Just Say No!

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I’ve always had trouble with the word no even as a child. My mom claims she would have raised my brother ten times before having to raise me again. I was strong willed, stubborn and loved to say, “no”. Not much has changed since then, I am still strong willed and stubborn, the difference is now I can’t say no, to anyone. Extra responsibilities at work? Sure, no problem. We’d like you to be the head room parent this year. Ok, I can do that! Would you mind being the website coordinator for football? Yeah, I don’t see why not. […] Read more »

This is Why Your Budget Isn’t Working

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how do you budget

  A few months ago, I wrote a few articles about how to budget.  But only recently, I realized that there was something I left out of those articles. I discovered that when I speak to people about their finances and how to make a budget, there is inevitable that person that tells me, “I tried to do a budget, but it just didn’t work for me”. When they express that to me, they seriously believe that doing a written budget just doesn’t work and that there has to be a better way of doing things.  But there is one […] Read more »

Make 2013 Debt Free…Join the Debt Movement

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Did you ever wonder why New Year’s resolutions never last? Each year as I resolve to quit all the bad habits I developed over the previous year, I always do. But if you take the right approach to a resolution such as “getting out of debt”, there’s no reason you can’t be successful. If you’ve been working to get out of debt with little success and need a kick start, consider joining the Debt Movement! We all need a little help from time to time whether it’s a debt relief plan that makes the process easier, a nudge in the […] Read more »

Our Story: An Interview on Talk Credit Radio

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About three months ago, I was honored to be a guest on Gerri Detweiler’s Talk Credit Radio program.  I was thrilled to share Vonnie and I’s debt story and answer Gerri’s questions regarding  how it has changed our lives forever.  She has been generous enough to provide me with a link to audio streaming of the interview, and I wanted to share it with The EOD Nation.  Click on the picture of Vonnie and I below to hear the interview.                 I’d love to hear your thoughts on the interview, or answer any […] Read more »

12 Smart Steps for Buying a Home

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buying a home

When you decide it’s time for you to buy a home, especially when it’s your first one, there are plenty of important details you need to know that can save you a large amount of time, money, and problems if you just take the time and effort to pay attention to the details and use a little common sense. I’m convinced that one of the main reasons so many people have been foreclosed on and are struggling is because they failed to use some of these common sense rules when they purchased a house and they ended up in financial […] Read more »

Don’t Let Debt Hold You Back

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2012 is rapidly coming to a close and it’s time to start thinking about your goals for 2013. If you have debts consider developing a plan to make 2013 the year you get out. Interest Affects Your Bottom Line The exercise of defining all of your credit card debt and the subsequent interest rates should be a top “to do”. Start by pulling your free annual credit report and seeing what you owe and at what rate. Create a spreadsheet, document or put a pen to paper listing your debts. Then calculate how much money you are spending each month […] Read more »

Getting Out of Debt – Selling Your Stuff Works…Kinda

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If you're one who is focused on getting out of debt, one technique is to sell your personal possessions. It's something many of us have done. In fact, I've purchased many an item from a neighbor trying to raise money for his basic needs. I've always questioned this approach because no one has an endless supply of "stuff" to sell. What happens when you run out of items to sell? Besides, the things that are easy to sell are most likely those that are the most useful, and it seems those items are the very ones that a person might care to keep. Read more »

My 8 Step Plan to Resolve Financial Conflict and be a Super Hero Husband

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My wife is a “Go big, or don’t do it at all” kind of person.   We once had a Valentine’s Day themed Pampered Chef party which included tables in our living room set with tablecloths, centerpieces, and a full dinner. While we were planning the party, we had several disagreements regarding how elaborate it should be.  It even became a joke of sorts between us as every time we disagreed, she would utter the phrase, “Don’t you see my vision?”  We had a huge turnout, and earned a ton of product credit from the sales. Taking into account the […] Read more »

“You Know You’re Broke If… “- 50 Ways to Know if You’re Light in the Wallet

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You Know You're Broke If...

If you’re broke, well, you probably know you’re broke.  Most of the time nobody has to tell you.  Even so, today I thought it would be fun to inform those who may be a little unsure by taking a look at the lighter side of being light in the wallet. So I made a list of 50 ways you know you’re broke. Because sometimes talking about money can be boring and you just gotta have a little fun!   You Know You’re Broke If… …Your latte’ bill is as vente’ as your car payment. …You comfort yourself by saying “Mo’ […] Read more »

Smart Phones are Going to Cost Me How Much?

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A mutiny is brewing at home, and I don’t know how much longer I can hold it off. Our cell phone contract expired in August which means we are eligible for a handset upgrade, or able to change carriers without penalty at any time. With scratched screens, odd behaviors, and increased frequency of complete “lockups” our phones are beginning to tell us they are nearing end of life. Chances are we will need to make a move soon, and if that move doesn’t include the iPhone as an option I fear I may come home one day to find the […] Read more »

Debt Struggles of the Millennial Generation

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Across the United States the Millennial Generation is struggling with debt, especially in the state of Virginia, a place my friend, Brad Chaffee happens to reside. According to recent internal data from CareOne the number of Virginia residents between the ages of 18 and 24 seeking debt relief increased 33% from 2010 to 2011 and was 12% higher than the national average. The number of 25 to 34 year old Virginian’s seeking debt relief also increased during that same period, by 4%, and was 3% higher than the national average. So what is happening that is causing higher than the national average […] Read more »

What’s Your Measuring Stick for Value?

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Over the weekend I went out to eat on two different occasions. The bills were significantly different, and so were the experiences. Restaurant #1: Vonnie and I visited a nice restaurant that came highly recommended, and has a reputation. The kind of reputation that usually results in people mentioning going there during Monday morning hallway conversations at work when asked if you and your significant other did anything special over the weekend. Vonnie had butternut squash ravioli, a cranberry spinach salad, and a glass of wine while I ordered the shrimp and scallop au gratin. Oooh, sounds fancy! Except it […] Read more »

Credit Card Negotiator

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No it’s not William Shatner the Priceline negotiator, it’s you the credit card negotiator! You’ve got credit card debt that is starting to get out of control and you’ve decided it’s time to take the preverbal “bull by the horns”. So how do you get started? Who do you talk to? Where can you turn for help? Understanding how to negotiate credit card debt just may be the first step for getting your finances back in order. But first things first there are a few cardinal rules when it comes to negotiating with your creditors. 1. Know what you want. […] Read more »

Debt Free News #26 – Deacon Hayes

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Getting out of debt is one of the greatest joys on the planet! Don’t believe me? Try it. Those that have achieved debt freedom know it and those that want debt freedom need to be reminded of it. Life is tough sometimes but it’s a lot nicer to be facing the many obstacles and unforeseen circumstances life throws at us without debt making it even tougher. Getting out of debt is a marathon not a sprint and it takes time to get there but it is so worth it. If you have debt and are wanting to rid yourself of […] Read more »