Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Christmas Debt Blues

Hopefully you didn't go overboard and get into debt when shopping for Christmas gifts this year. But if you did, no need to fret. Here are 6 simple steps to help you eliminate that debt.

1. Return any unopened items you purchased for yourself.
2. If you received a gift you don't want donate to charity and write it off on your taxes for 2007 or return the item to the store and use the money you get back to pay towards your debt.
3. Write a list of your monthly expenses and find ways to reduce them, i.e. reduce your cell phone plan, cancel some unwatched premium cable channels, bring your lunch to work, rent movies from netflix instead of going to the movies, etc.
4. Use the extra money obtained from reducing your expenses to pay down debt.
5. Be conscious of how your spend your money during 2007.
6. Buy Christmas gifts throughout the year when items are on sale instead of waiting until December 2007. That way you will save money and won't feel the sting of buying many gifts at one time.
7. Bonus Tip: Buy my book, How to Get Out of Debt: Get an "A" Credit Rating For Free, ISBN 1933949430, as a gift to yourself for less than $20. My book will teach you how to reduce expenses, save money, create a spending plan and eliminate debt. You can purchase it today at Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, Booksamillion.com, and Waldenbooks.com.

Good luck to you in 2007 and I wish you a prosperous New Year!

Friday, December 15, 2006

Come Join me at my Booksigning on 12/16/06 at DC Bookman Bookstore

DC Bookman Bookstore
Book Signing for
Author Harrine Freeman
December 16, 2006
1-3pm

Harrine Freeman, of H.E. Freeman Enterprises and author of the most sought after book on credit repair, How to Get Out of Debt: Get an "A" Credit Rating for Free Using the System I’ve Used Successfully with Thousands of Clients will be doing a book signing DC Bookman Bookstore on December 16, 2006 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm located at 3705 Rhode Island Avenue, Mount Rainier, MD.

Her book will assist you with credit card debt, collections, repossessions, bankruptcies, judgments, student loans, late payments and more without having to file for bankruptcy or go to a credit counseling agency.

IN MAJOR BOOKSTORES DECEMBER 15, 2006

Sunday, December 10, 2006

Free Debt Management Seminar

Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 901 9th Street NW, Washington DC
Debt Management Seminar
By Harrine Freeman
December 13, 2006


Harrine Freeman, of H.E. Freeman Enterprises and author of the most sought after book on credit repair, How to Get Out of Debt: Get an "A" Credit Rating for Free Using the System I’ve Used Successfully with Thousands of Clients will be giving a Debt Management Seminar on December 13, 2006 from noon – 1:00 pm. For more information please call 202-727-1171 or 202-251-2503



This seminar will identify ways: to restore your credit, pay your debts, learn how to manage your finances, and learn about your rights as a consumer. The seminar will discuss issues such as bankruptcy, collections, repossessions, delinquent debts and more. This event is free and open to the public.

Saturday, December 02, 2006

Safety During Holiday Shopping

Police departments and news stations around the country warn consumers to be extra careful when shopping during the holidays. Here are 10 tips to reduce your chances of being a victim of theft this holiday season.


1) Don't carry extra credit cards in your wallet. Only carry the credit cards you know you are going to use.
2) Leave your social security card at home.
3) Protect your credit card from thieves when handing it to the cashier. Camera phones can be used to steal credit card numbers.
4) Don't use ATM's at night or in secluded areas.
5) Don't leave your car unlocked when getting gas, the belongings in your car can be stolen and so can your car.
6) Don't leave items in your car while parked. This increases your chances of your car being stolen. If you have to leave items in your car, put them in the trunk.
7) Be on guard when riding in taxis, many drivers get robbed during the holidays.
8) When parking your car look at your surroundings, remember where you parked. If you leave the mall when it's dark, have a security guard walk you to your car.
9) If you feel someone is following you try to walk towards a lighted area or near other people. If that's not possible call a friend or family member from your cell phone. If you are attacked they can call the police and locate you. Use a headset when talking to keep your hands free.
10) Do online shopping at a secure trusted websites with shttp or https or with a locked symbol in the lower right hand corner of the website.

For more tips and information on how to get out of debt you can buy my book, How to Get Out of Debt: Get an "A" Credit Rating For Free at www.hefreemanenteprises.com.

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Money Quote 1

Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.
Franklin D. Roosevelt

Monday, November 13, 2006

Holiday Spending

The holidays are approaching and everyone is getting ready to spend money. Before you start your Christmas shopping check your finances and check your spending history. Ask yourself these questions.

  1. Did you have to charge your Christmas gifts last year or will you have to charge your Christmas gifts this year?
  2. Did it take you at least 6 months to pay off your debts from Christmas shopping last year?
  3. Did you buy too many expensive gifts or more than you should have?
  4. Are you ashamed that if you buy a gift that costs $20 people will think you are cheap or are poor or broke?
  5. Well, don't. You are not cheap, everyone doesn't have Donald Trump money and people should understand that. It really is the thought that counts and if someone gets upset because you only spent $20 on a gift, that is their problem not yours. Many people have lost site of what the holidays are all about. It is not about giving a gift, it is about spending time with your family, being thankful, reflecting on the past year, and thinking about things you would like to change in the New Year.

This year start thinking about changing your spending habits. If you start saving this year you won't have to go into debt next year when doing your Christmas shopping.

Here are some tips to save on your Christmas shopping.

  1. Buy Christmas gifts during store sales.
  2. Spend less money on gifts this year than you did last year.
  3. Check out local vendors, you can probably haggle to good a good deal on the same items you find in the department store.
  4. Think of creative gifts to give that you can make yourself.
  5. If you have to buy children's gifts check out your local dollar store.
  6. If you really want to buy gifts but don't have the money get a part-time job until Christmas arrives to make extra money so you don't go into debt.
  7. Starting next year buy your gifts throughout the year so you don't feel overwhelmed with buying all of your Christmas gifts at one time.
  8. If you have to buy gifts for several members of your family suggest exchanging gifts so only one person has to buy a gift for one person and set a limit on the amount spent. That way everyone gets a gift and you are not burdened with buying several gifts.
  9. Make getting out of debt one of your new year's resolutions.

For more tips and information on how to get out of debt you can buy my book, How to Get Out of Debt: Get an "A" Credit Rating For Free Using the System I've Used Successfully With Thousands of Clients at www.hefreemanenteprises.com.

Monday, October 23, 2006

When Will You Decide to Change Your Spending Habits?

I was recently talking to a woman who is unable to pay her necessity bills (utility, car note, car insurance, food, gas for car, etc.). She is working but is not making a lot of money. I wonder at what point does a person say enough is enough. I am tired of being broke, busted and disgusted. Are you tired of having no food, living paycheck to paycheck, charging groceries and gas, unable to pay for basic necessities?


Times are hard and you have to wake up and realize that you have to change your mindset if you want to stop living paycheck to paycheck. There are many ways to save money and reduce basic expenses. First you have to decide if you want to live a better life, if you do then you have to change the way you think about money, spending money and saving. Saving money is your safety net, your emergency fund in case you get sick or lose your job you can use your savings to hold you for a few months until you can go back to work or get a new job.

Even if you are not making a lot of money you can still save money and reduce your expenses. Here are 10 tips to help you reduce expenses:
1. Cancel you cable service or reduce your services to basic and/or expanded basic service.
2. Reduce your cell phone service down to the cheapest plan and don't use the phone until non-
peak time when the rates are free.
3. Turn off lights, televisions, computers, etc. at home when you are not using them.
4. Bring your lunch to work.
5. Catch the bus, subway or carpool to work. If you don't mind walking walk to the subway or walk to the next subway stop (saving a few cents now will add up later).
6. Have a yard sale to sell things you haven't used in the past year.
7. Donate things you aren't using anymore or didn't sell at the yard sale to a charity (you can write the donations off on your taxes).
8. Donate that old abandoned car in the garage to a charity and write it off on your taxes.
9. Shop at superclubs such as Costo, BJ's or Sam's Club.
10. Use coupons when grocery shopping.

This is just a sample of the information I provide in my debut self-help book entitled, How to Get Out of Debt: Get an "A" Credit Rating for Free Using the System I've Used Successfully with Thousands of Clients available online now at Amazon.com and all bookstores in Dec. 2006. I hope these tips help you lead a better financial life!

Sunday, October 15, 2006

Should You Buy Insurance

Everyone should have some type of insurance no matter no matter what your salary. Insurance is used to reimburse for a loss that occurs or protects against loss or harm to something or someone.

There are several types of insurance available: life, health, dental, home, auto, fire, flood, credit card insurance, disability (short term and long term), and many more. The basic types of life insurance everyone should have are: health, life and disability. All three actually work together. Health insurance is needed if you ever develop a health condition or need to go to the emergency room. Disability insurance is used if you have a short-term or long-term medical condition that prevents you from working and ensures that you still continue to receive a paycheck (usually at least 60% of your salary). Life insurance is used in the event a family member dies. Having at least these three may affect your pocketbook now, but will cause you less headache and expenses in the future.

According to the National Health Care Coalition, nearly 46 million Americans are uninsured. A study by Harvard University researchers found that 50 percent of all bankruptcy filings were partially the result of medical expenses. Since 2000, employment health insurance premiums have increased 73 percent.

I had surgery in May 2006. I stayed in the hospital overnight. I was checked into my room at 7:00 pm and was released at 12:00 noon the following day. I received some basic medication and had staff assist me. The total bill for less than 24 hours was $12,000. This did not include the cost of surgery. The total bill was $20,000, luckily I had health insurance and only had to pay $5.

Many people go into debt and have bad credit due to medical bills from lack of having some type of insurance. When buying insurance it is best to comparison shop. You can also go to the Better Business Bureau's website at www.bbb.org to search for companies and view their reliability report.

A few good websites you can use to comparison shop for insurance are www.bankrate.com and www.progressive.com (for auto insurance). If your employer does not provide health insurance , life or disability insurance you can purchase insurance on your own. Go to ushealthcare.port5.com or www.healthinsurance.org (for selected states) to find information on affordable insurance. If you need insurance for your children visit www.insurekidsnow.gov. They also offer accident and critical illness insurance. For information on affordable disability insurance visit www.about-disability-insurance.com or www.assurity.com. If you really cannot afford to purchase insurance make sure you get enough rest, eat well and exercise. Try to get a part-time job to pay for the insurance.

If you are able to purchase additional types of insurance some as home owner's insurance, auto or fire insurance, it is best to purchase bundled packages or insurance several types of the same item with the same company (such as insuring multiple cars with the same company). Many companies give you a discount if you purchase multiple products but you have to ask for it.

For example, I purchased my home and auto insurance with the same company and saved about 15% of the total cost versus buying home owner's insurance with one company and auto insurance with another company. Purchasing bundled packages or multi-line policies can result in a savings of 1 to 25% depending on the company. As my grandmother used to always say, "it is better to be safe, than sorry". At the very least try to purchase health insurance for yourself and your family.

For more information and resources on insurance visitwww.ahrq.gov/consumer/insuranc.htm#head10, www.healthinsuranceinfo.net, www.prweb.com/releases/2006/9/prweb435162.htm, ask.hrsa.gov/pc, www.cms.hhs.gov/home/medicaid.asp (Medicare and Medicaid), https://perfdata.hrsa.gov/mchb/mchreports/Search/search.asp (maternal bureau information), www.life-line.org (click on glossary to get common insurance definitions), www.travelers.com (auto, home, rental insurance).

Harrine Freeman is the CEO of H.E. Freeman Enterprises, a credit repair and money management services company.
She is a member of the American Association of Daily Money Managers.
She is a credit repair expert and the author of, "How to Get Out of Debt: Get an "A" Credit Rating for Free Using the System I’ve Used Successfully with Thousands of Clients. For more information on how to get out of debt or to buy my book please visit http://www.hefreemanenterprises.com. She can be reached at hfreeman@hefreemanenterprises.com

Monday, October 09, 2006

How to Deal With Rude Creditors

Are you tired of creditors calling your house day and night? Are you tired of creditors being rude and asking for a payment every hour on the hour? You can stop it and answer your phone in peace.

A creditor is a company or person that extends "credit" by allowing a consumer to borrow money based on an agreement between the two parties that the money will be paid back at a later time. Creditors provide you with a form (agreement) to fill out that gets approved allowing you to use their credit based on the guidelines of the signed agreement.

If you make just one late payment (usually 30 days or more late), all creditors have a Collection Department that quickly calls to remind you to send a payment (even if the payment is one day past the due date). The first few calls the creditors seem really nice and ask when you will be able to send a payment. Then they quickly turn into the Attila the Hut and start being rude and use all kinds of tactics to get you to make a payment. This is unethical and is illegal according to the Fair Credit and Reporting Act (FCRA) and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) which can be obtained by calling the Federal Trade Commission or going to their website.

The FCRA was instituted in 1996 to ensure the accuracy and fairness of credit reporting for consumers. The FDCPA was instituted in 1996 to stop abusive behavior by creditors. A creditor cannot call you before 8:00 am or after 9:00 pm. Also, creditors cannot use threats, profanity make false statements, use unfair practices, or make repeated calls to your home to collect a debt.

If a creditor contacts you, as a consumer, legally you have the right to ask them to stop by writing a letter indicating that the creditor should not contact you any further to obtain the debt owed. If you feel a creditor has violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act you may file a complaint against them by calling the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP or going to www.ftc.gov to fill out an online complaint.

In the future, if you ever fall behind on your payments and to prevent creditors from harassing you, notify your creditor immediately that you are having financial problems and try to setup a payment plan with them to prevent bad marks on your credit report.

Harrine Freeman is the CEO of H.E. Freeman Enterprises, a credit repair and money management services company.
She is a member of the American Association of Daily Money Managers.
She is a credit repair expert and the author of, "How to Get Out of Debt: Get an "A" Credit Rating for Free Using the System I’ve Used Successfully with Thousands of Clients. For more information on how to get out of debt or to buy my book please visit any major bookstore.

She can be reached at hfreeman@hefreemanenterprises.com

Thursday, September 28, 2006

Free Credit Repair Teleseminar on 10/5/06 at 7:00 PM EST

Hello, I am providing a free teleseminar on October 5, 2006 at 7:00PM EST. This teleseminar will discuss questions about credit repair such as: what is a credit report, what is a credit score, steps to improve your credit and credit score and much more! The only cost is long distance charges to place the call. To participate please call (641) 297-4600 and dial AccessCode: 119946#.

Harrine Freeman, CEO

www.hefreemanenterprises.com

Author of How to Get Out of Debt: Get an "A" Credit Rating for FreeUsing the System I've Used Successfully with Thousands of Clients

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Choosing a Company to Repair Your Credit

When choosing any agency to assist with repairing credit I would use caution. Here are some red flags when considering working with a credit repair counseling agency:
1. If a company guarantees they can repair your credit don't use them. They are no guarantees because information can only be removed from your credit report if a company is willing to remove it.

2. Check out the companies' website and check to see how long the company has been in business.


3. Check to see what fees are being charged. I charge my customers a one-time flat fee of less than $200. If you have to pay a registration or initial fee and then a monthly fee of X dollars that defeats the whole purpose of getting out of debt.

4. If you are already working with a credit repair counseling agency or credit repair company ask to see sample letters that will be sent to your creditors. If a company refuses to show you (which most probably will) then you have no idea what was stated in the letter. I give all of my clients companies of the letters I write to repair their credit.


5. Also, don't do business with a company that says they will use rapid credit scoring to repair your credit. This method jams the credit reporting agency system by sending many letters about the same issue. The system gets confused and removes the items mentioned in the letter from the person's credit report, however, the credit reporting agencies do audits of their systems and eventually the item will be put back on your credit report.

Friday, September 22, 2006

Harrine Freeman will be a vendor at a Homeownership Fair on 9/23/06

I will be doing a book signing at the Homeownership Fair sponsored by the Department of Housing and CommunityDevelopment and Union Temple Baptist Church (1225 W Street SE Washington DC) on September 23, 2006 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. The fair will have workshops providing information on how to buy a home and how to improve your credit. Hope to see you there.

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Book Signing @ Infusion Cafe 10/14/06

I will be doing a Book Signing of my book, How to Get Out of Debt: Get an "A" Credit Rating for Free Using the System I've Used Successfully with Thousands of Clients @ Infusion Cafe 10/14/06.
www.hefreemanenterprises.com

Saturday, September 09, 2006

How to Get Out of Debt

If you are having credit problems such as delinquent debts, bankruptcy, repackaging, judgments, student loans, tax liens, or any other credit issues here are six tips to help you repair your credit.
  1. Chop Them into Tiny Pieces: Stop using your credit cards and pay with cash.
  2. Get Ahead: Pay more than the monthly minimum. If you can't, it's time to cut spending.
  3. Control the Reins: Develop a plan to reduce your total debt.
  4. Get a Deal: Reduce your interest rates, but be careful of the fine print - a credit card with 0% interest could cost you thousands in interest depending on how the credit card is structured.
  5. Work it Off: Get a part-time job in addition to your full time job.
  6. Purchase my book: How to Get Out of Debt: Get an "A" Credit Rating for Free Using the System I've Used Successfully with Thousands of Clients for more information on how to repair your credit on your own for free at all major bookstores and Amazon.

Is Buying a House Worth the Headache?

I was talking to a woman the other day and she said "buying a house is not worth the headache, I am ready to just forget it and continue to rent". To this I say, DON'T DO IT! Buying a house is the best investment you can make other than buying real estate. Unfortunately only the strong survive the hassles that come along with buying a house. During my period of buying a house, providing all the necessary paperwork, filing out forms, I got stressed and many times decided to just forget it but I know that once it was all over I could proudly say I am a homeowner. I was working with my loan officer and had provided all the necessary paperwork. I then received a call from his secretary saying she lost all of my paperwork. To me this sounded a little suspicious. I could understand if some paperwork got lost, but all of it! Luckily for me I had made two copies of all of my paperwork and carried it with me. The secretary said that if I didn't fax the paperwork that day then I wouldn't be able to get the loan. I surprised her and faxed all of the paperwork immediately after I hung up the phone. She even called me to say I am surprised you sent the paperwork so quickly; most people don't have it and have to get back to me. You must really want this house. I said yes I do. My advice to you, don't give up. Anything worth having is worth working hard for, especially buying a house. Send me an email to tell me your personal horror story about getting out of debt or buying a home at hfreeman@hefreemanenterprises.com.

Thursday, September 07, 2006

Is Being in Debt Smart?

I was reading Dave Ramsey's website today and saw his answer to a question about debt. Dave Ramsey says debt is dumb and I agree. He also says that debt is just a way to make banks rich. People continue to get in debt and never realize that debt is preventing you from being free. When you are not in debt you have less stress, less arguments with your spouse or partner and can focus on more important things. Debt is only making one person unhappy YOU! Banks and mortgage companies love debt that's why they created it. Please stop and think the next time you are about to charge something, is it something you really need or just something you want. If it is something you want they pay for it with cash. If you don't have the cash to pay for it then don't buy it. To get extra cash start reducing your expenses, pay for everything with cash and buy only necessities. Then the next time you go to the store and the cashier asks, "Cash or Credit?” you can happily say "Cash"!

Sunday, September 03, 2006

Book Signing on 10/7/06 @ Capital Bookfest

I will be doing a book signing of my newly published book, How to Get Out of Debt: Get an "A" Credit Rating for Free Using the System I've Used Succesfully with Thousands of Clients, at the Capital Bookfest on October 7, 2006 at Borders Books, 931 Capital Centre Blvd, Largo, MD, 10am - 7pm. For more information call 301-499-2173. Hope to see you there! Thanks.

Thursday, August 31, 2006

Do You Believe What a Creditor Tells You?

Recently I was in a conversation with a man who was in debt. He called several companies to verify his balance and thought he had paid several of his bills, leaving him with no balance on his accounts but later found out that he still owes money on these accounts. When paying off debts send a letter along with your payment and ask the company to send you a letter indicating that your account has been paid in full. Once you receive the company's letter keep it for at least three years. This will help you when repairing your credit because your credit report may not reflect the most recent balance on your accounts. If you apply for a loan or credit the letter will provide proof to a creditor or lender that the account was paid. Also, if the company states that you still owe money on an account you can use the letter as proof that the account is paid. If you get into a dispute with a company about your account you can use the letter as proof of payment and write the credit reporting agency to get the information corrected on your credit report. Good luck!

Monday, August 28, 2006

Free Teleseminar on Credit Repair 9/5/06 at 7:00 PM EST

Hello, I am providing a free teleseminar on September 5, 2006 at 7:00 PM EST. This teleseminar will discuss questions about credit repair such as: what is a credit report, what is a credit score, steps to improve your credit and credit score and much more! To participate please call Conference Dial-in Number: (641) 297-4600 and dial Access Code: 119946#.

Saturday, August 26, 2006

Should You Use Your Tax ID To Purchase Property?

I was listening to the radio on Saturday while running some errands. I heard a commercial (I will withhold the name of the company to prevent embarrassment) that encouraged people to buy homes using their tax id if they had bad credit. I mentioned this in a previous blog, don't play with the IRS point blank. If you have bad credit the first thing you need to do is get good credit. Next if you happen to own a business and are interesting in buying property through your business call the IRS and ask them if this legal and what is the process for doing so don't take a company's word for it, find out for yourself. Being in this business I have learned that you should always verify information that is told to you, even the information that I provide in my blogs. I have verified this information myself before passing it on to you. If someone gives you information talk to two or three other credible sources to make sure you are not being taken advantage of or being scammed. Many times companies prey on people with bad credit because they know they are so desperate to get out of debt they agree to anything hoping that it will make their credit better, it does not. It actually makes your credit worse. The only way to make your credit better is to: reduce your expenses, try to get a higher paying job or a part-time job, begin paying off your debts and check your credit report for any incorrect information. This is the only way to improve your credit, it doesn't improve overnight, it takes times but it will get better. Just make sure the company you do business with will help you improve your credit, not make it worse. Good luck!

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Protecting Your Personal Finances

I met a woman who has recently become a home owner but is unable to pay the bills to maintain the home. I referred her to the book "Protecting Your Financial Future: The Inside Story on Wills, Living Trusts, Probate, Estate Taxes, and Asset Protection. Many of us do not know all the laws and taxes tips that are available to help us protect our finances even if you don't have much. I am also one of those people. I was not aware of all of the benefits available to me and thought that these benefits were only available to wealthy people. I now know that I should protect my finances in the event of job loss, health problems, starting a business, my death, etc. I have learned a lot from this book and have already taken steps to protect my business and personal finances. Living today you never know what may happen, one day everything may be going good and the next day the world can come tumbling down. But hopefully this book will put you on the right track and help you have a brighter financial future. Good luck!

Sunday, August 13, 2006

Do You Owe the IRS?

Today I met a woman who owes over $15,000 to the IRS. She is not working and is trying to find a job. She hasn't paid her taxes in over 5 years. Here is an important tip, when you are in debt make sure you pay the IRS. It's just that simple. The IRS can put a tax lien on your personal property such as a boat, car, home, etc. for the money you owe them or they can garnish your wages.

If you haven't filed taxes for the IRS whether you owe money or not you should file your taxes immediately. If the IRS sent you a bill stating you owe them money file your taxes for all years missed so you can see exactly how much you owe, the bill sent to you is an estimated bill based on the estimated salary for the years you did not file taxes.

If you are not working then the first step is to get a job maybe two to help pay back the money owed. If you are working you may need to get a part-time job and reduce monthly expenses to get extra money to pay back the taxes owed. This will require you to create a monthly spending plan (budget) to determine your monthly income versus your monthly expenses (see how much money you have coming in and going out).

Next, call the IRS and tell them you would like to setup a payment plan based on how much you can afford from your monthly spending plan. Also try to negotiate with them to reduce interest and penalties, you may have to consult an accountant to find out what options are available to you. Good luck!

Friday, August 11, 2006

Do You Know How Much Money You Have?

In my life I have met all kinds of people. At least once a week I hear a story about someone who is talking about their finances. I am always amazed at how many people do not know how much money they make, how much money they have in their bank accounts (if any), how much money they have in a retirement account (if any), and how much debt they owe.

I work with many people in my credit repair business and sometimes the stories I hear are shocking. One story that has really bothered me was someone I recently encountered who recently became the owner of her parent’s home. She is in her fifties and she never moved out on her own and as a result never learned about paying bills, saving money, retirement accounts, investing, etc. I have been helping her with creating a budget for herself and identifying how much money she has and how much she needs for monthly bills and expenses.

It really saddens me that she is totally unaware of these things. I sort of blame her parents because they never taught her about money and saving but I partially blame her because in reality everyone knows your parents will not live forever. Sometimes we take our situations for granted and when something traumatic happens we scramble trying to put the pieces back together. Everyone should develop a plan and prepared for anything that might happen, an illness, loss of a job or loved one, car accident, reduction in pay or benefits, long term disability, etc. So many people live day to day that they don't think about their future, what will happen to them if they lose their job or their partner or spouse's income.

Today this is more critical than ever before because companies are not stable and many companies are downsizing. Employees only stay at jobs for a few years and it is difficult to find a company that has a retirement plan or 401(K) or good benefits. Employees can no longer stay at a job until they retire. We can no longer believe that we will remain employed at a job for a long period of time. Today it is time to prepare for your future. Today you must start thinking about your future and developing long term financial goals.

You should begin asking yourself, Where do I want to be in the next five or ten years? What age do I want to retire? Do I have a college savings account for my children to go to college? Do I have life and disability insurance? Do I have health insurance? What will I do if I don't have these things? How will it affect my life? The answers to these questions will help you become better educated about your finances and future goals in life and help you begin to view your life in terms of the future instead of just day to day. For more information on how to reduce your debt and manage your money you can visit my website at http://www.hefreemanenterprises.com/ or contact me at hfreeman@hefreemanenterprises.com. Good luck!