My Resolutons – Track My Progress!

Written by on · 1 Comment

Hello everyone and happy Friday! Last year I made lots of resolutions but failed to track them throughout the year. This year I am not making the same mistake. That’s why I created a page you can go to whenever you are curious as to how I am doing on the resolutions I set to accomplish. (and to hold me accountable) Hopefully, this will not only help keep me accountable, but will also motivate and inspire some of you to fulfill your own resolutions in 2011! I will be updating this page weekly, monthly, and sometimes randomly depending on the […] Read more »

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

Written by on · 19 Comments

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 »

January Love Drop – Meet Jill

Written by on · 1 Comment

Howdy folks! Back in November you may remember me mentioning something I consider to be extremely awesome. Love Drop has a very special place in my heart, not just because of who's involved, but because of what they're doing. It's giving, compassion, love, and community all wrapped up into one massive cause! It's January! Time to start making a difference! Jill is a single mother who lost her job, and then her daughter. She became homeless, found a home, and then lost it to a fire. If this video doesn't move you, I'm not sure what will. Read more »

Do You Suffer From (SAD) Stuff Attachment Disorder?

Written by on · 8 Comments

Photo Credit: paalia Have you made the smart resolution to work on becoming debt free in 2011? If so, congratulations! As many of you know, making the resolution is just the beginning. Resolutions are easy to make, but unfortunately they’re even easier to break. I’ve broken resolutions myself as I’m sure you have too. In the beginning, you’re pumped up about your decision to do whatever it is that you’ve decided to do, but once life, time constraints, and a lack of discipline get in the way, that motivation wanes and we find ourselves giving up on our desire to […] Read more »

What’s Your Debt Free Plan? Get Organized!

Written by on · 7 Comments

Photo Credit: banspy So it’s 2011 and you have decided to get out of debt. What next? Getting out of debt can be a very overwhelming undertaking especially when you have no idea where you actually stand. The truth, although sometimes ugly, shall set you free. Too many people — my former self included — simply avoid the truth and walk around ignoring the reality of their financial situations. I’ll just say what you probably already know. Ignoring reality doesn’t make it any less real and denial does more to hurt you than to help you. Once you’ve decided that […] Read more »

My New Year’s Resolutions for 2011

Written by on · 15 Comments

Photo Credit: lululemon athletica Happy New Year everyone! I’ve gotten to somewhat of a late start this year as far as my resolutions are concerned. I have plenty to accomplish in 2011 though, so here’s what I am hoping to accomplish this year. Financial Save $10,000 Emergency Fund – In 2010 we had a few setbacks in the emergency fund department. Neither were bad things, just set backs. We ended up settling on our second mortgage which depleted our emergency fund by over $7,000. OUCH!! The other thing happened here recently where we decided to give a good portion of […] Read more »

Shred Your Credit Card…Fa la la la la, la la la la!

Written by on · 1 Comment

What is in the air this holiday season? I am feeling especially festive right now so I decided to break the news in a little song. haha! Maybe I had way too much fun coming up with ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas! Then again, I could have had too much eggnog, but who cares. The important thing is that I’m sharing it with you. 😉 I was recently asked to be a part of something I couldn’t say no to. Actually it was more like I injured myself just trying to respond. Okay, I didn’t really injure myself but I […] Read more »

Homemade Wedding Tips and Benefits for 2011

Written by on · 6 Comments

Are you planning a wedding in 2011? The first biggest test of a successful marriage is planning the wedding. Why? Because the costs involved from hall to caterer to flowers can sometimes be ridiculous and spark unnecessary drama between the parties. Furthermore, new couples don’t want to start off their lives together in debt, especially when the average wedding price tag is anywhere from $26,000 and up. That said, hopefully the lucky couple has enough time to do advanced research and find the most affordable answers to all their needs. Read more »

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (In Debt Edition)

Written by on · 14 Comments

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through my mind Not a buck to my name, not a one I could find; My credit cards are maxed out; but I still need to flaunt’em. While I stand there and watch my finances hit bottom; The children were cozy all snug in their beds, Not a clue in the slightest of the danger ahead; Their beds could be repo’d, or even their pet, We borrowed for everything; and now we’re in debt. A reality check is in order but who will it be, to open my eyes and help me face […] Read more »

Saving Money on Renter’s Insurance

Written by on · 1 Comment

Photo Credit: kowaleski This is a guest post by Jeff Orloff. Cutting insurance altogether is never a good idea, even when you are trying to save money. Unfortunately, one of the biggest myths when it comes to insurance is that renters insurance isn’t necessary so many people take a pass in order to budget that money for something else even if it means leaving the possessions you have accumulated over your lifetime unprotected from theft or disaster. When it comes to renter’s insurance, there are many ways you can cut costs so that your possessions are protected while staying within […] Read more »

Brad & J’s 2010 Christmas Stimulus WINNERS!

Written by on · 9 Comments

Photo Credit: www.metaphoricalplatypus.com Merry Christmas everyone!!4 Days Left! I am so very happy to announce the winners of Brad & J’s 2010 Christmas Stimulus!! First, I’d like to thank each and every one of you for giving me a reason to continue blogging. It’s because of you that I have been able to do this for almost 3 years now! I NEVER imagined that I would ever have a blog, let alone end up with nearly 1000 subscribers! You ROCK! I LOVE YOU ALL! In 2010, I added 600 subscribers, and in 2011 I fully intend on stepping up my […] Read more »

Debt Free News From A Debt Free Reader #19

Written by on · 9 Comments

Happy DEBT FREE FRIDAY everyone!! Christmas is almost here. Are you ready? Will your Christmas be a Debt Free Christmas in 2010? I know someone who will be having a debt free Christmas this year. Dave, the author of I Heart Money. He has a book about how to change your relationship with money so that you can pay off your debt and build assets! Regardless of how it sounds, if you are still in debt you can have a debt free Christmas. That’s right and it’s real simple too. Buy Christmas with money you have! If you use credit […] Read more »

Brad & J’s 2010 Christmas Stimulus

Written by on

Oh man!! Today didn’t come fast enough for me. I was a little antsy to say the least but the day has come. FINALLY! Last year, J Money and I decided to bring Enemy of Debt and Budgets Are Sexy together for something truly awesome! The economy was broken, unemployment was high, and we wanted to help. Brad & J’s 1st Annual Christmas Stimulus 2009 was born! Last year was awesome! We gave away $150 each and had a great time doing it! Two blogs, two giveaways, two winners, $300! We are extremely happy to announce the second coming. The […] Read more »

Gift Cards & Tipping – What’s Your Opinion?

Written by on · 9 Comments

Photo Credit: y2bk Gift cards have become increasingly popular year after year! It’s an easy way to send someone you love a nice gift that they can use at their convenience. This post is specifically about gift cards to restaurants, but it’s not about the actual gift card as much as it is about how you tip when you pay with one. Recently we used a $25 gift card for a local restaurant and during this process it got me thinking. Do people generally tip more or less when their bill is reduced because of a gift card? Our meal […] Read more »