The founder of the 12 steps to financial freedom “Say Yes to No Debt” principal is Dr. Deforest B. Soaries Jr. Currently, he is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, New Jersey and has inspired the movement of what is often referred to as “Dfree”. The groundbreaking journey begins with continuing to trust in our Lord, Jesus Christ while internally changing our approach from having debt, deficits, and delinquencies. As time progresses, we can work on creating positive saving and spending habits that can translate into deposits, dividends, and deeds. 

His teachings have been used by various churches and organizations throughout the United States and now is expanding internationally. Dfree has also been featured by CNN in a ninety-minute documentary which was titled “Almighty Debt”. His work has been written in publications, including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and Black Enterprise. As of now, he resides in Central New Jersey  with his wife Donna, and twin sons, Malcolm and Martin.