Need Some Help??

Although this blog hasn't been updated in a while, it's hoped that some strides have been made towards your life change in the area of finances.

Some ideas to keep in mind as taken from

• 
• Take baby steps-Don't do too many things at once. Doing too much at once will cause frustration and discouragement.
• Be Realistic-Set short term goals. Make a decision to stop INCREASING debt. Be realistic about DECREASING it in 6-12 mos.
• Look for Immediate Benefits- be proud that u had the courage to take control of your finances! Think of how happy you;ll be when u don't have to avoid bill collectors phone calls, or when the day comes when you'll meet your commitments! :)
• Visualize the Future- Imagine what u'll do with your extra $$-invest it, vacation, charity etc.
• Chart Your Own Course-Set up your plan and be sure it works. Don't jump from fad to craze...no comparisons (to your friends) will mean no discouragement.
• Believe In Yourself-Look for small things to get excited about...paying off a bill, getting a balance below $1,000 etc. Remember you're human. if you slip up, it's ok. Don't let it keep you from your bigger goal. Shake it off and keep moving.
• Make it EZ-Leave the ATM cards at home, take a walk in the park, go to the Libary.
• Anticipate Your Excuses-Pay attention to your trouble spots. Have accountability people-those who you'll answer to.
  
• Be Patient- Again, set small goes to avoid discouragement, forgive your slip ups, stick with it, and in time success is yours!
• Celebrate Your Success- Allow small celebrations for yourself, say, every 6-12 mos. Do a trip to the beach, pizza and movies at home, potluck dinner w/friends. Ask them to keep supporting you towards your next goal!

-Remember to be happy, and know you'll be helping someone who is in the same boat, YOU ONCE were in!!

The ABCD's of Getting Out of Debt...

According to

there are 4 rules to getting out of debt.
They're known as "the ABCD's of Getting Out of Debt," and they are:

• Pay Attention
• Be Disciplined
• Craft A Plan
• Do It

Let's hit each point
Pay Attention: In a nutshell, face your stuff (debts). Grin and bear it-write down your debts down! Focus on your spending so you don't go backwards into debt again.
****
Be Discipline: Pay more than the minimum on your credit card, pay bills on time, and live within your means (with the budget you'll create).
*****
Craft A Plan: Face the facts. Put a budget together. Create a repayment plan.
Consolidate/move debts to lower interest rates, and STOP INCURRING NEW DEBT!
*****
Do It: Put your plan to work. Make your lists, charts, reports etc that'll tell you if you're on track. Set small goals such as weekly or monthly. If you can't implement your newly hatched plan for a couple of days, or weeks-it's ok. Start where you are, revise the plan and move forward.
Remember-NO PRESSURE.

-Next, we'll discuss budgeting.

BUSY BUSY BUSY!!!

By now, you should've AT LEAST visited the website for your credit report!
:)

Here's an interactive exercise for you from Mvelopes.com It's a Financial Fitness Quiz, that'll determine how fit you are financially.

Don't be scared!
How Financially Fit R U?


Answer the questions honestly...you need a picture of who are you are as a spender! It's ok-you're not being judged, we're in this together!

Happy New Year's To You!!

We're here!
We've crossed over into 2008!
I hope your New Year's Eve was wonderful!
Mine's was.

This week, why don't we discuss goals.
What do you hope to accomplish in the area of finance in 2008?
You can post a comment, or you can privately write down your goals...
JUST BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF.

Also, don't forget to apply for your credit report-it must be done! ;)
(see post dated 12.30.07)

Chill on this awesome day, January 1st, 2008
And tomorrow...we'll get some work done.

It's late and I'm starting to



Happy 2008, to you!