Is counseling the right consumer debt solution for you?
Consumer debt statistics are sadly going in the wrong direction. Rising debt is everywhere, but solutions are much harder to come by. Or are they? The truth is, while many people make a big deal out of it, getting out of debt is actually very simple - at least in theory.
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"Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons."
- Woody Allen |
Spend less than you make, be frugal and wise in your purchases, and don’t buy on credit. Simple, right?
Obviously, that’s much easier said than done. But isn’t it comforting to know that you CAN get out of debt, and that you can do it without hiring professional consumer debt help advisors, spendy credit counselors or jumping through elaborate financial hoops?
Think of your consumer debt solution the same as you would consider going on a diet. Most people who are overweight can lose weight simply by eating healthy and exercising.
There are a million fad diets and “lose-weight-fast” scams, but ultimately, it all comes down to healthy food and physical activity, right?
Now, there are some people who have medical reasons why they can’t lose weight, but for the vast majority, it’s possible. The only thing preventing them from becoming free of debt is their own poor choices and lack of willpower.
It’s the same way with getting out of debt.
Yeah, there are countless shady operators who make promises of helping you eliminate credit card debt without much effort on your part, and yes, there are sometimes circumstances beyond your control (being laid off, suffering an illness or accident, etc.) that prevent you from getting out of debt.
In most cases, however, the only consumer debt solution - or “diet” - that will work, is spending less than you make and being careful with your money.
The only major hurdle is your willingness to finally decide, enough is enouch. Become 100% resolute in your decision to living on a budget.
Make no mistake about it, this major decision on your part can be a large obstacle to overcome. It’s one thing to SAY you’re not going to spend any extra money this month; it’s quite another to pass by the fast-food joint and never stop, or to see people with more income than you spending freely and apparently living “the good life” while you are scraping all your extra pennies together in order to begin paying off credit cards.
The advertisements and enticements are plentiful. It’s very easy to overspend, especially today, with debit cards, online shopping, and other conveniences constantly pressuring you to spend money.
One consumer debt solution is to visit a credit counselor. Find an agency that is non-profit and that does not charge for providing information and basic guidance.
The best consumer credit advocates are the ones that truly just want to help people, and the advice they give is solid and easy to implement. A local church, for instance, may offer these services at no charge.
If you find that you lack the willpower to find your own consumer debt solution, a counselor might be able to help you stay on course toward financial independence, just as a person trying to lose weight might find strength in Weight Watchers or a similar program.
The important thing is that YOU make the decision to help yourself so that you can get on path to building wealth and living a life of prosperity and abundance.
"One way to solve the traffic problems of this country
is to pass a law that only paid-for cars
be allowed to use the highways.”
- Will Rogers |
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Debt is NOT your friend. It's not a wonderful "tool" for building wealth. That's a myth.
