ANSWERS: 21
  • I am- I got that way by not spending more money than I earned. I used to have a high-paying job and a large house, and then my only debt was my mortgage. When that job ended I sold the house, bought a condo in cash, and had plenty of money left over.
  • Yes. I don't have a big salary, but I live within my means. No big and unnecessary expenses. I don't use my credit card that often. In fact, I only use it when I'm abroad, and it happens only once or twice a year.
  • Yes. We used the Dave Ramsey method...don't use credit cards, buy what you can afford, pay yourself first...
  • Hah! I've been divorced twice,and am the single parent of a 14 year old girl!If you look up debt in the dictionary my picture is there.
  • Yes..I learned not to buy things on impulse and set up a budget including a savings plan. I used to have terrible credit before I changed my spending habits. I now have excellent credit and use my credit cards as a convenience and pay the balance off every month.
  • I am on my way to becoming debt free! After my divorce, I was no longer tied to a spendy husband who would buy stuff on a whim first, then use the credit cards to pay the bills. BAD MISTAKE. I have a monthly budget. It's kind of like going on a diet - if you write down EVERYTHING you do, you'd be surprised where your money (or calories) are being spent. I cut up all my credit cards and haven't used them in two years. What do you know... I discovered I don't need them! My bank debit card works just fine, and I'm putting money in savings for the "OMG MY TRANSMISSION FELL OUT" type emergencies. Building up the emergency fund derails the urge to have credits cards for 'just in case.' Once I have saved up 3 months worth of full salary in an emergency fund, then I will create another pure fun money account. Keeping my eye on the prize gives me hope and excitement about the future. My goal is to save up for a cruise that I've always wanted to go on. And when I do, I'll be able to do it guilt and worry free! Here's some tips: 1) Set a monthly budget in physical form (paper, computer). DO IT. Seriously. 2) Write down everything you spend money on. Coke machines, Starbucks, candy bars, everything. 3) Cut up the credit cards. 4) Contact a non-profit debt consolidation organization. They will help you with the first two, and most likely get your interest rate down on your existing credit cards. Research this carefully. 5) Set up a savings account. Do it with every paycheck, even if it's only a little at first. Start this habit for yourself. 6) Resist the urge to impulse buy by rewarding yourself other ways. This may be very small purchases, or activities that you enjoy. If you don't, you'll "binge". 7) If you can, take advantage of the credit card offers with a lower interest rate with a balance transfer. This will help over the long haul. 8) DON'T EVER GET A CREDIT CARD AGAIN. You don't need them. If you can't learn to eventually live within your means, you need to get some professional (financial) help. 9) Never, ever, ever be late on payments. Talk about a credit-wrecker. It only takes one to severly damage your credit and cause you to pay higher interest rates on cars, houses, etc. Too many of these and you won't be able to purchase one at all. You might not be able to rent an apartment if your credit is bad. If you can't make your full payment on time, call and let them know and make other arrangements. You'd be surprised how most people will work with you if you'll just talk to them.
  • Don't use credit cards. The cc companies screw you big time with interest.
  • If I were alone I would be but I have a wife with a voracious appetite for spending money. Good thing she works hard too. Actually we owe very little and the reason for that has been just being selective about purchases and serious about paying things off as soon as possible. When I can be I'm very agressive about paying off debt which I consider to be like financial shackles and an emotional egg beater.
  • Spending less than you earn monthly and paying everything off before interest fees. This is after you buy the house, car, marriage/divorce/kids etc.
  • Yes. I've been working full-time since I was 17. I also inherited some money. I don't spend cash on extravagances. I never carry a credit card balance.
  • i was for about 18 years until i decided to buy a new car - always pay yourself first
  • With the exception of the mortgage we acquired in February, and our previous home that is now in escrow, my husband and I are virtually debt free. We only have two credit cards (as well as our debit cards) and we pay them off every month. Spending only what you can afford to is the only way to accomplish this and even save some cheddar along the way! PS Even our vehicles are paid off...
  • Not right now... I got married, lol. But when I was single, I had many medical bills. simply put, I sacrificed and prioritzed. When I got myself out of debt, I chose necessities over my wants. Don't listen to people who say it's good to carry a balance on your CC. That's dumb, you just end up paying more for your stuff. If you can't pay your CC off every month, you've spent too much. Use CCs, but use them wisely {smile}. Life is so much more sublime when you are debt free.
  • Yes. Daddy died and I got the will.
  • Not until that lottery win...!
  • Unfortunately not. I have a mortgage and a car loan. Is anybody in the working class truly debt free?
  • No, but I'm working on it. I'm following the advice of Dave Ramsey. So far, so good.
  • Last time i looked!... mind you it is the silly season! I'd better check, thanks.
  • right now, nope.
  • Ha ha aha hahha hha ha ha. No.

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