Opposites attract

Opposites attract. Realize this.

It's likely you both aren't savers, nor are you both spenders. But, both of you can agree to dictate where your money goes so it doesn't disappear.

If fear or shyness keeps you from asking the money questions before you get together you need to hold off getting together. You take on a person as a spouse you take on all the stuff that comes with him or her . . . including debt.
More Debt Management

The Total Money Makeover

"The Total Money Makeover" by Dave Ramsey.

Buy it, read it, and buy a copy for those you really care about.

Dave probably won’t care if you loan your copy out either.

www.daveramsey.com. Check it out.
More Debt Management

Let me talk to your supervisor

“Let me talk to your supervisor.”

Learn those words and you'll get better deals. Ask for lower prices. Be polite, give them a chance to earn your business, but make sure the salesman knows you are very aware that you have options when it comes time to make the purchase.

Don’t be timid. It’s your money, so protect it.
More Debt Management

Financially responsible and prepared

There is no rational reason against being financially responsible and prepared. Enough said.

Life is hard enough. Don't let the one thing you control, your personal finances, control you.

Know your income. Know your expenses. Do the math.

C'mon folks . . . WAKE UP!
More Debt Management

Pay off debt

Live on less than you make and use the extra to pay off debt.

You now owe me $3,500. That's about what the software costs that's supposed to help you pay off your bills and home early. But, you don’t need a computer to tell you if you spend less than you bring home you have some left over to play with.

Also, don't pay to set up a bi-weekly mortgage payment. You can make those extra payments yourself.
More Debt Management

Falling for scams

Would you admit you fell for a scam? That's part of the reason con artists get away with it. Embarrassment keeps people from reporting the crime.

The deposed dictator scam still works today. For a con to work the mark must be desperate and/or greedy. The sane and careful don't fall for these.

If it's too good to be true . . . it's not true. Be careful. You have what the thieves want. Guard it.
More Debt Management

You can't borrow your way out of debt

You can't borrow your way out of debt.

Consolidation loans, HELOC's, moving from card to card to lower your interest rates are all band-aids. Fix the problem; eliminate the debt.

Those 0% credit cards come with 100% debt.

Stop moving the debt around. By the time you pay a transfer fee, move the debt, and life happens you end up gaining nothing.

Want to get out of debt? Pay the debt. It's that simple.

More Debt Management