain.
44:56•31 Oct 2026
Holiday Spending Without the Debt Hangover with Ashley Morgan
Episode Overview
- Start with your everyday budget, track real spending, and then decide how much can safely go towards holidays, gifts and travel.
- Use intentional priorities: if coffee, travel or certain treats matter to you, keep them, but cut elsewhere so the numbers still work.
- Plan early by using sinking funds and extra paycheques so Christmas costs are spread over the year instead of landing on credit cards.
- Be cautious with debt consolidation loans and settlement programmes, as poor habits or creditor refusals can leave you owing even more.
- Understand the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy and seek advice early, especially if you’re only making minimum payments or facing lawsuits.
“"Budgets scare people because at the end of the day, they're thinking it's going to be super restrictive. It means they can't spend money. But you just need to be intentional."”
Ever wondered what it takes to get through the holidays without waking up in January to a financial hangover? This conversation on UK Health Radio’s "Saving with Steve" centres on practical money moves so you can enjoy the festive season without months of regret. Host Steve Sexton chats with consumer bankruptcy and tax attorney Ashley Morgan, who spends her days helping people untangle overwhelming debt.
As she puts it, "budgets scare people because at the end of the day, they're thinking it's going to be super restrictive… but you just need to be intentional." From there, she walks through how to build a realistic holiday budget that actually fits your life, not a fantasy spreadsheet.
You’ll hear how to start by tracking where your money really goes (that daily coffee and takeaways add up fast), then decide what matters most: is it travel, gifts, or just keeping the lights on without panic? Ashley shares ideas like creating a year-round "Christmas fund", using those extra paycheques wisely, and shopping early so you’re not paying peak prices on last‑minute presents. Things get more serious as they talk about what happens if the credit cards are already maxed.
Ashley breaks down the difference between consolidation loans and debt settlement programmes, why some people end up worse off, and how forgiven debt can come back as a tax bill. She also explains, in plain English, the basics of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, who they might suit, and why getting advice early is far better than waiting until a foreclosure notice lands.
If money worries are adding to your stress this year, this episode offers straight-talking guidance, simple planning tips, and a reminder that being intentional with spending beats shame every time. Could a clearer plan around your finances make your holidays feel lighter?
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