Adulting & Afraid

Hosted by Deborah Criddle

Business Education

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Episodes

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Nobody really teaches you how to adult. You’re just expected to figure it out. Adulting and Afraid is the podcast that covers the real life stuff they forgot to teach us in school. From building and understanding your credit, to budgeting your money, buying a home, managing your finances, and making smarter decisions as an adult, we’re breaking it all down in a way that actually makes sense. No complicated jargon. No boring lectures. Just real conversations, practical advice, and the things you wish someone had taught you sooner. Because adulting is hard enough. You shouldn’t have to figure it all out alone.

Listen to episodes

41 recent

October 16, 2026Episode 911 min

Credit Card Points: How To Earn Free Money Without Paying Interest

Send us Fan Mail Credit card points can help you earn cash back, free flights, and hotel stays, but only if you use your credit cards responsibly. In this episode, Deb Criddle, the Mortgage Queen, explains how to make credit card rewards work for you without falling into the trap of high-interest debt. Learn how she used credit card points to pay for flights and hotels for 11 family members traveling to Hawaii, the financial habits you need before chasing rewards, how cash back and travel points work, and why you should never spend money you don't already have. Plus, discover how statement cutoff dates, emergency savings, credit card fees, and upcoming major purchases can affect your strategy. The goal isn't to be afraid of credit cards, it's to understand how to use them wisely, build good financial habits, and enjoy the perks without paying unnecessary interest.

September 23, 2026Episode 87 min

How To Establish Credit Without Going Into Debt

Send us Fan Mail Building credit from scratch can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re 17 or 18 and have never had a credit card before. In this episode, Deborah Criddle, the Mortgage Queen, walks through the first steps of establishing credit responsibly, from getting your first job and saving $500 to applying for a secured credit card and developing the habit of paying off your balance. She explains how to use one small, predictable expense, such as gas, to build responsible credit habits while keeping the money to pay the balance in your bank account. Whether you're a young adult, college student, or parent helping your child get started, this video provides a practical introduction to building credit and avoiding costly mistakes.

September 11, 2026Episode 711 min

HELOCs Can Cost You Your House: The Debt Trap Homeowners Need to Know

Send us Fan Mail A HELOC can be a powerful financial tool, but when you use your home equity to pay off credit cards, car loans, vacations, and other spending without changing your financial habits, you could put your home at serious risk. In this episode, Deb walks through a real-world example of homeowners who went from owing just $135,000 at a 2.5% mortgage rate to carrying hundreds of thousands in debt, maxing out credit cards again, and potentially facing foreclosure. We’ll break down how HELOCs work, why variable rates matter, how second-mortgage debt can put your home at risk, and when using a HELOC may actually make sense. The goal isn't to say HELOCs are always bad, it’s to make sure you understand the risk, have a plan, and live within your means.

September 4, 2026Episode 612 min

Student Loans: Borrow Responsibly or Pay the Price for Years

Send us Fan Mail Student loans can be a valuable tool for paying for an education, but only when they’re used responsibly. In this episode, we take a hard look at student loan debt, why borrowing more than you actually need can become a serious financial problem, and why student loan money should be reserved for legitimate education expenses like tuition, books, and required supplies. We also cover budgeting while in school, deferment and forbearance, staying on top of repayment deadlines, protecting your credit, and thinking about whether your future income will realistically support the amount you borrow. The goal isn’t to tell you that you can’t go to college or shouldn’t use student loans, it’s to encourage you to borrow wisely, understand what you’re signing up for, and treat student debt like any other serious financial obligation.

August 27, 2026Episode 55 min

Installment Loans: The 12-Month Credit Rule You Need to Know

Send us Fan Mail Installment loans, like car loans, personal loans, student loans, and other fixed-term loans, can play a major role in your credit profile and your future ability to qualify for a mortgage. In this episode, we break down why making payments for 12+ months, making extra payments, and managing your debt strategically can matter, plus when it actually makes sense to pay a loan off as quickly as possible. We’ll also look at how that new car, truck, RV, boat, or other purchase could affect your future home-buying plans. The goal isn’t simply to prove you can borrow money, it’s to prove you can manage and repay what you borrow.

August 20, 2026Episode 47 min

Medical Collections & Your Credit Report: The $500 and 12-Month Rules Explained

Send us Fan Mail Medical collections can be confusing, especially when it comes to what can actually appear on your credit report. In this episode, we break down the $500 threshold, the 12-month reporting window, what happens when you pay a medical collection, why you should track down medical bills you never receive, and the important difference between medical debt and consumer debt . We also discuss how medical collections are treated during the mortgage process and why putting a medical bill on a credit card can change how that debt is viewed. The goal is simple: understand the rules, stay ahead of your medical bills, and protect your credit whenever possible.

August 6, 2026Episode 35 min

How Credit Card Utilization Affects Your Credit Score

Send us Fan Mail Did your credit score suddenly drop after maxing out a credit card? Don't panic, it may be easier to fix than you think. In this episode, I explain how revolving lines of credit, credit utilization, and statement cutoff dates can dramatically impact your credit score, especially if you're preparing to buy a home. You'll learn why maxed-out credit cards can lower your scores, how quickly your credit can recover after paying them off, and what mortgage lenders look for when reviewing your credit report. If you're planning to qualify for the best mortgage rates or simply want to improve your credit score, these tips can help you avoid costly mistakes and stay on track.

July 30, 2026Episode 26 min

Why You Should Never Max Out a Credit Card

Send us Fan Mail Maxing out your credit cards can have a much bigger impact on your credit score than most people realize. In this episode, I break down one of the biggest credit myths, that carrying a balance helps your score, and explain why paying down revolving credit is often the fastest way to improve your credit. I also share a real client story where paying off a high credit card balance and completing a rapid rescore increased a middle credit score from 618 to 664, making a refinance possible. We’ll also discuss the difference between revolving credit and installment loans, why payment history and credit age matter, and practical strategies to help keep your credit score moving in the right direction. Plus, I preview upcoming changes to medical collections reporting that we'll cover in the next episode.

July 23, 2026Episode 17 min

Transform Your Credit In 30 Days With These 5 Steps

Send us Fan Mail Want to improve your credit score in as little as 30 days? In this episode of Adulting and Afraid , Deb the Mortgage Queen shares five simple credit card strategies that can help transform your credit by lowering utilization, avoiding interest, and building healthy financial habits. Learn why you should treat your credit card like a debit card, how statement closing dates and payment due dates affect your credit score, and why paying your balance before it reports can make a huge difference. Whether you're trying to qualify for a mortgage, improve your financial health, or build excellent credit, these practical credit tips can help you take control of your finances and use revolving credit the right way. Deborah Criddle, Regal Mortgage, Branch Manager, NMLS 20009 www.regalmtg.com Email: deborah@regalmtg.com Text/Call: 208-313-6886 Schedule Your Free Online Consultation Below To Discuss Your Credit Situation: https://bookings.cloud.microsoft/book/MortgageQueenDeb@pmrloans.com Regal Mortgage is powered by © 2025 Premier Mortgage Resources, LLC (“PMR”) | NMLS #1169 www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org | 3363 Presidential Dr. #200, Meridian, ID 83642 | Equal Housing Opportunity | Not an offer to extend credit or a commitment to lend. Terms subject to change without notice. For additional disclaimers, please visit: pmrloans.com/disclaimers. PMR is not affiliated with or an agency of the federal government. The interest on the portion of the credit extension that is greater than the fair market value of the dwelling is not tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes and the consumer should consult a tax adviser for further information regarding the deductibility of interest and charges.

April 15, 202624 min

Julie Hawkes | Energy Healing

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Adulting and Afraid, Deborah sits down with her good friend Julie Hawkes, an energy healer whose passion is helping people create better, more balanced lives. Julie shares what energy healing really is (and what it isn’t), how our thoughts and emotions can impact our daily lives, and simple ways people can start becoming more aware of their own energy. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just curious about new ways to improve your well-being, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on personal growth and self-care. If you've ever wondered how to feel more aligned, more confident, and more in control of your life, this episode is for you. Julie’s heart-centered approach will leave you thinking differently about the power you already have within yourself.

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