The Lost Subject: Personal Finance

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Were you taught about money and personal finance when you were in school? I wasn’t. Even today personal finance is not taught in most schools or considered a curriculum requirement for college students. How do we expect today’s youth to stop the vicious cycle of debt if we don’t teach them how? The latest report from the Federal Reserve shows that consumers are still using their credit cards in a big way; revolving credit, which is made up primarily of credit card debt rose to $801.0 billion. It’s obvious the cycle continues as millions of Americans rack up debt and […] Read more »

An Open Letter to My Debt

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Dear Debt, I’ve waited 5 years to say these words to you—good riddance. I know you’re thinking that this is some sort of joke and I’m really about to burst into a Green Day song, but I assure you I’m not. I’m legitimately, once and for all, saying good riddance. You have caused me enough grief, frustration and sadness for two lifetimes. And I couldn’t be happier that you’re gone. We started out as friends. You were a constant presence in my life. It was comforting to have you because it was a reminder of the good times we had. […] Read more »

Just Say No to Inflatable Santa’s

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“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

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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 »

I Hear the Secrets that you Keep…

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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 »

5 Ways to Plan for your Family’s Future…Without Going into Debt in the Present

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When you’re responsible for a family, you want to know your loved ones will be cared for now and even after you are gone. There are several steps you can start taking to make certain your family’s needs are met without causing a serious disruption to your current finances. Here are some options to consider. Be Careful at Home Be sensible around your house. Don’t leave unnecessary lights on, and wait until you have a sizeable laundry load before washing clothes in order to save electricity costs. This can also help you reduce your water bill. Check Your Bills Take […] Read more »

Take a Step Back…Put your Financial Behavior in Check

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Debt is sometimes inevitable, unavoidable, and well a fact of life for many. No matter what your stage of life you may be faced with financial issues. Life can take its toll on your finances; unemployment, an unexpected illness, divorce or a death in the family can send you into a financial tailspin. But sometimes financial issues stem from a cause deeper than the unexpected; the way you think about money. To snap out of bad financial habits it may require some lifestyle and behavioral changes. 10 Financial Principles Dr. Bernard Poduska, author of For Love or Money writes about […] Read more »

Do Our Parents Money Decisions Define Us?

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From a young age I was given the ability to choose how I would spend my money. I was raised in a “typical” family unit with two hard working parents and a younger sibling. We weren’t rich, we weren’t poor we were considered middle class, I suppose. My dad worked long hours as a small business owner (he was a mechanic) and my mom worked part-time so she could take care of us. The family business was passed onto him by my grandfather who came to the states with nothing except the clothes on his back. Read more »

An American Tale: A Life of Credit and Debt

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Credit Cards. In my college years, those two words meant freedom. They provided me with a sense of security. They allowed me to finally purchase anything I needed without having to ask my parents for help. Credit cards were the answer when I was hungry or late on a bill payment because my checking account was low. They provided a means of fun. I didn’t have to say ‘no’ to myself anymore. I could go out to dinner at a place that didn’t have a drive-thru. I could go on spring break to Florida. I could buy concert tickets when […] Read more »

Debt Free News #20 – Jenny of Ex-Consumer

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Guess what folks! Debt Free Friday is back and today I want to congratulate Jenny from Ex-Consumer, and her husband for becoming debt free! Woo-hoo! That is awesome news for sure. For all of you debt free enthusiast out there, I hope you take the time to read this story of hope and freedom. Be inspired by Jenny and all those who came before her! You’re NEXT! Make your plan to become debt free and get down to business! We’ll all be rooting for you here at Enemy of Debt so be sure to drop by for motivation and some […] Read more »

Debt Free News From A Debt Free Reader #5

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Hello everyone. I hope you all have a wonderful debt free Friday. It’s time for another Debt Free News From A Debt Free Reader installment. This one is brought to you by Mr. J Money from Budgets Are Sexy. I have been friends with J since around the middle of last year, and he really is the nice, caring guy that wants to help make your finances and your life go a little smoother. He is really good at posting on topics to make personal finance a little less boring and has proven that budgets really are sexy. At the […] Read more »

Guest Post At My Super-Charged Life: A Debt Free Manifesto

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To All New Readers: WELCOME! My Guest Post at My Super-Charged Life: A Debt Free Manifesto – 10 Common Sense Reasons To Live Debt Free…read it.  Find out what eating pie and becoming debt free have in common! First of all, I would like to thank all of you for taking the time to visit Enemy of Debt! You will find that my main goal here is to help others find financial security through adopting a debt free lifestyle.  I hope I can help you too! 😉 Many have said it cannot be done, although a growing number of people […] Read more »

What Is Your Financial Profile?

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I often find myself thinking about what someone’s financial profile might be based on certain little facts.  Okay so maybe I have been watching a little too much of the show Criminal Minds, but I have started to think I can come up with a financial profile for everyone.  Haha! (You know that only knowing about savvy money hacks is not enough, right?) Trust me, I am not an expert, but I could take a shot at it for fun, right? Below I have tried to come up with a profile for the good and the bad.  Could I work […] Read more »

BREAKING NEWS: Life Changing Miracle Makes Daddy Proud!

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Sometimes When LIFE Happens To You It Is A Blessing! Well folks, Joseph Noah has arrived!  Beautiful, healthy and a gift better than any other!  I can only describe the feeling as life changing.  That’s part of the beauty of being a parent.  We learn so much from each child and each experience.  The fact that a little baby can change us without ever saying a word is phenomenal!  Today was a remarkable day indeed! Here are a few preliminary photos, I plan to share more later on.  Enjoy them as you are reminded of how beautiful life really is! […] Read more »