Living a Better Life® (from the editor's desk)
by Michelle Jones
We often hear from families in the midst of financial crisis. Many have signed up with a credit counseling agency, paid large sums of cash for money management or debt relief programs, or, already filed bankruptcy. This column is dedicated to all who are struggling to get back on track.
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Even with additional assistance many folks still can’t seem to catch up. Although their exact circumstances may be different, the general feelings are very much the same. Frustration. Despair. Fear.
Fear of possibly never being able to get back on track and live a better life.
We have to stick with with it and persevere.
"When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure." - Peter Marshall
If you're trying to find a way to get back on track financially, here are 7 major points that I first introduced in 2003 that you may consider:
1. Take Responsibility for Where You are Right Now
Whatever circumstances may have thrown you off-track, if your feet had been on really solid ground things would likely have turned out better. For example: depending on your age at the start of your financial difficulties, if you were able to have had a nice savings built up by that time, you might have been able to handle whatever came your way.
This step is not easy. It may even take you a long time to come to this point, but however long it takes, you need to get there.
Accept responsibility.
Then, move on with your life to make it better!
2. Do Whatever it Takes to Keep Your Head Above Water as Long as it's Legal
If you need extra money to pay your “already cut back as far as they can go” bills, then find a way to make more money. Legally and as soon as possible. This is not the time to be looking for the ideal part-time job; just one that you can do until you're back on track.
If you have already filed bankruptcy, or are signed up for a repayment plan, it is even more critical that you stay afloat.
Read my column titled “15 Ways to Create More Cash.” Maybe it will give you some new ideas for generating cash or at least confirm what you already know you need to do.
3. Make a Plan and Get Out of Debt
Make a list of all your debts, including minimum monthly payments, interest rates, and current balances.
If you have more than one or two debts you’ve got several choices when deciding which one to pay off first. After listing your debts and the monthly amount due on each one, choose one of the following to pay off faster with any extra money you can afford to send:
* The bill with the smallest balance. (This is usually my recommendation as it yields more surplus money quickly, which can then be put towards the remaining debts--or the one with the next smallest balance.)
* The bill with the largest minimum payment. (Similar results as above.)
* The oldest bill. (This may be necessary if a debt is past due or has gone to collections. Medical bills are a good example. Even though they may have 0% interest, medical bills can be turned over to collections if gone unpaid too long.)
* The bill that’s the most past due. (If you have several bills that are overdue you’ll need to prioritize them according to your particular situation. You may have to juggle the debts each month until you get completely caught up, rotating the payments so that none of them get too far behind. Speak to each creditor personally and see what can be worked out, some may be more willing to work with you than others as I wrote about in my ebook “Dealing with Debt,” which we provide as a free gift for all of our subscribers.)
* The bill with the highest interest rate. (Or the highest fees you’re incurring because you’re behind.)
* The bill (account) that you need to use again soon and won’t be able to unless it’s paid. For example, your basic necessities, housing, food, utilities, and medical care.
Stick to your debt repayment plan as best you can, no matter how long it takes to get things right.
Remember…
* Perseverance
* Dedication
* Humility
* Hard Work
* NO FEAR!!!
4. Keep Track of Your Monthly Expenses
Before you can create a household budget you’ve got to know what your monthly and annual expenses are.
Write your expenses down for 30 days if you’re not sure where your money is going. Take a look at your expenses over the last year to get an idea of annual expenses, such as taxes, insurance and subscription services.
Total each expense on our Basic Budgeting Worksheet.
5. Create a BUDGET for All Future Expenses
Whatever budgeting method you choose to use, even if it’s just a plain sheet of paper each month, make a plan for all of your annual expenses on a month-to-month basis. In other words, if you have an insurance bill due in December for $600.00, ideally you’ll set aside $50.00 each month throughout the year. Treat it just as though you’re making monthly payments to the insurance company. If you’re afraid you’ll spend the money you’re setting aside, put it in an interest bearing savings account.
If your monthly budget totals a sum greater than your monthly income, you basically have two choices. Well, three.
* Cut your expenses further.
* Increase your income.
* Put your head in the sand and ride the storm out, there just might be something left when it’s over. (If you choose this option please select one of the other two as soon as you can handle it. You’ll be so glad you did.)
6. Keep Your budget in Proportion to Your Income
Here’s an example of what your monthly budget expenses (percentages of net income) could be. If you have one category that’s higher or lower than what’s listed here then you simply adjust the remaining categories accordingly. No one's budget will have these exact percentages. They are intended to be adjusted according to the needs of each individual household.
7. Last but Not Least, Take it One Day at a Time
Do everything you can do to make your finances better and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. If you need assistance setting up a successful household budget we are here to help. Check out our next 5-week Better Budgeting Class session. We always have room for a few more students.
Set aside a time each each week to work on your bills. Calling creditors, adjusting your budget, mailing payments, etc. Then, put the bills away. Get some work done. Get back to taking care of yourself and your family.
And, try to have some fun.
Frugally of course! :o)
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Copyright © 2003-2020 by Michelle Jones. All rights reserved.
