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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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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“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 they didn't have

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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Service members Civil Relief Act

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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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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