If You’re in Debt, STOP Fueling the Fire…and Win Some Money Too!

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Wicked Evil Fish Shred

I know it seems extreme to cut up your credit cards for the greater good, but what you have been doing so far has got you where you are. Try something different. In any case, you can always go back to your old ways and rack up some more credit card debt -- though I wouldn't recommend it. You have nothing to lose except for your debt, high stress, living paycheck to paycheck, money fights, extreme frustration, bondage, depression, and poor finanial habits to name a few -- and that's right off the top of my head. There are plenty more! Read more »

It’s True, I Get Paid to Write for American Express

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Currency

American Express? Yep, You Read That Correctly I was recently contacted by someone who wanted to know if I would be interested in getting paid to write articles geared towards helping young people become more financially responsible. I responded with interest and wanted to know more. When I found out that the new site called CURRENCY, was being developed by American Express and Federated Media, I chuckled at the irony, but the timing couldn’t have been better. Currency Launched on Tuesday. Here are two of my published articles: Looking for a Job? Get Creative Going Back to School? Don’t Ruin [...] Read more »

A Contrarian View of Credit Reports and Credit Scores

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creditscore_equals_bigbanks1

Photo Credit: Adam_T4 Credit reports and credit scores are useful tools for those interested in estimating the credit worthiness of others. Many of us have worked hard to establish credit and keep our scores in the upper range so we’re viewed favorably. This indicates to others that we’re a good credit risk. It’s an important accomplishment because we know that having an undesirable credit rating can: adversely affect our ability to get a loan; result in being declined an offer of employment in certain job sectors; prevent us from qualifying as a tenant; and, interfere with being issued a security [...] Read more »

Enemy of Debt the Super Hero?

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enemy_debt_small

PURE AWESOMENESS! Yesterday, Enemy of Debt was introduced to the comic strip world for the first time! Back in February, I sent the creator of the Personal Finance comics an email, suggesting an Enemy of Debt character. Every comic has a villain and since he writes for a credit card site, I thought Enemy of Debt would play the part nicely. He liked the idea, and even took it one step further by asking me to write up a storyline. Having never written anything like that before I was a bit nervous, but I jumped right on it. I submitted [...] Read more »

Your Financial Mindset Determines Your Ability To Handle Credit Cards

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credit cards

Have you ever taken a position on credit cards one way or the other? I have, and to only say I was passionate about my position, would be an understatement. Just ask J. Money! I must start out by saying that some of you are going to feel as if I have lost my mind, and the rest of you are just going to be shocked completely about what I am about to say. Not because it doesn’t make sense, but because it is coming from ME. I am no longer the sworn enemy of credit cards. Yes, you read [...] Read more »

Book Review: Living Well With Bad Credit

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Back in December, I was asked if I would participate in a book review online tour. The book is Living Well With Bad Credit by Chris Balish and Geoff Williams. Now before I get started I must point out that this book has some things I ultimately disagree with, but with that said, it also has some helpful tidbits to help exterminate the notion that bad credit is the end of life as you know it. One of the very first things that stood out to me was one simple phrase. It’s a phrase that sounded so familiar, but it [...] Read more »

The Day I Killed My Credit Card

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This article is dedicated to the blogger at Cash Only Living. She said she loved my site and invited me to check out one of her posts. I read it and liked it, but another article she wrote called “I Did It! No More Credit Cards!!” grabbed my attention even more. It inspired me to write something about how I felt when we paid off our last credit card. I decided to make it fun by turning it into a story. This has never been done here so I hope I don’t let you down. Read about when she finally [...] Read more »

Hope Is The Dream Of A Soul Awake

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“When you do nothing, you feel overwhelmed and powerless. But when you get involved, you feel the sense of hope and accomplishment that comes from knowing you are working to make things better.” As some of my most loyal readers know, I eat, sleep, bath, and drink personal finance.  It’s sometimes all I talk about, definitely all I think about, and I seriously love blogging about it!  I absolutely NEVER EVER pass up an opportunity to discuss with someone the benefits of debt freedom.  My co-workers and friends, even the ones that aren’t completely on board, seem to know deep [...] Read more »