Behavior | Enemy of Debt: Where Behavior Meets Reality

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

The Psychology of Getting Out of Debt

Written by Brad Chaffee on January 9, 2012 · 22 Comments

One week ago many of you started working on your financial resolutions for 2012. Hopefully those of you with debt resolved to put together a solid plan to destroy it once and for all. There are many factors that go into the process of debt elimination but one that is often overlooked or underestimated is the psychological side. Anyone can say they want to become debt free but it’s our emotionally-driven behaviors and attitudes that will grant us final passage into the world of financial freedom. Math is only a very small component in the game of debt yet it’s [...] Read more »

Tags: action, Attitude, Behavior, Debt Elimination, getting out of debt, pay off debt, psychology of debt

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

Managing your Investments is Like Baking a Souffle

Written by Paul Puckett on December 6, 2011 · 3 Comments

I love to cook! A few years ago, I decided to try to bake the often dreaded souffle. NPR had a feature on The Science of the Perfect Souffle that made me crave the delicate and light texture of the aerated eggs for a nice brunch. There are a few challenges if you want a perfect souffle and NPR’s Joe Palca turned to Jeffrey Buben, owner and head chef at Vidalia, a restaurant in Washington, D.C, for the perfect souffle. The really neat thing about souffles is they can be a main dish when the eggs are mixed with herbs [...] Read more »

Tags: Baking, Behavior, Investing, Investment Management, psychology, Souffle

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

Saying “I Can’t” Is Just Like Saying “I Don’t Want To”

Written by Brad Chaffee on September 21, 2010 · 12 Comments

Photo Credit: haydnseek Have you ever said “I can’t?” I have, and you probably have too. What is it that you are really saying when you speak those words? Are you saying you lack the ability to learn, or are you saying you lack the desire to try? I personally feel the phrase “I can’t” is the equivalent of saying “I don’t want to”. If you wanted to do something, wouldn’t you try, and if you didn’t, you couldn’t say I couldn’t, you would have to then say I didn’t? (Tongue twister—I know) Unfortunately, many people say I can’t before [...] Read more »

Tags: Attitude, Behavior, Lifestyle, personal finace, Saving

Bankruptcy – A Solution, A Cop-out, Or An Enabler?

Written by Brad Chaffee on December 16, 2009 · 14 Comments

Have you ever considered filing bankruptcy to resolve your financial crisis? I know I have, but was so very glad that someone who cared about me decided to speak up. Determining yourself to be financially incapable is nothing to take lightly, but it seems that these days, filing for bankruptcy is no different than having your teeth cleaned. I refer to filing for bankruptcy as the equivalent of taking the morning after pill to prevent unwanted pregnancy, and here’s why. The fact of the matter is that in both cases, someone wakes up one day and suddenly realizes “Hey, I [...] Read more »

Tags: Bankruptcy, Behavior, Debt Elimination

Is It A Boy Or A Girl?

Written by Brad Chaffee on June 15, 2009 · 10 Comments

That Is The Question! I have not announced this here on EOD yet, but thought that today would be the best time to do so. Alana and I are having another baby, due to arrive on October 26th to be exact. I am very excited about this and today we find out whether we are having a boy or a girl. I LOVE BEING A DAD, it is the best gift EVER! What Do I Hope We Are Having? Honestly it really doesn’t matter to me. Either way I will be excited just the same. I do hope that my [...] Read more »

Tags: Behavior, Change, Choices, debt, determination, Personal Responsibility, Priorities, sacrifice

12 Steps To Debt Freedom

Written by Brad Chaffee on May 27, 2009 · 59 Comments

I am addicted to becoming and staying debt free! Are you addicted to becoming and staying debt free? If so, these are the principles and ideas that you would follow to achieve such a thing. You have probably heard about the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, and how they really help these folks cope from day to day. I just created 12 principles very loosely based on those of AA, with a debt free spin. I really just got the idea of where and how to list them, and then I just started thinking of all the things one [...] Read more »

Tags: 12 steps, Behavior, Budgeting, Change, Contentment, debt, Debt free, decisions, determination, Diligence, frugal, Frugality, money, savings

Just Say NO To Debt CONsolidation!

Written by Brad Chaffee on April 1, 2009 · 4 Comments

Once a month I may get something from a company that wants to partner with Enemy of Debt in some way. The one I received today was a little different but not really. She claimed to read a blog of mine, but maybe she needed to read more of them before contacting me. Her company was nothing more than a debt CONsolidation and negotiation company. My response was respectful, but to the point. The OFFER: Hi! I was checking out an article called “I Hate Debt, What About You” on your site www.enemyofdebt.com, and was thinking that I have a [...] Read more »

Tags: Behavior, credit, debt, Debt CONsolidation, Debt Negotiation, decisions, life, money, tools

A Gentle Scream!

Written by Brad Chaffee on July 28, 2008 · 4 Comments

How can a scream be gentle? Debt CONsolidation is a CON. It’s what normal people do and normal people are broke. normal people do it because they are conned into believing that it will solve all their problems. If saving interest on a few STUPID debts and giving it to the broke guy conning you, is your idea of fixing your problems, then consider being weird for a moment. Why pay someone to cut you? Paying someone to “work out your life” is not what you need. All you are doing is moving your debt, that’s it. There’s not [...] Read more »

Tags: Avoid, Behavior, Beware, Change, Dave Ramsey, debt, Debt CONsolidation, savings, Stay Away