Behavior | Enemy of Debt: Where Behavior Meets Reality

3 Ways You Are Holding Yourself Back and Tips for Changing Them

Written by Jessica on January 21, 2012 · 11 Comments

Are your finances a mess and you know it? Do you know what you SHOULD be doing but haven’t made any changes? Are you avoiding logging into your accounts to see what damage you are doing? If you are anything like I was and at times, still am, then you are setting yourself up for further failure. Something, or maybe more than one thing is holding you back, do you know what it is? Here’s 3 potential ways you are roadblocking yourself from being in control of your finances. Fear Fear can be crippling. It can hold you back from [...] Read more »

Buyer Beware Hidden Charges May Be Affecting Your Bottom Line

Written by Suzanne Cramer on January 19, 2012 · 5 Comments

You are one of those people that diligently budgets for every expense, cuts costs wherever possible–a sheer genius when it comes to personal finance. So why does it seem you just can’t get ahead as a middleclass American citizen doing all the right things when it comes to sticking to your budget? The economy has taken its toll on just about everyone, both consumers and business. In fact either you or someone close to you has likely fallen victim to a foreclosure, layoff, or downsizing. When you fill up at the pump you wonder when a gallon of gas and [...] Read more »

Tags: Behavior, Budgeting, credit, debt, eating out, Economy, personal finance, saving money

How Do You Choose to Handle Change?

Written by Paul Puckett on January 10, 2012 · 3 Comments

Anyone who knows me, also knows how often I can be found at Starbucks. Several locations fix an Iced Quad-Shot Espresso when they see me pull into the parking lot. That is, after all, my preferred drink and has been for several years now. Originally, my drink was a Grande nonfat, with whip, Mocha. After several years, I chose a Grande Iced Coffee. Then, my doctor suggested espresso since it has less caffeine and much less acid than brewed coffee. (I know it doesn’t sound right, but see references below). Even though it has a stronger flavor, espresso is lower [...] Read more »

Tags: Behavior, eating out, Investing, personal finance, Priorities

Are You Prepared for a Sudden Windfall?

Written by Jessica on January 7, 2012 · 2 Comments

Whether it is a tax refund, a lottery win or an inheritance, a sudden increase in funds can be both a blessing and a curse. If you have been in debt but have not taken the time to evaluate your habits, an unexpected increase in your checking account could cause a number of problems. Surprise, you’ve won! What do you do first? If you have a history of impulse spending, the first thing you need to do is put that money into your bank account and step away from the cash. Take the time to really think about the best [...] Read more »

P90X Your Finances this Year

Written by Suzanne Cramer on January 5, 2012 · 5 Comments

Unless you have been living under a rock, chances are you have heard of the P90X workout system and its charismatic fitness guru, Tony Horton. On January 1, 2012 I started the P90X system and have embraced both the diet and exercise requirements, hoping to take my health and fitness to the next level. I don’t know about all of you but I need a regimented diet and exercise plan to have any chance of staying on track. In fact last year I completely fell off the wagon and gained 30 pounds! I made 2 resolutions for 2012: Get healthy [...] Read more »

Tags: accountability, Behavior, budget, Change, debt, determination, financial planning, pay off debt, personal finance, saving money, savings

Changing My Money Mind in 2012

Written by Suzanne Cramer on December 22, 2011 · 10 Comments

It’s that time of year when we all vow to change our ways and resolve to go on a diet, quit smoking, or get out of debt. How many of us actually have a plan in place to make our resolutions a reality? Unfortunately most of us don’t and this is why we are doomed to fail before we even start. Yes, money is necessary to support our lifestyle, but do we let it determine how we live our lives? The fact is many of us do. We allow ourselves to live up to or above our means which often [...] Read more »

Tags: accountability, Behavior, budget, Change, credit cards, Debt Elimination, Emergencies, goals, pay off debt, personal finance, saving money

Just Say No to Inflatable Santa’s

Written by Suzanne Cramer on December 8, 2011 · 9 Comments

“Mommy please can we get one of those inflatable Santa’s?” This is the plea I have heard from my eight year old son since we began to decorate (with our already purchased) holiday decorations the day after Thanksgiving. My answer remains constant, “Not right now buddy, we don’t need an inflatable Santa.” Unfortunately millions of Americans apparently do feel they need inflatable Santa’s, two Christmas trees, and thousands of twinkle lights to adorn their homes so they can feel the magic of the holidays. According to a Bloomberg report, “This year U.S. consumers will spend $6 billion on decorations, the [...] Read more »

Tags: Behavior, budget, Budgeting, Christmas, credit, credit cards, debt, Debt free, debt freedom, Economy, goals, Kids and Money, money, pay off debt, saving money

To Be or Not To Be…That is the Question

Written by Suzanne Cramer on November 24, 2011 · 2 Comments

Thankful that is…today is Thanksgiving a time to spend with loved ones and reflect on what you are thankful for. It has been a tough year for my family and some days I didn’t feel so thankful, but today I have a renewed attitude of thankfulness and realize just how lucky I am to have my health, my family, and the support of communities like this one. Unexpected Gifts of Thanks Sometimes we are dealt a bad hand and just need to make the best of less than perfect situations. Divorce. On April 5th of this year my divorce was [...] Read more »

Tags: budget, Change, debt, Debt free, determination, Economy, goals, pay off debt, personal finance, savings

The Dangers of Debt from a Financial Pro

Written by Paul Puckett on November 15, 2011 · 1 Comment

November is No Restaurant Month and if you embrace the concept fully it’s a month to avoid unnecessary expenses. I recently read an article in the New York Times in the “Your Money” section. That issue profiled one of my idols in the industry, Carl Richards; financial planner, blogger, and napkin illustrator. Carl has been in the industry since 1996 and has provided easy to understand illustrations exploring the relationship between people and their money. He refers to this as the “behavior gap”. In short, Carl is an experienced and knowledgeable financial professional. But, as you’ll see in the New [...] Read more »

Tags: Behavior, dangers of debt, debt, personal finance

Stop Spending Money – It All Depends on Your Definition of STOP!

Written by Clair Schwan on November 13, 2011 · 15 Comments

I've touched on the idea that our words influence our beliefs which in turn influence our actions. In this post, I want to discuss the words and actions of two couples who had trouble understanding that the word "stop" meant something other than quit, cease, end, discontinue, terminate, or bring to a halt. It's funny in a way. Who doesn't know what "stop" means - really, come on, you have to be kidding. How might you explain to law enforcement that the meaning of "stop" on that large red sign back there just wasn't abundantly clear in your mind? Read more »

Tags: irresponsible behavior, Spending Money

The Most Important Money Advice You Will Ever Receive

Written by Jessica on November 12, 2011 · 9 Comments

You do not need to buy a bunch of books from Dave Ramsey, Suze Orman or David Bach to get this kind of advice. You don’t have to go to week long seminars to learn this powerful tool either. You don’t even have to leave your home. Look no further than this blog post and you will get the most valuable money advice you could ever need. The power of this strategy is amazing! It will teach your children a valuable lesson. It will save you thousands of dollars. It will help your marriage. It will even allow you to [...] Read more »

Tags: accountability, debt, just say no, money, Personal Responsibility, Priorities, sacrifice, saving money

This Year Just Say No to Chia Pets

Written by Suzanne Cramer on November 10, 2011 · 13 Comments

The holiday season is rapidly approaching; Christmas, Kwanzaa, Chanukah, whatever you call it, is about spending time with friends and family, enjoying a meal, and the true meaning of the holiday you choose to celebrate. It is NOT about who spends the most, who has the biggest pile of gifts, or who got the most Christmas cards. Many of us take the true meaning and purpose of the holiday season and turn it into a spending spree only to find the credit card hangover in January lasts until next year when it starts all over again. The Target, Our Children [...] Read more »

Tags: black friday, budget, Christmas, credit cards, Kids and Money, Priorities

2 Sure-Fire Ways to Lose Your Money…Guaranteed

Written by Paul Puckett on October 18, 2011 · Leave a Comment

A few years ago, I bought my daughters a fun, entertaining, and great inspirational book. The title is, How to Be Totally Miserable: A Self-Hinder Book by John Bytheway (Clearly a pen name). I highly recommend it! Inspired by this book, I am writing a short book focused on money. Thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands of books have been written on making money. Few, if any, help you find fun, innovative, creative and entertaining ways to lose money. Soon, at least one book will address this very needed niche for those who have grown tired of the constant battle to [...] Read more »

Tags: book, personal finance, ways to lose money

Are Your Actions Setting Up Your Children for a Lifetime of Debt?

Written by Jessica on October 15, 2011 · 3 Comments

avoid giving in to a child be a positive role model

When my oldest son was little I was a frequent customer at places like Target, the mall, and Bed Bath & Beyond. Shopping for me meant a lot of things. It was therapeutic, especially when I was feeling depressed (oddly enough, depressed about my lack of money was often the case). It was in search of bargains, which in hindsight ended up not being much of a bargain by the time I left. And it was a social activity. My then-husband and I would go shopping whenever we were bored. We said it was just to look around but we [...] Read more »

Tags: financial behaviors, financial literacy, habits, Kids and Money, lack of money, lifetime of debt, role model, shopping