A Gradual Approach to Removing Debt and Obtaining Freedom

When attempting to change financial behaviors, people set goals that are waaaaaaaaaay too big and then promptly burn out/ freak out/ spend $500 on some widget.  This is true for most lifestyle changes; to be successful you must make small, manageable goals.  Why is this so tough?  I think because we are genuinely enthusiastic when approaching change initially.  That enthusiasm can become burn out really quickly.  I am not a personal finance expert but in my work I am supposedly an "expert" in behavior change. More importantly, I have personally been successful in making frugal living a part of my life for six plus years.  This has allowed me the freedom to leave a miserable job, buy a small house, and basically be able to RUN MY OWN LIFE.  Wheeeee!

Week One- Figuring Out Your Motivations and Goals
What is it that you want to achieve by getting your finances in order?  Getting rid of debt?  Being able to purchase a house?  Building a savings cushion?  No longer living paycheck to paycheck?  Being able to leave your current job for the "dream job" that doesn't pay well?  What if??? This week, spend some time thinking about what it would mean for you to have your finances under control and no longer have to worry about money.  Write down a few goals on paper so that you have concrete reminders of why you're going to change your financial behaviors.

We'll continue with this next Monday...