Baby Steps to Debt Freedom

If you have:

• Debt
• No idea where to start

then you absolutely must read Dave‘s book called The Total Money Makeover. Briefly, here are his seven steps to freedom:

1. Save $1000 emergency fund
2. Pay off all debt using the Debt Snowball
3. Save up 3-6 months’ worth of expenses
4. Invest 15% of income for retirement
5. Fund kids’ college educations
6. Pay off the house early
7. Build wealth and give generously

Believe me, this takes some serious commitment and self-control, but it works every time. Be brave, stick to the recipe, and enjoy being totally free!

How badly do you want freedom?

I’ve had it!! I hate having debt!!!

Okay I need a RANT post. Remember how I told you Sallie Mae gave me six grand? Well my balance has now magically shot back up again. Arrrgh!

I am reeaally over this. My Sallie Mae student loan is my only remaining debt, and my goodness, it’s been the worst one. It’s like debt knows its days in my life are numbered and so it’s determined not to go out without a fight. Well, the gloves are coming off.

Last week I wrote my goals for 2011, and top of the list was to be debt-free by the end of the year. I don’t know why now, but this latest little fiasco has really chapped my ass.  I really hate (*hate) being the underdog up against big Sallie Mae. I hate dealing with their crap “customer service” and the incessant errors. I’m sick of this debt holding me back. She’s going down. Soon.

I think I might have finally had that “I’ve had it!” moment Dave Ramsey talks about.