Saying �NO��

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For some people, spending money fills a need. Emotions are very powerful and for some of us, buying things helps us deal with the way we feel. But these emotions are only tamed temporarily and then you are left to deal with the fallout and the credit card statements after your latest purchases. Spending money on things that you do not need could lead to serious debt. Debtors anonymous or counseling can help you learn about the emotions that cause you to spend. You can begin to figure out why you spend money by taking note of how you feel when you get the urge to spend. Are you bored, angry or maybe stressed? You will have to learn to deal with these feelings in a more constructive manner. Try substituting a different and positive behavior in place of shopping.

How to Save Money and Get Out Of Debt…

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One of the things that people can’t live without is money. This is the only way that a person can buy stuff such as food, clothes or gas. It is also used to pay for certain amenities such as water, heat and electricity, which are vital for the home.

These things are perhaps the only things that are important for any household. Unfortunately, there are some who spend too much and in the end, have a huge debt to pay when the credit card bill comes at the end of the month.

Is there a way out for anyone in this predicament? The answer is yes and that means cutting down the budget only for the essentials so the excess can be used to pay off the debt.

The grown-ups in the household must first itemize these expenses. This will inform the owner where the money goes and how long this lasts. Some shop for groceries weekly while others do it every 2 weeks.

The same goes for gasoline used for the car, which really depends on where the person travels if it is work related, or for pleasure. This is very important these days since the price per gallon is up by more than $3 and isn’t expected to come down in the nearer future.

Car-pooling is one way those who work in the same company can save money together. Refueling done every 7 days can probably become 8 or 9 maximizing the gas inside the vehicles compartment.

Do people really need to shop for clothes every week? Not really. A good pair of jeans could last a few years while a shirt or a blouse can last months before it fades due to wear and tear. This may mean sacrificing to be with the �in-crowd� but this can wait until the financial problem at home is settled.

The clothes will always be there. Instead of buying them at the regular price, why not wait till the store has a sale or a promotional event, which can save a few dollars that can also be used to buy other items.

Most homes have a telephone, cable and an Internet connection. In some cases, a service provider can provide all three. If the bill is too expensive, perhaps it is time to switch to another company that can give the same quality at a lower price.

There are many ways to save money and get out of debt. The people involved should work out a plan and stick to it so that this problem will soon be over.

Do you have a Debt Problem…

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Do you have a problem with compulsive debt? Here is a list of signs of compulsive debt listed by the Debtors Anonymous website.

1. Being unclear about your financial situation. Not knowing account balances, monthly expenses, loan interest rates, fees, fines, or contractual obligations.

2. Frequently “borrowing” items such as books, pens, or small amounts of money from friends and others, and failing to return them.

3. Poor saving habits. Not planning for taxes, retirement or other not-recurring but predictable items, and then feeling surprised when they come due; a “live for today, don’t worry about tomorrow” attitude.”

4. Compulsive shopping: Being unable to pass up a “good deal”; making impulsive purchases; leaving price tags on clothes so they can be returned; not using items you’ve purchased.

5. Difficulty in meeting basic financial or personal obligations, and/or an inordinate sense of accomplishment when such obligations are met.

6. A different feeling when buying things on credit than when paying cash, a feeling of being in the club, of being accepted, of being grown up.

7. Living in chaos and drama around money: Using one credit card to pay another; bouncing checks; always having a financial crisis to contend with.

8. A tendency to live on the edge: Living paycheck to paycheck; taking risks with health and car insurance coverage; writing checks hoping money will appear to cover them.

9. Unwarranted inhibition and embarrassment in what should be a normal discussion of money.

10. Overworking or underearning: Working extra hours to earn money to pay creditors; using time inefficiently; taking jobs below your skill and education level.

11. An unwillingness to care for and value yourself: Living in self-imposed deprivation; denying your basic needs in order to pay your creditors.

12. A feeling or hope that someone will take care of you if necessary, so that you won’t really get into serious financial trouble, that there will always be someone you can turn to.

If you see yourself in these statements you may want to consider attending some debtors anonymous meetings to see if they can help with compulsive overspending.