Here we are in week 31. Just 21 weeks to go until the end of 2012. I know that I can can hardly believe it myself. So, what happens if you find yourself having made little progress since January 1, 2012? Go back to the beginning.
Seroiusly?! Yes, I am serious. If you are not getting anywhere, then perhaps the way you have set up your budget is not working. Maybe the way you are working on paying down your debts is not the best or you personally.
Budgets are not a one time form. You have to revisit them all of the time. My husband and I take a look at ours around the first of each and every month. Even though we are not paying down any debts, we have to make sure that we are maximizing our savings and making adjustments for things which may come up for that month (maybe a weddingor event that we didn’t see coming).
If you are not making progress on your debts, maybe you need to look at selling more items. Perhaps you need to just reorder and focus on a different debt. Sometimes, a fresh perspective is all you need to get back on track. Just take a look at what is NOT working and fix it. You might find a simple change is all you need for your plan to take off for you!
Whatever you do, please do NOT quit. You will never get anywhere if you just give up. Anything in life worth having takes hard work and dedication. This is not easy, but the rewards you feel on the other side will be worth it. I promise you!!!!
| **Please, if you have recently paid off another debt, share with us! You can report every single debt — so that we can have an accurate amount reflected!! As a reminder, the survey is completely anonymous – there is truly no way for me to know who you are at all. You can share your amount you have PAID OFF HERE. |
(I am not a financial advisor and the information listed within these Debt Challenge posts is not to be construed a financial advice. This is knowledge we gained through our own personal experiences and information as outlined in Dave Ramsey’s Financial Makeover — and is being shared as such. Participants are not required to follow any steps listed if they do not wish to do so. Financial concerns/issues should be addressed with a professional in order to receive advice and assistance.)
New to the site? Catch up on all of our previous lessons and join us for the 2012 Debt Free Challenge!!
Tracie is a stay at home mom to three young children; ages 4, 6 and 8 in Raymore, Missouri. In November 2007, she and her husband decided to eliminate their debt and made many changes in their lifestyle to do just that.
In 27 months, they eradicated over $37,000 in debt through both budgeting and learning how to live a frugal life. She now shares her knowledge in order to help you stretch your hard-earned dollars so you can live the life you want.