Use the Internet To Stay Connected

Written by on · 1 Comment
Online Romance

Like many families, my family is spread out throughout the U.S. Before we had a child, this aspect of our lives didn’t bother me or my husband too much. It was nice to have our own space but we knew that our parents were a relatively short drive away (3 hours north to my parents, 2 hours south to his) if we needed or wanted to visit (or if there was an emergency). It was a pretty sweet set up, actually. Then we had our daughter. Both of us grew up with our extended families less than 20 minutes from [...] Read more »

Debt Free News #24 – Jeff Lundberg

Written by on · Leave a Comment
Debt Free News 24

The Enemy of Debt Questionnaire – Congratulations to Jeff Lundberg! How much debt did you have and how long did it take you to pay it off? We paid off over $65,000 in 22 months. How does becoming debt free actually feel? Does it feel better than you imagined it would? We paid off our last debt (besides the mortgage) last month. It feels great! We’re very excited to start building wealth and being able to give!? What were some of the struggles that you had to deal with along the way? Was there ever a time where you almost [...] Read more »

Weathering Economic Recessions – One Man’s Approach

Written by on · 2 Comments
money

Many of us are wondering when we’re going to punch our way out of this economic recession we’ve been wallowing in for the past five years or so. It’s anyone’s guess, but I’d say we’re going to be in it for quite a while, and perhaps it will get even worse, simply because so many of us only learn the hard way. It seems we insist on repeating failed behavior patterns largely because they’re what we know and are comfortable with. Failure to obtain different results by doing the same thing again and again apparently has no bearing on the matter; we do it anyway. Read more »

Youth Sports: Are They Worth the Expense?

Written by on · 9 Comments
Ethan Lax

My son has been involved in youth sports since he was three. We have run the gamut; gymnastics, karate, soccer, wrestling, lacrosse, and football. My initial goal in exposing him to youth sports was to have him expend some of his little boy energy in a way that was safe and fun for him. Little did I know the love for competition would blossom at such a young age; he is addicted… to thrill of practice, games, and being a winner. For those of you that don’t know me, I am a divorced single mom and my son is a [...] Read more »

The Four “P’s” of Debt Reduction

Written by on · 4 Comments
4PsDebtReduction

The process of getting out of debt is as much physical work as it is mental. Making changes in our life style and our mindset is such a difficult but important step. I have found that there are four very important aspects to this process that need to be remembered and achieved in order for you to reach the level of success that you strive for. Those aspects are the four “p’s” of debt reduction Positivity Planning Practicality Perseverance Like many of you, I am in a great deal of debt. In fact, I am in more debt now that [...] Read more »

You Definitely DON’T Need a Credit Score

Written by on · 8 Comments
This guy thinks he needs a credit score

Do you have a credit score?  Probably so.  Do you have any idea what your credit score is?  Maybe you do, maybe you don’t.  Do you really believe that it’s totally necessary to have a credit score?  Most people do, and I think they are wrong. First, let’s take a quick look at exactly what your credit score is and why you have one.  Your credit score, also known as the FICO score, was created by the Fair Isaac Company (Thus “FICO”) to estimate a person’s credit worthiness.  Your FICO score is really just a number that tells people how [...] Read more »

What Will You Sacrifice for Freedom?

Written by on · 9 Comments
Change is Good

C-H-A-N-G-E. People hate it! People hate having to change anything, sometimes regardless of the benefits that lie ahead. Change is uncomfortable and sometimes a little scary. The fear of having to face something unfamiliar can often paralyze us into inaction. Sometimes change is forced upon us and sometimes the choice is our own to make. So whether we like it or not, change is a very big part of who we are. We may as well embrace it. In terms of personal finance, change is constant. And when it comes to debt change can save you from financial destruction. Nobody [...] Read more »

Saving Money on Vegetarian Meals

Written by on · 6 Comments
veggies

Just about 4 years ago, I decided to become a vegetarian. I did it after reading a few books and having the vivid imagery stick with me.  My imagination started to get the best of me and before I knew it, meat was literally off the table. It’s been good not only for my health but for my family’s budget as well. There’s a reason that when people are trying to cut back on their grocery budget they opt to have meatless meals each week. Meat is expensive. But vegetarian meals, if not planned properly, don’t actually save money. In [...] Read more »

Gettin’ My DIY Plummer On

Written by on · 6 Comments
misc 031

I’m not a mechanic. My wife reminds me of this every time I pop the hood of one of our vehicles when there’s a suspected problem. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t. I’m not Doctor Pizel, either, as I’m so gently told whenever a “discussion” occurs regarding whether it’s appropriate to take one of our children to be examined due to some bump or bruise or cough. I’m not a vacuum cleaner repair person or a hair stylist either, but what does that matter? The point is, I’m not going to let a little thing like having no knowledge [...] Read more »

Have You Ever Considered Hiring a Financial Advisor?

Written by on · 6 Comments
Woman

I’ve always held the position that if you can do something yourself, you shouldn’t pay someone else to do it for you. From car repairs and home remodeling to weight loss and personal finance. Over the last year I have realized some things that have caused me to reconsider that approach. Until I met Travis Pizel, you would have heard me say things like “avoid debt relief companies like the plague”, but have since realized that what method you choose should depend on what’s best for you. I generally try to base my opinions on a case-by-case basis. I think [...] Read more »

Debt Free News #23 – Serguei Merzliakov

Written by on · 4 Comments
Debt Free News 23

The Enemy of Debt Questionnaire – Congratulations to Serguei Merzliakov! How much debt did you have and how long did it take you to pay it off? Took a relatively small 20k loan to finance my nightschool studies (professional education with chartership at the end). Took 4 years of sweat to repay it as I became unemployed in year 3. Used advice from Eliminate the Muda, Wisebread, and The Motley Fool. Finally, going shopping with the list and not being afraid to donate old things (without replacing it) was also helpful – gave me understanding of my own spending habits. [...] Read more »

Inexpensive or Free Outdoor Family Fun

Written by on · 3 Comments
summer fun for free

Last week Team EOD member, Jana gave you some great ideas for free or inexpensive indoor activities that you can do this summer. Today I want to give you some activities to do outdoors that are budget friendly and super fun! Keep with What Works The traditional outdoor activities should definitely not be over looked. A trip to the park for a picnic and romp on the playground will never get old. You can take the fun up a notch but being a kid yourself. Nothing gets those kids laughing more than watching their grown-ups acting silly and having a [...] Read more »

Failing Financial Literacy?

Written by on · 6 Comments
report card

Financial Literacy Month is a great time to take a look at how we are doing when it comes to making the grade with our financial knowledge. Millions of Americans are failing miserably and among them, are college students. With little financial finesse and the freedom to make their own decisions many are starting their financial lives in need of debt help. Researchers from five American universities recently conducted a survey on credit card debt and financial literacy among college students and released the results in April just in time for Financial Literacy Month. The findings confirm that our youth [...] Read more »

Financial Literacy Month – Avoid Bankruptcy Using the Pro-Rata Plan

Written by on · 4 Comments
Avoid bankruptcy

The Pro-Rata Method can keep creditors off your back and help you avoid future judgments, or the execution of a judgment because you are declaring hardship and essentially asking for an alternative plan until you can afford to make the original monthly payments for all of your debt. It is in the creditor’s best interest to accept this plan because it’s better for them to receive something rather than the nothing they’ll receive if you filed bankruptcy. You borrowed the money though and you want to pay it back, you just need a little wiggle room until you can get back on your feet. WATCH THIS VIDEO! Read more »