Your Framework For a Debt Free Life

As soon as you drive it off the lot, that new car loses value. In some of the feeds I've been looking through, the auto payments are up towards what people are paying for housing! Why? Just so you can look good or better than your neighbors? Go for a paid off vehicle, save for emergency funds, debt payoff, etc. You'll feel much better about it in the future!

That's a TON of your hard earned money wrapped 😆 up in decorating Christmas gifts! 😡 What are some ways you save money on this Holiday expense?

My name is Lori Rawson. I have spent 20+ years learning the ins/outs of financial management, budgeting, and how to manage my money instead of letting my money manage me! I've been where your at, and I'd like to show you some proven methods that work to save you some time, struggles, and frustration! Because we all know how frustrating it is living from paycheck to paycheck when there should be more money 💰!

The holidays are around the corner..... did you budget ahead for Christmas? Some shop all year but if that's not you, then you're coming down to the wire. There is NO reason to to put several thousands of dollars on credit cards that you will regret in January when you get the bills!

Think outside the box, have fun! What about:
- white elephant gifts for adults;
- handmade gifts for kids (look on Pintrest!)
- handmade goodies for Grandparents/Aunts&Uncles
- Be honest! Let people know that you're strapped this year. Christmas is a season to enjoy famiĺy and create memories. You can't do that if you are stressing over money .... look around and see what you can find to create emotions and memories that will last a lifetime ❤ (P.S. the pic came from Pintrest, so do some looking!)

78% of the country is living paycheck to paycheck. I understand how it feels to be living that tight with money – and that was with two incomes. I have spent the last 20 years learning how to Budget, identifying ways to invest (a little at a time), finding ways to pay for college without taking out Student Loans! You can have the ability to gain those tools too!

For those of you who have teens thinking about going to College, I would HIGHLY recommend that you watch the documentary released by Ramsey Solutions called "Borrowed Future" with your teens. This is extremely enlightening, informative, and scary!

For those of you who find yourself already caught in this trap, as you can see from the video, you aren't alone! Please know that you can get through this!

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the documentary posted below OR if you have personal experience with this nightmare and are willing to share, please do!

PRACTICAL WAYS TO SAVE MONEY:

It's not always easy to cut down on your grocery budget! I've been there raising 4 teenagers that sometimes seemed like bottomless pits 😉! Here's a few budgeting tips that can help!!

Most people after they do a budget, are shocked to find out how much they actually spend at the grocery store each month. If you’re the average American family of four (with two kids 5 and under), you’re probably spending around $928. Yikes! It’s so easy to walk through those aisles, grab a bag of Oreos here and a few bags of chips there, and then top it off with the fun goodies at the register. But those little purchases (aka budget busters) add up quite a bit and end up blowing the budget every single month!

Save money on groceries by planning out your meals each week! Take a good look at what you already have in your pantry before you head to the store. Because why would you want to buy more of what you already have? And if you really want to stick to your list, leave the kids at home AND don't go to the store hungry!!

Want to save money and time? Try online grocery pickup or delivery. Most major grocery stores offer it these days (sometimes even for free), and it can save a ton of money. Picking up your groceries gets rid of the temptation you would’ve had when you caught a whiff of those freshly baked chocolate chip cookies floating through the aisles. In other words, you’re forced to stick to your list and avoid those impulse splurges. Yes, you may not be picking out your own fruit or veggies, but you aren't putting yourself in temptations way, either! Some big stores will automatically credit you for any bad fresh produce if you call and complain!

Please let me know below what you think about grocery delivery or curbside pickup if you have used those! Also, if you have a tried and true method that works for you, please share with the rest of us! Thanks!