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Tips and tricks for getting out of debt, and staying out of debt (Part 1)


Did you wake up one morning and realize that you are one emergency away from financial disaster? You may have told yourself (for months now) that you are going to get a hold of this debt, only to look up and realize that it is entirely out of control. Regardless of your story, I will give you some tips and tricks for getting out of debt and staying out.




Listen, we as consumers are brainwashed to think that we need a "healthy" amount of debt, but why? Why should we live in constant bondage, is that the American dream? NO!


The problem that we face as consumers is that we get approved for most debt based on our current income, but we all know that no job is guaranteed. Our financial income can all change in a heartbeat, and I think the Coronavirus Pandemic has made us realize that all too well. So why do we continue to borrow money, just because we are approved? Why do we allow ourselves to feel accomplished by the amount of debt we owe to others? 


My friends, its time to take control of your financial future and gain the financial freedom that can be, and should be, yours.



"You can wander into debt, but you can't wander out." - Dave Ramsey



Steps 1-5 of my 10 Steps to get out of debt.


1) Take a deep breath - I know this seems silly, but when you realize that you are in over your head, we tend to panic, which accomplishes nothing.


2) Stop the madness - Commit to stop borrowing money, period. From this point forward, no loans, no charging, no borrowing what so ever. If you are continually borrowing money only to try and make strides to get out of debt, you are only fighting with your finances.  So take some time, write down the card information so you can cancel them once you pay them off.  Then cut up your credit cards into tiny pieces, turn them into plastic confetti, and celebrate because you have committed to improving your financial future and your family's.


3) Breathe, the next step is no joke!  So take some time to close your eyes and take deep breaths.


4) Determine how much debt you have - most people don't even know how much obligation they have committed themselves to in the form of debt. Some have an idea, but when they crunch the numbers, are quite shocked. So here is what I need you to do. Pull the latest statements for all your debt. Student loans, car loans, credit cards, family loans, back taxes, doctor bills, everything, including your mortgage. List them from the smallest amount owed to the largest and add up the amount of debt you have accumulated.


5) Print your credit report - Yes, its better to know what you are dealing with, and make sure there are no surprises that you find on your credit report that need attention. If we are going to work hard and make sacrifices to go through this significant transformation, let's do it right. If you find a surprise, thoroughly research it.  If you legitimately owe it, add it to your list of debts you listed from step 4 above.  If you don't feel that it's yours, you may be a victim of credit fraud, make sure you deal with this right away.


Congratulations, you have completed the first hurdle, determining what you owe!  This gives you the power to start tackling the debt without dealing with curveballs.  There is nothing worse than thinking you are making progress knocking down debt only to find out that you owe money somewhere else.  It can make you feel like you are taking two steps forward and three steps backward. If, however, it does happen and you get a mystery bill in the mail, don't get discouraged. Put it on your debt list and keep going forward.  It is better to know now!


Come back next time where we will continue the discussion and start dealing with the debt, oh, and don't forget to breathe. You can do this!  It may feel like a mountain today, but soon enough, you will see just how much progress you can make once you have a plan.


See you soon and remember to breathe!

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Location: Houston, TX, USA

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