Debt Handling

Are You Beating Up On Yourself About Debt?

What's the first thought or feeling that comes to you When
you hear the word "debt"? Most people debt is "negative"
or it becomes a fight and is something that should be viewed
as a failure.

Having debt does not make you an evil person. The more a
situation is viewed as being bad, the worse it gets. It's
the perception that you have about debt, that will keep you
feeling worried. It's the judgement that brings out the
anxiety, the fear, the stress, the knots in the lower body.

It's the old success teaching: what you dwell on, expands.
So what are you dwelling on? Being debt free is an inside
job first! What that means is taking 100% responsibility
for your debts and admitting to yourself that you have
debt, and believing and knowing that you will pay off
that obligation, by paying your debts as fast as
possible.

No one wants to be stressed, or worry about living beyond
their means. Most people are very uncomfortable talking
about the subject of money and debt. And since the subject
of money management is NOT normally taught in schools,
where do we learn about it?

Families, buddies, co-workers, and the media. Most of
these people intend well, and it's usually information that
they are passing along to us that is not helpful, and not
even applicable for the current times we live in and will
or will not apply to your circumstances. It is only THEIR
experiences they have had.

Once again it doesn't make it a "bad" or "good" thing. The
solution is to find an answer that is best for you and your
particular life. Remember, that once you make the decision
to become financially free, it will become very clear that
not all people agree that becoming debt free is good.

Everyone from your local bank to your grocery store, want
you to buy on credit. Realize that "credit" is a tool that
can serve you, or NOT serve you. Here are some tips for
becoming debt free.

1) Accept that you have debt and you want to become
financially free. This is part of being 100% accountable
and being open to working the process. Without knowing
where you are first, you are most likely not going to
be able to plot out a map or plan for where you want to go.

2) Don~t add any more debt. This is all about changing
habits, beliefs, and attitudes about buying on credit. Your
attitudes about money/credit may have served you up to this
point and the good news is that you can now make new choices
that support you. Remember "life" happens and there may be
times when you may have to use credit. If this should happen
DON'T beat yourself up. Just continue down your path of debt
reduction and the ultimate goal of financial freedom.

3) Take the first step to pay off the debt NOW. Seems
apparent and an easy step, and it's fun to do and also fun
NOT to do. Afterall we love to spend money, and change is
not something that usually comes easily. Record all your
debts on paper, so that you know exactly what you owe
everyone. The easiest method to debt elimination is the
"little-something" game. Focus on (1) creditor/debt at a
time. This game will keep your energy alive, and your
debt reduction efforts will be more exciting, than trying
to pay off everything at one shot.

4) Throw "extra" money you find toward your debt. Where can
you find the "extra" dollars? Pay attention to where you
spend money. For example: comparative shopping or shopping
at bargain club, can save you thousands of dollars over the
course of a year. The extra money found can be applied
towards paying down your debt fast and with ease.

Keep in mind that your past doesn't equal your future. Look
at your current financial situation as a "learning"
experience, and an area that you are able to improve on....
versus a place that you are judging yourself for a mistake.
Many people just like you have been able to eliminate their
debt. The good news is....so can you!!!!

Mario Castagno has created a debt reduction resource site

For Clearing Debt