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Paycheck to Paycheck Sucks!

The phrase "Paycheck to Paycheck" brings tears to my eyes. We used to be there. Nobody should have to live like that. Back in 2006, we had over $56,000 in debt (plus a mortgage that isn't included in that number). This included multiple credit cards, car loans & student loans. Through hard work and determination, we were able to pay off our last debt in 2010! That equates to $14,000 per year, $1,167 per month or $269 per week. We didn't drive fancy cars. We didn't go on expensive vacations. We didn't eat at restaurants. We were made fun of because we walked around with only $20 per week in our pockets. And guess what? We survived! It was difficult hearing about the adventures of our friends and family. They were taking trips all over the United States. They were going skiing during every weekend of the winter. They were buying big, beautiful, brand new cars. They were having a grand old time. Did we care though? Not really. We had a goal. We were determine...

Debt is BAD!

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Can you see the difference between these two sentence fragments? Look very closely. Borrowing and debt Getting out of debt Let me help you out... B orrowing  A nd  D ebt G etting  O ut  O f  D ebt Can you see it now? BAD vs. GOOD . It was right there in front of your eyes the entire time but you couldn't see it. It is the oldest battle in the world! What side do you want to be on? Even Darth Vader wanted to be the good guy in the end. The Debt Stops Here is a frame of mind. It is a lifestyle. It is a choice - possibly one of the most important choices you will ever have to make. It is not an easy choice.  Getting out of debt is difficult. There are many pitfalls and booby traps along the way but that feeling you get when you complete your journey is awesome! You get to keep every penny you earn (after taxes of course) rather than giving it back to the bank. You don't have to worry about which bill you aren't going to pay this month because you are short on...