I got a little annoyed last week, when it was suggested that for someone with only a high school diploma, they were limited to working at the checkout at Walmart. (This argument was used to explain why debt was needed by low income families to get by.) Believing this is ridiculous, and spreading it around for someone without a degree to hear, is irresponsible! This is America!! Imagine someone with only a high school diploma, hearing someone say this and believing it. Dreams can be crushed before they ever have a chance to germinate. This is why I am such […] Read more »
Motivation 101 – What You Believe, Is What You Achieve!
Dawn and I have been going back and forth for days now. I wanted to share with you the difference between her and I, mainly by pointing out why I think she is wrong in her thinking. Her thinking is how most people look at it, and what I am trying to do here at EOD is to show people that there is another way that provides more options. I believe that more options translates into a higher success rate. A lot of people limit themselves by not realizing their options. I think Dawn dwells on the problem instead of […] Read more »
Motivation 101 – Saving To Buy, Instead Of Buying To Slave!
Can You Buy A House, Have A Car, Or Go To College Without Debt? With a plan you can! It seems like every time I write an article like this I lose a few subscribers. That’s fine, I am fully aware that I will not please everyone. This would be too easy if I could, and frankly I like the challenge. For some reason people seem to get angry about someone (me) telling them that it is ABSOLUTELY POSSIBLE to live life without accepting the chains and bondage that come with debt. I could speculate all day long about why […] Read more »
As Seen On CNN.com
An Unusual Day In The Life Of A Part Time Blogger Well let me start by saying, WOW!!! Today was an extraordinary day for me. Two weeks ago I was contacted through my website by Jim Kavanagh, a writer for CNN.com. When I woke up this morning I had no idea what I was in for. Kavanagh wrote a terrific story called, Walking Away From Credit Cards, which highlighted the fact that some people have chosen to say NO to credit cards. I was quoted as saying, “Credit card debt is our biggest hindrance in being able to take care […] Read more »
Just Say NO To Debt CONsolidation!
Once a month I may get something from a company that wants to partner with Enemy of Debt in some way. The one I received today was a little different but not really. She claimed to read a blog of mine, but maybe she needed to read more of them before contacting me. Her company was nothing more than a debt CONsolidation and negotiation company. My response was respectful, but to the point. The OFFER: Hi! I was checking out an article called “I Hate Debt, What About You” on your site www.enemyofdebt.com, and was thinking that I have a […] Read more »
Myth: I Don’t Make Enough To Do A Total Money Makeover
You Don’t Make Enough Money To Manage It? I hear this excuse all the time. Yes, I said excuse, or you could call it a justification for not wanting to face managing your money. Either way you look at it, it is still a myth. Yes, it is true that you could do more faster if you made more money, but to say you can’t, simply because you think it is impossible to do so much with so little, is selling yourself short. I would argue that it is even MORE important for you to be on a Total Money […] Read more »
Dave Ramsey for President 2008
President Ramsey? No, Dave Ramsey isn’t running for President, but if he was, I would probably vote for him. He has expressed his opinion and has made it clear he does not want the job. Personally, I do not blame him, but boy would it be nice to have a Government with a ZERO-BASED BUDGET? It would be nice to have someone who knows how to cut expenses and knows the difference between a want and a need. Someone who knows all to well how it feels to hit rock bottom, and someone who knows how to bounce back by […] Read more »
Are You Waiting For Washington To Save The Day?
As it stands now this is not a political blog, and I want to keep it that way. However, with the upcoming election, coupled with recent events (bailout, mortgage crisis) and the state of our economy, I feel it is important to address this issue. It seems that so many people are putting all of their faith into electing a President that they feel will fly down from the sky with his Presidential cape and leotards to save the day. Why is that? Do people really believe that Washington is going to come to the rescue? Do you really […] 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 »
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 »
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 »