Debt and Your Dreams

You may not realize what that credit card bill is doing to you?

Bob is a 27 year old truck driver. He dropped out of college after one year and got a job. With hard work and good luck, he is making about $35,000 a year. Bob is passionate about remaining debt free. He drove his old car from high school until he could afford to pay cash for a newer one. He rented a cheap apartment until he saved a solid down payment on his house. Even during the lean months, he steadfastly refused to build up a credit card balance he couldn't pay off at the end of the month.

At 27, he's decided he's tired of his job and would like to change directions. By living within his means and staying out of debt, Bob has enough money in the bank to take some time off, get a part time job, and go back to school. He has visions of owning his own business one day soon ? and there's nothing to stop him.

Now meet John. John is in his 40's and is in upper management with his company. He's making more than double Bob's salary, but he's had a different outlook on life. John has never been afraid of debt - he figured as long as he could afford to pay the bill he was ok. He has a very nice house, a brand new $40,000 car, lots of new sports and recreation equipment, and travels extensively on his vacations. And he's done it all on credit. John was living this lifestyle before he could afford it. Now, he's almost tapped out ? his credit cards are maxed out, his house is double mortgaged, and even though he's making a great income, he has lacks the lifestyle, peace of mind, freedom, and opportunity Bob has.

Externally, anyone who saw the two would think that John is the greater success. But the truth is John is trapped. He may be tired of his job. He may want to do something else. He may wish he could spend more time with his family than at work or have a business venture he'd like to pursue. But he spent his money before he had it, and now he's paying the price.

Most of us think that the key to Financial Freedom is making a lot of money, but we see from our two examples that that's only part of the equation. The other part is lifestyle management and debt avoidance or debt elimination. If we plan wisely, stay out of debt, and control our desires to spend beyond what we can afford, we can enjoy a great amount of financial independence and have money to spend on things we really want to have and do, even on a very modest income.

However, for most of us, this message comes too late. Anyone buried in debt will agree that it would have been better never to get into debt. But that doesn't help much now. What we need now is some help undoing the mess we made.

Stay out of debt. If you're in debt get out. Don't take out another loan, declare bankruptcy, or sign up for credit counseling services, which can damage your credit. Instead, do your homework and educate yourself on the steps you can take to get back on solid financial footing, no matter what your present situation is.

---
Leonard Hopkins is a 30 year old internet entrepreneur. His purpose in business is to help people from all walks of life gain relief from the money trap that many have fallen into.

His websites are http://www.smartmoneyonline.com and http://www.freedomsociety.net

In The News:


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Publisher seeks relief from debt
Boston.com
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt filed for bankruptcy protection Monday as part of a deal with its creditors to eliminate $3.1 billion in debt, and the Boston-based publishing giant said the restructuring will allow it to invest in new ventures.

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DebtConsolidation.com Helps Over 100000 Consumers Choose the Best Debt ...
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NEW YORK, NY, May 21, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- DebtConsolidation.com, the top-ranking debt consolidation company, today announced that the company, in conjunction with quality debt relief companies, has helped over 100000 consumers deal ...
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Bloomberg

Euro Falls to 22-Month Low After EU Leaders Clash on Debt Sales
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May 24 (Bloomberg) -- The euro fell to the weakest level since July 2010 against the dollar after European leaders clashed over joint bond sales at a summit and offered no immediate relief for recession-wracked Spain. Europe's 17-nation currency ...
German Bonds Decline After EU Leaders Summit as GDP Expands 0.5%Bloomberg
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Guest opinion: Mortgage Debt Relief Act of 2007 to expire; act now
The News-Press
Homeowners faced with the loss of their home need to take positive steps to avoid severe income tax liability due to the looming expiration of the Mortgage Debt Relief Act of 2007. The MDRA was enacted with bipartisan support and signed into law by ...


Maryland offers tax relief on debt forgiveness
Baltimore Sun (blog)
Maryland will step in with its own relief if the federal tax break disappears. Under legislation signed into law yesterday, Maryland won't collect state income tax on up to $1 million of forgiven mortgage debt for singles, and $2 million for joint ...


Women, Children and the Challenges Debt Presents
PR Web (press release)
The providers of CareOne Debt Relief Services, thought leaders in the debt relief industry, recently published an infographic exploring recent trends for women with children in debt. There is a need for financial education for women dealing with ...

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National Association of Tax Debt Resolution Companies to Set the Record ...
San Francisco Chronicle (press release)
TRS CEO Michael Rozbruch among tax relief experts convening to unearth challenges and polish an image tarnished by unscrupulous acts of a few bad tax actors Encino, CA (PRWEB) May 17, 2012 The National Association of Tax Debt Resolution Companies ...

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