| For years, we lived fast and loose with the cash | | | | your goals, and to provide for your family and |
| we had and the cash we could borrow. Those | | | | those nearest and dearest to you are larger |
| days are over. Frankly, a lot of folks should reach | | | | priorities. |
| the same conclusion. Step up to the sacrifice and | | | | So What? |
| you will find the joys in life are more easily and | | | | I'll tell you what. |
| cheaply earned than you might have thought. | | | | If you begin today refusing to accept further |
| Convenience costs money. To really begin to | | | | debt, recognizing your true financial state, acting |
| save, you are going to have to step up the | | | | to reduce the debts you have, establishing |
| volume on your intent to save. This means that if | | | | emergency funds and resources that are prudent |
| going to WalMart will really cut the grocery bill by | | | | with in a year or perhaps seven years you can |
| a one third or more, you must go to the trouble | | | | be free. Make the hard choices. Contact your |
| to capture the savings. In fact, to really break the | | | | debtors, negotiate new terms, seek principal |
| mold you have to become constantly focused on | | | | reductions, seek lower interest rates. Pay |
| savings and adapt your life to the process of | | | | accelerated payments. |
| achieving the savings and investment you have | | | | On the income side, start selling the items you |
| and that other folks spending goals for you are | | | | don't need in your household. Look for ways to |
| focused on your neighbors and not yourself. | | | | increase the income side of the formula. Pickup |
| You will travel less. You will eat differently. You will | | | | odd jobs. Take a second job. Find ways to work |
| entertain yourself in new ways. You will seek | | | | part time for cash. Barter services. |
| income more aggressively. You will attend to cost. | | | | Act aggressively to cut expenses. Turn off the |
| You may ask. Why? I am paying my bills. My | | | | air conditioner. Raise the thermostat in the winter. |
| credit is good. I have a good job. Answer these | | | | Wear heavier clothing. Avoid unnecessary trips. |
| questions. | | | | Taking every step to reduce mileage. Sell your |
| What if you lose your job? What if disability | | | | cars and pay cash for older serviceable vehicles. |
| strikes? What if the economy crashes? | | | | Begin living a cycle of reduced expenses, |
| Security is largely a function of independence. | | | | increased investment and savings, debt elimination |
| Debt is the worst source of dependence. Taking | | | | and debt free living, and future focused living. You |
| steps to become independent and to assemble | | | | will soon achieve financial and personal freedom |
| resources to protect your interests, to support | | | | that may be alluding you. |