The Lifestyle Debt Solution

Troy Smith is a personal finance educator and certified financial coach who has helped over 5,000 individuals design debt repayment plans that don’t require sacrificing the things they love. His own journey began at age 26 when he found himself $47,000 in consumer debt despite earning a solid salary. Frustrated by conventional advice that demanded a “rice and beans” lifestyle, Troy developed the Lifestyle Debt Solution as a framework that prioritizes behavioral alignment over extreme deprivation.

With a bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Oregon and a Certificate in Financial Counseling from the National Association of Certified Credit Counselors, Troy spent eight years working as a financial advisor before founding his own coaching practice. He has been featured in *Forbes*, *The Wall Street Journal*, and *Money Magazine*, and he regularly speaks at corporate wellness events and financial literacy conferences.

Troy’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that financial health is not about how much you earn, but how well you align your spending with your values. His clients—from single parents to six-figure executives—consistently report that they not only pay off debt faster but also feel more in control and more satisfied with their everyday lives. Troy lives in Portland, Oregon, with his partner and two rescue dogs. When he’s not writing or coaching, he enjoys trail running, craft coffee, and exploring the Pacific Northwest—all funded by his own lifestyle buffer. You can find him online at troysmithfinance.com and on Twitter (@troysmith_finance).