Getting the Average American Out of Debt

Written by on · 17 Comments

[Guest author today, Graham from MoneyStepper.com] Getting out of debt isn’t easy. But, as many inspirations in the personal finance blogosphere have proven, it’s achievable. And when it is achieved, boy does it feel good!! We see hundreds of figures every year on “The Average American” and that they are in a position of debt like never seen before. Well, today, we are going to get this average American, let’s call him Tay (“The Average Yank”), out of debt for good in under 3 years, with relative ease! The Average American’s figures To help Tay, we need to know a […] Read more »

Reining In The Baby Expenses

Written by on · 7 Comments

[Guest author today, Jason Steele] Having a baby creates the ultimate budget paradox. On one hand, it’s every good parent’s instinct to spare no expense when it comes to their children’s health and safety. At the same time, “sparing no expense” can be a non-stop ticket to unlimited debt. So how can parents resolve this paradox? It starts with a conversation about how to express our love and caring in ways other than spending. The wealthiest, most free spending parents do not love their children any more than their more frugal neighbors. And once a child’s need are met, additional […] Read more »

Cut A Brisket, Cut Your Costs

Written by on · Leave a Comment

It’s Labor Day weekend and grills across the country are firing up for end of the summer cookouts. We hosted one yesterday, and I was up before the sun (5AM to be precise) to start smoking a brisket for a gathering we were hosting that evening. I removed the fourteen pound mass of meat I had purchased and seasoned the night before from the refrigerator. I snapped on some rubber gloves and began rubbing a little extra seasoning on the brisket ensuring it was fully covered. I ran my fingers across the layer of fat that separates the two major […] Read more »

Hotel Room Fees Exposed!

Written by on · 18 Comments

I opened the hotel room door to find a flyer labeled “Express Check Out” laying on the floor. Our vacation was over, and it was time to settle up with the hotel for our accommodations. I opened it up and sat down on the bed to examine it for accuracy. The daily room rates were as expected, but there were so many different taxes listed that I began to wonder exactly what those amounts were for. Normally I just assume the hotel is charging the government required taxes, but I was feeling especially frisky that morning and decided to verify […] Read more »

I Love You Like a Blogger Roundup – 05/10

Written by on · 16 Comments

My son Tristan is getting confirmed in two weeks, so Vonnie and I are dedicating this weekend to a full out cleaning blitz.  I’m actually excited about it because our home could use a good top to bottom cleaning.    It may sound strange for me to be excited about cleaning, but you have to remember I’m a guy that obsessively straightens the shoes by the front door when we have guests over.  Having a picked up, neat and tidy, clean home just puts my state of being into a peaceful place. With all that cleaning going on, we won’t be […] Read more »

Why Zombies Seem Easier to Face Than Real Life

Written by on · 9 Comments

Just in case you have been living under a rock, Zombies are all the hotness.  The story is not really new, but the popularity of the genre is reaching a critical mass thanks to hits like The Walking Dead. What strikes me about the trend is the timing. There seems to be (to me anyway) a solid correlation between the rise of the Zombie/ post-apocalyptic genre and the decline of the national economy. Let’s explore some common themes. The total eradication of modern technology…no more cell phones, TV or gadgets. A return to living off of the land and the […] Read more »

I Love You Like a Blogger Roundup – 2/1

Written by on · 26 Comments

Three words for you: Super. Bowl. Sunday.   I love Super Bowl Sunday and all that comes with it.  Funny commercials, great food, good times with friends, and if the game is good that’s just the cherry on top.  I have conflicting feelings about who to root for this year.  Randy Moss (Receiver) is now a 49er, and he gave Viking fans a whole lot to cheer about for a lot of years.  On the other hand, Matt Birk (Center) is a Raven, and I STILL can’t believe the Vikings let him go.  Great player, great person.  Both teams are also […] Read more »

I Love You Like a Blogger Roundup 9/21

Written by on · 6 Comments

Happy Friday, EOD Nation! I’ve been bursting with excitement anxiously waiting being able to share with you my favorite articles from the past week.  There have been some great ones, so I don’t want to waste anymore of your time – let’s get to the list already! 4 Steps to Avoid Financial Infidelity  from Dr. Jason Cabler via Kylie Ofiu Definitions Of A Middle Class Income: Do You Consider Yourself Middle Class? from Financial Samurai 14 Things I learned On Debt Management from a fellow customer of CareOne Debt Relief Services who is literally DAYS away from being debt free. […] Read more »

I’m In Debt, But I Party Like a Rock Star

Written by on · 18 Comments

It all started in 1997 as a housewarming party at Vonnie and I’s first home. We hosted both our parents, and a few select close relatives. We decided to make it a tradition, and this year we hosted our 16th annual Memorial Weekend Party. It’s grown over the years, and quite frankly, it’s achieved almost legendary status. Friends and family come from out of town and stay not only at our home, but also the homes of our neighbors. A great time is certainly had by all that attend, however with all it’s fanfare comes a lot of work, and […] Read more »

All Aboard! The Personal Finance Tour Bus is Scheduled for Departure

Written by on · 15 Comments

Good morning debt haters! This morning I would like to introduce you to a new network I have been asked to join. As you know, there are many networks out there, just as there are many personal finance blogs, but this network is a bit different because each member is considered to be an expert in a specific niche of personal finance. (investing, debt, Canadian, teens & college, retirement, taxes, Christian, and even humor.) Allow me to introduce you to the Money Mavens Network. I am extremely honored and excited to be working next to these guys. We plan to […] Read more »

No More Mondays And Why Everyday Is Friday Now

Written by on · 52 Comments

Hello everyone! Happy Monday! I am going to share some news with you today that I am excited about. We have made a pretty bold, but confident decision that involves my employment. You could say it all started with two books, but really it started at the time I started working. We all dream of doing what we want to do as opposed to what we feel we have to in order to survive financially, but actually doing it is a completely different story. The books that encouraged me to eventually take the plunge was No More Mondays and 48 […] Read more »

My 2010 Comprehensive List Of New Years Resolutions

Written by on · 31 Comments

What are your New Year Resolutions? It seems to be so easy to make resolutions but even easier to abandon them as the year passes by. My main goal for the year is to stay motivated to complete all of my resolutions for the year. I plan to do that by giving you a monthly update as to my progress on these goals below. Ultimate accountability! I would ask that you help me by keeping me accountable. You can do that by actively participating in the comments section of each “Resolution Tracker” update post. Thank you and I hope each […] Read more »

“Financial Independence” Ceremonial Speech

Written by on · 2 Comments

As you know I am currently taking a public speaking class.  The last speech I posted was an informative speech about The Benefits Of Saving.  I told you that I planned on doing my ceremonial speech as if I had just become debt free.  I did so, but also decided to make it about my entire class becoming debt free.  Not only that but I wrote the speech as if I was giving it to a crowd of people.  After all, this kind of celebration would be huge.  I am scheduled to give this speech tonight in class.  I am […] Read more »