Getting Debt Free – A Life Saving Plan
3. MAKE IT HAPPEN!
In order to make this plan work, you need to be willing to take your budget seriously. We're now in the stage where you will make your debts go away. This is also known as the "cutting-back phase". Why? So that every dollar that you save by not buying something, you will throw at your debt. That is, in part, from where will come the funds to pay off your debt.
"If you don't have the cash, you can't spend the cash you don't have."
This is now your Mantra. When you see a cute little pair of Jimmy Choo shoes, just because Carrie bought Manolos, for now, until your debt is gone, you can't afford them.
In fact, I'm amazed at some of the stuff people buy that they really don't need. There was a time when one entered the grocery store, one had a specific list of needed foods. And, if one didn't have a lot of money, one actually budgeted a certain amount for food. Also, if an item in the store costs, let's say, over $2.00, one really has to NEED that item in order for it to go into the cart. We can learn a lesson from the past; know what you need to purchase, don't add extras.
Within your new budget, figure out how much money you can afford to spend at the grocery store each week and stick to it. You should avoid eating out while you are paying off your bills, especially since "food" includes anything you put in your mouth, prepared at home or eaten at a restaurant.
TIPS FOR CUTTING BACK ON THE FRIVOLOUS TO PAY OFF YOUR DEBT: WHERE TO LOOK
You'll be surprised how much less you will save on groceries if you cut back on processed, packaged junk! You might even be healthier and slimmer if you shop around the edges of the store, avoiding the isles with packaged foods. Instead, buy fresh produce, meat and fish, shop the butchers' specials, add some whole grain breads, and prepare simple, wholesome meals. This isn't so much a sacrifice as much as a gift. You'll learn a healthier, more pure way of cooking! Pack your leftovers for lunch. Use bones to make soups. Sound stupid? Take that extra money, pay down on the credit cards.
*Run through your day, and then your week in your mind. Make a note of the little extras that you don't need. For example, that coffeehouse coffee each day. Make a note that you saved $3.00 (or whatever you spend) and know that, times 5 days, you've saved $15.00 each week. That $15.00 now goes toward paying down your cards. Sound silly? It's not. It all adds up. Take a look at the other money-saver tips below and see how much money you could save and then apply to your higher-interest credit card debt:
