I’m about to go on a 30-No-Shopping Challenge to not only curb my spending but to save up for a potential move.  I’ve been doing a lot of shopping lately and while I have to say I have excellent taste and can spot a bargain, I am not quite happy with the fact that I’m not saving more.  I’m bleeding out the funds that should be socked away for an expensive post-graduation life.

Here’s what I’ve come to discover…beyond the surefire signs of an out of control credit bill/spending more than you earn, there are some subtle signs and trip-ups that are leading to an out of control budget.

  Read more →

It’s A New Year.  It’s Time To Give Yourself Permission to Celebrate Your Life & Celebrate Your Money.

You’re human.  Chances are, like all of us- you’ve made some bad choices in the past with your money, or life happened and you were caught off guard with expenses, leaving you in debt.   Let it go.  

Turn a new page and walk in the wisdom that you have the strength to get out of, or stay out of debt in 2012, and now, you have the support.

If you’re facing what seems to be insurmountable debt, give yourself a pat on the back.  You’ve come to the right place.  If you’re recently paid off your debt- congratulations to you!  You have a place here too!  I’m calling for you to become a Debt Free Diva- either vowing to pay down your debt or to vow to stay out of debt with consistency!

If you’re serious about getting or staying debt free- join my collection of phenomenal women who have taken the pledge to be a Debt Free Diva, I’ve saved a spot just for you!

Several phenomenal women have taken the pledge here.  I know it sounds scary to make that kind of public commitment, but isn’t that the kind of push you might be needing to stay accountable?  Nobody’s perfect, and we aren’t asking you to be- what we are asking you to do is to try, and take that first step in joining a community that is here to support you.  Being a Debt Free Diva is a community and a lifestyle that we are all working on together, and nobody’s here to judge.

 What we all want for you is to be debt free, have some support in getting wise with your money and celebrate your successes, dust you off when you have a bad day, and work on being financially free together.

If you’re ready for something new, something bold and to be financially free no matter what you’re bringing to the table- head to the Debt Free & Fabulous page and get ready!

I’m single, and have been advised that I should not settle for anything in a relationship that would not be workable for the long term.   Some of my must-haves for a relationship are:  A college degree, love of pets {and yes, must love pugs}, at least 5’8″ or taller preferably…. and here’s one:  I don’t see a future with anyone who has debt.

People are usually supportive of my stringency when it comes to deal breakers, in fact- most of the people in my social circle encourage me to have requirements.  They, kindly enough, think I’m a catch (yay!) and want me to find a good match, even if it means being rather…particular about things.  But when it comes wanting a debt-free dude, am I being a jerk? Read more →

 Ruh-Roh, better not cut the tags off yet!  {click to enlarge}

Provided by Mint.com

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We all value education, don’t we? But as a current graduate student, I’m alarmed by the amount of debt my friends and peers are taking on… $20k, $50k, $100k, $120k. What will happen when our generation wants to buy a home, have a child or put money towards our retirement but we’re still paying off our debts acquired to get a good job in the first place?

I’m not one for conspiracy theories. I HATE generalizations, scare tactics or dramatic claims, but this document makes some thought provoking points about the growing debt of our country, of our college attendees and the economy.  I hate sounding the alarms, but this exact question has been  on my heart and mind for over a year- how will today’s college grads handle their debt, or will the bubble burst?

I personally am concerned that if we had an economic crash in 2008 over the housing market, but many college grads have more debt at age 24 than 44 years old have on their mortgage.

Thoughts?  Do you think the debt is worth it?  Is the answer to the devaluation of the bachelor’s degree simply getting more education (thus more debt)?   Do you know anyone that is in a huge amount of student loan debt? How are they handling their debt?

 I really want to talk about this and would appreciate your thoughts and experiences.