Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Using the "B" Word and Acting Your Wage

I have this friend, we'll call her Heather because, well, that's her name.  On her most recent trip to visit us Tucsonans she gave me a book called The Total Money Makeover.  Written by Dave Ramsey, this book is popular among people I know, and tackles the tough topic of getting out of debt.  His plan isn't a painless one but it is simple.  His philosophy is simple, pay off your debt and pay it off as fast as you can. 

As I began to read the book I was encouraged by the stories of people who had gotten themselves out of some pretty  tough financial situations.  Being a single mom my income is not that great.  As a matter of fact I am currently an unemployed student receiving unemployment benefits.  I did something really smart when I found out that my job was about to end.  I paid off the one credit card that I had and I reduced the amount of money going out every month.  I don't have a huge income but I don't have a crazy amount of debt either.  Some student loans and a car loan are all that I have, (I say "all" because I have known people with far more debt than I would ever like to have).  What was encouraging about this that paying them off seems more feasible than it did before.  Before I had no plan, now I do.

I encourage you, if you feel overwhelmed by debt get this book.  Like I said the plan is easy.  Sticking to it can be as easy or as hard as you make it.  Two things you should know about his particular plan: one, it involves making a budget (yes you heard me, A BUDGET); and two it requires you to live within your means and "Act Your Wage".

http://www.daveramsey.com/store/prod326.html

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