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	<title>All Debt Free</title>
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	<link>http://www.alldebtfree.info</link>
	<description>Your guide to becoming Debt Free!</description>
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		<title>What is the age cutoff of a child&#8217;s health insurance under parents plan?</title>
		<link>http://www.alldebtfree.info/child-health-insurance/what-is-the-age-cutoff-of-a-childs-health-insurance-under-parents-plan</link>
		<comments>http://www.alldebtfree.info/child-health-insurance/what-is-the-age-cutoff-of-a-childs-health-insurance-under-parents-plan#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 05 Jul 2010 23:55:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Frugal Parent</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Child Health Insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[child's]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cutoff]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parents]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[plan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[under]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[by blockwork Question by Ed F: What is the age cutoff of a child&#8217;s health insurance under parents plan? I just heard that President Obama signed into law that allows health insurance coverage for a child under a parents policy up to age 27. Is that correct? Best answer: Answer by Diane B22 Add your [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float:left;margin:5px;font-size:80%;"><img alt="child health insurance" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/37/172707285_60d5519aec_m.jpg" width="160"/><br/> by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68052681@N00/172707285">blockwork</a></div>
<p><strong><i>Question by Ed F</i>: What is the age cutoff of a child&#8217;s health insurance under parents plan?</strong></p>
<p>I just heard that President Obama signed into law that allows health insurance coverage for a child under a parents policy up to age 27.<br />
Is that correct?</p>
<p><strong>Best answer:</strong></p>
<p><i>Answer by Diane B</i><br/>22</p>
<p><strong>Add your own answer in the comments!</strong></p>
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		<slash:comments>6</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Don&#8217;t Buy the iPhone</title>
		<link>http://www.alldebtfree.info/bad-habits/dont-buy-the-iphone</link>
		<comments>http://www.alldebtfree.info/bad-habits/dont-buy-the-iphone#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jun 2007 02:38:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Frugal Parent</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bad Habits]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alldebtfree.info/bad-habits/dont-buy-the-iphone</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If your trying to live a debt free lifestyle then don&#8217;t buy the iPhone.  With a 500 dollar price tag this is one product that can break that budget.  Take that money and apply it to your debt.  Make phone call on a cheap home phone!]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-28" href="http://www.alldebtfree.info/bad-habits/dont-buy-the-iphone/dont-buy-the-iphone/" title="Don’t Buy the iPhone"></a><a rel="attachment wp-att-28" href="http://www.alldebtfree.info/bad-habits/dont-buy-the-iphone/dont-buy-the-iphone/" title="Don’t Buy the iPhone"><img src="http://www.alldebtfree.info/wp/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/iphone.thumbnail.jpg" alt="Don’t Buy the iPhone" /></a></p>
<p>If your trying to live a debt free lifestyle then don&#8217;t buy the iPhone.  With a 500 dollar price tag this is one product that can break that budget.  Take that money and apply it to your debt.  Make phone call on a cheap home phone!</p>
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-28" href="http://www.alldebtfree.info/bad-habits/dont-buy-the-iphone/dont-buy-the-iphone/" title="Don’t Buy the iPhone"></a></p>
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		<title>Reduce your Monthly Debt</title>
		<link>http://www.alldebtfree.info/debt-reduction/reduce-your-monthly-debt</link>
		<comments>http://www.alldebtfree.info/debt-reduction/reduce-your-monthly-debt#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jun 2007 12:57:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Frugal Parent</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Debt Reduction]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alldebtfree.info/debt-reduction/reduce-your-monthly-debt</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The quickest way to financial freedom is debt reduction. How do you reduce this debt?&#160; Find your biggest debt and start paying it off! A great example is your car.&#160; Do you really need the newest, greatest, car?&#160; Sure it has all the buttoms and drives like a dream.&#160; But do you realize that the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The quickest way to financial freedom is <b>debt reduction</b>. How do you reduce this debt?&nbsp; Find your biggest debt and start paying it off! A great example is your car.&nbsp; Do you really need the newest, greatest, car?&nbsp; Sure it has all the buttoms and drives like a dream.&nbsp; But do you realize that the dream is not yours,&nbsp; its the Banks! You don&#8217;t own that car.&nbsp; Your renting your dream car.&nbsp; Pay it off, pay it early and own that Dream.</p>
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		<title>4 Signs You Are In Debt Trouble   by L. Sampson</title>
		<link>http://www.alldebtfree.info/debt-reduction/4-signs-you-are-in-debt-trouble-by-l-sampson</link>
		<comments>http://www.alldebtfree.info/debt-reduction/4-signs-you-are-in-debt-trouble-by-l-sampson#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 25 Sep 2006 12:16:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Frugal Parent</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Debt Reduction]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alldebtfree.info/debt-reduction/4-signs-you-are-in-debt-trouble-by-l-sampson</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Often times, people don&#8217;t notice a problem until it is too late, and the damage is already done. This often happens with debt, people know they have some debt, but they don&#8217;t exactly realize how much or how many problems it is causing. Here are four signs that you are in debt trouble: Putting Every [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Often times, people don&#8217;t notice a problem until it is too late, and the damage is already done. This often happens with debt, people know they have some debt, but they don&#8217;t exactly realize how much or how many problems it is causing. Here are four signs that you are in debt trouble:</p>
<p><span id="more-26"></span></p>
<p>Putting Every Day Expenses on Credit</p>
<p>Unless you have a credit card that earns you rewards, and you pay it off every month, you should never put every day expenses like groceries on your credit card. If you can&#8217;t get by without putting groceries or every day bills on credit, you need to revaluate your money situation. If you can&#8217;t afford things like food and rent, you are probably living above your means. This is never good and if you continue to do this, you will have a harder and harder time digging out of debt.</p>
<p>Not Paying Above the Minimum</p>
<p>You should always be able to afford to pay at least twice the minimum amount due on a credit card. If you can&#8217;t, you are in serious trouble. Paying the minimum on cards, while it will keep the collectors from calling, will never get you out of debt. When you pay the minimum to cards, you are pretty much just paying off the interest rate, but no actual principal.</p>
<p>Taking Every Increase</p>
<p>If you find yourself accepting every credit line increase the credit card companies offer you, and even asking for more, this is a sign of serious debt. Every time you do this, you give yourself more opportunity to spend money, instead of paying off what you owe. Credit card companies don&#8217;t do this to help you; they do it to help themselves. If they can get you to put twice what you usually do on one of their credit cards, they are making a lot more money, regardless of how much it harms your credit.</p>
<p>Bill Collectors Keep Calling</p>
<p>I know it sounds obvious, but a lot of people think that if they just ignore the bill collectors, it won&#8217;t matter. Even if it is for a few bucks, and you don&#8217;t think you should owe it, you still need to resolve the issue. Every time you avoid those calls, and don&#8217;t pay the money you owe, a bad mark is going on your credit report. It may only be a few bucks to the phone company, but if they report it on your credit, it could significantly lower your credit score, and prevent you from getting credit in the future.</p>
<h1></h1>
<p>Visit Debt Sanity to view our <a target="_New" href="http://www.debtsanity.com/">Recommended Debt Consolidators</a> online. Also, visit Debt Sanity for more information on how to overcome a <a target="_New" href="http://www.debtsanity.com/3_signs_you_need_debt_help.shtml">Debt Problem</a>.</p>
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		<title>How Saving Money On Food Can Keep You Out Of Debt   by L. Sampson</title>
		<link>http://www.alldebtfree.info/debt-reduction/how-saving-money-on-food-can-keep-you-out-of-debt-by-l-sampson</link>
		<comments>http://www.alldebtfree.info/debt-reduction/how-saving-money-on-food-can-keep-you-out-of-debt-by-l-sampson#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 25 Sep 2006 12:15:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Frugal Parent</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Debt Reduction]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alldebtfree.info/debt-reduction/how-saving-money-on-food-can-keep-you-out-of-debt-by-l-sampson</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When many people look back at what caused them to go into so much debt, they realized that most of it was unnecessary expenses that hurt them the most. Things like new clothes and entertainment often cause a lot of this debt, but people don&#8217;t realize how much food can put you in debt. Here [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When many people look back at what caused them to go into so much debt, they realized that most of it was unnecessary expenses that hurt them the most. Things like new clothes and entertainment often cause a lot of this debt, but people don&#8217;t realize how much food can put you in debt. Here are a few ways that people often spend too much on food and how they can control it.</p>
<p><span id="more-25"></span></p>
<p>Eating Out</p>
<p>One of the biggest ways to waste money on food is to go out to eat. People don&#8217;t realize how overpriced eating out can be. Unless you go to a 5 star French restaurant every night, you can replicate most restaurant meals at home for a fraction of the price.</p>
<p>Bring your own lunch</p>
<p>This is one of the hardest ones for people to master, but it is much smarter to bring your own lunch to work/school. By the time you get out of the office, run to a fast food restaurant and come back, you barely have enough time to eat. If you bring your lunch, you just grab it from the break room fridge or your desk and eat. You have time to actually relax if you do this, plus it is much healthier than fast food. It is easily 50% cheaper to bring food from home. The same goes with vending machines. Although it is tempting to get a snack late in the afternoon, either resist the urge or bring something from home.</p>
<p>Buy Generic</p>
<p>This sounds tough but it really is easy. Don&#8217;t buy name brand everything. Most of the generic brands are made in the same factories as the name brands. Although they mostly taste the same, they are a fraction of the cost of their more expensive brand name counterparts.</p>
<p>Use Coupons Wisely</p>
<p>Using coupons at the grocery store can save you a lot of money; if you use them smart. Many times it is tempting to buy all sorts of goodies and snacks that you don&#8217;t need because you think you&#8217;re saving money because you have a coupon. Well, if it is something that you wouldn&#8217;t normally buy, then you really aren&#8217;t saving any money.</p>
<h1></h1>
<p>Visit Debt Sanity to view our <a target="_New" href="http://www.debtsanity.com/">Recommended Debt Consolidators</a> online. Also, visit Debt Sanity for information on <a target="_New" href="http://www.debtsanity.com/get_rid_of_debt_forever.shtml">Debt Free Living</a>.</p>
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		<title>Social Pressure: A Cause Of Credit Card Debt   by L. Sampson</title>
		<link>http://www.alldebtfree.info/debt-reduction/social-pressure-a-cause-of-credit-card-debt-by-l-sampson</link>
		<comments>http://www.alldebtfree.info/debt-reduction/social-pressure-a-cause-of-credit-card-debt-by-l-sampson#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 25 Sep 2006 12:14:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Frugal Parent</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Debt Reduction]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alldebtfree.info/debt-reduction/social-pressure-a-cause-of-credit-card-debt-by-l-sampson</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are many reasons why people go into debt. Some say it is because of unexpected expenses, others say it is just simply too expensive to live these days. However, one of the most common reasons people sight for getting into debt, is the need to feel like they are keeping up with everyone else. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There are many reasons why people go into debt. Some say it is because of unexpected expenses, others say it is just simply too expensive to live these days. However, one of the most common reasons people sight for getting into debt, is the need to feel like they are keeping up with everyone else. Social pressure in other words, leads many people to unnecessarily spend money on things that they don&#8217;t really need so they can feel like they fit in. It is an age old cycle with devastating consequences.</p>
<p><span id="more-24"></span></p>
<p>Socializing your money</p>
<p>All around us, people are spending money. Everyone has that friend who always wants to pick up the tab for dinner or after work drinks. Some feel that people do this just to be nice, others feel that people do this to show off money. Ultimately it causes others to feel that they need to do the same. It is the same thing with vacations, cars, clothing, and pretty much every other material thing in life; every time you think you have what you want, someone upstages you. &#8220;Keeping up with the Jones&#8217;s,&#8221; is in fact a very real problem. However, people don&#8217;t often stop and think how the Jones&#8217;s are actually affording all that they have. Do they have a lot of money? Or do they just put in on credit cards like many of us do? If that is the case, all we are doing is trying to keep up with the Jones&#8217;s debt, a game which should be left alone.</p>
<p>Shift your thinking</p>
<p>Instead of getting jealous every time your neighbor gets a new set of golf clubs, think about how much you would pay in interest for those clubs. In fact, maybe he is doing the same thing. New stuff doesn&#8217;t sound nearly as good, when you consider how much you are actually paying for it when you charge it to a credit card. Instead, save up for big purchases, they will be much more rewarding in the long run. While you are retired, living a life of leisure, your neighbor is probably still working to pay off all of those toys he put on credit cards.<br />
Visit Debt Sanity to view our <a target="_New" href="http://www.debtsanity.com/">Recommended Debt Consolidators</a> online. Also, visit Debt Sanity for more information on <a target="_New" href="http://www.debtsanity.com/debt_management_tips.shtml">Debt Free Living</a>.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Raising Money the Better Way &#8211; Secured Personal Loans   by Amanda Thompson</title>
		<link>http://www.alldebtfree.info/debt-reduction/raising-money-the-better-way-secured-personal-loans-by-amanda-thompson</link>
		<comments>http://www.alldebtfree.info/debt-reduction/raising-money-the-better-way-secured-personal-loans-by-amanda-thompson#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 25 Sep 2006 12:13:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Frugal Parent</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Debt Reduction]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alldebtfree.info/debt-reduction/raising-money-the-better-way-secured-personal-loans-by-amanda-thompson</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Secured personal loans are for those who are ready to offer their asset as a security against the loan amount they are applying for. This security can be home, real estate, or any other asset having value in it. As the lender is sure about getting his money back at the right time, he offers [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Secured personal loans are for those who are ready to offer their asset as a security against the loan amount they are applying for. This security can be home, real estate, or any other asset having value in it. As the lender is sure about getting his money back at the right time, he offers you low interest rates and better flexible terms and condition than other form of loans. But here we are talking about private lenders in the market as banks and financial institutions are passé due to their higher rates and strict terms.</p>
<p><span id="more-23"></span></p>
<p><a href="http://www.chanceforloans.co.uk/secured_personal_loans.html">Secured personal loan</a> lenders accept the bad credit holders for the loan approval. Standard loan lenders may deny these people but a secured personal serves them just like any other borrower. Although it is always recommended to know your credit score before applying for such loans as a lender decide the interest rate on the basis of your score. You can get your score from credit rating agencies namely Experian, Equifax and Transunion. Secured personal loans offer people to borrow amount ranging from £5000 to £75000 and even bigger amounts if collateral value allows it.</p>
<p>Lots of secured personal loan quotes are provided free of cost through online loan lenders. You can study and compare these quotes without too much effort through the online comparison tools available. Filling the online application form is also simple with information about the borrower, loan amount required, residential status and collateral details. It is highly recommended for you to go through all the terms and conditions before signing any agreement.</p>
<p>Secured personal loans have higher approval rates. These loans involve collateral valuations and takes 12 to 15 days to get the approval for the loan. After you got the loan amount you can use it for any of your personal wish including debts consolidation for easy debt removal or holidaying expenses, buying home or home improvements, commercial properties and business financing, also you can use the loan amount for bearing the cost of education of your child or wedding expenses.</p>
<p>Secured personal loans are becoming popular among borrowers as the cost of living is increasing and all the earning are utilized for bearing routine and necessary expenditure. People are not able to save money from their income for their personal wishes. A secured personal loan acts as a blessing for such people giving them appropriate monetary support for satisfying these desires.</p>
<h1></h1>
<p>Amanda Thompson holds a Bachelor&#8217;s degree in Commerce from CPIT and has completed her master&#8217;s in Business Administration from IGNOU. She is working as financial consultant for chance for loans . To find a Debt consolidation loans, Secured personal loan, unsecured loan, Cheap rates at cheap rates that best suits your needs visit <a href="http://www.chanceforloans.co.uk/">http://www.chanceforloans.co.uk</a></p>
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		<title>You Have Options When Dealing With Debt   by Martin Lukac</title>
		<link>http://www.alldebtfree.info/debt-reduction/you-have-options-when-dealing-with-debt-by-martin-lukac</link>
		<comments>http://www.alldebtfree.info/debt-reduction/you-have-options-when-dealing-with-debt-by-martin-lukac#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 25 Sep 2006 12:13:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Frugal Parent</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Debt Reduction]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alldebtfree.info/debt-reduction/you-have-options-when-dealing-with-debt-by-martin-lukac</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[So often, those burdened with too much debt feel that they have no way out. Out of desperation, they jump at the very first solution that comes their way. Many Americans are drowing in debt. But there are several solutions that can help. The key is to step back and consider your options based on [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>So often, those burdened with too much debt feel that they have no way out. Out of desperation, they jump at the very first solution that comes their way.</p>
<p>Many Americans are drowing in debt. But there are several solutions that can help. The key is to step back and consider your options based on how much debt you have and your spending habits. Take your time in making a decisions, and you will make the right one. Rush in, and you will often find that you haven&#8217;t helped your situation at all.<span id="more-22"></span></p>
<p>The first option you have is self-help. Personally, I feel that this is something you have to do, even if you pick another option. You need to take control of your financial sitaution. Start doing this by assessing your income and expenses. Create a budget that shows exactly what you spend each month. Then start eliminating the non-essentials.</p>
<p>Look closely at your debt situation. You should list your debts from highest interest rate to lowest interest rate. Start calling your creditors and asking for a lower interest rate. I&#8217;ve done this without being in debt trouble and easily received a lower interest rate. Simply remind them that you are a good customer with good credit. If you have bad credit, this won&#8217;t work.</p>
<p>Now set up a plan to start paying these cards off. You may find that you were able to free up $150 out of your budget. Put this towards your highest interest rate debt. When it is paid off, move that $150 plus the amount you were paying for the first debt down to the second debt. It will be paid off all the faster. And just go down your list. Yes, it takes time and sacrifice. But it is worth it.</p>
<p>You should also put all of your extra money to paying off your debt. Bonuses, gifts, tax refunds &#8212; they all go to the debt. If you find that you are getting an amount close to the total of one of your debts, go ahead and pay it off and get it off the list, no matter where it is on the list. This simply feels good to pay something off and keeps you motivated.</p>
<p>Another option you have is debt consolidation. This is something you can either do on your own or with the help of a debt consolidation agency. Most debt consolidation is simply the use of a home equity line of credit or a second mortgage to pay your debt and lower your payment. You don&#8217;t need to pay a company to arrange this for you. You can do this on your own.</p>
<p>If you don&#8217;t own your own home or have very little credit, you might consider enrolling in a debt management plan through a reputable credit counseling agency. But you must be careful here. Check the agency out thoroughly with the Better Business Bureau and the state attorney general&#8217;s office. Make sure that they have been in business in your area for quite a while and are well-known. A good agency will never ask for money in advance and will be willing to lay out a plan with you before asking for a payment. They are handling the payment of your bills, you want to be sure that they are legit.</p>
<p>Your third option comes in play when nothing else really works for your situation. This is your final option and should be reserved as thus. Bankruptcy offers a fresh start to those in a bad debt situation, but it takes years to recover from. Bankruptcy can remain on your report for up to 10 years and makes it difficult to get credit, buy a home or even get affordable life and auto insurance.</p>
<p>New bankruptcy laws have made it harder to file for bankruptcy. If you pass the &#8220;means test,&#8221; you will have to file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, where a trustee will set up a re-payment plan for your debts and you will be allowed to keep certain secured assets. Chapter 7 means that your assets will be liquidated and your debts will be discharged. The laws are fairly complicated, so it will do you good to have a good lawyer on your side.</p>
<p>Being in over your head in debt can make your options appear to disappear. But they are there. Consider them closely and make your choice based on your individual financial situation.</p>
<h1></h1>
<p>Martin Lukac represents <a href="http://www.rateempire.com/">http://www.RateEmpire.com</a> and <a href="http://www.1americanfinancial.com/">http://www.1AmericanFinancial.com</a>, a finance web-company specializing in real estate and mortgage rates. We specialize in daily updates, mortgage news, rate predictions, mortgage rates and more. Find low home loan mortgage interest rates from hundreds of mortgage companies!</p>
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		<title>What Does It Take To Get Out Of Debt?   by Martin Lukac</title>
		<link>http://www.alldebtfree.info/debt-reduction/what-does-it-take-to-get-out-of-debt-by-martin-lukac</link>
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		<pubDate>Mon, 25 Sep 2006 12:12:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Frugal Parent</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Debt Reduction]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alldebtfree.info/debt-reduction/what-does-it-take-to-get-out-of-debt-by-martin-lukac</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Debt is a force that can totally take over your life. And you might not even realize that it is happening. Then one day, you wake up and there it is. Your credit cards are all maxed out. You can&#8217;t seem to juggle things the way you used to. There just isn&#8217;t enough money. You [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Debt is a force that can totally take over your life. And you might not even realize that it is happening. Then one day, you wake up and there it is. Your credit cards are all maxed out. You can&#8217;t seem to juggle things the way you used to. There just isn&#8217;t enough money. You don&#8217;t want to answer the phone.<span id="more-21"></span></p>
<p>And you are loosing sleep trying to figure out what you are going to do next.</p>
<p>There are some amazing statistics out there that say the average credit card has an interest rate of 18.9% and a balance of $7,000. The average household is reported to have at least 10 credit cards. And most people can&#8217;t make their minimum payments. Is that a surprise?</p>
<p>What can you do to get out of debt?</p>
<p>The first thing you have to do is committ. You can&#8217;t just say you are going to get out of debt. You have to mean it. And for many, this really doesn&#8217;t come until they are at that swim or be eaten by sharks moment. I&#8217;m talking rock bottom. Believe me, this feeling stays with you and motivates you to leave those credit cards behind for good. You have to really mean it with all that you are.</p>
<p>You have to take the time to create a budget and stick with it. All you have to have is a pen, paper and calculator. You need to know where your money is going. See what you can cut out and what you can&#8217;t. And remember, a budget doesn&#8217;t always come together all at once. It may take a few months to find a way that works for you. Take the time and work on it. It is the one true way to get out of debt and start saving money.</p>
<p>Sit down and make a list of all your debts. Write down the amount you owe, the interest rate and the monthly minimum payment. Then create a plan to pay off this debt. Start with the debt with the highest interest rate first. Then work your way down to the lowest interest rate. This is the most financially sound way to pay off your debts. It will save you hundreds in the long run.</p>
<p>Now, find all of your credit cards. Assemble them in a line in front of you. Call the company, cancel the card, cut it up and repeat. Do this until they are all done. You don&#8217;t want them anymore. You can&#8217;t pay off your debts just to be tempted to get back into this spot again. Remove the temptation and you will be half-way there.</p>
<p>Remember, credit is not free. It isn&#8217;t your money. You will pay a lot for using it. If you use a credit card frequently, chances are that you are buying things that you wouldn&#8217;t buy with your &#8220;real&#8221; money. Get rid of the credit card and take a close look at your purchases.</p>
<p>Think of it this way. If you have credit card payments that total $500 a month and you got rid of them and saved the money instead, you waould have over $1 million in 30 years if your savings earned a mere 10%. That is your retirement right there.</p>
<p>What better reason to get out of debt?</p>
<h1></h1>
<p>Martin Lukac represents <a href="http://www.rateempire.com/">http://www.RateEmpire.com</a> and <a href="http://www.1americanfinancial.com/">http://www.1AmericanFinancial.com</a>, a finance web-company specializing in real estate and mortgage rates. We specialize in daily updates, mortgage news, rate predictions, mortgage rates and more. Find low home loan mortgage interest rates from hundreds of mortgage companies!</p>
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		<title>Should You Open A Savings Account?   by Peter Kenny</title>
		<link>http://www.alldebtfree.info/debt-reduction/should-you-open-a-savings-account-by-peter-kenny</link>
		<comments>http://www.alldebtfree.info/debt-reduction/should-you-open-a-savings-account-by-peter-kenny#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 25 Sep 2006 12:11:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Frugal Parent</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Debt Reduction]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alldebtfree.info/debt-reduction/should-you-open-a-savings-account-by-peter-kenny</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you have a current account and you are starting to earn more than you spend each month, then maybe it is time to get a savings account. Even if you cannot save a lot of money, putting some money aside each month into a savings account can be a good idea. If you are [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you have a current account and you are starting to earn more than you spend each month, then maybe it is time to get a savings account. Even if you cannot save a lot of money, putting some money aside each month into a savings account can be a good idea. If you are unsure whether to open a savings account then here are some tips to help you decide:<span id="more-20"></span></p>
<p>Money is safer</p>
<p>If you are keeping money that you have saved in your house or room, then your money is not totally safe. If you lose the money, or if it gets stolen or damaged, then you have lost the money for good. If you keep your money in a savings account then your money is protected until you want to use it. If you want your money to be safe from loss or damage then open a savings account.</p>
<p>You will make money</p>
<p>Keeping money in your current account will make sure it is safe, but the money you have will remain the same. Putting that money in a savings account will help you to make money on that amount of cash. That is because the interest rates on savings accounts are much better than the rates for current accounts. Even a small amount of money will increase slowly to something a little larger. It makes sense to open a savings account in order to make money from your cash.</p>
<p>Avoiding temptation</p>
<p>Another good reason to get a savings account is to avoid the temptation of spending your money. If you try and keep a little bit of money each month in your current account, it is likely you will go and spend it on something because it is easily accessible to you. Savings accounts are not as easy to access, and therefore you are much less likely to spend the money. This will help you be more disciplined and save some money that could help you in the future.</p>
<p>Savings for emergency</p>
<p>Although opening a savings account might seem like you are locking away some of your money, you will be happy about this if an emergency arises. No one can know what will happen from day to day, and something may come up that requires some extra cash. If you have been using a savings account then you know that should such an emergency arise you have some money to use. Using a savings account for those unexpected emergencies can really help you out when times are tough.</p>
<p>When not to save</p>
<p>Although opening a savings account makes real sense, there are times when savings is not such a good idea. When interest rates are low the amount you make on your savings is low, so buying items at this type is a better way of using your money. Also, if you are in debt it is better to pay off your debts first than use the money for savings. However, even if you can only afford to save a little bit each month after all your bills are paid, it is worth putting aside that money. You never know when you might need it in the future, and putting it in a savings account will mean it is there for you as insurance.</p>
<h1></h1>
<p>Peter Kenny is a writer for The Thrifty Scot. Please visit us at <a href="http://www.thriftyscot.co.uk/Banking-Savings/">Savings Accounts</a> and <a href="http://www.thriftyscot.co.uk/Banking-Savings/Earning_Interest_in_a_savings_account.html">Earning Interest In A Savings Account</a></p>
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