"I've been where most people are."
Brad has dedicated his life to serving and helping people with their personal finances. He provides an eye-opening outlook on debt and money that challenge today's popular thinking through speaking, The Debt Free Dad Podcast, social media, and his online membership site, Roots of Personal Finance, which has helped people save and pay off tens-of-millions of dollars.
Like many, Brad struggled with living paycheck-to-paycheck, debt, and the constant hamster wheel of never-ending payments for much of his adult life. After losing his home to foreclosure and his first marriage ending in 2012, Brad decided enough was enough and went on a journey to become debt-free. After 4-5 years of hard work, he paid off all his debt and has been debt-free for over ten years outside of his mortgage.
Many people struggle with money and debt. Brad teaches a simple process to help people develop a healthier financial mindset. Learn how to save money and eliminate debt, allowing them to take control of their finances so they can do more of what they love. Brad uses his personal story to relate to others. He provides practical steps and advice for a new financial plan that shows people how to win and live a stress-free and debt-free life.
Brad is a single and dedicated father to his two kids, Noah, and Avery.
Brad has encountered many obstacles on his journey. In 2018, his wife Sarah gave birth to their daughter Avery. Avery was born with a brain injury and was later diagnosed with Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy and Cerebral Palsy. Being debt-free allowed him and his wife to put all of their efforts into getting the care that Avery needed. Thankfully, today, Avery is thriving and living a normal life, and Brad contributes her progress to the time they've spent on Avery's therapy and care since birth.
In March 2023, Brad tragically lost his wife, Sarah, to a battle with mental illness and suicide. Again, Brad and his financial life were tested, but because of the work they put in on their finances leading up to this tragic event, he has remained debt-free while allowing him and his kids to grieve and begin to build a new life.
Brad's a normal guy with everyday life challenges, and he is using his experiences and story to encourage and motivate others to improve their financial health for themselves and their family.
When Brad isn't helping people with their finances, he loves to continue his education through reading and conferences. His family is the most important. They spend a significant amount of time camping and being outdoors. Brad puts a lot of value in experiences and making memories.
Sami Schopper
Brad is the mentor I never knew I needed. Roots is a program that only works if you do, but having Brad there as a cheerleader and teacher means so much in the journey! He is always willing to help and answer questions when we have them! It means more to learn from someone who's been there themselves and can relate to our struggles!
Tammy Jahnke
I felt embarrassed even to admit that I had a problem. I had been trying to find a "live" person for several years to help me. I love the accountability that I have and require in Roots to help me succeed. I needed to do this for our family so we could finally have financial freedom. Roots is the best amount of money that I ever invested!
Christina Tsutsui
Brad helped me believe that I was capable of more than I ever thought possible when it came to my financial future. With simple steps and the right accountability, I'm now able to live the life of my dreams and see them unfold before me. It's easy to do but hard work.
Shannon Leardi
I joined Roots, and it helped my husband, and I reevaluate how we were paying down debt, and it taught us good behaviors when it came to personal finance. Now we are debt-free & less stressed, and able we can comfortably save and do all the things we want. Brad has created an amazing community of people who are there to support you, and he also makes himself available if you have more specific questions for him. It's amazing!"
Patrice Johnson
As my financial coach, Brad has helped me design and execute a comprehensive financial plan for my life that accelerates my retirement plans while removing my dependency on debt and debt products.
Amber Taylor
Brad and the Roots program has helped us examine where we were spending our money and gave us the tools to make lifelong changes to our mindset when it comes to our finances. Brad truly takes the time to understand his member's situations and helps with a personalized approach if needed. He understands that a cookie-cutter plan for personal finance and paying off debt doesn't work for everyone.
Cyndi Hanna
Brad has personally been the facilitator of good solid financial information and strategy, but he conveys that through what he teaches and from his own hard-fought experience. Brad is a real person. He has been my biggest cheerleader through this process. His messages, emails, and videos always happen when I am feeling a bit down about the speed of the process. Brad is our team leader for all of us that want a better life. I have described Brad to my family and friends as someone who is down to earth, shares from the heart about real-life stuff, has real solutions for real problems, and shares it all with a killer sense of humor. I will say that out of all the financial stuff I have learned over my years, the way Brad allows others to learn, the way he speaks up and stands his ground, and the way you care about others' successes makes a huge difference in the way Roots works. The personal touch makes all the difference in the world.
