There are a lot of articles out there and even packaged commercial solutions that promise a debt free life without a change of lifestyle. This in my opinion is a misrepresentation of the truth, but since it does not call for any kind of personal sacrifice, we are quick to check it out- and this is our human nature. However, it is very far from the truth. It is said that doing the same thing and expecting different results, is Insanity! Let me put it this way, if you are DESPERATE to get out of debt; you have to change your life style to make that happen.
What do you change? 
The Spending habits
Spending less than you earn is one of the steps for getting under the cloud of debt. This is not a new concept, but most people do not care how much they spend, they don’t know how much they spend because they do not have a budget that can help them track their spending.
Your Payment Methods
If you are in DEBT, credit cards are money moles – avoid them by all means possible. You should use cash to make daily purchases like groceries, gas, clothes, and such spending. Credit cards appeal to us since you can pay later for items that you buy now. But remember life happens and you may not be able to pay it all later.
I think about it this way, when i use a credit card, am in fact using borrowed money and these questions come up in my mind – Can i borrow money to buy milk? Can i borrow money to pay for candies? Can i borrow money to have my haircut? -You see where am going with this! Avoid borrowing money!!
Learn to Say No
This is easier said than done, but saying NO is one of the big lessons that anyone trying to get out of debt must learn. Begin by learning to say no to yourself- to that voice that tells you “that‘s not your class”, “you deserve it”. (Start telling yourself “I deserve to be Debt Free”) Learn to say no to people and things that steer you into more debt.
Manage Your Time
You may wonder how time has to do with debt, but it has more than i previously thought. There are things that you can do when you properly organize your time with no price tag attached to it. Think about quality time with loved ones- PRICELESS! Think about no time with family COSTLY!
I am working some Time Management series and I will be sharing that here – so stay tuned! This will include: –
- Time –How much it cost
- Time- Managing disturbances,
- Time -Setting priorities – And much more
Become Accountable
Get an accountability partner- someone who you can listen to, someone you respect, and someone who values what you are achieving. This person will be a rock when the journey to get out of debt becomes tough. (because it does) This quote comes close:
If you want to go fast, go alone but if you want to go far, go together
Learn to Ask for Advice
Proverbs20:18 (NIV) Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance.
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hinds sight is 20/20, i did not have a budget and at times it was hard to say No especially to eating out.
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