Cory Brim, a participant on the new OWN series Maxxed Out, recently shared a moment from the show that made him stop and think. He recalled host Leah Collins asking him a direct question about his household finances: “What are you willing to do?” This simple question became a turning point, pushing him to confront his financial habits head-on. The show, which acts as a financial intervention for families, premiered on January 10, 2026.
The Core Philosophy Behind Maxxed Out
Maxxed Out is more than a television show about money. Host Leah Collins built the series around the idea of honesty, accountability, and education. She approaches financial literacy as a lived experience that affects relationships, mental health, and family legacy, not just as abstract theory. The show meets families in real time, examining actual documents like debt breakdowns, credit scores, and spending plans.
Collins speaks from personal experience. She revealed that in 2017 and 2018, despite earning a good income, her own finances were stuck. She decided to take control and within 18 months, she paid off $40,000 in debt, bought an investment property, and raised her credit score above 800. This journey from personal struggle to professional expertise is the foundation of her coaching.
The show operates as a financial intervention series. Each episode features a nominatorโsomeone affected by a loved one’s financial choicesโwho brings a nominee forward for help.
Cory Brim’s Financial Wake-Up Call
For participant Cory Brim, the process was deeply personal. The question from Leah Collinsโ“What are you willing to do?”โforced him to evaluate his commitment to change. It moved the conversation from passive advice to active personal responsibility. This moment highlights the show’s method: it’s not about providing a quick fix, but about guiding individuals to build their own sustainable plans for financial health.
This kind of intervention comes at a critical time. A recent social media post noted that nearly 80% of Americans are setting financial goals for 2026, citing common pressures like rising grocery costs, paychecks that don’t stretch as far, and the stress of credit card debt. Maxxed Out directly addresses these widespread anxieties.
Why Financial Literacy Is a Cultural Conversation
Leah Collins intentionally focuses on empowering Black families through the show. She addresses a generational trend where money conversations were often avoided at the dinner table, a silence that has had real consequences. Maxxed Out aims to break that cycle by placing transparent financial dialogue at the center of family life.
The connection between money and overall well-being is a key theme. Collins emphasizes that financial stress directly fuels anxiety, disrupts sleep, and strains personal relationships. Therefore, strengthening a family’s financial literacy is presented as a way to protect both their economic resources and their overall peace of mind.
How Maxxed Out Guides Families to Action
The show provides a structured, empathetic process for families to follow. It is described as “the classroom we all missed,” offering practical steps rather than judgment. Episodes involve a thorough review of a family’s complete financial picture, including income, all expenses, various debts, and credit reports.
This process aligns with common advice from financial experts for building a strong foundation. Recommendations often include tracking all spending to understand where money goes, clearly documenting short-term and long-term financial goals, and actively understanding investment and savings plans. The goal is to create a budget that supports these goals while still allowing room to enjoy life.
Also Read:
The Public and Participant Reaction
Since the premiere, the show has sparked conversation among viewers who see their own financial struggles reflected on screen. Cory Brim, outside of the show, is active on social media where he shares financial tips and has a paid subscriber group for more detailed advice. In a recent post, he firmly directed people seeking his help to his official content channels, stating, “I created a PRIVATE SUBSCRIBERS GROUP where I share A-ZโฆSTEP BY STEP on how to do just about ANY and EVERYTHING that you see me posting about!”. This shows how participants like Brim are continuing to engage with financial advocacy after their TV experience.
The format of the show, which relies on a family member nominating another for help, underscores how money issues are deeply relational. The intervention works to repair not just bank accounts but also the trust and communication within a family unit that has been damaged by financial stress. In one featured case, Collins helped a mother who was $45,000 in debt and living in a two-bedroom apartment with her six-member family.
Maxxed Out airs on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) on Saturdays at 9:00 PM Eastern and Pacific Time. The eight-episode series serves as a practical resource for anyone whose New Year’s resolution involves taking control of their budget and financial future.
Also Read: The Nowhere Man Season 1 Release Info, Cast and Streaming Details
