I think that dealing with creditors is probably one of the most emotional experiences one can have at a time when they are likely the most vulnerable. Think about it. When you owe someone money and they are constantly hounding you to pay what you already know you owe, it can break anyone down who does not know how to handle them. Usually what happens is they use tactics to bully you into using your grocery money to pay them NOW! Credit Sharks In Suits (FPU Lesson) is great for helping you learn how to deal with these sharks, as […] Read more »
If My Words Were A Hand, They’d Be Slapping Some Sense Into You!
STOP BORROWING MONEY!!! Just to clear things up, the title isn’t to be taken literally. It’s just my way of grabbing your attention and telling you that if you are in debt, you need to hear this!! So LISTEN UP! This is perhaps the most important thing to learn after getting yourself on a budget. Dumping your debt will help you gain traction and in return offer you a hope you have never imagined. The reason is because all of the things most people have their money spent on before they ever get paid, steals their hope. When you accept […] Read more »
The “B” Word!
Yeah I said it, the “B” word….Budget. My FPU class just finished Lesson Three called Cash Flow Planning, and when most of us think about a budget, all kinds of negative thoughts surface. First we think it will keep us from having fun. If you are like me then you may have thought it was more trouble than it was worth. Seriously, why should we do a budget when it always seems to collapse midway through the month? Most of us have avoided doing a budget our entire life all because of these misconceptions. The truth is that the budget […] Read more »
Buying vs. Renting – What Should You Do?
I think a majority of people would say it is better to buy simply because of the “I own it”, way of thinking. I used to believe the same thing. I think people do not take into consideration all of the things that should change that “normal” way of thinking. Dave Ramsey believes that if you are in debt, have no savings and no plan you SHOULD NOT buy, and I am right there beside him in agreement. You need to consider insurance costs, property taxes, as well as being responsible for ALL repairs. All of which does not enter […] Read more »
Relationships That Count
You Do It! If there is one thing that comes through clearly in the “Relating With Money” lesson it is that we all need support and encouragement. We need each other. If you are married, you need your spouse in order for this money thing to work. If you are single you need someone to hold you accountable. So many people that I know use the “you do it” philosophy when it comes to money. I have too. When Alana and I first got married, she was the one who controlled the finances. That was until we had a few […] Read more »
My Payments Ate My Savings!
America has no use for Piggy Banks anymore! America is in the RED! With a negative savings rate, America is in DESPERATE need of a Total Money Makeover. What will it take? When will people finally understand why saving money is too important to ignore? America needs new priorities, like yesterday! As one of the very many bloggers who blog about money and personal finance, it is my duty to help spread the word. How much do YOU have saved up? What in the world is keeping us from doing what we know we should? Is your savings account overflowing […] Read more »
A Gentle Scream!
How can a scream be gentle? Debt CONsolidation is a CON. It’s what normal people do and normal people are broke. normal people do it because they are conned into believing that it will solve all their problems. If saving interest on a few STUPID debts and giving it to the broke guy conning you, is your idea of fixing your problems, then consider being weird for a moment. Why pay someone to cut you? Paying someone to “work out your life” is not what you need. All you are doing is moving your debt, that’s it. There’s not […] Read more »
That’s Right Diane Sawyer, You Should Pay Your Credit Cards LAST!
I watched a video where Dave Ramsey and Clark Howard were being interviewed by Diane Sawyer. In the interview, Diane Sawyer looked bewildered that they would suggest to pay the credit cards last. Then I saw another video that pretty much illustrated why Americans are on the wrong track financially. In this interview, Mellody Hobson is telling us how to survive an economic crisis. Some of her advice may be OK, but her answer on how to prioritize your bills lead me to believe that she is a lunatic!! She says you should pay your credit cards first so you […] Read more »
What If You Were Recession Proof?
Are we experiencing a recession? That seems to be the question of the year. If you watch the news, you are probably convinced that you should just give up. Don’t start digging that bunker just yet. The truth is that the U.S. is merely growing at a slower rate. From January to March the economy grew at the same rate of 0.6 percent, as the last quarter of 2007. Slow, but still growing. A recession is defined as a period of economic decline; specifically, a decline in GDP, for two or more consecutive quarters. Maybe we should wait until we […] Read more »
In (F.I.C.O.) We Trust?
“Everyone” says you should get a credit card so you can establish credit. Well, the truth is “Everyone” is Broke!! You want to establish credit so you can one day buy a house, right? That’s what most people believe they are doing or at least that is the reason they give for getting a credit card. I believe that it is the beginning of a cycle that ends up becoming a nightmare! Why would you need to have good credit? You would need to have good credit if you are planning to borrow money. If you do not plan on […] Read more »
Are Your Priorities Backwards?
I keep seeing this commercial on T.V. and everytime it drives me just as crazy as the time before! The line that drives me absolutely mad is this one: “Far too many Americans health care and financial security are at risk.” It goes on to say that, “Health Care costs are driving American families into bankruptcy.” AHHHHHHH! That is exactly what is wrong with this country today!! What is driving American families into bankruptcy is American families! It is US that is responsible for these stupid decisions that we make, not health care costs! Sure health care costs may […] Read more »
Cause and Effect (picture blog)
CAUSE & EFFECT It’s basically as simple as this. If you don’t have debt and lots of payments, your income becomes a tool for you to plan, give, build wealth, and save! Often people try to get out of a problem by fixing the symptom instead of the problem. If you are struggling financially and you are wondering why, add up all of your debt payments. In most cases the solution will be right in front of you. If you had $1,000 more a month to spend because you didn’t have the car payments, you would […] Read more »
The Path To Debt Freedom!
The Path To Debt Freedom! (My journey illustrated) (updated) NORMAL looks like this! (Borrow NOW, CRY later!) >>> “When do I get paid again?” (The cycle of cycles!) >>> Instead of chasing it, I just tell it what to do! >>> Never again! (Cash only!) >>>o Big T.V’s are nice, but not as nice as being debt free! (Put the $600 towards my Emergency Fund) >>> Sold the left ($8,500) and bought the right ($500)! (Savings- $375/month) Gazelle TIME!!! (Determination has never been more intense!) TO Saving has become a way of life! ($5,500 EF) Aaaaaaaaaaaagggggggggghhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!! We’re Debt Free!!! FREEEEEEEEEEEDOM!!!!!!!!!!! […] Read more »