Just beginning is liberating

In the coming year you have absolutely no other choice but to rid yourself of your debts. Just beginning is liberating. You have to do this; you have no other choice if you want a real life.


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Make decisions based on reality

Resolve to make decisions based on reality.

It's a simple concept not often followed. People make X but live on Y. Instant gratification comes with a price tag that has to be financed with other people's money.

You know your income. Not what you want it to be, but what it is. You know your expenses. Not what you wish they were, but what they are. Write it all down.

Do the math, welcome reality.
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debIt card

Use your debIt card, not your debt card.

You just have to change one letter. Coincidence? I don't think so. Go look in the mirror, add "I" to the equation and never use a "debt" card again.

Not a bad resolution to make in a couple of days now is it?
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New Year resolutions

Time to think about making some New Year resolutions. Here's one for you.

Resolve to use only your debit card next year. You shouldn't possess any credit cards. A debit card can do everything a credit card can except create debt.

Not a bad resolution, and not a bad tool to ensure your debt-free life stays on track. Following this advice ensures no new debt.
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Debt as a gift

Did you give debt as a gift this year?

Buying gifts on credit and handing them to someone else who lives in the same household, on the same income is nothing more than handing them more debt. How can this be characterized as “gift giving?”

This advice is given today for a reason. Pack up those debt-riddled gifts and return them immediately.
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The difference between you and 70% of the population

The difference between you and 70% of the population is that the gifts you gave yesterday were PAID-FOR.

Another difference is that next month they'll get billed for the gifts. You won't. It's a cold lonely walk from the mailbox to the house when you're holding a credit card bill. Good thing that isn't you anymore, huh?

In February you won't be out the interest they're paying. In March . . .you get the idea.
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Pen to paper

Most people actually find money when they put pen to paper and do a real budget. Money always makes a nice gift. Why don’t you give yourself some this Christmas?
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A great gift

Collect all your credit card statements, put them in a box, and put the box under the Christmas tree.

Open the box on Christmas morning and stare at those statements. Vow that next Christmas will be different.

This gift is for you and your family. Each Christmas from this point forward will be better financially. This is a great gift to give and receive.
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Ghosts of Christmas Past

The Financial Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future.

If you're not learning from the Past how to plan in the Present for a bright Future, your Christmases to come won't be worth looking forward to.

If you don't learn from the mistakes you made in the past you leave your financial future to chance and that's irresponsible, impacting not just you but those depending on you.
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Start a Home Maintenance Fund

Another Christmas Gift to Self Idea: Start a Home Maintenance Fund. Set it up to always total 1% to 3% of your home's value and keep it separate to handle all things related to home maintenance and upkeep.

If your home is older, lean toward 3% as your total. It's yet another shield against life’s happenings.
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Stuff

We all have “stuff.” But do you own your “stuff” or are you just holding it for the store?
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Ask yourself

You might think a new car is a great Christmas gift. But, ask yourself:

Would you rather have a $40,000 car and $5,000 in the bank or a $5,000 car and $40,000 in the bank?

Another thing nice about $5,000 cars is they are PAID-FOR in full, which is how your Christmas should be this year and forever more.
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Christmas Gift To Self Idea

Christmas Gift To Self Idea: Instead of living paycheck to paycheck live on last month’s income.

It takes some discipline. You save up enough money to cover a month's worth of living expenses. When you have that amount saved you pay bills with that money.

At the same time you deposit your current paycheck in the same account.

You're always a month ahead and it’s a Christmas gift that gives all year long.
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“PAID-FOR” Christmas

Do away with “yeah but” and “I want” gifts this year. Pledge that every gift you give will be purchased with money that is yours, and that you will have a “PAID-FOR” Christmas from this Christmas forward.
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Christmas Gift Idea

Christmas Gift Idea: Commit today to begin paying off your house.

Yes, you can live in a paid-for house. Our grandparents would shake their heads at us for not understanding this, and our great-grandparents would be shocked and disbelieving we don’t already know this.
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Spread the word

Make some deals. Tell anyone who is buying you a gift to pay down their debt instead. Tell them you'll do the same on your end of the arrangement.

Paid-For Christmas . . . spread the word!
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Money, in-laws, religion and kids

Money, in-laws, religion and kids.

Money is the number one cause of divorce. The others fall in line after. Christmas involves all of these. Have you at least got number one under control?
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Conquer Debt Year Round

Former smokers will talk of wanting a cigarette and those who have lost weight will admit a longing for chocolate cake.

But you won’t find anyone who dug their way out of debt lamenting no longer having to pay for spending money they didn't have.
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Becoming debt-free

Becoming debt-free is a great gift to your family. Write a letter to them, sign it, and put it under the tree to be opened and read on Christmas morning.
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SCRA

Service members Civil Relief Act (SCRA).

If you're in the military, active or reserve, know what is available to help you. Check out information on this legislation. I want you focused on your own safety, not debt.

Thank you for your service.
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Conquer Debt Year Round

If you're angry about what this calendar has pointed out to you, direct that anger elsewhere -- your mirror to start.
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It has to be

If you're part of a couple, no presents at all for each other until you're out of debt. That's just the way it has to be.
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Presents

Presents under the tree that aren't paid for in full don't belong there. Don't do it, you know better.
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Opting out

Tell friends and family you're opting out of the gift exchange this year because you're addressing your debt.

If you're embarrassed it should be about being in debt, not about opting out of gift giving.

Opting out is a must.
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Think back

Think back. Do you really remember every gift you ever received?

In other words, piling presents on the kids is going to be lost on them in the long run. While the memories of the gifts will fade, the damage to your personal finance can last forever.
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Don't spend what you don't have

The fact Christmas is approaching is no reason to spend money that isn't yours. Don't spend what you don't have. It's really that simple.
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Needs and Wants

Needs and Wants: Needs are paid for with cash. Wants are paid for on credit.

If you "want" something think of the interest you will have to pay. I hope you find you don't "want" it anymore.
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One dollar at a time

As a borrower you are slave to the lender. Refuse to be a slave and start the process one dollar at a time.


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No reason to over-pay for a vehicle

With all the resources available there is absolutely no reason to over-pay for a vehicle. There is Kbb.com or nada.com, just to name a few.

Let your top price be the amount you would get if you tried to re-sell the vehicle immediately after buying. This would be as a private sale, not trade-in. And. yes. this is a used car. Unless you have millions you have no reason to have a brand new car.
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Paid-For Christmas

"Paid-For Christmas"

Don't put one present under that tree that you haven't paid for in full. This is your life, take control.
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