The fool-proof, fail-proof way to stay out of debt
There are so many ways to get into debt. I know that. You know that. We all know that.
But did you know there's only one way to ensure you remain debt free?
That’s right, there’s one single, solitary way to ensure you remain free of debt for the rest of your life.
Your initial reaction to that statement may be similar to what mine was. It was something like “But that’s so unfair!”
But as I thought about this further, I realized that maybe it’s not so unfair after all. If there’s only one way way to be debt free, that takes out the mental anguish that comes along with the process of having to make a big decision. Even a small decision can be mentally exhausting!
In fact, it's reported that the more options you’re offered, the less likely you are to make a decision at all. Inaction is ALWAYS easier than action – so that added layer of the action involved in making a decision would actually make it much more difficult to take action against debt.
While that concept is certainly intriguing, you're probably wondering about this top-secret formula for staying debt free. Well, it’s simple … and it’s not so simple. You see, the single, solitary way to remain debt free is to (drumroll, please) — live within your means.
It sounds easy, right? Well, let's not kid ourselves. Living within — and especially below – your means can be downright hard. If it were easy, then no one would be in debt!
I liken it to the fool-proof secret for losing weight. You know the one. It usually sounds something like this: “Losing weight is simple; just eat fewer calories than you burn in a day.”
And of course I always want to respond with: “Well golly! Why didn’t I think of that?” with an eye-roll added for good measure, of course.
The thing is, it's not the statement itself that bothers me. Rather, it’s the way it’s delivered. Or perhaps it’s the way I perceive it. As though the person is saying, “Duh, this is the easiest thing in the world to do.”
But it's NOT easy. And neither is living within your means. It takes willpower, determination and the self-assuredness to know that you can do it because you are better than debt.
And while roadblocks will get in your way, and you may even be de-railed a few time, and that's OK. Just don’t let it deter you. Because YOU are stronger than that. So don't ever sell yourself short!
And if you ever need a little reminder of just how awesome you are – I’m here to give it to you! (Seriously! Just leave a comment below.) Because if you’ve pledged to live within your means, and you refuse to let debt keep you down, then you’ve already taken a giant leap forward – and that deserves to be commended!
And remember, if you need some guidance and tips for ways to create a budget, save more money, improve your credit score, or pay down existing debt, we have tools to help you do all of that and more in our Financial Education section.
(And if there’s information you’d like to see that’s not there, let me know by commenting below!)