figure out your finances

Did you know that the average American family carries over $9,000 in credit card debt? Ten years ago it was only about $4,000.

Did you know that only half of all Americans have a retirement account?

A recent survey showed that over 70% of American consumers said that debt makes their home life unhappy! It also showed that many Americans are only one paycheck away from financial disaster.

Does this describe you?

If it does, don't despair. You're not alone. Some people get behind financially due to circumstances beyond their control, like a divorce, illness or job loss.

Not to mention the fact bankers and credit card companies make credit easier to get by focusing on minimum payments and delayed payments, but playing around with interest rates and fees. Also, the cost of carrying debt has tripled in recent years--that means it costs you a lot more to borrow money now, than it did decades ago.

The fact is, you can’t change what has already happen but you CAN take control of your debt today, own your paycheck once again, and start yourself down the road to debt freedom.

I’ve said this before…but I will say it again; organizing your finances is one of the most important things you can do for your sanity and for your family’s future.

Make it a goal this week or this month to get your finances more organized. This could be as simple as balancing your checkbook or looking for a way to increase your retirement fund, or something a little more complex like setting up a will, creating a debt reduction plan, or even seeking professional help to get back on track.

Just like getting your home organized, it is a series of small steps that will get you to your destination! Oh, and you won’t get anywhere until you take the first step! Take it this week!