Archive for June 7th, 2009

Start Living Debt Free, Where Do I Start?

Sunday, June 7th, 2009
D Mcmahan


Many of us as consumers look into becoming debt free only after we are in over our heads and drowning in debt. Most of us may think someday there will be a “magical” lump sum of money we may receive at some point in our life and then we can pay off all of our bills and debts. Unfortunately, for many of us, this day may never come and may find that retirement is further away then we think.

Ok, so you may ask yourself, I want to live debt free, so where do I start? For a few, bankruptcy may be an option but after the reform laws of October 2005, it has become nearly impossible to declare bankruptcy, not to mention the damage you will cause to your credit because it will stay on your report for the next 7-10 years.

There is also credit counseling, in this case, firms are hired by the creditors to help alleviate the interest rates on credit cards. They can usually lower the interest to around 11%, but a lot of companies “claim” they are for non-profit, when in fact, they are for profit and there has been companies having their non-profit status revoked by the IRS.

The most common method in living debt free is debt consolidation, although this is not a method of becoming debt free but merely putting a “band-aid” on the situation. Many of us may think to use home equity to pay off debts. Why would you want to put your home in jeopardy? Foreclosures are on the rise more than ever before because of this method of trying to become debt free.

Let’s take a look at debt settlement. Many experts say this method should not be used and consumers should be aware. The reason for this is because there are too many debt settlement companies that do not have credible accreditations to be in business and later on find out they cannot deliver on their promise. While debt settlement programs may temporarily impair credit, all of your debts will be marked as paid in full or paid and settled. In most cases, having the marks removed by a credible credit repair company is a simple process. As far as we know, this method is the fastest and most feasible method to becoming debt free and finding financial freedom.

For more information or to receive a free debt analysis and consultation visit Vision Debt Solutions, a premier debt settlement company and also members of the Better Business Bureau at www.VisionDebt.com or call Vision Debt at 1-877-501-DEBT.



Reduce Debt With 5 Easy Strategies

Sunday, June 7th, 2009
Jo Mark


Millions of people are over-extended financially. They max out their credit cards and dig a financial hole that seems impossible to escape from. If you find yourself in that situation, there are some strategies you can use to reduce your debt and free some money each month.

If you are having financial problems due to excessive debt levels there are only two alternatives. You must bring additional money into the household to pay down some of the debt or you have to reduce your expenses. This article will deal with reducing expenses. The first thing you need to do is change your spending habits, create a spending plan for yourself. Here are 5 strategies to get you started:

1. Stop spending money on items you don’t need. Before buying those new shoes at the mall, ask yourself, ‘Do I really NEED them?” The key word here is ‘need.’ Most people spend much more money on things they want, as opposed to things they need. Only buy things you need until your debt problems are under control.

2. Take inventory of your monthly spending habits. Most people have no idea how much money they spend each month. They forget the little things like that coffee in the morning, the soda or drink in the afternoons. These little meaningless expenses can really add up at the end of the month. Keep a small pocket journal and write down everything you buy during the course of a month. You’ll be surprised at how much spend on frivolous things hat you don’t really need (and can do without).

3. Reduce your expenses by using public transportation if possible. Talk to colleagues about starting a carpool. At the grocery store, buy generic and store brand products. Use coupons whenever possible. Drink tap water instead of expensive bottled water and soda. There are thousands of other ways to reduce your expenses, use some of them.

4. Sell some of the items you no longer use or need. Have a yard sale or open a sellers account on Ebay. Millions of dollars worth of used items are bought and sold on Ebay every day.

5. Stop using your credit cards! Use your credit cards for emergencies only. Get into the habit of paying cash.

Check out my newest ebook for the details on how to slash expenses and put money in your pocket to reduce debt!