a few tips for the new year

a few tips for the new year

As we start the new year, we all want to loose weight, and reduce debt. We know what to do but just don't. (I include myself here also). There is very little I need to know about loosing weight. I just need to eat less ice cream and cookies and exercise more. This is not rocket science. The same is true with finances. Spend less than you make.

For most of us the problem is accountability and focus. I want to focus on the number on the scale and don't have anyone to encourage me to go jogging with them or work out at the

gym with them. What I need is a plan that has a proven track record with some accountability.

This is where weight watchers works. They tell you what and how to eat and then you come in and weigh in with others. Accountability with a focus. This also works with finances. We know that when we set goals and ask other to hold us accountable we tend to keep these goals. As far as what to do, we strongly recommend the following four disciplines for personal finance if you want to become debt free and stay there:

• Stop using credit cards and use cash
• Have a written budget every month on paper on purpose (written budget)
• Put aside some extra for a rainy day (emergency fund)
• Communicate with your spouse or accountability partner about finances
• Make paying off debt a priority

What would your life feel like if you had $1000 in the bank and no debt other than your house payment? Take a moment and imagine the peace of mind you would have. The peace that surpassed comprehension. Well it can be yours if you are willing to step up and address the problem. The problem is usually you and your spending habits. We know what to do but don't do them. Join us this year and work on becoming debt free by attending Financial Peace University, getting one on one financial coaching from one of our financial coaches, or attend our Total money makeover, one day event. We are here to help hold you accountable for changing your financial habits. It works every time, the people who work the program the program works for, the ones who don't work the program, the program does not work for them.

I am including a great article by Gail Vaz-Oxlade. She tells it like it is and keeps it simple. Enjoy

10 Tips To Get Out Of Debt

By Gail Vaz-Oxlade

1) Cut Your Credit Cards and Set A Budget

Every family that finds themselves in debt should cut up all their credit cards and live on a cash budget, keeping a log of each and every expenditure made. Use the following formula to set a budget. Keep in mind that the "life" category includes is everything from groceries, to gadgets to entertainment. Housing: 35%, Debt: 15%, Life: 25%, Transportation, 15%, Savings 10%.

2) Reduce Your Interest Rates

Reducing your interest cost is one way to fast track your way out of debt. Some people have interest rates as high as 30%, when they pay their monthly minimum, all they're doing is paying off interest rather than chipping away at the principal. By calling to negotiate with creditors, high interest rates can be brought down. If you call and a representative says they can't help you, ask to be connected to a supervisor until you get to someone with the authority to reduce your rates.

3) Bring In Extra Money

Do anything you can to bring in extra money to throw at your debt, even if you work a full time job. Consider overtime at work, dog walking, baby sitting, tutoring, or using any skill that's unique to you to bring home the bacon…some creative ideas we've seen on the show: web designing, party planning, teaching music lessons and much, much more!

4) Get Your Priorities Straight

When deciding how to tackle debt and putting a plan in place to save for the future, you have to consider all of your options. Ask yourself the tough questions and prioritize…if going to grad school is important, then maybe you can be a student but take on a part-time job. If having a child is important, do you need to take a full maternity leave? Should you consider buying a home - maybe renting is a smarter option? Make a list of things you want to do and discuss them thoroughly with your partner to help make the best decisions for you and your relationship.

5) Chip Away At The Debt

To reduce debt, make a list of every single debt that you have and rank them in order of the highest interest rate, not the highest balance. Pay off the highest interest rate card first. Every time you have extra money, throw it at the debt you've targeted until it's gone and then stop using that card! Reward yourself by making a checklist and crossing out the debt, you'll feel better as you start to see it disappear. When your debt is paid off, take the money you were allocating for debt repayment and put it towards savings.

6) Keep Things In Perspective

Getting out of debt isn't easy, but you have to remember that you cannot let debt consume you and hurt your relationship. You and your partner need to work through the debt together, making sacrifices but focusing on what's important as well - your family and your relationship. Get a babysitter and make time to do something special with your spouse so you can remember why you fell in love, set time aside to do group activities as a family to involve the kids as well. Don't let your debt get the best of you.

7) Getting Out of Debt Doesn't Mean You Can't Ever Spend Again

When working your way out of debt you can still spend on things that are important to you, you just need to plan and save for them. So for example, if you're planning to get married, don't rush out and cancel your wedding - re-think your wedding plans and see if there are cheaper alternative ways to spend on what you want. If you really love to travel, don't cancel your trip for the year, figure out a way to do it on a tighter budget and save a little each month for it so you don't have to put it on credit cards.

8) Stop Eating Out

Eating out costs way more than buying food and cooking at home, not to mention that the latter option is much healthier as well. Make cooking dinner a family activity, something that can be done to together to make the experience more enjoyable -- and when you're done cooking, sit down and have dinner together, discuss the day's events and catch up. Having dinner parties at home is also a way to cut down on entertainment with friends. If you're planning a romantic dinner consider taking the kids to their grandparents' and having dinner at home rather than in a restaurant. If you're going to get together with friends, consider the same thing. Remember, it's not about the food, it's about the company.

9)Get Organized

When it comes to working your way out of debt it's all about organization -- believe it or not getting your documents in order will help you pay down your debt because it puts you in control. Organize your paperwork so you know where every important document is and so that all documents are easily accessible. Use a collapsible file folder, label the tabs clearly and most importantly, do this with your spouse so you both understand the system.

10) Be Willing To Part With Toys

Sometimes to get out of debt you'll have to sell something that's really important to you or that you love. The reality is dealing with the heartbreak of losing material things will be far less than dealing with the damage that these things can do to your finances. If you have to sell a car, house, piece of jewelry, artwork or anything else, take a deep breath and realize that what you're doing will help your future and your finances -- and just let it go.

10 Tips To Get Out Of Debt

In Til Debt Do Us Part, renowned financial author and columnist, Gail Vaz-Oxlade takes a tough-love approach to getting couples in financial crisis to face reality. With the sensitivity of a therapist and the toughness of a CFO, Gail asks hard questions and pushes couples to face each other and reality. Watch two episodes Saturdays at 10p ET on CNBC.