Sun, 20 May 2012 22:27:53 -0800WeeblyTue, 10 Apr 2012 15:56:38 -0800http://www.smartmoneyliving.com/1/post/2012/04/getting-out-of-debt.html     You have to be honest with yourself when it comes to your debt.  Too many people don’t know how much their total debt amount is.  Knowing your debt balance and your net worth can only help you in the long run. Facing you debt head on can help the process faster.

     I understand that many people get in debt for many reasons from an unexpected hospital bill, or shopping spree but with every debt there is a way out.  In order to get ahead you must be willing to stop making excuses and seek help. 

     There are so many avenues that one can take to get out of debt.  I understand that each debt is different.  Having the assistance needed to get out debt will make you life a little better.  Getting on a budget plan is one of the stepping stones for debt freedom.

Having a budget plan gives you the ability to see where your money is going.  It also helps you to set up a saving plan for yourself.  You can save no matter what income you make.  You can make $25,000 and save 10% of your income and live comfortable or make $500,000 and continue to live paycheck to paycheck with no savings and struggling.  The amount of income you have is only the beginning of your success; it is what you do with your income what matters.

     You must be willing to pay yourself first. Having debt should not be this bad burden that puts a big black hole in your life.  One can be in debt and still have a comfortable life.  The key is to have a plan to get out of debt and possible stay out of debt for good.

Five ways to get out of Debt

1. Know your net worth.  Knowing your assets verse your debt will allow you to see where you stand and get assistances as needed.

2. Stop any bad habits that contributed to your debt. Such as spending above your means.

3. Get on a budget plan.

4. Cut costs where you can.

5. If possible bring in extra income.  You can turn a hobby into extra income.  Just be careful to not spend the extra income on things that you cannot account for.

Finally, always give yourself some room to grow in your budget plan.  Just keep in mind that your debt did not start over night.  Getting out of debt is going to be a process.  Start small steps out of debt. It will allow you to celebrate and accomplish your debt freedom with pride and joy of knowing that you can do it.

]]>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:12:04 -0800http://www.smartmoneyliving.com/1/post/2012/01/fresh-start.html
Happy New Year!!

Hello, Everyone

I hope that everyone is enjoying 2012 so far.  I know it is properly about that time that we all made a pledge to do better this year, especially in our finances.  Well, if you have fallen short in your pledge.  I am here to help you.

The first step is to forgive yourself.  We all make mistakes but we must learn from them.  If you are having problems doing this journey alone please contact me.  It is always good to have someone to be countable for your actions.

The second step is to have a change of mind.  You need to tell yourself that you are worth having a successful financial life. Believe it or not, the way we treat ourselves and our money is connected to how we think.  If you think positive you will produce positive results.  

You should make small steps to your successful financial journey.  The small steps are so vital to your journey; you can measure your process and the change in your lifestyle with them.  Start now on your successful financial journey, it is never too late.  
]]>Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:28:00 -0800http://www.smartmoneyliving.com/1/post/2011/12/buying-smart-for-last-minute-holiday-shopping.htmlI know it you are like me, you waited until the last minute to shop for your love ones and hope to score big on deals.  It would be a perfect world if you had brought all your gifts in July and you were now just sending the Holiday cards but you’re not.  So I have some helpful tips for you. 

·         The first step you must do is forgive yourself for shopping so late.  I understand thinks come up, especially with an economy that is slowly moving for the better.

·         Set a budget on how much you want to spend and stick to it.  Do not get caught with the commercialize gimmicks that stores advertise. For example buy two and get one free, that seems like a good deal but in reality you only need one.

·         Search for coupons and deals for gift items on the internet or local stores.  Shopping early does have their rewards but for last minute shoppers, you can sometime rack up to 75% on an item.  Some stores might match an item price from another store.  When shopping always compare items by cost and quality.  The cost might be good but the quality might not.  It will save you in the long run to have brought something worth the value of the price.

·         Be creative with your gifts.  Find out what each person hobbies, likes and needs are.  Knowing what a person need might come out cheaper for you.  For example your friend might need a sitter; you can give her two weeks free of charge of babysitting for her kids.  What mother would not want that?  You might be saying that you already do that but you can be creative with it and put your personal touch with it.  You can have a fun night with the kids while your friend has a mommy day.  Most of the time many people needs are the simple things that we just over look, to be loved.

·         Finally, my favorite giving cards.  I love doing this because it lets your love one know that you are thinking about them.  Everyone is so technology savvy by sending texts, email, video chat and just about everything else that has taken way of writing a hand written letter or just sending a card in the mail.  I don’t know about you, but I still get excited when I get a card in the mail.  It just makes me feel so special.  Anyone can write an email but to write a hand written letter or a card it takes a special person.  It means that the person who sends you a letter cares about you and took the time out of their busy schedule just for you.  Hand written letters or cards speak volume to an individual especially when they write words of encouragement in them.

The golden rule for buying smart is keeping it simple.  Do not stretch yourself too far in your budget.  In the end just being a part of your love one life and taking the time to be there for them is what really matters.
]]>Wed, 23 Nov 2011 18:32:48 -0800http://www.smartmoneyliving.com/1/post/2011/11/start-saving-now.htmlTo save or not to save?  Many Americans are asking how can I save, I don't have enough income to do it.  Saving now is survival, especially with increasing prices in goods.  It just seems to hard to save but, I say it is not so.  Saving is something that should be done automaticaly but this can bring some challenges for some individuals. 

      Saving does not take much.  Just a few pennies a day will create a mountain of success for an individual.  Cutting back on your luxury items, does not have to hurt so much.  It might sound painful at first put in the long run it will help you.  Start small! I say this with love.  Starting small will help you see your results and make it more tanglable.  Just keep in mind that your spending habit did not start over night. 

     Think about saving as giving back to yourself.  You deserve it.  Saving is an important mission that will allow you see and have a better financial life.  The key to your success is to have someone hold you accountable for your actions.  Team up with someone who you can depend on to help you make the smart choices with your finances.  Start saving today.  If you have any questions or comments please contact us.
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