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While it is important to pay obligations, you are more valuable than your debt. You are not obligated to answer your phone to someone who is hostile to you over an overdue bill, unpaid taxes, car payment or mortgage, no matter how much. If you sincerely cannot pay a bill today, you will keep living, and pay it later.

Don’t get distracted by bill collectors; focus on possible solutions. Here are a few to consider.

 

§         KEEP PROPER PERSPECTIVE. In most cases, bill collectors are in more debt than you are, and that is the frustration they express to you on the phone; their performance in collecting someone else’s debt will determine their ability to pay their own bills. Even though, your bills are your personal responsibility, don’t take your current situation personal. In order to move forward, think of your debt as a business transaction that went bad. You will recover. Focus on problem solving, rather than irate bill collectors.

§         This is a perfect time to make sure you do not have waste in your budget. Sometimes, your money problem requires better money management. (See, “Think like the Wealthy” and “Saving Money.”)

§         KNOW YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS. Does a debt collector have a right to harass you? Can a debt collector garnish your pay? Check your consumer rights at the Federal Trade Commission website. If a debt collector goes beyond their limit in trying to collect a bill, it is up to you to stop such action by knowing your rights.

§         Sell any material items you can (furniture, jewelry, lawn equipment, etc.) to generate money to pay off debt. You can replace these things later. If you need to sell your vehicle to avoid a car repo, then do so. Material items are not more important than your peace of mind.

§         If you can pay a portion of your overdue bill each month, do so. Do not obligate yourself to pay on a monthly basis, if you are not sure you can.

§         Do odd jobs specifically to pay your debt. The worst thing you can do is work odd jobs, or a second job, and accumulate more debt. Sit down and figure out how many weeks or months you need to work to pay off your debt, so that you have a real plan of action to accomplish your goal.

§         BE CREATIVE IN YOUR THINKING. Try to think of a way to earn money outside the box. There are always commission-based sales jobs, which allow you to work flexible hours and make good money. Determine what you would LOVE to sell (houses, cars, airplanes, etc.) and then research (Google.com) the possibility. “Sales” has gotten a bad reputation. Selling items that are of no interest to you is painful, but selling something you enjoy is usually exciting and fun.

§         If you cannot pay a debt because you are unemployed, ask the company you owe for a j-o-b. This will not work or be feasible for most people, but it might be the “out of the box” solution for someone. If you make this request, make sure you have done your research and be prepared to follow through.

§         LET YOUR DEBT MOTIVATE YOU INTO A NEW WAY OF THINKING AND INTO A BETTER WAY OF LIVING. Think bigger and better! Debt is often a motivation for people to start their own business; owning a company gives you a greater cut of the pie than working for someone else. (See, “Start a Business for under $500.”)

§         LOOK FOR GREATER PURPOSE IN LIFE. Debt can be the result of an underlying problem, such as a lack of fulfillment in life. Your talents and gifts are needed to make a difference in the world. The cure to your financial problem is to find your niche to help humanity, by which you can get paid.

§         By now, we all know, the world’s financial system (of credit and debt) does not work to the public’s advantage, so get on God’s system. Learn the ways of God for a more fulfilling life. Do not let money control or overpower you.

 

Whatever approach you choose to handle your credit card, IRS or mortgage debt, never pay your debt with your life. Suicide is never a viable option. Jesus Christ died for you to live, not die because of money issues. If you think you have no solution to your problem, God always knows something you do not know. People have had their debt completely wiped out. And when debt is not wiped out, there are opportunities to earn money and learn from your experience to go forward. Seek God for that one thing you do not know, to change your money situation. Even though, a company rightfully deserves their payment, they never have the right to harass you and you never need to give into harassment by taking your life.

 

For more info, read “How to Hear God to Prosper” by VC Edwards.

 

© Found Treasure Publishing 2010

Christian-secrets.com

 

Related Posts:

- A Gift for You

The recession is leading us into a new era in the way we do business.

 

While most unemployed look for traditional jobs in the declining economic market, looking for futuristic careers may be the way to go. Business is changing, largely due to the recession, and those who are looking for employment need to change with it. Malls, office buildings and business districts, once filled with vibrant merchants, are taking on a ghostly appearance as more and more businesses close. The recession may very well speed us into the futuristic worksite and business operation. Online shopping is replacing mega-malls and storefronts, and virtual offices are replacing office buildings. As gas prices put a strain on individual budgets and force many to look for alternative solutions, home-based offices will eliminate the expense of rush hour commutes.

 

While many think there is no good to come of our downsizing economy and therefore think we must stimulate the economy to keep big business afloat, a careful look suggests small business is “in” and mega corporations are “out.” The country evolved from small businesses and major inventions led to automation (of cars, etc.) and industrialization, to become Corporate America. The near collapse of major industries is giving way to small businesses and family businesses, again. The computer-age, and the advancement of telecommunication, makes small business opportunities possible for anyone. We no longer have to be in an office to receive a phone call from around the world. Cell phones and blackberries already allow communication with anyone, anywhere, anytime. If we need visual contact, there is teleconferencing. Through desktops and laptops, we have a mega-information system in our homes, and on-the-go. And large companies, such as express mail services, online office supplies, printing companies, and office equipment retailers assist small business owners to operate like large corporations.

 

The benefits of business-as-usual dying to a new business era can produce great results, for business and for personal well-being. As businesses downsize, we have opportunity to reduce our toxic imprint, creating a greener environment. We can eliminate or reduce gasoline costs and excessive car maintenance. We can cut out $5 lattés we once needed for early commutes, and enjoy more sleep, before our stress-free commute from our bedroom to our home office. Small, home-based business will do families good, as parents may be home when children come home from school, eliminating latch-keys and babysitting costs. We are apt to share more time with our families. Communities will change, as we once again connect with our neighbors and with people who serve in our community. Corporate America will no longer control our finances and our future; we will be our own bosses and have ultimate control of our salaries and our retirement plans. The recession has caused significant changes in the way we do business and we are seeing the beginnings of a new era, possibly for a less stressed and simpler time, where we have full control over our work and the effects of our work on our family and our future.

 

For more info, read “How to Hear God to Prosper” by VC Edwards.

 

© Found Treasure Publishing 2009

Christian-secrets.com

 

A great time to generate income by doing something you love!

 

If you know of a career you would love to do for the rest of your life, for free, now could be a great opportunity to turn it into a business. While many people are looking for employment due to the recession, realize opportunity by creating your own position.

 

To start a business for under $500, start on a small scale. Invest as little money into your business as possible. The fundamental object of owning a business is to make a profit. If your passion is cooking, start a small catering business, instead of taking from savings or go into debt to open a restaurant. Do not purchase large quantities of supplies; initially, buy only enough to accommodate a few customers at a time.

 

Carefully choose a business. Avoid products and services that might not do well during a recession, such as high-end fashions or extravagant gifts; lean towards essentials and practical items. When pricing, be mindful of the recession, but make sure your idea is feasible to make money. Make sure it is not just be an illusion of success. Tweak your start-up idea until you get the right balance between business sense and passion.

 

To keep start-up costs minimal, you need a business venture you can operate from home, avoiding the expensive overhead of an outside business establishment, such as an office or storefront. Decide on a business you can work solo, to bypass the expense of a staff. For occasional help, look to family, friends, consultants and temporary workers. Also, consider bartering your products or services for help.

 

Determine what your business will provide that is unique or needed in your community or elsewhere. This will help you determine a name and logo. It is important to find out if you need a license or permit to operate your particular business. To start a business for under $500, you want to select a business that does not require a professional license. Register the business with your local municipality (which may cost about $100, depending on where you live). Get insurance to cover liabilities associated with your industry. Use a cell phone or reliable means of communication for potential customers to reach you, and order business cards.

 

It is relatively simple to start a small business today due to the invention and evolution of the home computer, which most people already own. Computers and Internet access make it possible nowadays to start a business with little upfront costs, because business owners are able to do much of the paperwork themselves. With a computer, a person can realistically do basic accounting, inventory and advertising. For as little as $30, you can purchase software to produce invoices. Flyers and business cards can be made from a PC and laser printer, or designed on the computer and ordered through an online printer for a more professional look.

 

Internet access is a mega-information system that provides a wealth of resources for business services. So, utilize your computer by generating a web site for your business, which has proven to be a great marketing tool for small businesses. Implement as many marketing methods as you can. Don’t rely on just one marketing strategy. Set up a company website, submit news releases (which are free) to news media by email or fax, hire someone to hand out flyers and business cards, and use word-of-mouth and a blog, for social networking.

 

Whether you start a business full-time or part-time, now is a great time to generate income by doing something you love.

 

TYPES OF BUSINESSES (Some of the businesses below may require a license. Check with your state or local municipality.)

 

Babysitter  /  Barber at clients’ homes

Bike repairer  /  Bookkeeper

Car Washer & detailer  /  Carpet cleaner

Cater / deliver lunches  /  Charitable organization founder

Cleaning and housekeeping owner

Company logos maker  /  Computer designer / typesetter

Computer repairer  /  Consignment service owner

Copyeditor  /  Design clothes for weddings, etc.

DJ  / Dog groomer / Dog walker

Driving school owner  /  Ebay seller

Engraver  /  Errand service for elderly

Events planner—birthdays, weddings & business events

Exercise instructor /  Freelance photographer

Freelance writer  /  Fruit/vegetable stand owner

Furniture upholster  /  Garage cleaner / organizer

Genealogist  /  Gift baskets maker

Graphic designer  /  Greeting card designer

Hair stylist at client’s homes

Home repairer / handyman repairer / appliance repairer

House sitter  /  Ice cream truck or cart owner

Interior decorator  /  Kitchen cabinets maker (per order)

Landscaper, Gardener  /  Laundry service owner

Limousine owner, Driver  /  Mail order owner (for any item)

Sign maker for businesses  /  Bar code maker

Mentor or counsel  /  Office cleaner, Janitor

Paint and/or wallpaper homes  /  Patent an idea or design

Personal assistant  /  Personal shopper

Play an instrument for special occasions

Power wash vinyl or aluminum siding

Provide CD/DVD service  /  Provide research service

Seamstress, Tailor /  Shoe shiner at a barbershop

Snack, food or candy vendor

Teach others to sell on Ebay

Teach children to learn a language

Teach children to play an instrument

Teach computer software programs

Trainer of an area of expertise

Transporter for passengers to the airport

Transporter to shopping and to doctor appointments

T-shirt designer  /  Tutor

Website designer  /  Wedding consultant

Weight loss trainer or exercise instructor

Window cleaner for offices or residences

Writer in areas of expertise

 

For more info, read “How to Hear God to Prosper” by VC Edwards. 

© Found Treasure Publishing 2009

Christian-secrets.com