i'm a debtor and i need help

[meandk0610]

Hi, my name is Sarah, and I'm a debtor. I spend on credit cards and do not allow myself to save money for any decent length of time.

I feel horrible just typing that. I've had problems all of my life, including affecting my marriage. I filed for divorce in May because I'm trying to get my life together and get our daughter and myself to a safe/sane environment. I need to figure out how to get well and I don't know where to start.

I am seeking assistance in finding out my first step and a female sponsor. I am not Christian and am not sure how to do any of the steps. I have put A Currency of Hope and How to Get Out of Debt, Stay Out of Debt, and Live Prosperously: *(Based on the Proven Principles and Techniques of Debtors Anonymous) in my Amazon basket but have to wait until I receive an amazon gift card from mypoints to be able to buy them.

I have signed up with several Debtors Anonymous groups but have no idea what to actually DO.

Any assistance/direction would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Sarah

[eirual]

Personally, reading Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover (from my local library=free!) was a real eye-opener/butt-kicker/motivating/supportive and hands-on place to start.

Even if you can't get set on a specific path right now, start tracking your spending and make a list of fixed expenses (predictable bills) and when they're due. Then when it comes time to make the financial plan you'll have a clearer picture of exactly what you're working with.

Good luck mama, taking control of your finances and having clear goals/priorities is so empowering and liberating. It isn't always easy, but its rewards are great!

[Denvergirlie]

can you get those books from the library?

I too also like Dave Ramsey's book, his modified steps helped get me free of $30K in debt

Okay, so breath. Slow down, good job on getting the ball rolling and being honest. it can be a very hard process. Lots of emotions along with all the upheaval in your personal life.

Have you taken an accounting? What you have in income; What you have in debt. get out a good pencil and piece of paper and write it all down.
Knowing what you have to work with gives you some control.

Breath, slow down, one step. This is going to be a behavior change. Once again, behavior change. Long term, for the rest of your life.

Also might not hurt to think about the pros and cons as well as your goals for taking control over this aspect of your life.
You can remind yourself later when you feel like you are "depriving" yourself and the "I want it's" start. If you have a clear picture/ goal that you are working towards it's easier to reason with the "inner princess"... but I want it.. whinny little brat!

You could even see if there are not some specialized forum boards with DA. I know there are some other more personal finance forums, hang out, read. Dave Ramsey offshoot but also more Christian board (it's present but not really offensive- some are not religious at all)
llnoe.com (Living like no one else)


See if you can't get some of these books thru the library. Dave Ramsey also have video online, check out YouTube or the like.
Use your Amazon code for something more practical (groceries, supplies, gifts, etc) or even a splurge "treat" to yourself when you really just want to order something for yourself, but make sure it is something you really want/need not just random shopping because you have money to spend.


Best