Okay, friends and family, this is where I ask nicely for help. Let me explain.
Some of you know I am putting together a small financial counseling business. The bulk of my work will be an online and/or telephone personal financial management course, and before I can be up and running I need to be approved by the U.S. Trustees. I am in the last stages of being ready to submit my application, and before I do this I need to bolster my curriculum with personal stories. You know, short little tips or "this is what works for me" in regards to writing a budget, following a budget, setting financial goals, deciphering between needs and wants, making wise financial choices, choosing accurate insurance protection, protecting yourself against identity theft....the topics run the gamut, but I am *kind of* hoping you will take a couple minutes to write me an email at Pearlmarie@gmail.com or comment on this blog a little tid bit I can use in my curriculum. It can be anonymous if you want, with me or in the curriculum. If you want, I will make up a really cool name for you, like Dianna Rhea (courtesy of Charlotte Hansen).
Don't feel pressure. I am desperate. I will take anything. It's true. I need you and your sage advice.
Thank you....
4 comments:
Ten commandments from a bankruptcy attorney of over 30 years
1. Never buy a time share- ever
2. Financing expensive cars gets people into trouble more than about anything else
3. Never buy jewelry on credit. 1000 percent markup and high interest
4. Avoid buying furniture on credit like the plague.
5. There is no statute of limitations on student loans. They will follow you until the day you die. Only get student loans in a job that will make you a living, not as a pottery teacher, helicopter pilot or fashion designer.
6. Most people think their problem is debt when it really is a lack of education.
7. Never cosign for a kid on a car loan- buy him a cheap car on craigslist otherwise you will regret it.
8. Never buy whole life insurance only term
9. If you are contacted by any credit resolution company google the company name and fraud or ripoff and see what comes up
10. Many things have have fallen only to rise higher- Seneca
A wise person once told me,"Never spend as much as you make." At that time we were definitely in debt. We started a monthly budget and one by one paid off our bills. That was 25 years ago. We have a written monthly budget to this day. We love to travel and have a section of our budget devoted to saving for trips. Sometimes it's only had monthly donations of $25.
But over time we've taken our family to Hawaii, Australia, Mexico and many other smaller trips. We've never charged any of the expenses for those trips.
The same person taught me my other rule. Always pay the whole balance on your credit card each month. Don't use it if it can't come from your monthly budget. Minimum payment is another name for bondage!
Lucille Ball (Just kidding)
We have had a rule-maybe not a rule, maybe more like a courtesy-in our house that we would not spend more than $5.00 unless we talked about it first. Even though we are now in a situation where we could spend as much as $10.00, I still think it is a great idea to talk, check, ask, be on the same page. It will keep you out of the situation where all of a sudden you own a car you didn't know you needed. Keep those lines open!! Then you won't have any "splainin'" to do.
Desi Arnaz (really kidding!)
Join a service related organization in an underdeveloped country and learn what you can live without.
Don't pay for internet, just highjack a wireless signal from a neighbor or nearby business (that isn't illegal is it?).
Good for you for starting a business, Becca! I am sure that your advice will help a lot of struggling folks.
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