"My sister recommended your site and I love it! What a great way to start my day and I always share inspiring tips with my co-workers! Thank you for the inspiration." -Marie
Read More Testimonials»

Our Reducing Debt Experts

Dave Ramsey

Dave Ramsey

Host of "The Dave Ramsey Show" on Fox Business Channel and...

Shared by First30Days View Profile»
Scott Bilker

Scott Bilker

Author and creator of DebtSmart.com

Shared by First30Days View Profile»
Liz  Pulliam Weston

Liz Pulliam Weston

MSN Money columnist and author

Shared by First30Days View Profile»

Meet all of our Finances Experts»

Reduce Debt, Increase Your Worth

Feeling Your Debt

Money has a strong emotional component, and making the decision to reduce debt can be draining at the outset. “It’s not uncommon for people feel overwhelmed when they realize they’re in over their heads, even [feel] shame,” says Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, a best-selling author of numerous books on personal finance, including Zero Debt: The Ultimate Guide to Financial Freedom. “By the time they hit rock bottom, they feel a sense of despair.”

Many people go “unconscious” when it comes to money. Eric ignored his situation for too long and hit his low point when he was served with an eviction notice for his apartment. He says, “The money wasn’t coming in, but I wasn’t functioning any differently. The credit cards seemed like play money, and I went into total denial.” Eric eventually came to the conclusion that credit cards could no longer be a part of his life, and eventually made his way back from debt.

Khalfani-Cox says the biggest shock for most people is when they realize in that first month they can totally transform their financial picture. “Then, a huge sense of relief, triumph and empowerment comes,” she says. “They think, ‘Wow! I got myself into this, but I can get myself out, too.’” It can be an exhilarating feeling.

People often create an identity based on their ability to buy things or take care of others financially. Admitting you need debt help can be a humbling, yet empowering, experience. Mary Hunt, an author, speaker and founder of Debtproofliving.com, says that many people discover this identity only after they begin to reduce debt and live within their means.

Hunt personally dug her way out of $100,000 of unsecured debt before she made a career of helping others debt-proof their lives. “To actually take the credit cards out of my wallet was like pulling out something of myself,” she says. “People often don’t understand the grip those cards have on them.” Hunt recommends people avoid over-analyzing the emotional component the first month because it can sabotage their efforts. Instead, she advises people feel everything fully and work through the emotions. Then, you’ll be ready to move forward and create a plan for getting out of debt.

Posted: 2/4/08
fundingloanplc21

Celebrate this Christmas season with joy and gladness in your heart...

I would like to bring this to the notice of the public about how i met Funding Circle Loan PLC after i lost my job and been denied loan by my bank and other financial institution due to my credit score. I could not pay my children's fees. I was behind on bills, about to be thrown out of the house due to my inability to pay my rent, It was during this period my kids were taken from me by foster care. Then i set out to seek for funds online where i lost $3,670 that i borrowed from friends which i was rip off by two companies. Until i was referred to Funding Circle Plc by a very good friend, so if truly you are in need of a loan i advise you contact this Godsent lender via Email: fundingcapitalplc@gmail.com OR Call/Text +14067326622 and be free from scam' Jennie Cortez by name from United State


danielnorth

If you need answers to questions like these, you could search the web - or you could ask a professional debt adviser.
Along with answering your specific questions, they can help you help yourself. In many ways, the best kind of debt advice is the kind that teaches you something lasting - like how to budget, for example. Keeping track of the money going into and out of your household will help you:
===========================
Daniel01
Debt Advice

willturner1

this is nice

Bella10023

Kudos to Eric for finding Debtors Anonymous...so many people don't know it exists and for many folks in debt (esp. repeat debtors like he was as well compulsive shoppers), it IS the answer.

MrsPratt

What perfect words of wisdom!
I am a financial advisor, and use these same techniques to help others as well as in my own life. The most empowering feeling is the realization that you don't need "STUFF". The needs vs. wants debate, of course. Materialism is a widespread disease in America, and it's up to us to change our feelings toward money and things.