Did you know.... Debt sucks!

Did you know…

Did you know that you don’t have to live in debt?

Little story:   My parents never talked about money or educated us on money. I know my story is not unique. It seems that kind of lack of discussion or education was common with folks my age and in the Gen X era.  We simply didn’t know and learned the hard way.

For me, that was living paycheck to paycheck and doing everything I could to make more money.  Work harder, more hours, bend over backwards for my employer, I did everything I could to make more money.  I went through a divorce before age 30 and my two little boys that were relying on me to teach them everything.  I did the opposite of what my parents did and talked about money all the time with my kids, friends, siblings.  I wanted to tell people what was happening, and I wanted to learn how to NOT live in debt. 

What I found is that pretty much everyone I knew was in the same situation.  They didn’t know either.  Every once and again, I got a small nugget of something but for the most part, it was the blind leading the blind.

When I bought my first house, I decided I needed to learn.  I took my boys on that journey.  We talked openly about credit scores and investing.  We chatted about how much we made, how much things cost and what we were spending on monthly bills. 

Money is one of those things that most of us just don’t talk about.  A lot like we don’t talk about death, what happens to our families when we die. What goes to probate?  What is probate?  What can we do to prevent probate?  What can we do to ensure our death does not cause harm to our family?

Or worse-what happens if we DON’T die?  Who takes care of us? How to they pay for it?  What is the plan?  What if I lose my job?  How do I plan for retirement?  How do I make sure I can be as independent as possible-physically and financially?    

These are topics that no one like talking about but we need to talk about. 

One of the biggest revelations that I have had is that there are a lot of folks out there that are seeking some guidance with money like I was.  It was hard to bring up and hard to talk about, but I really wanted to know.  Most places I was pointed to, charged me for their time.

Really quick: at Em Becker Insurance, we do not charge anyone for their time.  Be careful of folks that do. Make sure they are reputable and that is the path you want do go down.  There are other resources if you are interested. 

For example, I connected with a team of folks through Utah Money Matters.  They have a website that shares a lot of insight and information.  This is good stuff.  It’s free. 

The link is:  Resources - utahmoneymatters.org

The one thing that I learned in my journey with money is that the most painful step is not the first.  It’s the step you must take after something happens, and you WISH you did something earlier.   That moment where you mentally kick yourself. 

Take this step.  Do the hard thing.  Follow the guidance and wisdom this team shares and you will not be sorry.      

Remember:  LEARN always comes first.   

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:  I need to tell you that I am not accredited in any way to provide debt counseling or advice.  The license I hold is for insurance and insurance only.  Seek out accredited credit counselors for debt or credit advice.