Are You Beating Up On Yourself About Debt?

When you hear the word "debt", whats the first thought or feeling that comes to you? For most people debt is "bad" or it becomes the "enemy" and is something that should be avoided like the plague.

Having debt does not make you a bad person. The more a situation is judged as being bad, the worse it gets. It's the judgement that you have around debt, that will keep you feeling "stuck". It's the judgement that brings out the anxiety, the fear, the stress, the knot in the stomach.

It's the old success principle: what you focus on expands. So what are you focusing on? Getting out of debt is an inside job first! What that means is taking 100% responsibility for your debts and admitting to yourself that you have an obligation, and knowing and believing that you will fulfill that obligation, by paying your creditors as quickly as possible.

No one wants to be stressed, or worry about living beyond their means. Most people are very uncomfortable talking about the subject of money and debt. And since the subject of money management is NOT normally taught in schools, where do we learn about it?

From our families, friends, co-workers etc, tv shows. These are people who mean well, and it's been my experience that they are usually passing along information that may be outdated, and no longer relevant for the times that we currently live in and may or may not apply to you and your life. It is THEIR opinions and beliefs.

Once again it doesn't make it a "good" or "bad" thing. The answer is to find a solution that "works" for you and your particular situation. Keep in mind, that once you decide to become debt free, it will become crystal clear that not everyone thinks that becoming debt free is a good idea.

Everyone from your local bank to your grocery store, want you to buy on credit. Realize that "credit" is a tool that can serve you, or NOT serve you. Here are some tips for becoming debt free.

1) Admit that you have debt, and are willing to become debt free. This is the most important step and is part of being 100% responsible, and being open to finding a solution. Without knowing where you are now, you are probably not going to be able to plot out a plan or map to where you want to go.

2) Don't add any more debt. This is all about changing habits, beliefs, and attitudes about buying on credit. Your attitudes about money/credit may have served you up to this point, and the good news is that you can now make new choices that support you. Remember "life" happens and there may be times when you may have to use credit. If this should happen DON'T beat yourself up. Just continue down your path of debt reduction and the ultimate goal of financial freedom.

3) Start to pay off the debt NOW. This seems like an obvious and simple step, and it's simple to do and also simple NOT to do. Afterall we are human beings, and change is not something that we are very comfortable with. Put all your debts on paper, so that you are clear about what you owe. One of the best strategies to debt reduction is the "something-something" principle. Focus on paying (1) creditor off at a time. This will keep your energy concentrated, and your debt reduction efforts will be more effective, than trying to pay off everyone at one time.

4) Take "extra" money and apply it toward your debt. Where can you get the "extra" money? Start to watch where you spend your money. For example: using coupons, or shopping at a warehouse club, can save you thousands of dollars over the course of a year. These savings can be used to pay down your debt quickly and effortlessly.

Keep in mind that your past doesn't equal your future. Look at your current financial situation as a "learning" experience, and an area that you are able to improve on....versus a place that you are judging yourself for a mistake. Many people just like you have been able to eliminate their debt. The good news is....so can you!!!!

©2004 All Rights Reserved

Author Info Box:

``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````

The author, Mario Castagno is the webmaster of

http://www.fcdebt.com,

a resource for debt reduction programs.

``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````

---

Better Links Directory

Utah, the Nation?s Bankruptcy Capital

Congress recently passed the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection... Read More

Mr. Cheapies Frugal Budget Tips

So you feel like a hamster spinning your wheel? The... Read More

How To Pay Credit Card Debt Off

If you are determined to pay credit card debt off... Read More

Purchase Your Future Now While It Is Still Inexpensive

Leaving school, getting a new job, or even a raise... Read More

A History of Money and Banking Secrets That Banks Dont Want Published

A History of Money and TradeTo start with a history... Read More

Debt Help and Advice for the UK

At some time or another during our lives most of... Read More

Creating A Realistic Budget

Budgeting -- ooh, what a scary word! If you want... Read More

Solutions to Single Mothers in Debt

As a single mother, lets admit it, times get tough.... Read More

Stop Debt Collectors

Can you stop debt collectors ? . . .You better... Read More

Personal Debt Reduction Practices

Personal debt reduction practices, the steps people take to relieve... Read More

Credit Counseling ? Signs That You May Need Help

Credit counseling is a viable option for those who are... Read More

Help for the Single Mother with Managing Credit and Debt

Today's consumers benefit drastically from the usefulness of credit. Credit... Read More

Debt Management Systems

What is a debt management system, and when do you... Read More

Learn How to Get out of Debt

Debt is becoming number one problem in the United States... Read More

Dealing with Thingitis

Debt is quickly becoming an epidemic in America. However, through... Read More

How to Negotiate Debt Settlements

Knowing how to negotiate debt settlements is the key to... Read More

The Five Most Popular Questions About Bankruptcy

WILL MY CREDITORS STOP HARASSING ME?Yes, they will! By law,... Read More

Debt Elimination 2

The First Step To Debt EliminationRegardless of your personal and... Read More

New Bankruptcy Law ? Five Essential Things to Know

Last April, Congress passed the Bankruptcy Abuse and Consumer Protection... Read More

Life After Debt ? Strategies for Dealing with Problem Debt

Honorably and ethically rid yourself of burdensome debts using the... Read More

How Do You Spell Debt Relief?

Of all the problems possible in a marriage, finances cause... Read More

The Credit Card Debt Termination Scam

"Legally terminate credit card debt! You can be debt-free in... Read More

Credit Card Debt Elimination

Credit card debt elimination can be done with a good... Read More

How to Get Money When You Are Broke

(Money You Don't Have to Pay Back) 1. One way... Read More

Dont Let The Good Times Bury You

It is vital to get rid of debt while things... Read More