One thing I’ve learned working with busy parents is this: Debt isn’t usually a math problem — it’s an allocation problem. Most families make enough to survive, but not enough to get ahead because money is leaking everywhere in small, exhausting ways. If you’re serious about getting out of debt, here’s the framework I recommend — simple, realistic, and built for parents who already have full plates. 1️⃣ Stop Budgeting Emotionally — Start Allocating Intentionally Budgets fail when they feel like punishment. Instead, allocate money by priority, not guilt. Here’s a clean starting allocation: - Essentials (50–60%) – housing, utilities, food, transportation - Debt Elimination (15–25%) – non-negotiable, automatic - Future You (5–10%) – emergency fund or savings - Life & Sanity (5–10%) – yes, fun still matters Opinionated take: 👉 If debt elimination isn’t getting paid before entertainment and convenience, it never gets paid consistently. 2️⃣ Automate the Escape Plan Busy parents don’t fail because they’re lazy — they fail because decisions require energy. Set up: - Automatic transfers toward debt the same day income hits - Minimums on everything else (no manual thinking required) When debt payments happen first, lifestyle adjusts around progress instead of fighting it. 3️⃣ Attack One Debt at a Time (Momentum > Math) I don’t care whether you choose snowball or avalanche — what matters is visible progress. Pick one debt. - Pay minimums on everything else - Throw all extra money at the target - Celebrate the win (cheaply, intentionally) Momentum reduces stress. Stress is what keeps parents stuck. 4️⃣ Reduce “Silent Spending” Before Cutting Joy Before you cut family fun, cut: - Subscriptions you forgot about - Convenience spending driven by exhaustion - “We deserve this” spending that happens too often Hard truth: 👉 Most families don’t need to earn more first — they need clarity first. 5️⃣ Increase Capacity, Not Just Discipline

Over the holidays, we met a lot of really nice people at Mitchell’s Petting Zoo in Sweetwater, TN. Normally, I’m not a fan of these establishments, but they treated these animals like royalty. Our family enjoyed our time there. The owners are definitely dedicated to their passions. Just a few pics to check out if you are ever in the area.

For decades, we were taught that health meant building our diet on grains, limiting fats, and treating protein like an accessory. That food pyramid didn’t just influence school lunches—it shaped grocery stores, medical advice, and how an entire generation thinks about nutrition. Here’s the uncomfortable truth: That pyramid was never built around optimal human health. It was built around industry, convenience, and outdated science. Let’s break this down. The Old Model (That Many of Us Still Follow) - Base of the pyramid: breads, cereals, pasta, rice - Fats demonized - Protein minimized - Sugar quietly slipped into everything The result? - Blood sugar instability - Chronic inflammation - Hormonal disruption - Rising obesity, diabetes, and metabolic disease—despite “following the rules” If the old advice worked, we wouldn’t be seeing worsening health outcomes year after year. The New (More Honest) Food Pyramid Modern nutritional science flips the script: 1. Protein as the foundation Muscle, metabolism, hormones, immune function—protein is not optional. It is essential. 2. Healthy fats are not the enemy Fats support brain health, satiety, and stable energy. Removing them created more problems than it solved. 3. Vegetables over refined carbs Fiber, micronutrients, and gut health matter far more than empty calories. 4. Carbs are contextual—not evil, but not unlimited Quality, timing, and individual needs matter. Why This Matters Most people aren’t lacking willpower. They’re operating off bad information. You can’t out-discipline a diet that is metabolically stacked against you. In my opinion, the real wellness breakthrough isn’t another workout plan or supplement—it’s unlearning what we were told and rebuilding from evidence, not tradition. Curious where you started questioning nutrition advice—or what change made the biggest difference for you. Let’s discuss.

As we step toward 2026, I want to challenge everyone in this collective with a simple but uncomfortable truth: Motivation is not something you find. It’s something you earn through commitment. Right now, it’s easy to feel inspired. New year energy. Big goals. Fresh vision. But the people who will look back at the end of 2026 with real pride are not the ones who felt motivated the most—they’re the ones who kept showing up when motivation disappeared. This next year will not be about perfection. It will be about consistency over comfort. There will be days you’re tired. Days life gets loud. Days where quitting feels logical. Those moments are not signs you’re off track—they are proof you’re on the path that actually leads somewhere meaningful. Wellness is not built in hype. It’s built in habits. In identity. In the quiet decisions no one claps for. If you want more energy, more confidence, more freedom, more life—you don’t need a miracle. You need standards. Standards for how you eat, how you move, how you speak to yourself, and how you show up when no one is watching. 2026 belongs to the people who decide in advance: - “I don’t negotiate with excuses.” - “I keep promises to myself.” - “I finish what I start.” Let’s not make this a year of talking about potential. Let’s make it a year of execution. Stay locked in. Stay disciplined. Stay connected to this community. And when motivation fades—as it always does—let purpose take over. This is our year to raise the bar.

Monday, January 12th at 1 p.m. Central here in Patrick's Wellness Collective: Do Not Miss The Big Announcement! Comment "Booked" below if you have this time and day in your calendar. Only working with 5 people on this project.