5 Ways to Avoid Financial STDs (Substantially Tremendous Debt)

In today's world, it's easy to fall into the trap of Substantially Tremendous Debt (STD). Many people are living paycheck to paycheck and struggling to make ends meet. It's important to take control of your finances and avoid getting into debt in the first place. In this article, we'll discuss five ways to avoid financial STDs and live a financially healthy life.

1. Create a Budget and Stick to It

Creating a budget is the first step towards financial stability. Start by tracking your expenses and income for a month. Write down everything you spend money on, from your rent and utilities to your morning coffee. Once you have a clear idea of where your money is going, you can create a budget that aligns with your income.

Make sure you allocate funds for all your essential expenses first, such as rent, food, and utilities. Then, allocate money towards your financial goals, such as paying off debt, saving for retirement, or building an emergency fund. Finally, allocate funds for your discretionary spending, such as entertainment or dining out.

Once you have created your budget, stick to it as closely as possible. If you overspend in one category, adjust your spending in another to compensate.

1. Save for Emergencies

Unexpected expenses can happen at any time, and they can quickly derail your financial stability. That's why it's crucial to have an emergency fund. Set aside at least three to six months of living expenses in a separate account to cover unexpected costs, such as medical bills, car repairs, or job loss.

Start by setting a realistic savings goal and contributing a small amount each month. Consider automating your savings by setting up a direct deposit from your paycheck or using a savings app to round up your purchases and save the spare change.

1. Avoid Credit Card Debt

Credit cards can be a convenient way to make purchases, but they can also lead to substantial debt if not used responsibly. Avoid using credit cards to finance your lifestyle, such as buying clothes or dining out. Instead, use credit cards for essential purchases, such as groceries or gas, and pay off the balance in full each month.

If you already have credit card debt, prioritize paying it off as soon as possible. Consider consolidating your debt into a low-interest loan or using a balance transfer card with a 0% interest rate to save money on interest charges.

1. Live Below Your Means

Living below your means means spending less than you earn. It's a simple concept, but it can be challenging to implement. Start by cutting back on your discretionary spending, such as dining out or shopping. Look for ways to save money, such as cooking at home, carpooling, or shopping at discount stores.

You can also find ways to increase your income, such as taking on a side hustle or negotiating a raise at work. The more you can increase your income and decrease your spending, the easier it will be to live below your means and avoid financial STDs.

1. Invest in Your Future

Investing in your future means making smart financial decisions today that will pay off in the long run. Start by contributing to your employer's retirement plan, such as a 401(k) or 403(b), and consider opening an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to save even more for retirement.

You can also invest in yourself by furthering your education or learning new skills that will increase your earning potential. Look for opportunities to network and build relationships with other professionals in your field to increase your career opportunities.

In conclusion, avoiding financial STDs requires discipline, patience, and a long-term mindset. By creating a budget, saving for emergencies, avoiding credit card debt, living below your means, and investing in your future, you can take control of your finances and live a financially healthy life

Top 5 Bad Financial Habits to Break

... Do you or someone you know have any bad financial habits? I do …
  

Most of us have one … or two … or several bad financial habits. From experience, my bad financial habits resulted in some very expensive mistakes. It’s ok! As long as bad financial habits are broken or at least controlled, they will have minimal effect on your financial success. The first step is identifying your bad financial habits.
  
Here are the top 5 bad financial habits to avoid that keep people from getting a positive grip on their finances.
 
Impulse shopping.  Impulse shopping happens unexpectedly sometimes. Think of shopping like alcohol. It should be done “responsibly” and can become addictive, if not careful. Make shopping a planned activity with a list or a budgeted amount.  Unplanned or impulse shopping may sabotage your spending plan / budget.  Also for large ticket items, give yourself 24 to 48 hours to shop for a better deal or to figure out if you really want it and can afford it. You’ll be glad you waited.
   
Retail therapy.  Retail therapy may help you to feel good for a moment but they buyer’s remorse is painful. When you are emotionally down, distraught or highly emotional, avoid shopping or making any large purchases.  The more emotional we are, the less financially objective we become.  Do something that doesn’t cost anything or very little, like go for a walk, spend time with family or friends, etc. Your bank account will thank you when you start to feel better.
  
Overdraft protection.  Overdraft or “Courtesy Pay” is so convenient! However, overdraft protection (a financial oxymoron in my opinion) is relatively designed to allow you to overspend. It allows or approved checks or charges to go through even when you do not have enough in your account for a Fee.  A fee of $27 up to $35 is charged to your account for every overdraft, even if the amount runs $1 or $5 over the amount you have in your account. Generally it is like a very short-term line of credit with a ridiculously high effective interest rate. Now was that cup of coffee really worth $40? Besides, we spend more when we use debit cards. Use cash instead.
  
Savings tampering.  Savings is money set aside for a specific purpose like emergency, down payment of a house or car, school, etc. Avoid using savings for something that is outside of its purpose. The best way to do this is to establish a savings account that is not easily accessible with a certain amount directly deposited every pay period. Savings accounts are supposed to grow, not be chiseled away. 
  
Financial promiscuity. Financial Promiscuity is when multiple credit cards are used for small purchases when cash should be used.  Avoid using credit to purchase that "value meal" or anything less than $50.  This will ensure that Financial STDs (Substantially Tremendous Debt) will not be slowly acquired.
  
By acknowledging our bad financial habits, we can focus on stopping and changing them. Some bad financial habits may be more challenging to quit than others, but it can be done.  Contact a financial coach to help with ideas and techniques of replacing bad financial habits with good financial habits to help you reach your financial goals faster.
 
 
Financially True, 
  

Tarra Jackson ... Making Money Sexy

Pay Day Loan Confession: I've fallen and I can't get up!

…have you (or someone you know) "fallen" into the Pay Day Loan bottomless pit of debt and feel like you can't "get up" out of it? I have.

When you’re in a bind and you need a few hundred bucks to bridge you over a few days until your next pay day, a pay day loan may look very appealing. In my opinion ... Pay Day Loans are like an addictive drug. The first experience may seem helpful and pleasurable but it eventually becomes something that you believe you can’t live without.  And just like a drug addiction, getting out of Pay Day Loan debt can be scary, daunting and financially painful. But … there is a cure for this Financial Dis-Ease. 

   

Let’s first discuss how Pay Day Loans causes Financial STDs (Substantially Tremendous Debt).  Ok … (true story) … a family member of mine needed $200 to pay the electric company to keep the lights on. A so-called friend referred them to a local pay day lender. The pay day lender charged $20 per $100 borrowed. The process was so pleasant and easy that they decided to borrow an extra $100 for a total of $300.  They paid their past due electric bill for $200 and had $100 for food and gas until their next pay day. On their next pay day, they made the fateful decision to renew the pay day loan. So, this time the loan was for $360 (to pay off the original loan amount of $300 loan and the $60 fee). The new fee was another $72, which totaled $432 for the new loan. My family member renewed this pay day loan at least 5 or more times and quickly began to sink into debt.

   

Getting “up” out of pay day loan debt is not as easy as falling “down” into it, but it is possible. Here are 3 tips to get out of Pay Day Loan Debt.

   

COLD TURKEY

   

If at all possible, the best method is to stop taking out pay day loans immediately and sacrifice for the pay period. This will reset your financial situation and give you your full pay check during your next pay check.  It is important to plan for this pay check deficiency. To help you through this financial deficiency,

• Ask your family members if they some money to spare or borrow,

• Contact your bank or credit union to see if you qualify for a payment deferment on your loan payment due to financial hardship,

• Cut out eating out during this pay period to save a few bucks, or

• Carpool with a co-worker or take public transportation to save on gas.

DEBT TREATMENT

   

Another option is to apply for a loan with a reasonable interest rate and short period of time (term) to pay off the pay day loan. So instead of having a pay a lump sum every month, you can paythe new loan off in more reasonable and smaller weekly, biweekly or monthly payments.  If you go this route, make sure you keep the term at 12 months or less and make sure that the interest rate does not exceed 18%. Some credit unions may offer loan programs designed to help people get out of pay day loan debt.  One of the advantages of getting a loan from credit unions is that they must comply with a “usury law,” which means that they cannot exceed a specific interest rate, usually 18%.  If you have a great relationship with your bank, ask them if they have a loan consolidation program that can assist you with refinancing your pay day loan.

   

  

TERMINATION

  

A last resort to get out of pay day loan debt may be bankruptcy. The two chapters available to file under for bankruptcy are Chapter 13 or Chapter 7.

   

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is considered “reorganization” and is appropriate if you have significant collateral that you want to keep like a home or vehicle. Chapter 13 establishes a payment plan up to 5 years to pay on your debt based on your financial capacity.  Once you have completed all of the payments ordered in the bankruptcy plan, the debt is considered “discharged” and the remaining debt is not collectible by the creditor.

   

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is considered “liquidation” and is appropriate if you have significant unsecured debt and minimum or no collateralize debt.  Chapter 7 liquidates or “terminates” qualified unsecured debt. Should you have collateralized debt, you can “reaffirm” with the bank and continue to make payments according to your credit agreement or you can “surrender” the collateral to the bank or trustee so it can be sold to pay on the debt to liquidate.

   

This option again should be a last resort consideration but can assist you in resetting your financial situation with a fresh start.  There are pros and cons to filing for bankruptcy so make sure that you consult with a knowledgeable and consumer focused bankruptcy attorney.  Click here to listen to my interview with Bankruptcy Trustee & Attorney, Angelyn Wright, Esq., as she talks about the “Truth About Bankruptcy.”

   

   

Sinking in Pay Day Loan debt can feel helpless and hopeless, but there is financial resurrection. The great thing is that you hold the power in stopping this type of financial abuse by making the decision to stop using pay day loans.  Make the decision today.

   

Of course, the best way to avoid "falling" into this bottomless pit of debt is to avoid using it at all costs. Seek alternative short term loans through your bank or credit union.

  

  

Financially True,

  

Tarra Jackson ... Making Money Sexy

   

  

P.S.  The 3 tips above is a start to help you get up from falling down into this type of debt, but there are other ways as well.  What are some other tips to "get up" from falling into pay day loan debt bottomless pit?

3 Ways to Stop Financial Self-Sabotage

… have you (or someone you know) committed Financial Self-Sabotage? I have.

   

Yeah I know what you’re thinking … “Financial Self-Sabotage?”  Yes many of us have a very dysfunctional relationship with our finances. Whether it is a fear of commitment or wanting to avoid getting into another financially abusive relationship; many people execute financial self-sabotage. Financial self-sabotage is being aware of what you are doing; knowing it is not beneficial to your financial well-being, situation or your financial goals; yet you still do it anyway.  Don't fret!  Most of us do it every now and then. Here are 3 Ways to Stop Financial  Self-Sabotaging.

  

STOP BREAKING YOUR BUDGET'S HEART

Even though budgets are living and breathing documents and may change, they help us keep financial promises to creditors, other bills, and more importantly to ourselves and our financial future through savings. Every time we break our budget, we position ourselves to break a financial promise, which may negatively affect our financial goals.
  

When I realize and acknowledge that I am breaking my budget frequently,

• I  re-evaluate my budget to make sure it is "S.M.A.R.T." (Simple, Manageable, Accurate, Repetitive with Times of all due dates).
• I may also reassess my Financial Goals to make sure they are "S.M.A.R.T." (Specific, Meaningful, Attainable, Reasonable & Time-driven) as well. 

  

PLAN FOR FINANCIAL SLIP UPS

Confession ... I am an Emotional Spender. (Look out for my Blog: Emotional Spender Confession: I am an Emotional Spender and Why it's OK!). I rebel against anyone or anything that tries to cage me in (I'm an Aquarius, go figure). I have also realized and admitted that I financially self-sabotage during a specific time of the month when I feel unusually emotional. Ladies, you may understand. Men, don't judge.
  

So, I set aside extra money in my "Slip Up Money Jar" to use when I need a little retail therapy through emotional spending. I don't justify it, I just plan and allocate for it.
  

If you are like me regarding this, include your Emotional Spending Sprees in your budget so that you don't use money that is allocated to something more important like, giving, saving or paying your bills. Just remember, being Financially Promiscuous requires Financial Contraception (Budget).  Again, plan and proceed with caution.

  

STOP PLAYIN' YOURSELF

Ok, here’s the thing … if we don’t know the rules of the financial Game, we're going to get Played. Many years ago, I used to lose the financial game because I didn't understand how my money and credit management behaviors financially affected me. As I matured and grew in the financial services industry, I realized that I was playing Checkers when the financial institutions were playing Chess and losing was EXPENSIVE. I was financially self-sabotaging myself because I didn't take the time to learn the rules of the financial game by reading the Disclosures thoroughly and completely.  My reality check was that "they weren't cheating me ... I just didn't take the time to learn the rules of the financial game." That was why I was getting played. 
  

So because I was (and still am) a sore loser, I learned the rules of the financial game by reading the Disclosures very carefully before I opened an account or signed for a loan, product or service. 
  

Some examples of disclosures you should you read and understand are:

• Truth In Savings Disclosure
• Truth In Lending Disclosure & Loan Agreement
• Fee Schedule
• Credit Card Disclosure & Shumer Box

 
Although I Financially Self-Sabotaged myself, I was eventually able to identify it, acknowledge it and fix it. The great thing is that now, when I start doing things that are counter-intuitive to what I need and want to accomplish financially, I am able to choose to make better financial decisions to stop financial self-sabotaging myself.
 
 
Financially True,
      

Tarra Jackson ... Making Money Sexy

Owing Taxes SUCKS!

… Have you (or someone you know) filed your taxes and ended up owing taxes back? I have.
  

Yes, owing taxes SUCKS, especially when it is an absolute surprise.  Some of us have owed taxes for several years. Owing the IRS is sometimes an unexpected bill that can’t fit in our already tight budget. Despite how we may “feel” about it, owing taxes is essentially another "Loan" that is owed.  Here’s how it is like a “loan," how it can affect your Credit Score and 3 Tips of things to do to avoid having to pay back taxes next year.

 

TOO MUCH, TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE

  

When “not enough” taxes is OR “too much” taxes are being taken out during the course of the year, it means that the exemptions on your W-4 or your tax deductions may be incorrect. But, here is how taxes are like a "loan.”

  

If “too much” taxes are being taken out of your check throughout the year, the government is essentially “borrowing” that money from you.  They pay the amount they “borrowed” in a lump sum called a “Tax Refund.”

 

Conversely, if “not enough” taxes are being taken out of your check throughout the year, you are essentially “borrowing” the money from the government.  The amount you owe in taxes is the “borrowed” money you must pay back.  The great thing is that if you are not able to pay it back in a lump sum, payment plans over a period of time are available to avoid additional fees and penalties.

  

HOW TAXES CAN AFFECT YOUR CREDIT SCORE

 

If the Taxes Owed is not paid within a timely manner, the IRS may report the delinquent taxes as a “Tax Lien” on your credit report under the Public Records section on your credit report. This will negatively affect the Payment History category of your credit score, which is 35% of the calculation. Also, the amount doesn’t matter. Whether you owe $500 or $5,000, the negative affect to the credit score will be the same.

  

If it is reporting on your credit report and you have paid the taxes due in full, make sure you get a copy of the Satisfied Tax Lien notice from the IRS. Also, dispute the information on your credit report, if necessary to have it updated as “Satisfied.”

As promised, here are 3 Tips of things to do to ensure that you don’t owe taxes next year.

 
 

TRUST BUT VERIFY

  

Some people love to DIY (Do It Yourself) everything, including their taxes. And there are great Tax softwares available to help you do your own taxes. You can even do your taxes online. If you choose to do your own taxes, just remember President Ronald Reagan’s quote, “Trust but Verify.”  This is important, especially if you owed taxes for last year.  Simply take your completed taxes to a tax accountant or tax professional so they can make sure that you didn’t leave out any new deductions or, better yet, you didn’t write off something that didn’t qualify.

 

KNOW YOU’RE PLACE

 

One of the reasons why people end up owing taxes is because they have the wrong number of exemptions on their W-4 forms.  Make sure to review, and update if necessary, your W-4 form with your employer annually, preferably at the beginning of each year. Consult with a tax accountant or tax professional for guidance.

 
GIVE YOURSELF CREDIT
 

Many people have turned their hobbies into a business. However, some of those people don’t give themselves credit by not taking advantage of available business tax write offs.  Not taking advantage of every eligible business tax write off is like giving away extra money. So, whether it’s selling your homemade secret recipe cakes or providing consultation, make sure you keep your receipts for all of your business related expense in one place, like an envelope for next year’s tax return.  You never know, certain business meeting meals up to your cell phone bill used for your business may be business tax write offs. Consult with a tax accountant or tax professional to understand what business expenses are tax deductible. 

The moral of the story is that winning the Tax Game is to GET NOTHING and OWE NOTHING! #IJS

   
Financially True,

   
Tarra Jackson ... Making Money Sexy 

Financial Spring Cleaning Tips

... have you (or someone you know) ever thought about doing some Spring Cleaning with your Finances? I have.
  

It's SPRING!!! Yes! It's that time again.  Out with the old to make room for the new!  Spring is the season of newness!  Time to put away all of the winter clothes and blankets and bring out or make room for the Spring and Summer stuff. If you are planning to do some spring cleaning this year, are you planning to do some Financial Spring Cleaning?


Financial Spring Cleaning is just as, if not more, important as Spring Cleaning in your home and closet. Here are a few tips on Financial Spring Cleaning with your Paperwork, Wallet, Credit Report and Budget.


PAPERWORK - SPRING CLEANING

• FILE ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS / SHRED NON ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS. If you have a desk, filing cabinet, drawer or box full of old bank statements, checks, bills, or other financial documents, sort through them carefully and keep only the important documents that you know you will need to reference at a later date. Do NOT just throw the documents away in the trash. If you do, you are begging to be a victim of Identity Theft.  If you do not own a shredding machine at your home or do not have access to one at your job, take your shred box to a local Shredding Company.  They are awesome!  Just dump, watch it get shredded and drive away! Search for a local Shredding Company or ask your local financial institution if they do Shred Events.

• GO GREEN / PAPERLESS.  Most financial institutions encourage their customers to sign up for electronic statements. This is more cost effective for them because they save money on paper, ink, postage and mail service. This is beneficial to you because you don't have to worry about more paper coming in the mail.  Don't fret! If you need to have a hard copy of your statement to audit or review, you can simply print you statements via online banking.

WALLET - SPRING CLEANING

• REDUCE THE PLASTIC.  If you have more than one debit or credit card in your wallet, you may be setting yourself up for over spending. Or worse, you may give that thief who stole your wallet access to all of your money and credit. Save the planet and just PICK ONE already! Only having one debit or credit card in your wallet to use for a purpose is the best way to control spending.  

• USE CASH! A wallet is for cash!  Keep cash in your wallet to see exactly how much you are spending.  The may help you with a new financial reality check.

CREDIT REPORT - SPRING CLEANING

• GET IT FREE! Before you decide to apply for credit anywhere, you should know your credit status. Lenders should NOT know your financial reputation before or better than you! Being afraid of what is reporting is no excuse for not getting a copy of your credit report.  You should know what creditors are saying about you. You never know, the stuff they are saying and reporting about your could be false "rumors."  You will want to nip that in the bud sooner than later. You can get a FREE copy of your credit report at least once a year at www.AnnualCreditReport.com or by calling (877) 322-8228.

• SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT! If there is false information reporting on your credit report, it is your obligation to set the record straight and get it corrected.  Creditors are going to notify you that they are reporting information incorrectly!  This is YOUR financial reputation we're talking about.  It will suck when you are declined for credit because of information that is incorrect. Each credit reporting company (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) has an online process to dispute incorrect information. They also provide detailed instructions on how to dispute information via mail as well.  Get started at www.AnnualCreditReport.com.

  
BUDGET - SPRING CLEANING

• GET ONE! If you do not have a written budget, this is the time to get it together.  Once you see where your money is going money, it will help you make better financial decisions. If you need help creating a budget or spending plan, click here for my FREE eBook on 5 Steps to Building a Budget that Works. 

 

• UPDATE IT! A budget or spending plan is a living and breathing document. There are some things that may have changed within a year, which may require changes to your budget. So, if you do have a budget established, now is the time to review it and update it as necessary. Who knows, you may have a few extra bucks to save or to pay off another debt. Better yet, treat yourself if you were able to stay on target with your budget! You deserve it.

  

Click here for more tips or to schedule your FREE Financial Consultation.

What Your Credit Score Actually Means

Tom Murphy owns and manages rental properties in one of the Top 25 markets in the United States. His rents range from $750 to $1200 a month, but every tenant must pass the same test before they get a key to the front door.

“They've got to have a good credit score,” Tom told Debt.org. “I want to know if they have demonstrated responsible financial behavior.

“It’s nice if everybody says he’s a good guy and takes his family to church every Sunday and all that … but what I really want to know is whether he has a history of paying on time.”

Bankers, insurance companies, car dealers, utilities and plenty of other businesses would say “Amen” to that!

Are You a Good Financial Risk?

What a credit score really indicates is whether you are deemed a good financial risk, based on your history of paying bills. If you’re trying to get a home loan, a car, insurance for that home or car or just get the electricity turned on, the most influential factor in making it happen, is probably going to be your credit score.

“If you’re irresponsible about paying your bills, the general feeling is you’re likely going to be irresponsible about how you drive or when you pay your mortgage,” said Dave Viola, an insurance broker in the same city. “You still might get some insurance with a bad credit score, but you’d be flabbergasted by the rates.”

Representatives from banks, insurance companies, car dealers and property owners confirmed that credit scores do affect the terms and conditions of any agreement they make with a consumer. In most cases, the higher the credit score, the lower the monthly payment. And if the consumer’s credit score is at the low end of the scale, some companies won’t do business with them at all.

Credit Score Range

The lines of demarcation in credit scores, also known as FICOscores, range from 300 at the low end to 850 at the high end. The median FICO score is 723, meaning half of people with credit scores are below 723 and half are above.

The FICO scores are compiled by three companies:  TransUnion, Experian and Equifax. Each one claims to use a different formula in arriving at their score, but generally speaking it’s computed like this: Payment history (35%); amount owed and credit available (30%); credit history (15%); new credit (10%); and type of credit used (10%).

It would be wise to note what doesn’t affect your credit score, namely how much money you make, age, sex, race, religion, marital status and where you live. 

The problem for most people is that they don’t know their credit score and haven’t reviewed their credit report. Consumers are entitled to a free credit report every 12 months, one each from TransUnion, Experian and Equifax. The free report is available at annualcreditreport.com, but credit scores are not included. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau estimates that only 20 percent of consumers request their free credit report.

If you receive your credit report and aren’t satisfied with what you see, there are some steps you can take to improve your credit history:

• Check the accuracy of the report. Incorrect information is the leading cause of consumer complaints about their credit history. Remember, all three companies that issue reports use different data, so get a free one from each company and check all data.
• Pay your bills on time. This is especially significant with credit cards and bank loans. Set up a bill payment reminder system, if necessary.
• Pay down the balances on credit cards.
• Do not open a new credit card account unless absolutely necessary.
• Maintain a good mix of credit (mortgage, car loan and credit cards).

Having a good credit score can mean hundreds or even thousands of dollars’ worth of difference in what you pay for a loan or insurance coverage. You can go online to see examples of the relationship between your credit score and the interest rate charged on your loan. In today’s tight lending market, consumers need to be at the high end of the spectrum to receive favorable treatment for loans or insurance.

Bill Fay writes and blogs for Debt.org. He is an award-winning writer with more than two decades of experience in the areas of news, sports and public policy.

10 Financial Freedom Commandments

Here are my 10 Financial Freedom Commandments. Enjoy!

Who's Afraid of the Big Bad "B" Word?

Some of us seem to be so scared of the Big Bad "B" word these days.  No...I'm not talking about BANKS, I'm talking about BUDGETING.  
 

Some of us equate Budgeting with Dieting; and the reason why we may fail at Dietingis because we feel like we are going to DIE of starvation.  But, If we "DIEt the right way by eating 5 – 6 smaller meals a day, we will always feel full.  The best advice for a new and successful Diet is to start with small changes and gradually do more to change our eating habits and execute an exercise regimen.  Next thing we know, we realize that this is not a DIEt...this is a new Lifestyle!  Congratulations!

 

This same concept is relative to Budgeting.  Budgeting is putting our Spending on a DIET.  The best and most successful Budget (Diet) is to start with small changes in our spending habits.  For example:  Instead of going to the vending machine every day for your midmorning snack, bring a small bag of wheat thins or baby carrots to snack on; or instead of going to a restaurant for lunch, make your lunch at home or pack up your leftovers from the night before and take it to work with you.  These small changes will save you a nice chunk of change and probably a few pounds if you did this for a whole week.

 

Before we start any new BUDGET or Spending Diet, here are 9 things that should be done to ensure success!!!

 

#1. Establish your Financial Goals. 

Where do you want to be financially in 30 days, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months?  This only sounds hard but it's really not.  We do this mentally all of the time but we just don't write them down.  For example:  In 30 days, my Goal is to reduce my spending by $100 or more. In 3 months my Goal is save $300 or more. Keep your Goals S.M.A.R.T. (Small, Manageable, Attainable, Repetitive, and Timed).

 

#2. Assess where you are. 

Before you build your Budget, do a Spending Diary for up to one week. Write down everything you spend money on, regardless how small the amount. Do this on a daily basis to get an idea of exactly how much you are actually spending and what you are spending your money on. You'll be surprised how those $0.60 bags of chips, 2 times a day for a week, adds up.

 

#3. Determine areas of change. 

Look at your Spending Diary and determine what can be modified or eliminated without it feeling like you are on a Restrictive DIEt. Think BIG but start with small steps.  This is marathon not a sprint!

 

#4. Build your map towards your Goals. 

Write down the steps you need do towards reaching each financial goal. Again, be S.M.A.R.T. about it!  Sometimes we get selective amnesia, so it may help creating an electronic Financial Vision Board and place it in different areas around the house and at work. (PLUG: Make sure you sign up for my Financial Vision Board Class!)

 

#5. Take those small steps ASAP!!! 

My mother used to say, "I'm going to start my diet on Monday!"  She said that every Friday for years.  Execution is Key!  How do you eat an Elephant? ... One bite at a time.  Again, "Think BIG but start with SMALL steps."  Then, gradually do more. 

#6. Get a Budget Coach. 

Share your Goals and Plan with a financial success coach that you feel comfortable with, respect and will take their advice when necessary or required.  This person will assist in holding you accountable to meet your goals and be there to help you get back on track if necessary.  (PLUG: Contact me, Madam Money, to be your Financial Success Coach. I would love to help you with your new Money Management Diet.)

#7. Reward Yourself. 

Make sure you reward yourself at least once a month so that you won't feel deprived.  Don't overdo it with a Shopping Spree.  Rather, set aside money every paycheck for that new outfit you want or those gorgeous shoes you have to have!!!  Hint: If it is that Flat Screen TV you were about to get a loan for...STOP!!!...build it in your budget and save up for it.  Trust me; they will have more TVs when you are able to afford it.  It might even be on sale by then.

#8. Get a Credit Check Up! 

Get copies of your credit report from all three credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian & Transunion) to see what is being reported to make sure everything is correct. If it’s not, make sure you dispute it. Get your free copy at www.AnnualCreditReport.com.

   

#9. Don't be so hard on yourself. 

Give yourself a break!  Reaching your goals will take time and consistency.  So if you fall of the wagon ... dust yourself off, get back on, and begin again.  Trust me, it’s ok!

 

I am excited about your financial future and am available to assist you through this process!

What to Do When You Can’t Pay Your Bills

There is no doubt that one of the most horrifying experiences is struggling with money and not being able to pay bills.  I've overcome and am still overcoming financial struggles but there are so many more people and families that are in a more difficult situation. 

There is no magic pill or “one size fits all” method of fixing financial struggles or what I call “financial dis-eases.”  However, here are a few tips to help you get started.

Tip # 1: Assess the Problem

The most important step is to assess why you can’t pay your bills.  This could be because of a job loss, a pay cut, increase in fixed expenses, unexpected medical bills, an expensive mistake or poor spending habits.  After understanding the cause of the problem, the next phase of this step is to write out your budget. I encourage you to download and read “5 Steps to Building a Budget That Works.”  You may of course see that you are spending more than you make.  By writing this down in detail, you will understand your fixed verses flexible expense. 

  

Tip # 2: Fix the Problem

Once you understand what the problem is, you can now begin the process of fixing the problem.  Most people’s problem (like mine was) may be overspending.  If this is your issues, the best cure for this financial dis-ease is financial abstinence by eliminating the use of credit cards or unsecured lines of credit.  Also, cut back on eating out and reduce or eliminate flexible bills like cell phone, land line phone, cable or any other unnecessary expenses.

However, many people aren't overspending at all.  They are dealing with being under paid.  Their income does not meet their baseline budget of their fixed expenses.  If this is your issue, it is now a matter of increasing your income.  This is not an easy cure and may require lots of hard work to find and work a part-time job. You may want to establish a home-based business that generates extra income. 

Here are few ways to handle your financial situation:

1. Ask your family or friends for a loan or gift to assist you during your short-term struggle. Make sure that you only ask them once and make it clear that it is a gift (you do not have to pay it back) or it is a loan (you will pay back).  If it is a loan, establish the payment arrangements and make sure you pay them back on time.  Don’t be that family member that everyone ignores phone calls from because they know you are just going to ask them for money.
2. Contact the company(ies) and creditors to explain your temporary financial hardship and request to skip a payment for the month to get back on your feet or to modify your payments, permanently or for a limited time.  Many financial institutions have a loan modification program that you may qualify for.
3. Contact a debt management organization, like CCCS, to assist you with communicating with your creditors to reduce your monthly payments.  There are many organization out there, some free and some with a cost.  Make sure you do your research before you commit to their services and program, especially if they are requiring a fee up front.  I recommend that you find a non-profit debt management organization that does not charge a fee to assist you.
4. Although I am not an advocate of and try to sway my clients away from this, you may need to consider a short-term loan, payday loan, title loan, etc.  This should be your LAST resort and make sure that you understand the terms, rates you will have to pay and all of the fees.  If this is used the wrong way, you could find yourself in a worse financial condition than you were before you got the short-term loan.  Proceed with caution.
5. When all else fails and you have honestly tried everything stated above as well as other tips you've learned, another last resort option is bankruptcy.  “Bankruptcy is a tool, nothing more, nothing less” says Bankruptcy Attorney & Trustee Angelyn Wright of The Wright Law Alliance, P.C.  When used appropriately it can be the financial major surgery necessary to rebuild your financial well-being and give you a Fresh Start.  If you are considering this option, please make sure you understand what bankruptcy is and does.  When done the wrong way or with the wrong attorney, it may put you in a worse financial situation than you are now.  Get educated and ask questions before you proceed with caution.

Based on personal experience as well as observing and working with others who are dealing with and have resurrected from financial struggles, your financial situation can change if you are willing to work hard enough and can be disciplined.

By the way, don’t be afraid to ask for help.  There are many banks, credit unions, non-profit organizations, and financial coaches like myself that want to assist you.  Contact me at info@ProsperityNowFMS.com for consultation.