Career Builder estimates 6 out of 10 Americans live paycheck-to-paycheck. Of that number, another 40% rely on credit cards for their basic living expenses.

Truthfully, 69% of America carries some type of debt every month. But 50 years ago, people wouldn’t even consider going into debt! Being in debt was actually shameful. And now, here we are – in a society that has accepted debt as just a part of life.

If this is you, good news – you aren’t alone. The even better news, you can DO something… and it DOESN’T require making more money. But you have to be willing to get out from under that stress, that bondage, that hold credit companies have over your life. Author Ambrose Bierce summed it up nicely:“Debt – an ingenious substitute for the chain and whip of the slavedriver.” Debt is total bondage!

The difference between people who have debt, living paycheck-to-paycheck, and those who are debt-free and banking money in their savings every month, is NOT how much money they make! It has everything to do with their mindset and how they view money.

You might not realize it, but if you spend everything you make, you have a poverty mentality. This mentality says money won’t always be here, so you spend it while you’ve got it. A poverty mentality motivates you to buy expensive houses, fancy cars and “designer” clothes you actually can’t afford. It has convinced you need more stuff, more money and more things to prove your social status or bring happiness.

Just recently, Business Insider published an article on the 10 characteristics debt-free people all share. And you’ll never guess what it said! It ISN’T because they make more money… debt-free people simply SPEND a lot LESS.

“Debt-free people live on less than they make. You can start to improve your situation immediately, by changing the way you look at your money. Imagine you make 10%, 25% or even 50% less than you do. Make a budget using that math. It may seem impossible at first, but start making cuts to your spending.”

You might think money is already tight, but once you sit down and do the math, you’ll be surprised. It might mean trading your car for one with a lower payment, moving into a smaller apartment. If you’re really committed, it is totally possible! You just have to fight your own ego, your own poverty mentality saying you “need” those things.

Another big characteristic the article listed about debt-free people? They all set financial goals. If you do not have a purpose for your money, it will get sucked into any and everything. A night out on the town here, a quick stop at the grocery store (even though you have a ‘fridge full of leftovers) there. A man without vision will perish!

You make goals for where you want to vacation, places you want to visit, even your personal health goals. Well, you need one for your finances, as well. If you have no overall vision or plan to get debt-free – you will continually push it aside. “I’ll think about making a plan next month, when money isn’t as tight” or “I should be getting a bonus soon, to help me start.”

Clear away your objections and start this new mindset TODAY! Don’t just accept debt or living paycheck-to-paycheck as a way of life. That’s not living your life by design; it’s living by default.

Are you debt-free? If so, tell me how awesome it is to be free of that bondage now. Your stories will inspire and motivate everyone who reads them! And remember, these principles still apply to you, even if you are debt-free! Make sure you change your entire mindset to stay out of debt – for good – and build a solid financial future for you and your family.

I’d love to know your thoughts and questions about today’s message! Please leave me your comments below! And don’t forget to share this message with your family and friends!

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In great faith,

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