Let’s talk about something that may not be your favorite topic. But it’s very important for us to have this discussion. I know some people get stressed even thinking about their debt or financial situation, but today, let’s work on removing the stress about money and moving you into a winning financial position.

On Facebook, we asked people whether they saw debt as just a normal part of life, or if they believe it’s even possible to live without it. I asked what is keeping them from getting out of debt and causes them to live paycheck-to-paycheck. The responses were so crazy, I just had to share.

One woman commented, saying, “As long as we are taxed, we’ll always have debt.” WHAT?! I was totally shocked how quickly this woman jumped to blame someone else for her debt, as if she had no control over her personal finances, whatsoever! Because we’re taxed? Plenty of countries have taxes and do not come anywhere near the debt levels in our country. And besides, there are plenty of other people in this same country, paying the same taxes, in the same occupation as you, who are debt-free!

The issue here is not taxes… it’s you! No matter who you are trying to blame for your debt, the ultimate responsibility rests with you. Sometimes it’s simply a lack of knowledge; honestly, it’s not likely you got a lot of sound financial training growing up. There really aren’t that many good examples of financially-independent, debt-free people out there, after all.

The reality is, most people who make a lot of money, also have a lot of debt. And it isn’t because of taxes, the economy, their job, their family situation, the background, their education level, or any other common excuse.

Our entire society is built around a mindset of the more you make, the more you need to spend. It’s a poverty mentality! It is not only rooted in the habits you saw and learned during your childhood, but also stems from your friends and the media, too. It’s ingrained in us to make more… so we can spend more. That mentality does NOT generate wealth, financial independence or wise spending patterns. Today, it’s time to get a winning financial mentality!

If you want to score a big financial win, you have to begin making financially-wise decisions! CareerBuilder.com states 6 out of 10 people live paycheck-to-paycheck. And of that 60% population segment, a full 40% must rely on their credit cards. Wow! If you do the math, that means a quarter of our entire population uses their credit cards just to make ends meet! Is this really a wise financial decision?

You know, 50-60 years ago people didn’t go into debt to buy a car. Or buy clothes, groceries, or anything, for that matter. It was shameful to go into debt! Now, we whip out the plastic just to buy a pack of gum. Benjamin Franklin summed up the traditional mindset toward debt, in his time: “Better to go to bed hungry, than wake up in debt.” It’s interesting how differently our founding fathers saw finances then, compared to where we are now.

The sales pitches for credit cards, credit reports and debt altogether, are just huge marketing LIES. They’re ALL making money off of you! They win, and you lose! When I first started making a lot of money, my real estate agent told me I could afford a million-dollar home. Originally I was looking for a home with a way smaller price tag. But somehow I let him talk me into that enormous million-dollar house, not even realizing he was doubling, tripling or even quadrupling his commission from my stupid financial decision! In actuality, their pitches appeal to our pride.

Now it’s time to flip the tables, my friend! Take the power back from the credit card companies and banks, and take control of your own finances! Position yourself for a financial WIN, by taking personal responsibility for your own financial situation, paying off your debt, getting your spending under control, creating a realistic budget and then sticking to it. You will get exactly the steps you need in the “Money” training in LifeMap To Success.

You can do it! I believe in you and am here to help you! I’d love to hear your financial goals and your strategy to reach those goals. Hit me up on social media and tell me your financial game plan. Can’t wait to hear from you!

In great faith,

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