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July 31, 2006
Credit Card Debt - What's Triggering Your Spending
When we first stop using credit cards, we may truly get in some financial binds.
We haven't had time to get over the initial hump.
We haven't fully implemented our spending plan, and we don't yet have a savings account worth mentioning.
We remember that for each and every credit card scenario, there is an alternative.
If we trust ourselves enough, calm ourselves so we're able to think it through, we'll stop reacting with credit and start creating solutions—even before we've reached a point where we have a savings account and a realistic spending plan.
We ask ourselves a few questions:
Is the purchase absolutely necessary?
Can I put it off?
an I do something less expensive?
Can I liquidate an asset?
Can I borrow from a friend in exchange for collateral?
Can I sell something?
Can I withdraw from my savings account?
It is vitally important to stop and think about what emotions are in effect when we spend up a storm.
It is rarely an actual need that brings us to financial ruin but rather an emotional state that drives us to spend.
Posted by Colin at 02:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)July 22, 2006
Commit to a Spending Plan
We most likely adhere to a payment schedule that we need to maintain for at least a couple of years, and, for those of us buried in bills, for many years to come.
We view our payments as a challenge. We may feel some excitement at the thought of making progress. We see, on paper, that it's possible to emerge from the chaos.
Then, despair creeps in, overshadowing the promising thoughts. We have doubts. Obviously, adding to our debt doesn't help toward paying it off.
How do we discipline ourselves to stick to our spending plan for two, three, five, or seven years—or the rest of our life?
We take it a day at a time. Who knows what will happen tomorrow?
Instead of focusing on what we can't have, we concentrate on what we gain—lowered debt, a sense of achievement, integrity, and self-confidence.
Stay committed to a spending plan.
Posted by Colin at 01:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)Do You Have a Spending Plan?
Following a spending plan makes us solvent.
Solvency is the state of having paid all unsecured debts and of being able to pay cash for new expenditures (not necessarily including a car or home).
We plan for necessary major and minor purchases.
We put money in savings for them, even before paying creditors.
We pay cash instead of incurring more unsecured debt.
We feel a great deal of relief. These new spending and saving patterns can make us feel confident.
After all, we are able to meet our basic needs, to live our lives, without getting deeper into debt.
We may also be afraid—afraid we won't have enough—or we may feel guilty for thinking of ourselves first.
We trust that in time confidence will prevail.
Know that solvency based on an honest spending plan will bring tremendous relief.
Posted by Colin at 03:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)Getting Out of Debt, The Emotional Side of Debt
Flight attendants instruct adult passengers to place the oxygen mask on themselves first, before putting it on children. Given that if we can't breathe we can't very well help our children, this makes perfect sense.
If we're not in good shape mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally, how can we expect to be healthy and energetic enough to be creative and responsible with our debt?
A healthy mind and body also keep us out of costly clinic or hospital visits (saving us even more money and heartache).
Depending on our situation, we look at nutrition, exercise, sleep, relationships, quiet time, and entertainment as some possible top priorities.
We make paying debt our third or fourth priority.
Ask yourself whether I've made self-care a priority.
When you take care of yourself, you debt burdens too will be taken care of.
Why? You are approaching your problems with a clear mind. Debt can burden your thoughts and errode your ability to think clearly.
Without clear thinking you are doomed to sink further into the debt trap.
Posted by Colin at 01:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)July 21, 2006
Building Your Online Marketing Channels
I work full time as an affiliate marketer. Which means I promote other people's products and get paid a commission on the sales of those products.
The circles I normally travel are very well aware of the power of affiliate marketing in skyrocketing online sales.
What came as a huge surprise to me was there are still many businesses that are not fully aware of affiliate channels to drive sales. I spoke at the Shareware Industry Conference in Denver last week where I was on an affiliate marketing panel. While there are many who were utilizing affiliate channels to boost their online revenues there were many software vendors who are not agressively pursuing affiliates.
If you are associated with the sales and marketing within your company, you must know that via an affiliate program that is effectively run, your online sales could be double, tripled or even more.
Stop sitting on the fence, get out there and boost your business via affiliate channels. Think about it for a minute - Free advertising until the desired result (a sale) occurs.
What other avenues do you have where you pay for advertising only when a sale occurs?
Posted by Colin at 04:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)Getting Out of Debt - Attitude is Everything
With good reason, we take our debt and the circumstances surrounding it seriously.
Thoughts of our debt and what we need to do about it can become a kind of background noise.
We adapt to the point where we no longer even hear the hum; it's just a part of our days, forever dulling our senses and demeanor.
We acknowledge that our debt and the circumstances surrounding it are there regardless of whether we wear a smile or a frown.
We let ourselves enjoy what comes before us—a sunrise, dew on a flower petal, the warmth of a hug.
We forget our troubles long enough to pick some daisies.
Today, be grateful that life offers more beauty than challenges.
Changing your outlook on life is a key step to gaining control of your finances.
When you put on your "happy face" that positive energy WILL get you on the path of debt recovery
Posted by Colin at 01:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)July 20, 2006
What Happened to My Paycheck?
We spend without knowing where the money went.
The paycheck is gone, but where did it go?
A spending plan is a positive way to look at where our money is going—to clearly see our spending pattern.
First and foremost, a spending plan recognizes personal basic needs, from food to a savings account.
Before we get to the point where we create a realistic spending plan, we map out an ideal spending plan.
It has no limits. We go to town and write down what we'd truly love to be spending money on.
We start by keeping track of income and expenses for six weeks. We look at how we spend in each category—savings, personal care, baby-sitting, entertainment, medical and dental care, gifts, vacations, and so on. Are we overspending somewhere?
Where do we deprive ourselves?
What are our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs?
Begin to immediately record your daily expenses and income. Also, make note of your emotional state when you are spending.
Understanding your emotions when you spend is going to help you make changes and begin your path to financial success.
Posted by Colin at 01:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)July 19, 2006
Tips for Managing Your Money
Our money is spent before the paycheck comes. Every cent is earmarked to pay bills. We wonder how or if we'll make it till the next check comes.
We scheme. We rob Peter to pay Paul. It feels futile. We want to treat ourselves, even though we've spent our entertainment money for the month.
We say it's Friday and payday; let's go out to dinner or order a pizza. We deserve it.
When we start feeling sorry for ourselves, we challenge our thoughts. We think, think, think—beyond the impulse.
We do deserve it, but treating ourselves doesn't have to mean spending money. There are a million ways to treat ourselves without spending a cent.
Brainstorm a list of simple treats that rely only on me—a hot bath, a walk in the park, an exercise routine. Treats that will not only reward me but also will improve me.
July 18, 2006
Getting Out of Debt & The Rat Race
For those of you who have been following along and reading my blog postings you have noticed that I mention starting your own business to make some extra money is truly the best way to start digging your way out of credit card debt.
I have authored a training manual outlining what you need to do to start your own internet business. The really great thing about the business I talk about in my book is the fact that it can be done in your spare time and there's no pressure (other than the pressure of your debt collectors pounding down your door).
All you have to do to succeed is:
1. Be passionate about something (not necessary though, but makes it easier and more enjoyable).
2. Write about your passion.
3. Start selling things that you are passionate about.
OK, there are more things to know but the above three points are all you really need for success plus a little help from my book entitled "The VEO Report" ( www.veoreport.com ).
I have just raised the price on the manual as my methods are increasing my income by about $100/day every 10 days (and that pace is accelerating). I am on target with my current growth to earn $1Million in a six month period, with $1M monthly income projected to occur within 12 months.
Not bad for a guy working on his laptop computer from home!
I suggest you get a copy of The VEO Report now before another price increase (the information is far too valuable to sell and too cheap of a price point).
Posted by Colin at 01:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)Denial - Understand it to Solve Money Problems
Some of us deny that our money problems are our own.
We want to blame another, bad luck, our health, the economy, or the world.
We're the victims.
We complain to patient listeners.
We look away from the truth.
Honesty is a powerful force.
It propels people and relationships forward.
Because honesty is real, it is not mistaken for manipulation.
Honesty begets respect, self-confidence, and empowerment.
By being honest, we let the world know we aren't victims.
We acknowledge our power to change.
By being comfortable enough to expose our truest and deepest thoughts and feelings, we reveal the admirable qualities of self-confidence and self-esteem.
When we're honest, we evolve. In evolution lies the mystery and excitement of life.
Be honest with yourself and another about my relationship with money.
Posted by Colin at 12:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)July 17, 2006
Get out of Debt - Start a biz
So here I am in Starbucks (aka my office) working on my internet business.
Ah, life is good. I have mentioned this before that the best way to get out of debt is to start a home based business. In fact I have outlined everything you need to know in an e-book entitle The VEO Report. I suggest you get a copy before I raise the price at the end of this week.
Debt can really impair you ability to enjoy life. Get out of the debt cycle and start making more to get those creditors off your back!
Posted by Colin at 06:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)July 16, 2006
Getting Out of Debt - Strive for Progress not Perfection
Newsletters, books, and Internet sites are full of advice on frugality, tips many of us can benefit from. We find tips on everything from how to make homemade Play-Doh to how to pay off a mortgage in seven years. We need to be careful of how "cheap" we become. Moving from spending too much to constantly making sure we're saving every possible cent can be moving from a compulsive behavior to an obsessive one.
When considering all the cheaper options, we select what feels right to us—what works best given our lifestyle. We learn to trust ourselves enough to know what's best. Finding the most appropriate and balanced lifestyle is a matter of trial and error.
When trying to get out of debt strive for progress, not perfection. It is important to understand that as humans we are not perfect. It took us a while to dig ourselves into debt and it will take a while to dig ourselves out of debt. Don't be hard on yourself, take baby steps and learn as you go. Soon you will achieve your desired result of becoming debt free.
Posted by Colin at 10:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)July 15, 2006
Saving Money & Avoided Debt - Things To Do
Our money is spent before the paycheck comes. Every cent is earmarked to pay bills. We wonder how or if we'll make it till the next check comes. We
scheme. We rob Peter to pay Paul. It feels futile. We want to treat ourselves, even though we've spent our entertainment money for the month. We say it's Friday and payday; let's go out to dinner or order a pizza. We deserve it.
When we start feeling sorry for ourselves, we challenge our thoughts. We think, think, think—beyond the impulse. We do deserve it, but treating ourselves doesn't have to mean spending money. There are a million ways to treat ourselves without spending a cent.
Today I will, by myself or with another,
brainstorm a list of simple treats that rely only on me—a hot bath, a walk in the park,
an exercise routine. Treats that will not only
reward me but also will improve me.
July 14, 2006
Is Debt Relief a Priority For You?
Having priorities can help us make decisions. When we're not sure weather to go for
dinner with friends or to get some needed rest, we review our priorities.
If our top priority is getting enough rest, our decision is made.
If our top priority is getting out more often, we again have our answer.
When we write down our priorities (e.g., eating nutritious food, exercising, paying off credit cards, cutting costs,
learning money management, dealing with emotional pain), we experience a paradigm shift. We stop complaining and start moving forward.
We take on the challenge. We become empowered and incredibly energized by the simple act of consciously moving toward a goal or at least of
knowing what it is we really want.
If getting out of debt is truly a priority, you will write it down as such. You will have a game plan in place to start paying off debt and you will follow the plan. If debt relief is not truly a priotity getting out of debt will be very difficult. Make it your priority now and you will be amazed with the results!
Posted by Colin at 02:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)July 13, 2006
Secured Vs Unsecured Debt
There is secured debt and unsecured debt. Secured debt is debt covered by collateral. It includes mortgages and car loans—big ticket items that can be repossessed if we fail to make payments.
Unsecured debt is credit card debt, money borrowed from Mom and Dad, and unpaid bills. Unsecured debt is basically any money borrowed in cash or on credit without collateral.
The high price of homes and cars makes it impossible for most of us to pay for them with cash. We make the distinction between unsecured debt and secured debt. Secured debt is, for most of us, unavoidable. We accept secured debt as a living expense (while always living within our means). Since most of us choose to make paying secured debt a priority, it can be the basis of a good credit record.
Today I will accept that secured debt is a part of life.
Posted by Colin at 09:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)July 12, 2006
Helping You With Debt Issues
If we aren't compulsive spenders or if we're recovering compulsive spenders, we may be guilty of underspending.
Because we're in debt, we become overprotective of family finances. While our spouse is out gambling, we're shopping at garage sales and eating potatoes for lunch. Even though we truly need some new clothes for work, we leave the mall empty-handed, or with something for the kids or a gift for a friend.
When we can't spend money on ourselves, we may have crossed the line from practicality to deprivation. Depriving ourselves means we think we don't deserve to have anything nice or new.
Balance is everything. We examine our priorities. If the purchase is a necessity and a priority, we add it to our spending plan.
Posted by Colin at 07:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)How's Your Relationship With Money?
Money, like relationships, is an integral part of life. One of the first steps to dealing with money problems is to recognize that we have our own unique way of "being" with money. Some of us may characterize ourselves as penny-pinchers, compulsive spenders, gamblers, overspenders, underearners, or financial wrecks.
How we look at money, how we act with it, and what we expect from it determine how we relate to it and, ultimately, how much we have. If we're not happy in a personal relationship, we might ask ourselves what we don't like. From there, we look at our behavior. What can we change? If we're not happy with the way we're relating to money, if we're uncomfortable with the amount of debt in our lives, we need to look at changing the way we behave with money.
Start now to assess your relationship between you and your money. Note your spending patterns and more importantly the events and emotions that you are currently going through when you are pulling out your credit card.
Get to truly know your relationship with money, this is key to digging out of credit card debt and ultimately keeping more money in your bank account.
Posted by Colin at 08:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)July 11, 2006
What are your priorities?
What are our goals? Have we taken even an hour out of our life to look at what it is we'd truly like to be doing or having one, five, or ten years from now? Doesn't it seem odd that we spend incredible amounts of time and energy worrying about tomorrow instead of creating tomorrow?
We look at our priorities, whether self-care, being a better parent, paying off debt, or buying a home. We address each category. If the category is debt, we may decide that a reasonable goal is to be debt-free (free of unsecured debt) within five years. To achieve that goal, we list several action steps. We can read books on money management, attend free workshops, document all expenses, prepare a spending plan, attend Debtors Anonymous or other support group meetings, see a therapist for our addiction, or visit a financial planner. Each of these action steps usually requires mini—action steps, such as looking up numbers in the phone book or finding a sensible way to record expenses.
Today I will know I can create my future by planning far it.
Posted by Colin at 07:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)July 09, 2006
Debt Reduction - Progress not Perfection is Key
Newsletters, books, and Internet sites are full of advice on frugality, tips many of us can benefit from.
We find tips on everything from how to make homemade Play-Doh to how to pay off a mortgage in seven years.
We need to be careful of how "cheap" we become. Moving from spending too much to constantly making sure we're saving every possible cent can be moving from a compulsive behavior to an obsessive one.
When considering all the cheaper options, we select what feels right to us—what works best given our lifestyle. We learn to trust ourselves enough to know what's best. Finding the most appropriate and balanced lifestyle is a matter of trial and error.
Strive for progress, not perfection.
Fund Your Future Now, It's Fun!!!
I have been going on endlessly about launching your own business using your credit card to get you out of debt and to start making money. In all my preaching I neglected to mention the fun that's involved if you get into the same biz as me.
I am right now in Orlando to attend Affiliate Summit. So far, arrived yesterday, walked through Downtown Disney - Lots of great street performers to see there!
This is part of what I call work. Traveling to conferences, which are not properly named. These events are more like parties.
I gotta run...I am off to do lunch now...then off for today's parties!
July 08, 2006
Freedom From Debt is a Matter of Priority
Throughout the years, various concerns require a great deal of our attention.
We focus on diapers and bottles and getting the baby to sleep through the night.
We put much of our social life aside while we take evening classes to get a degree.
We challenge ourselves and train to climb a mountain.
We concentrate on paying off our debt.
What weighs most on our minds these days?
When our priorities are in line with goals, we feel good about what we're doing. We're working toward something we want, something that's important to us. We're being proactive. We're taking charge. We're taking responsibility for our well-being.
If you start focussing on ridding yourself from credit card debt and making it a priority
it WILL happen.
What we think about most tends to come true in life. If you focus on debt reduction it will become a self-fulling prophecy (the good kind).
Start today, write this down.
Today I will make my top priority finding ways to pay off my credit card debt and begin to use my credit card with caution.
Do this and repeat it to yourself throughout the day, everyday and you will start to see something amazing transfer before your eyes. Your debt will start decreasing!
Posted by Colin at 05:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)July 07, 2006
Yes, Your Credit Card Can Get You Out of Debt
WoooooHooooo...Here I go again
That's right, another trip funded by the rewards points on my credit card. This time I am off to Orlando. It's a business trip but still the point is I am paying nothing for my hotel or flight. The points are covering both costs. Not too mention the trip my family is planning for Disney Land later this summer, all on rewards points again!
That's not really the point of this post though. One of the perks of my credit card is all the free travel I am able to enjoy.
Now that I've got the gloating out of the way - How is it that I am accumulating all these points and I am talking about getting out of debt.
Seems a bit strange doesn't it? Lots of free trips on rewards points means a lot of spending doesn't it?
Spending a lot on a credit card and getting out of debt seem to be completely opposite things.
Here's how it goes:
I am spending a fortune on growing my business. The money I spend on business expenses is placed on my credit card. I spend more, I grow my business more and as my business grows I pay off debt!
Does that sound too good to be true? It's a reality, you can do it. Heck, I'm doing it.
Check out my training material at veoreport.com.
You too can be spending, earning points and paying off your credit cards!
Posted by Colin at 01:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)July 06, 2006
In Denial About Credit Card Debt?
It's easy to live as though our debt problems will just go away.
We say tomorrow, next month, or next year will be better. We keep some kernel of hope that things will change, even though we haven't done anything to change things. Herein lies a paradox. We need to be positive, to let go, and to live one day at a time, but we also need to be sensitive to points in our lives that require us to take action.
Before we can begin to get out of a rut of credit card debt, to make positive change, we need to acknowledge that a problem exists in the first place and that we are responsible for doing something about it. When we can pinpoint the problem, we create a new awareness. We're suddenly open to receiving information we previously blocked out. We reach a higher level of thinking regarding our situation.
Whacking Credit Card Debt With a Home Based Biz
For those of you who have been following my blog, you will know that I have mentioned that the best way to eliminate credit card debt is to simply go out and make more money.
I know, I know, that seems like an impossible dream, but it is actually very simple to make money on the internet. You just need to find somebody to show you what to do. Well, you found the guy, it's me. I have just completed updating my e-book entitled "The VEO Report" which outlines how to get traffic to a website and turn that traffic into cash. Cash which I urge you to spend on your outstanding credit card and other debt.
If you do take the plunge and start your own online business it is very tempting to start boosting your lifestyle. I know I did! If only I used my money more wisely, I could have been mortgage free with close to $1Million in the bank. Instead, I have the same credit issues as everyone else only with bigger stuff. By the way, stuff doesn't actually buy true happiness. Freedom does!
Here is a quote you should consider living by:
"Money does not buy happiness, money buys comfort and comfort creates happiness"
So consider starting a business to pay off your debt and enjoy the comfort of being financially free!
Posted by Colin at 12:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)July 05, 2006
Credit Card Reviews Ongoing
I know you might have seen that I have added this category to my website and noticed a glaring lack for reviews there.
Why?
Because I take the review process very seriously and have been interviewing card holders for their real life experience with every aspect of the credit cards. I am committed to providing you with only the best deals on card offers.
Cutting through the hype and drilling down to the facts does take some time. I will post the reviews within the next few weeks. However, the reviews will only be posted upon verification of all the details.
In the meantime, if you are not certain of which card is best for you please contact me - For current contact info visit http://www.crediteria.com/about.htm and I will get back to you as soon as humanly possible.
Also, send your personal experiences with your credit card company to me as well. Together we can all make a difference. Let's help each other in cutting through the marketing ploys of the big banks and simply get the best deals possible - After all we don't need more hands dipping into our pockets!
Posted by Colin at 01:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)July 02, 2006
The Best Thing to do with your credit card
The best thing you can do with your credit card is to use it to create more money!
Hang on here, what's Colin yabbering about now, you ask?
Yes, your credit card, the very thing that might be sinking you into the pit of debt can actually be used to get you out of debt.
Hmmm...Let's see here. Using my credit card to get out of debt. Isn't this an oxymoron?
I have been using my credit card quite heavily as of late. I have been investing in my online business. Using my credit card to buy traffic from the major search engines and in turn having been guiding consumers to sources to buy goods and taking a commission on the sale.
Sound too good to be true? It's very real and true. I buy clicks on terms that are frequently searched and provide some solid information to help the consumer make an informed buying decision or show them where the best deals can be found. Maybe do a price comparison to direct them to the lowest prices on any given product and off they go to buy based upon my recommendations. Essentially the entire reason Crediteria.com exists.
Yes, I make a buck from running this site. You found Crediteria likely on an internet search.
I gauge how things are going with my valued visitors based on aggregate data from my server log files and based upon where most visitors are going I provide updates and more information.
Does this sound intriguing? If it does feel free to contact me via e-mail or post a response to the entry. Entries are not automatically published as I approve each one to ensure no abuse of this forum.