Debt-Free Wannabee Book Suggestions

hibees1875_2

More practically, for those in crisis debt positions with threatening letters type scenario's.... it's also important to remember that whilst you're in debt, you do actually have some power. Companies need you to pay them (ie banks, debt collectors), and while advice should be sought, communicating with creditors is a positive step. Instead of hiding from debt collection, i found that by talking to them, showing willingness and a bit of cheek, i got a discount of upto 40% on various debts for paying back promptly.

gettingitsorted

:spam: all posts reported

tsuki

Something for those of us teetering on the edge - I'm not in debt now, but I am in and out of my overdraft month-to-month by a hundred or so. I'd love a bit in the DFW book to be for those of us who want to stay in the black now we're there. Ways to not spend that hundred just once so that I'm in the black for good - especially at Christmas.

D&DD

I think the most important thing for me since starting our journey is that my whole attitude to money has had to change.Trying to become (and hopefully stay) debtfree is more about a new way of life for us.Learning to say no and thinking about the consequences of our spending which sadly,is something we haven't got much experience of (as you can see from my sig).:eek:
Yes you have to be committed (I should have been a longtime ago but thats another story..:rotfl: ) and I think once you start on the road you get obsessed with wanting it NOW hence the rollercoaster that everyone speaks of,the thrill of paying a bit off but the everyday grind of finding the extra pennies to do it with.Sometimes in life you learn the hard way and you have to learn for yourself noone can tell you its like giving up smoking in a way,you experience all the withdrawal symptoms but need to address the problem of why you do it,why do you overspend???

jak

How about reminding people of the importance of a REALISTIC budget. One thing i've found is that if it's too tight you can get depressed and become a bit halfhearted (and spend money). It has to be something you can stick to! Even if it take a tiny bit longer to pay off, as there's no point if you give up half way through.

balbs

Book is a great idea and would deserve to be as big a phenomena as 'Parachute' is to job hunting....

2 ideas

At least some mention of how you handle the other half phenomena - a lot of posts are from those who might not actually be in debt themselves but have discovered that their partner is - a very stressful situation where they are often trying to get the OH to admit what has happened and secondly to do something about it.

& the biggest money saver for the Christmas season has to be the secret Santa present - instead of buying for appx 20 relatives this year we are simply buying a secret prezzie for one other - so instead of piles of jolly junk on Christmas day there will be one well thought out present each. Much more fun!

I_was_a_fool

hibees1875 wrote:

I think it is very important, as has been mentioned, to emphasise that becoming debt free is a rollercoaster. But an underlying theme should perhaps be HOPE. As this site is testament to the fact that people cand and do become debt free, there is a positive end that is achievable, and that it's ok to have some support in making the initial steps. I think also, the book should have the ability to bring a tear to the eye as you read it, as that is something that these forum pages often bring to me. Not negative tears, but hopeful, happy tears.

I would like to emphasise that the dfw way gives you back CONTROL, which is what was missing for me. I felt that living with my debts was like standing on quicksand and everything was slipping away from me. I also never planned or thought more than a couple of months ahead as that was all I could be sure of getting through before everything collapsed. I never sat down and added everything up as I was too scared & never budgeted as I was so deep in debt it seemed pointless.

But NOW I look after every penny (& pick them up off the pavement too!)

bank_of_slate

Debt is endemic in our society,
We are the generation of want it and want it now! made so easy by the offers of 'easy' credit.
Often by the time you realise there's a problem and it's too late, the debts and charges pile up which thrusts you deeper and deeper into debt.
The support of this forum has turned many people's lives around...some who had debts that their spouse's didn't even know about.
The friendship and support from people on this forum is total and unconditional and I think it's that as much as the advice that is such a help.
...Linda xx

Frugal_Fox

I've just bought the 'Thrifty ways' book for my sister who is in the process of buying her first house! I want it to be a book she can refer to as she starts the next stage of her life. I personally would like the DFW book to be in a similar vein - ie, not just for those already in debt, but about looking at credit in a different light - ie a credit card is really a debt card...

There should be a section on first steps - ie getting the readers to have their own lightbulb moment, or reminding those who have had their moment, why they had it - you know we ALL fall off the wagon at some stage!!

There should be a section on debts and the different sorts of debts ie HP, store cards, credit cards, personal reserve type debts etc.

Equally a section on the companies to use who can also provide advice on debts - and the companies to avoid... Plus advice on claiming back bank charges, plus information on insolvancy.

At the end of the day the book needs to inspire everyone to do what they can - whether thats to make the right decisions in the first place (and not all credit is bad... just most!), or to help them become debt free.

Thanks Martin!

FF

Punkygoth

themaccas wrote:

Can you include Minniespenders 10 DFW commandments - they were so funny I'll try and find the thread......

here it is http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=184471

Ha ha they are brilliant. I missed them the first time round. Particuarly the one about logging on when you are finding it hard and feeling inspired. That is so true.