America's Debt Diet

By Author: Greg McTaggart
Total Articles: 48
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America—it is time to get rid of your debt! Financial experts David Bach, Jean Chatzky and Glinda Bridgforth offer their step-by-step action plan to help set you on the path to financial freedom.

PHASE 1
Give yourself one month to complete these steps—you can do one a week!

Step 1: How much debt do you really have?
It's time to get real about your debt. Do you know how much living with debt is costing you?

Step 2: Track you're spending and find extra money to pay down debt
Time to cut back on the extras. Use David Bach's Latte Factor® calculator to find big savings where you least expect them! It is time to start paying you.

Step 3: Learn to play the credit card game
Think $10 a day won't make a big difference in your debt? Think again! With this plan you can pay off $8,000 in credit card debt in just 3 years.

Step 4: Stop spending
Making small changes can help in a big way. Use these tricks to help you spend less and save more.

PHASE 2
In the second phase of the Debt Diet, the steps become more detailed and have more long-term ...
... goals.

Step 5: Create a monthly spending plan
Use the monthly spending plan worksheet and calculator to create a budget that you can stick to—and save with—every paycheck.

Step 6: Take big steps to grow your income
Whether it is selling your assets or getting a second job, sometimes you have to make big choices to get out of debt.

Step 7: Prioritize your debts and raise your credit score
Confused about which debts to pay off first? Here's a plan to pay down your debt while actually improving your credit score!
Step 8: Understand your spending issuesand save!
Get to the heart of why you spend. Then, find out how to resist temptation and build an emergency fund.
About Christian Credit One, Inc.
Christian Credit One, Inc. is a national, non-profit Christian Credit Counseling organization dedicated to helping consumers achieve financial wellness through Christian credit counseling and education. Established in 1994, Christian Credit One has helped over two million individuals achieve financial security. Christian Credit One is one of the top members of the American Association of Debt Management Organizations (AADMO), Christian Credit One manages clients across the country. Personalized and confidential consultations are available in person, by phone or online. Visit Christian Credit One or call 888-767-9155.

Greg McTaggart, Certified Credit Counselor with 22 years experience, licensed by AFCPE, Director of Christian Credit One and is an expert in budget and