How to Start your 2020 Debt Freedom Journey

We rang in the new year, and for so many of us, the bills are starting to come in.  Yes, you will need to get the extra charges paid off, but there are other things you can do to think ahead for next year. Get inspired by the journey to Debt Freedom in 2020 by taking these steps now.

1. Review your budget.  Post holidays is a good time to make sure the numbers are where you thought they were, including money to spruce up your home for holiday company.  Now is a great time to start a budget plan.  OK, you might have started the plan last year, but check your new credit card balances against budget.  Not checking is like not weighing in before a weight loss program.  You can’t measure your progress unless you check the starting point.
2. Save for next year. Even as you work to pay down your existing debt, you can save to avoid new debt.  Open a savings account to save for the next holiday, even if you can only contribute the minimum required amount at this time.  The new savings account may not remove the temptation to charge gift purchases for the next holiday, but it can soften the total amount you need to come up with in the next season. 
3. Stay the Course, by remembering why.  To do this, you might need to stop and think about why you are doing this.  Is the debt load you are carrying overwhelming?  You can reduce it; you have the power.   Are your revolving accounts impossible to pay on time?  Is your credit going down the drain as you juggle payments each month?  Is the stress affecting you and your family?  You know why this matters, but sometimes you need to be your own cheerleader.  Hey, I know you can do it, why don’t you know it?
4. Stay Grounded.  I am experiencing a bit of flux while I wind down one business to devote myself full time to the business that is taking off.  It requires extra hours and extra budget planning.  For an undiagnosed A.D.D. adult like me, it is easy to get sidetracked.  I need a tool to help me stay the course, so I decided to make a jar of goals and inspiration.  I can draw a thought for the day each morning as my grounding tool.    Today’s thought is “Do one thing every day that scares you.” by anonymous.    
5. Try to keep an Attitude of Gratitude.  I loved an article noting shifting their attitude from consumerism to gratitude actually makes people happier.  I don’t have my behavior permanently modified yet, but regular practice of appreciation for home, family, friends and our rambunctious dog is helping. 

Globally, 2020 is starting off roughly.  My heart goes out to those dealing with the fires in Australia and the violence in the Middle East and sometimes at home.  But you can make your 2020 better by getting on track for debt freedom and enjoying your accomplishments as you pay off accounts.  Need Help?  If you want a professional debt relief counselor to help you, visit DebtFreedomPros.com.