289. Financial Trauma to Financial Freedom: The Journey from $500K Debt to Purpose-Driven Success with Michelle Campbell

What happens when financial rock bottom becomes the foundation for your life's purpose? Michelle Campbell experienced five evictions, four car repossessions, and accumulated over $500,000 in debt across 21 years—yet today she's a successful financial literacy advocate helping others break free from similar cycles.

In this powerful conversation, Michelle shares how a single question shift changed everything: moving from "Why is this happening to me?" to "What am I supposed to learn from this?" Her story reveals the deep connection between self-worth and spending habits, and why financial literacy is as much about psychology as it is about numbers.

What You'll Learn:

• How to reframe financial setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning

• The psychological connection between self-worth and spending patterns

• Why traditional financial advice often fails without addressing emotional drivers

• Practical steps to start building wealth regardless of your current financial situation

• How to have honest money conversations that break down shame and isolation

• The role spiritual practices can play in gaining clarity during a financial crisis

• Why financial literacy is foundational to overall life stability

• How past trauma can become the foundation for your life's purpose

 

Michelle Campbell was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, and began her educational journey in South Dakota before relocating to Atlanta, Georgia, to continue her studies.

During her academic pursuits, she launched a real estate investment firm, marking the beginning of her entrepreneurial path.

Over the years, Michelle expanded her ventures into various industries, including horticulture, where she founded an interior scape company, and logistics, where she established a commercial trucking business. Drawing on the insights and expertise gained across these diverse fields, she transitioned into a career in the financial services industry.

Michelle is the author of Bluebird, a memoir that candidly explores themes of trauma, heartbreak, and the resilience that can be found in life's struggles. She is also the founder of a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals through financial literacy and fostering economic stability.

Resources Mentioned:

• Michelle Campbell's book: "Bluebird: A Memoir" - https://amzn.to/3IpsCBv

Connect with Michelle Campbell:

• Website: https://bymichellecampbell.com/ 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Bluebird-Memoir/61561259970143/ 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluebirdmemoir/ 

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taxshell 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-c-1a697b318/ 

Connect with Sarah Walton:

• Website: https://sarahwalton.com/

• Abundance Academy: https://sarahwalton.com/abundance-academy/

• Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/thesarahwalton/ 

Related Episodes from the Game On Girlfriend® Podcast:

• Episode 230: You Deserve the Money with Bookkeeper Ashley Chamberlain

• Episode 206: What Women Need to Know to Manage Their Money With Lisa Crosta

• Episode 197: Money Beliefs That Hold You Back from Making More

You can check out our podcast interviews on YouTube, too! http://bit.ly/YouTubeSWalton 

Thank you so much for listening. I'm honored that you're here and would be grateful if you could leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here, scrolling to the bottom, and clicking "Write a review." Then, we'll get to inspire even more people!

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