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Archive for May, 2009

You may have the misconception that you are what you buy. You may believe on some level that the more you spend, the more successful and important you are. Developing that mindset is easy because all of us are constantly bombarded with messages that equate money and stuff with success.

How often do you see ads promoting frugality, saving, or self-denial? If you’re struggling to keep up with the Joneses, you may need to reevaluate your friendships. The Joneses may be driving you straight to the poorhouse.

Maybe you spend money for emotional reasons. For example, think about what you do when you feel sad or disappointed, or when you want to celebrate a success. Do you head to the mall? Do you click on your favorite retail Web site? Do you treat yourself to an expensive meal or enjoy a weekend getaway even though you really can’t afford it? If so, spending may have become a sort of addiction. Everyone likes to reward themselves from time to time, but doing so continually is a problem, and losing track of whether you can afford to treat yourself is a cause for real concern.

If emotional spending describes your behavior to a T, you need to get a handle on it fast. One option is to meet with a mental health professional; you may qualify for help from a low-cost/no-cost clinic in your area.

We understand. Facing financial facts can be unsettling and even scary.

When you know the state of your finances, it becomes hard to ignore the fact that improving your financial situation requires changing your lifestyle and making some big sacrifices. But no matter how scary it is, confronting the reality of your financial situation is essential and the good news is that seeking out this book is a terrific first step to doing just that.

Figuring out where you are so you know where you need to go. Until you come face to face with the actual facts of your finances, you may find it impossible to develop the resolve and self discipline you need to implement your plan of action. That’s why we begin with this series of fact-finding exercises to get you going.

The more bad news you get as you complete these exercises, the more critical it is that you get serious about dealing with your debts. The sooner you do that, the quicker and easier it will be to improve your finances and the less likely that your creditors will take some of your assets or that you’ll have to file for bankruptcy.

So let’s get going!