Debt to Financial Freedom

Hosted by Victor Lagos

Business Investing Education

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Latest episode

May 2025

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EN-AU

About the show

Welcome to the Debt Financial Freedom Podcast. Everyone loves the benefits of money, but so many of us avoid the hard truths about saving and investing. We wrongly assume we don’t have enough time, capital or knowledge to be able to get to the point of having passive income streams, savings, or investments.The things we really need to know about money aren’t taught in schools. Spending less than you earn, maximising your income, budgeting, taxes, mortgages, investments and passive income - if you didn’t learn these things from your family, then you’re probably like most people who rely on credit cards, buy now, pay later and overdrafts. And then when you want to invest or buy property you will be wondering why you can’t get approval.But there is no judgment from me here - I was in exactly the same situation! Huge debt, poor financial habits and no assets to my name. Step by step I turned my situation around and now, as a certified mortgage broker for 16 years with several investment properties in my name, I’m here to help you go from debt to financial freedom. Because if I can do it, you can too.In this podcast, I will share tips, insights and strategies from my own journey and experience, as well as my clients and guest experts, who share my values and mission to help others create financial freedom. My goal in this podcast is to share raw, honest, transparent, and helpful stories that you can relate to, and that will inspire you to take control of your finances. The only ‘good’ debt is debt that brings you closer to financial freedom and I will show you exactly how to achieve this. Everything shared by me and my guests in this podcast is general in nature, and for education purposes only. None of your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs have been taken into consideration. I highly recommend you seek personal, financial, legal, taxation, and credit advice before you take action on what you heard on this podcast.

Listen to episodes

35 recent

May 28, 2025Episode 41 hr 5 min

From Broke to Financial Freedom: Miriam Castilla's Inspiring Journey

Send us a textJoin host Victor Lagos in this transformative episode as he sits down with Miriam Castilla—an ex-engineer turned acclaimed business mentor and founder of the Freedom & Ease Business Academy. Miriam shares her powerful journey from corporate burnout to achieving true financial freedom and building multiple successful ventures.In this heartfelt and insightful discussion, Miriam dives deep into:Overcoming limiting money beliefs and unconscious money blocksMastering the mindset of abundance and financial independencePractical strategies for debt management and money habits transformationAchieving heart and mind coherence to attract lasting financial abundanceListeners will gain actionable insights and empowering strategies to heal their relationship with money, rewire their financial mindset, and create lasting wealth aligned with their core values.About the Guest – Miriam CastillaEx-engineer and finance professional turned business mentor.Founder of the Freedom & Ease Business Academy and Magnetic Money Code.Helps entrepreneurs create financial and time freedom through practical strategies and internal transformation.Bestselling author of Today’s Woman – Life Balance Secrets and creator of the '5min Magnetic Money Management System.'Host of the podcast Freedom & Ease in Online Business.Connect with Miriam:Free Masterclass: Burn Down the Hamster WheelInstagram: @miriam_castillaFacebook: Miriam CastillaYouTube: MiriamCastillaTVLinkedIn: ProfileMore Ways to Connect & Learn 📲Lagos Financial Website: lagosfinancial.com.auBook a Free Consultation: Complimentary AssessmentFollow Us on Social Media:🔹 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lagosfinancial/🔹 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/lagosfinancial/🔹 Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/LagosFinancial🔹 TikTok-https://www.youtube.com/@debttofinancialfreedom 🔹 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@debttofinancialfreedom

April 10, 2025Episode 41 hr 25 min

From Plumbing to Purpose: Grant Chugg’s Mission to Fight Poverty in Africa

Send us a textIn this powerful episode, I speak with Grant Chugg, a Tasmanian plumber turned humanitarian, who shares his life-changing journey from business success to purpose-driven impact in Africa.After a New Year's resolution led him to say “yes” to a trip to Burundi in 2017, Grant found himself face-to-face with extreme poverty—and a deeper calling. What he witnessed in the eyes of a 4-year-old boy looking after a goat instead of going to school changed everything.Since then, Grant has been building schools, supporting communities, and feeding thousands through Villages of Life, a grassroots organisation transforming lives across Burundi and Rwanda.Right now, over 50,000 people—mostly women and children—are displaced from Congo, fleeing for their lives. For just $25, you can feed an entire family for two weeks and provide them with a water container that can offer ongoing income-generating opportunities.🎧 In this episode, we cover:Grant’s entrepreneurial journey in plumbingWhat sparked his humanitarian work in BurundiThe heartbreaking moment that keeps him goingHow education is breaking generational povertyA crisis unfolding right now—and how you can help💡 I’ve pledged to donate 80% of my commission from every loan or refinance to this cause. If you’ve been thinking about refinancing, now’s the time to make your loan mean something greater.Make a Donation:https://villagesoflife.org/projects/2503-vol-burundi-emergency-food-relief-2025Learn More About Villages of Life: https://gcptas.com.au/giving-back/About the Guest:Grant Chugg is a seasoned business owner, humanitarian, and dedicated advocate for education and poverty alleviation through Villages of Life. He serves as Managing Director at Grant Chugg Plumbing in Launceston, Tasmania, and actively supports sustainable humanitarian projects.Connect with Grant:Website:https://gcptas.com.au/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grantchuggplumbing/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-chugg-005294ba/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gcp_the.smart.living.centre/More Ways to Connect & Learn 📲🌎 Lagos Financial Website: https://lagosfinancial.com.au/ 📩 Book a Free Consultation: https://lagosfinancial.com.au/book-complimentary-assessment/ 📢 Follow Us on Social Media: 🔹 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lagosfinancial/ 🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lagosfinancial/ 🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LagosFinancial 🔹 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lagosfinancial 🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@debttofinan

April 1, 2025Episode 41 hr 14 min

Why Willpower Alone Won’t Get You Financially Free — with Tristan Scifo

Send us a textWhat if your struggle with money has nothing to do with spreadsheets or strategies... and everything to do with connection?In this raw and honest episode, Tristan Scifo joins Victor Lagos to unpack the deeper emotional roots behind our financial behaviour. Together, they explore the role of resilience, ADHD patterns, and how meaningful relationships can be the real gamechanger when it comes to building wealth.You’ll hear:Why desire is more powerful than disciplineThe psychology of behaviour change (especially for those with ADHD)How a mentor or loved one can help you reset your nervous system and stay groundedThe overlooked role of emotional support in wealth creationReal strategies to build lasting motivationThis episode is perfect for anyone feeling stuck or burnt out by the constant pressure of “adulting,” especially in the world of finance and entrepreneurship.Guest: Tristan Scifo – Founder of Purpose AdvisoryMoney wasn't abundant in Tristan's family growing up, but love and support were. The absence of financial guidance prompted him to seek out mentors in all areas of life he lacked in—especially wealth and business. This journey eventually led him to found Purpose Advisory, a thriving financial and life coaching practice dedicated to empowering others.Tristan has guided over 500 one-on-one clients, equipping them to build strong families, sustainable businesses, and meaningful lives through practical wisdom, strategic mentorship, and genuine partnership.Connect with Tristan ScifoWebsite: https://purposeadvisory.com.au/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/purposeadvisory/Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristanscifo/—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Prefer to watch? View the full video podcast on YouTube: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@debttofinancialfreedomFREE MASTERCLASS Sign up for our exclusive private masterclass where we show you step-by-step how to create a custom AI coach that keeps you accountable and helps you level up! 🔗 Register here: https://www.lagosfinancial.au/widget/form/DJ5YvD4KgrGZShH1Baqx—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------More Ways to Connect & Learn 📲🌎 Lagos Financial Website: https://lagosfinancial.com.au/ 📩 Book a Free Consultation: https://lagosfinancial.com.au/book-complimentary-assessment/ 📢 Follow Us on Social Media: 🔹 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lagosfinancial/ 🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lagosfinancial/ 🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LagosFinancial 🔹 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lagosfinancial 🔹YouTube:

April 1, 2025Episode 41 hr 14 min

Why Willpower Alone Won’t Get You Financially Free — with Tristan Scifo

February 8, 2025Episode 41 hr 11 min

Women & Wealth w/ Christine McCarron: Overcoming Money Fears & Building Financial Freedom

Send us a text🔥 Think real estate investing isn’t for you? Think again!In this episode of Debt to Financial Freedom, Victor Lagos speaks with Christine McCarron, a real estate investor, coach, and author who went from less than $0 to a seven-figure net worth after 50! She shares how she overcame money fears, limiting beliefs, and financial roadblocks to build passive income and achieve true financial freedom. 💰What You'll Learn in This Episode:✅ The biggest money myths holding women back from investing✅ Why real estate is NOT as scary as you think (no DIY skills required!)✅ How to shift your money mindset to start building wealth✅ The cognitive biases that sabotage financial success✅ How Australian investors can buy U.S. property (and finance it!)✅ Why wealth isn’t about hoarding—it’s about impact & freedom!Meet Our Guest: Christine McCarronChristine is a real estate investor, coach, author, and podcast host who helps women break financial barriers and build wealth through real estate. At age 50, she started with nothing—and turned it into a seven-figure net worth! She now shares her insights through:🔹 Beehive Brokerage – Helping women invest in property🔹 Books & Courses – Teaching real estate & financial literacy🔹 The Podcast – Empowering women to achieve financial independence🔹 Coaching Programs – Guiding women to create passive income🌎 Learn More About Christine:🔗 Website: ChrisMcCarron.comFacebook : https://www.facebook.com/BeehiveBrokerage/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bostonreguru1/TIkTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@womencreatingwealthYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristineMcCarron📢 Enjoying the Podcast?👍 Subscribe & Follow for More Episodes!🔗 Debt to Financial Freedom on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@debttofinancialfreedomGet in Touch with Victor: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@debttofinancialfreedomPh: 0450 313 606Email: victor@lagosfinancial.com.auWebsite: www.lagosfinancial.com.auLinkedIn:https://lnkd.in/g2dMiCdr💬 What’s the biggest money mindset shift you’ve made? Let us know in the comments! ⬇️

January 2, 2025Episode 437 min

Investment Real Estate and You with Victor Lagos

Send us a textDoes your financial planner pooh-pooh the idea of investment real estate?Are you unsure of how to incorporate real estate investing into your financial future?Have you heard that even Warren Buffet has real estate investments and you’re ready to join him?In this week’s episode of Get Your FILL, Financial Independence & Long Life, CEO and Founder of Lagos Financial, Victor Lagos, joins to us answer these very questions.About Victor:Victor’s journey began at 19, diving into the world of finance with a passion for helping people make the most of their financial situations.Today, Victor is not just a mortgage broker — he’s someone who understands the emotional and practical challenges of managing debt and achieving financial freedom.“I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed by debt,” Victor shares, “but I also know the joy of transforming that debt into wealth.”Victor’s experience of clearing personal debt and building a portfolio of investment properties drives him to help others achieve the same. His focus has always been to provide more than just loans — he offers guidance tailored to each client’s unique journey.“Whether you’re starting out or growing your investments, I’m here to help you leverage property for passive income and financial growth.” Connect with Victor:Lagos website: https://lagosfinancial.com.au/FB: / lagosfinancial IG: / lagosfinancial YT: / @lagosfinancial TT: / lagosfinancial

December 29, 2024Episode 457 min

Childfree Wealth: How to Achieve Financial Freedom Without Kids with Bri Conn

Send us a textLooking to build your financial future without the traditional family blueprint? In this episode, we explore childfree wealth strategies with Bri Conn from Childfree Wealth, a U.S.-based life and financial planning firm dedicated to helping those who are childfree or permanently childless thrive financially. Discover how to align your money with your true values, whether that’s embracing travel, philanthropy, or pursuing your passions—without the pressure of legacy planning.Bri Conn dives into:- Breaking free from the traditional "inheritance mindset"- Practical steps for setting up your cash flow, emergency funds, and sinking funds- Shifting from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance and empowered spending- Creating meaningful goals, from travel to giving back, that suit your lifestyleAbout Bri Conn:Bri serves as the Chief Experience Officer of Childfree Wealth®, co-host of the Childfree Wealth podcast, and is a Childfree Wealth Specialist®. Childfree Wealth® has been featured in major outlets such as Fortune, Forbes, MarketWatch, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Business Insider, and CNBC.In her free time, Bri loves hiking, running—anything that involves being outdoors. Her core values are community, education, social participation, and sustainability.Connect with Childfree Wealth & Bri:Podcast: https://childfreewealth.buzzsprout.com/Website: https://childfreewealth.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5cl-dxgWlLk6HwDKwfs0jALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfree-wealthFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeWealthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreewealth/The Childfree Guide to Life & Money by Dr. Jay ZigmontRelease Date: Dec. 30, 2024Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/4Mu2pWfBookshop Link: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-childfree-guide-to-life-and-money-make-your-finances-simple-so-your-life-without-kids-can-be-amazing-jay-zigmont/21091392?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAvP-6BhDyARIsAJ3uv7aRwRcLO4t47AZnldUjB3TMBcbY_1uK0d9vaQpNfjTCWKpgVWiJAiYaAi3DEALw_wcBPre-order instructions: Email a copy of your receipt to media@childfreewealth.com to be entered into a drawing for a Childfree Wealth Checkup with Dr. Jay Zigmont.________________________________________________________________________Ready to transform your financial future? Subscribe to our channel and join our community of listeners who are charting their unique paths to financial freedom.► Subscribe now: https://www.youtube.com/@debttofinancialfreedomResources & Links:Learn more about Bri and Childfree Wealth: https://childfreewealth.comListen to the Childfree Wealth Podcast for more insights.🎯 Connect with Victor Lagos: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victorlagos/DebtToFinacialFreedom: Website: https://lagosfinancial.com.au Get Victor's Property Financial Investing Blueprint here: #ChildfreeWealth #FinancialFreedom #PersonalFinance #Childfree #Wealth

August 20, 2024Episode 41 hr 36 min

Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Finance: Victor Lagos on Integrity and Career Choices

Send us a textIn this episode, we share Victor Lagos’ recent guest appearance on the Loan Options AI podcast, where he talks about his journey from working in retail to becoming the founder of Lagos Financial, a mortgage brokerage in Australia. Victor discusses the key moments that shaped his career, including his experiences in asset finance, facing ethical challenges, and how staying true to his values has helped him succeed.Victor also explains the importance of making complex financial topics easy for clients to understand, and why he believes practical experience and strong ethics are more important than a university degree in the finance industry.This episode is perfect for anyone interested in finance or looking for inspiration from someone who values integrity and putting clients first.Key Takeaways:Victor’s path from retail to becoming a mortgage broker and founder of Lagos Financial.How facing ethical challenges shaped Victor’s career in finance.The importance of simplifying financial concepts for clients.Why practical experience and ethics matter more than a formal degree in finance.Connect with Victor Lagos:Website: https://lagosfinancial.com.auLinkedIn: Victor Lagos on LinkedInGrab your FREE Copy of the 5 Benefits of Investing in Commercial Property Link: https://lnkd.in/gNUd3PjqVictor Lagos - Lagos FinancialPh: 0450 313 606Email: victor@lagosfinancial.com.auWebsite: www.lagosfinancial.com.auLinkedIn:https://lnkd.in/g2dMiCdrGet your ACCESS to the Complete Suite of Finance Calculators Link: https://lnkd.in/gtMpDEinBook your FREE Consultation with Victor Lagos TodayLink: https://lnkd.in/gvqHpcHBTIMELY BILLS APPhttps://lnkd.in/g9k-tQXHhttps://lnkd.in/enMJBaQ#MortgageBroker #VictorLagos #EthicalFinance #LagosFinancial #FinanceJourney #LoanOptionsAI #FinanceEthics #PropertyFinance #FinancePodcast #DebtToFinancialFreedom

August 12, 2024Episode 439 min

How to Use Offset Accounts to Save Thousands on Your Home Loan

Send us a textWhat if you could pay off your mortgage faster and save thousands in the process? In this episode of the "Lagos Financial Freedom Podcast," Victor Lagos sits down with Shelley Medina, Growth Manager at Lagos Financial, to reveal how offset accounts can transform your financial journey.Learn the basics of offset accounts, their types, and how they work. Shelley shares her journey in financial services and practical tips for teaching financial discipline, including how her son bought his first home at 24 with a 20% deposit.Discover how to maximise offset accounts, manage multiple accounts, and navigate banking fees. Investors will learn the benefits of offset accounts, tax implications, and strategies for commercial loans and self-managed super funds (SMSFs).Shelley also reveals a clever hack for self-employed individuals to save interest and shorten mortgage terms. This episode is packed with actionable insights to help you make smarter financial decisions.About Shelley Medina:Shelley Medina, Growth Manager at Lagos Financial, brings over 20 years of experience in retail banking. Her passion for customer service and financial education shines through as she shares practical advice on managing money, teaching financial discipline, and leveraging offset accounts for significant savings.Key TakeawaysReduce your home loan interest and pay off your mortgage faster.Learn the benefits and intricacies of offset accounts from industry experts.Discover practical strategies to make the most of your financial resources.Subscribe to our podcast and hit the notification bell to never miss an episode! Follow Lagos Financial on social media for more expert tips and insights on managing your finances and achieving financial freedom.Grab your FREE Copy of the 5 Benefits of Investing in Commercial Property Link: https://lnkd.in/gNUd3PjqVictor Lagos - Lagos FinancialPh: 0450 313 606Email: victor@lagosfinancial.com.auWebsite: www.lagosfinancial.com.auLinkedIn:https://lnkd.in/g2dMiCdrGet your ACCESS to the Complete Suite of Finance Calculators Link: https://lnkd.in/gtMpDEinBook your FREE Consultation with Victor Lagos TodayLink: https://lnkd.in/gvqHpcHBTIMELY BILLS APPhttps://lnkd.in/g9k-tQXHhttps://lnkd.in/enMJBaQ#OffsetAccounts #MortgageTips #FinancialFreedom #HomeLoanSavings #LagosFinancial

July 6, 2024Episode 41 hr 14 min

Prevent Financial Disaster: Expert Tips on Negotiating Unsecured Debt

Send us a textAre you struggling with unsecured debt? Join us in this episode of the Debt to Financial Freedom podcast as Victor Lagos interviews Laurence Hugo, a licensed debt negotiator, who shares expert insights on how to navigate and conquer your debt. Learn the strategies used by professional debt negotiators to help you regain control of your finances and achieve financial freedom.Topics covered:Understanding unsecured debtEffective debt negotiation strategiesReal-life success storiesTips for maintaining financial health post-debtWhether you're drowning in credit card debt, personal loans, or medical bills, this episode provides valuable advice and actionable steps to help you on your journey to financial freedom.Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert financial management advice.About Laurence Hugo:Three decades of banking and debt management experienceWorked with major banks like Citigroup, Commonwealth Bank, Deutsche Bank, and WestpacPioneered the Debt Negotiation industry in 2002Integrated debt negotiation with mortgage, accounting, and financial planning sectors15 years’ experience with Sydney Lifeline as a crisis counsellor and trainer5 years working with homeless youth through Wesley Mission Street Smart programExpert in debt waivers and productive alternatives to bankruptcy/insolvencyAs of September 2022, presided over $109,415,980 in commercial and consumer debt savingsTEDx SpeakerConnect with Laurence Hugo:Website: https://creditmediation.com.au/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debtmediationserviceLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/credit-mediation-service-pty-ltdAbout Debt to Financial Freedom & Victor LagosVictor Lagos, a seasoned financial expert with years of experience working with clients to build wealth, shares his invaluable insights and strategies to help investors avoid common pitfalls that can kill their borrowing capacity. He draws from his own vast experience in the financial industry to provide practical advice and actionable tips. Grab your FREE Copy of the 5 Benefits of Investing in Commercial Property: https://lagosfinancial.com.au/freeguide Get your ACCESS to the Complete Suite of Finance Calculators: https://lagosfinancial.com.au/calcula... Book your FREE Consultation with Victor Lagos Today: https://lagosfinancial.com.au/contact/—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe to our channel for more insights about property investing and achieving financial freedom: https://www.youtube.com/@debttofinancialfreedom#DebtNegotiators #UnsecuredDebt #FinancialFreedom #DebtManagement #DebtNegotiation #FinancialHealth #DebtSolutions #ExpertAdvice