pay off debt | Enemy of Debt: Where Behavior Meets Reality

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 »

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 »

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 »

$571,817.68 Down And $0 To Go – Special Anniversary Celebration

Written by Meadow Devor on November 18, 2011 · 9 Comments

571,817.68 is a lot of dollars. On January 18, 2009, this is how much I owed in debt. After a decade of living beyond my means. A couple of lousy real estate transactions. And a failed marriage. I have carried this debt for nearly three years. Watching each month as the numbers crawled toward zero. And yesterday, I made my very last payment. New balance: $0.00. If I stacked 571,817 dollar bills into a pile and weighed it – it would be 1,167 pounds. That’s literally HALF a ton. The debt I carried weighed as much as [...] Read more »

What Will You Do With Your “No Restaurants in November” Savings?

Written by Paul Puckett on November 2, 2011 · 4 Comments

If you’ve accepted Brad’s challenge for No Restaurants in November by the end of the month will have saved up a sum of money. Last year, Brad saved $524.25 during the 2010 version of No Restaurant Month. Your savings will depend on how much you make and then spend at restaurants. When November ends, what should you do with the money you saved? Pay down your debt! First, if you have debt, use your November savings to reduce your outstanding debts, particularly the higher interest rate credit cards. You might think about what those balances represent and, if it’s financing [...] Read more »

Day 1: No Restaurants in November 2011 – Let the Savings Begin!

Written by Brad Chaffee on November 1, 2011 · 20 Comments

So today it begins. No Restaurants in November baby! If you missed the rules I am giving myself (and possibly you) click here to see if you have what it takes. Yep those are challenging words! :D Have you decided to be TOTALLY WEIRD by participating in such a thing? WARNING: Your friends may laugh at you. You may get called some names. Your actions may cause people to feel judged. If this happens to you, please tread carefully. Unpredictable behavior may ensue. I get it. It totally sucks to be the only person at work with a bagged lunch, but guess what? It also sucks to be broke and/or keeping yourself from reaching your goals. Read more »

Share Your Debt Free Bucket List. Win $500 towards Killing Off Your Debt!!

Written by Brad Chaffee on October 31, 2011 · 358 Comments

Yep, you read that correctly! One of YOU is going to win $500!! Enemy of Debt and Life Insurance Finder have partnered up to help you reach your debt free goals. Life Insurance Finder is an Australian based company that allows you to compare and select the right life insurance for you and your family based on your needs. All you have to do to enter is tell us what's on your Debt Free Bucket List, plus if you want 10 EXTRA ENTRIES you can write about this giveaway on your blog. Don't have a blog? Not to worry because you'll have the chance to earn up to 5 EXTRA ENTRIES by tweeting about the giveaway. Please read and follow the instructions below to ensure your entry is accepted. Read more »

I Hear the Secrets that you Keep…

Written by Suzanne Cramer on October 27, 2011 · 6 Comments

I do, I hear them; the denial, self talk, and the inevitable, “What am I going to do?” They are secrets you keep from everyone; your family, your friends, and even your significant other. You’re in debt. It doesn’t matter how it happened, what matters now is that you do something about it. That’s where I come in. I am a certified credit counselor for CareOne Debt Relief Services and everyday I talk to people about their debt. Sometimes I am the first person they have admitted this to and they are scared, apprehensive, and skeptical. I would be too; [...] Read more »