October 25, 2003

If you've ever had trouble paying your bills, then you know just how tough it is to live with debt - having no money for the fun things in life, paying for groceries with credit cards, and worrying about how you'll ever get ahead financially.

Does this sound familiar?

It does to me. Not too long idea I struggled like crazy just to buy food every month. At times, I thought there was no way out. Fortunately, there was. And there can be for you, too.

Trust me, it "ain't easy," but you can do it. Here's how.

The single most important thing you can do to get yourself out of debt is NOT to win the lottery, is NOT to inherit money, is NOT to get more low interest balance transfers, and is NOT wait for that lucky break in life.

Then, what is it?

The single most important thing you can do to get out of debt is to make a commitment to yourself. You need to select a date you want to get out of debt - be realistic - and then DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Don't make excuses. Don't complain. Don't worry. Don't save money for a month or two and then give up. Make a deal with yourself to keep working to get out of debt until you do! And your life will improve like you never imagined - as long as you also make the commitment never to get into debt again!

Once you have made commitment, you need a plan. First, you need to think of every little way you can save money, and do it. Then, look for more ways to save money. And finally, look again.

• Turn off your cable TV (yes, you will survive.)
• Stop eating out for dinner every Friday night.
• Buy store brands.
• Use coupons.
• Shop around for the best price on auto insurance, home insurance, health insurance, long distance telephone.
• Do this for all of your monthly bills!

You'll be amazed at how much money you can save - once when you really take a close look at all of your expenses - and get rid of as many as you can, then lower the ones you must keep.

Then, you need to look for ways to make extra money.

• Bring all you old items to consignment or a pawn shop.
• Get a part-time job.
• Start your own online business.
• Sell something at your local flea market.
• Cut lawns.
• Make money doing your hobby.
• Think hard, and you will find some way to make extra money!

Remember, you didn't get into debt overnight, so you won't get out of debt overnight. But unless you make some changes, you won't get out of debt at all!

Someone once said:

"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results."

If you want to get out of debt - if you really want to get out of debt - sit down somewhere quiet, make a commitment to yourself to do whatever it takes to get out of debt, write down a plan for saving money, think of ways to make extra money, and get ready.

Your life will never be the same!

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Article by Kris Bickell. Kris spent many years getting into debt, and many more getting out of debt, and knows just how hard it is. Now debt free, Kris is committed to helping others get out of debt, too. Visit www.Debt-Tips.com for resources to help you get out of debt, including a free course, or email support@debt-tips.com with your questions. Article may be reprinted in its entirety - including the resource box - without permission.