You read it right. The answer that you have been looking for is nothing else but YOU! It all begins with you. You need to acknowledge that you are in trouble; you have to acknowledge your debts. Then, you need to decide if you really want to get out of debt, you need to commit yourself. The word “commit’ is used to emphasize you will need to change a lot about your attitude and way of thinking. By the time comes when you are already out of debt you may even want to consider yourself a new “you”!

Your commitment can be a roller coaster ride. At first, you feel good about yourself; you are positive and focus to get out of debt. Then, your friends or colleagues decided to spend summer on a tropical resort and you don’t want to be left out and decided to swipe the plastic again. You passed by your favorite car store and just can’t resist the new car model and realized your sales commission plus a car loan is the perfect match. And the bills start to pile again.

The list below is guide that you can use every now and then to check on “you”. (+) Attitude indicates signs that you are moving forward. On the other hand, (-) Attitude signifies you are doing badly. If you found yourself carrying out more (+) Attitudes than (-) Attitude then it only means you are on the right track and it won’t be long before you finally get out of debt. Otherwise, it is either you are still the same person before you committed yourself or worse, you are falling deeper and deeper on debts.

(+) Positive Attitude

• You are focus and feel excited about your commitment to get out debt.
• You have set your priorities.
• You have a positive and healthy outlook on money.
• Your monthly expenses have been planned.
• You are starting to use credit wisely.
• You have maximized your income.
• You have a part-time job, looking for one or considering having one.
• Your debts are prioritized. Monthly payments are settled and paid regularly.
• You have finally keep track of your spending.
• You have talked to your credit companies and have discussed some options.
• You and your partner are already discussing money issues.
• You keep on trying even if you experienced some failures and disappointments.

(-) Negative Attitude

• You are disregarding your debts and spend as if everything is normal.
• You are scared to ask for help. Worst case, you don’t even regard yourself as someone who needs help.
• You are ashamed about your financial condition and you are hiding it from your family, friends or colleagues.
• Worries about your financial condition are starting to affect your health and lifestyle.
• You are spending significant amount on gambling, alcohol, drugs, excessive shopping.
• You realized that moving out of your parents’ house is too soon.
• You are afraid to use some of your savings instead of credit.
• The reality of having additional child finally kicks in and you don’t know where to get the additional finances.