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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

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As 2010 begins, it is a great time to reassess and adjust your life plan, particularly evaluating financial stability and life fulfillment, which were major difficulties for Americans in 2009.

1. Remember, you are the boss of your life! When making life-changing decisions, such as employment transitions, maintain control of your future! Like many, you may have entrusted your life and your financial plan (fixed salary, pension, benefits, etc.) to someone else and ended up at a financial loss you never expected. So, do not trust or rely solely on others (an employer, financial advisor and investment broker) to control your financial future. Follow God’s advice and direction. To avoid others from getting a grip on your finances, read “How to Hear God to Prosper.”

2. Remember the things you are thankful for. Many people experienced challenging times in 2009 because of material-losses—houses, cars, possessions, salaries, investments, etc. Do not overlook non-material assets in your life. Loyal family and friends are always a blessing. Good health is extremely valuable, particularly during hard times. If you have a sense of humor or an optimistic outlook, you have a good thing. Materialism does not contribute to a life of worth and fulfillment, but many of the things we cannot buy, like great personality attributes, do.

3. When incorporating a new plan, assess what you have done wrong or would like to do better in order to experience a change for the New Year. Don’t beat yourself up for wrongs you have suffered, just address them, so you do not repeat them. If you worked at a job you hated, start planning to change to something you enjoy. Being true to yourself eradicates discontentment.

4. Find your happiest self. What makes you happy? What is the one thing you would love to do everyday for the rest of your life? Do not dismiss something because you do not have the money or resources to do it. Once you determine what you really want to do, then find resources to make it happen.

5.  Make a difference in someone else’s life. Help someone by using your expertise; give someone free advice or a free service. Many problems we face, as a nation, can be solved by helping one another. A change in our outlook is necessary in 2010—instead of looking for the government and others to help us, 2010 needs to be the year we seek out those we can help, in our community and elsewhere.

6. Make sure to include God in your plans for the New Year. This does not necessarily mean you have to go to church every Sunday. More importantly, you must know God. Many Americans have incited third-world conditions for themselves because they practiced the customs of foreign religions, rather than Christianity. Too many Americans have never studied Christianity, even though we live in a country that was founded on Christian principles, and blessed. A simple way to understand Christianity is to read the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke and John (the first 4 books of the New Testament of The Bible). To learn how to prosper, using simple godly principles, read “How to Hear God to Prosper.” Do not underestimate knowing the true God. Knowing the true God is the difference between having a prosperous year and having a year worst than America experienced in 2009.

© Found Treasure Publishing 2010

Christian-secrets.com

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by VC Edwards

Think Frugal.

A self-made billionaire does not start his (or her) journey to billionaire status at the billion-dollar mark; he starts at $1, a point where all of us start financially, whether we exceed far from that starting mark or not. A self-made mogul generally begins his road to riches with frugal spending habits.

Years leading up to the recession, when the middle-class consumer was spending recklessly and thoughtlessly, the wealthy were positioning themselves for financial opportunity by saving. When times were seemingly good for all, the wealthy were holding onto their money and studying potential opportunities to grow their money. Even though, some of the wealthy have lost substantial money in the recession, most are making money now because they are able to take advantage of deals that require cash or assets with mininal debt ratios.

Self-made tycoons typically strategize to make smart money decisions, while mastering the art of frugality. In a time of recession, most Americans are now forced to be frugal, and some to drastic measures, but consider it a lesson of wealthy thinking. The less-haves have spent as if they were wealthy for decades, while those who were building financial empires spent wisely, saving and negotiating only when great deals came along. The difference between the haves and have-nots is that the wealthy do not take a twenty-dollar bill for granted, as do the middle and lower classes. The wealthy do not get caught into the hype of spending; they get absorbed into producing and selling their own products and inventions.

So, to think like the wealthy, look at a $1 bill differently. Think how you can invest each dollar to generate money for you and your family. Hold on to every $1 possible that is typically taken from your paycheck to pay someone else (making someone else rich). Most people have nothing left after they pay their mortgage or rent, utilities, car payments, gasoline, food, cell phone, cable and Internet. A budding entrepreneur reduces those expenses drastically, if he (or she) has to live with relatives (paying a reduced rent, instead of outrageous rent) or take the bus (instead of buy a car) to jumpstart an idea or business that will generate good money over the years.

When a budding mogul has money, he does not go to the mall to buy the latest fads or spend hundreds of dollars on a cell phone to talk to friends and family; he holds onto his money, invests, and waits to buy a business or a building. A wealthy person has a disciplined handle on spending and on saving, and he waits for opportunity to buy what others can’t afford, which puts him in position to benefit from the spending habits of others. Mind you, he started at the $1 mark, just as everyone else.

How many billionaires the recession will produce is yet to be determined, but those who consciously set goals now for their financial success and are responsible and appreciative of each $1 they earn, may find themselves, one day, classified with the wealthy.

For more information, read “How to Hear God to Prosper.”

© VC Edwards 2009, All rights reserved.

Found Treasure Publishing

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by VC Edwards

Wealth to Witness

A misconception of Christianity is that Christians should not desire wealth, but should only attain means to sustain themselves. This is undoubtedly a myth started and spread by people who do not want Christians to have wealth to have power and influence in the world. And unfortunately, many Christians have bought into this myth for them and their families. In biblical days, everyone who represented God, from Abraham to King Solomon, were exceedingly wealthy. And, Jesus sought people for His entourage who had their own businesses and practices—people who were not influenced by secular bosses, earning hourly wages, but people who had unlimited financial potential, and therefore were respected and influential in their time.

The love of money is the root of all evil.

1Timothy 6:10 KJV

Never let money influence you to act contrary to God’s will, but gain money to advance God’s mission, without limits. Do not use money to purchase “things” in excess for your personal use. When making and spending money, use godly discernment, the same as you must do, as a Christian, with everything in life—from relationships with people to career choices. The more money you have, the more potential you have to promote Jesus Christ.

Wealth is a factor in determining who has control, power and influence in the world. Christians necessitate wealth to influence the world for Christ. Wealth is a product of God’s blessings and when we forfeit our blessing of wealth, we relinquish our ability to spread God’s message throughout the world.

It is not a problem for Christians to be wealthy; it is a problem for Christians, of whatever means, to forget Christ and forget to minister to people for Christ. If wealth will make you turn your back on God, then you should not aspire to be wealthy. In order to do great works for Christ, it is necessary to handle money wisely. Your faith is in question if you cannot handle money responsibly for Christ.

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

© VC Edwards 2009, All rights reserved

Found Treasure Publishing

Christian-secrets.com

Related Posts:

- A Gift for You

- The God Who Makes America Great