Get in the Clear

Housing slump got you down? Living paycheck to paycheck? Having to cut back your expenses but you have already cut all the fat out of your budget? Or maybe you are counting the days until that 'economic stimulus check' from Washington is coming so you don't have to worry every time the phone rings?

Getting into debt is all to easy these days what with all the fancy new toys and gadgets that get released every day. I have caught myself more than once thinking my mobile phone is too old in the age of iPhones and Blackberry's; or my 3 mega pixel camera is too wimpy when you can now get a twelve mega pixel camera in a compact point and shoot format.

But before you shop, ask yourself 'why do I need this?' If the answer is 'I don't' or 'everyone else has one,' then put down the charge card and save your money. Even if it is only for one extra day, at least you didn't shop today. Then make a list of the things you DO spend money on and calculate it for the year, in effect you'll be drawing up some “ Debt Management Plans”. A dollar cup of coffee each day before work ends up being hundreds, that five dollar pack of cigarettes is costing you hundreds or maybe thousands (and that's just in direct costs! You don't even want to know how much you'll pay for health care.) Same with driving – can you combine trips or shop with a friend? Every gallon of gas saved is 2-3 dollars back in your pocket.


We want to stop people going bankrupt, we want people to know that there is another way.