Need Help With Debt, Where To Find Debt Advice I Can Trust?

By Pinyo, on February 11, 2009

In this  Ask the M-Network article, Dan shared that he and his wife have fallen into debt and looking for advice to get back on track.  However, the Internet has both trustworthy and predatorial web sites, so he’s wondering where the best place to go for help.  Here’s the question from Dan:

Hi, My wife and I both work and have good steady jobs. We have fallen into debt the last few years. I have looked all over for a place to tell us what to do to get back on track. I just want some advice on what to do, Do you have any place or website that you trust that we can go to. thank you.

Before I answer this question, I’d like to share answers from my peers.

Here’s the response from Lynnae at Being Frugal

I’m sorry to hear about your situation.

I always like to follow Dave Ramsey’s advice when it comes to getting out of debt. Work hard on building up a small emergency fund, so you don’t go deeper into debt when you have a financial emergency.  Then put all of your effort into paying off your debt.  Find little ways to save or earn money, so you can put extra money toward your debt repayment.  Your budget will be tight while you’re working so hard to pay things off, but realize it’s temporary, and it will all be worth it when you’re debt free.

If you realize that your budget won’t cover your monthly expenses plus your debt repayment, you’re going to need to cut some expenses or increase your income.  If you can’t balance your budget at all, it may be time to look into getting some help from Consumer Credit Counseling.

Here’s the response from Mrs. Micah

Like Lynnae, I’ve found the debt snowball method helpful. There are a number of different ways of putting together a debt snowball. A debt snowball isn’t that hard to get started and manage, but it does take time and a certain amount of commitment. What you’ll get out of it is what you’re willing and able to put in.

Even if you’re able to do your monthly spending, meet your minimums, and start snowballing, you might want to consider whether or not you can do some consulting work or use your skills in another way to earn a little extra money each month. The money I bring in beyond my usual salary helps us pay off our debt even faster.

Here’s the response from Gibble at Gather Little By Little

Hi Dan! Bad news is you’re in debt, good news is your in good company, including yours truly.

I’ve written a whole series of articles on how to get your finances under control and get out of debt. It basically follows the Dave Ramsey process but adds in some personal flavor and my own best practices.

Just remember, there is not silver bullet or magic pill you can take to get rid of your debt instantly. Getting out of debt is going to take a great deal of commitment and focus. Just like most things, it’s a journey but keep your eyes on the goal. Put as much money as you can towards your debt.

Good luck, and if you ever feel like you’re falling off the program or need some encouragement, let us know. We’ve been there.

Here’s the response from Patrick at Cash Money Life

I will agree with what the others have said so far — the system Dave Ramsey uses is a great system because it is proven to work and it is easy to follow.

The first and most import thing you will need to do is make the commitment to change your spending habits and get out of debt. Then you will need to analyze your spending patterns and work toward making positive changes. Good luck!

Here’s my response

I have to agree with everyone recommending Dave Ramsey as the authority on this matter.  You can find his web site at www.daveramsey.com.  In particular, I like his Seven Baby Steps:

1. $1,000 in an emergency fund
2. Pay off all debt with the Debt Snowball
3. 3 to 6 months expenses in savings
4. Invest 15% of income into Roth IRAs and pre-tax retirement plans
5. College funding
6. Pay off your home early
7. Build wealth and give!

In addition, I would like to invite you to peruse the Debt Reduction section on this blog. In particular, focus on the Debt Reduction and Recovery articles that include:

• 7 Steps Debt Reduction Illustrated
• 10 Baby Steps to Financial Recovery
• Roadmap To A Better Financial Health

I hope you found our answers helpful.

Please remember that our answers are opinions and should not be considered professional advice and we assume no responsibility of any kind. Please consult a certified financial expert as needed.

Do you have a question you would like to have us try to answer? Send it in to Ask The M-Network!

This article was featured in the Carnival of Debt Reduction hosted by Green Panda Treehouse.

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Pinyo is the brain behind Moolanomy personal finance blog and a few other web sites. If you like this article, please subscribe for free daily email updates.

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