There are two types of credit cards.

1) A card that you pay in full every month. This is so no revolving interest can accumulate. You pay it in full every month with iron clad discipline. American Express is an example. The bill is due in full each month.

2) Any credit card you use and don’t pay in full every month. You allow revolving and compounding interest to accumulate. The balance due gets bigger every month and so does our minimum payment, eventually.

A credit card, most often, is really just an excuse for us to not have the discipline to save money. It’s a crutch and a “just in case” tool. Believe me, I’ve been there. I know exactly what the voice in your head is saying.

When you use credit everything costs more. You pay the retail price, plus interest. This is where you spend your retirement, a little each month/year.

Get rid of the plastic. It’s tough. I know from experience. But if you wanna’ win with money you need to stop spending tomorrow’s prosperity today.

To Your Financial Freedom,
Greg Whitaker

Getting out of debt is not complicated. Two simple steps to get you started:

Step #1:
Save a $1,000 emergency fund. OR don’t save a $1,000 emergency fund.

The emergency fund keeps you from using your credit card(s) when life’s little expenses pop up. Things like hot water heater repairs, small car repairs, doctor visit co-pay etc.

Step #2:
Prepay your debts, smallest balance first, until all are gone except your mortgage. OR prepay your debts, smallest balance first, until all are gone including your mortgage.

Most people who pay everything off expect the mortgage are done it just a couple of years!

It’s not complicated. Getting out of debt, simple options. It’s up to you to get started.

To Your Financial, Debt Free Future,
Greg Whitaker

Why would The US government tell you unemployment is 10% if it were really 22%? Hmmm…
Regardless of the reasons, don’t you deserve to be told the truth? I think you do. That’s why I occasionally talk about politics on this blog.

If you’re going to make decisions about money, finances, job, etc. you need accurate information. The beauty of the unemployment chart you see in this video is it comes from a source that just gives you the numbers. No financial market and political hype. Just the facts, ma’am.

Stop listening to mainstream media BS every night. Cruise over to shadowstats.com and see for yourself. The only way any of this will make sense is if you see what the government is telling you and then compare it to the truth.

Shadowstats.com provides something this country sorely lacks and that’s PERSPECTIVE. No one likes to be told lies. I know I don’t. I’m just pulling the curtain back so you can get a peek at The Wizard! You’re not in Kansas anymore.

To Your Financial Freedom,
Greg Whitaker

Practice what you preach, right? Well, that’s what I really strive to do here at Debt Shepherd. Here’s a video with an update of where my wife Lynn and I are at with our personal finances.

We started dumping debt in 2006. We’ve worked our plan. I’ve slowed us down a bit the last three years (I sleep with one eye open some nights). AND we’ve stuck to it by and large!

Our goal for this year is to prepay our mortgage with a nice chunk of change by years end. Our next goal is for Lynn to retire in 2-3 years, finally.

So, I’m just a regular guy working toward that goal of total debt elimination. The end is in sight. You can do it too. It does take time my friend.

Is it simple? Yes. Is it a pain in the ass? Sometimes. Is it worth it? Absolutely.

To Your Financial Freedom,
Greg Whitaker

The only economy that matters is your economy. The US economy, while important, doesn’t mean a hill of beans to your household when it really comes down to it.

Work on improving your situation at home before getting upset or frustrated with what’s happening around you. I’ve had to learn this lesson the hard way.

If you need help getting your economy in order, let me know. I do coaching by phone and Skype. If your finances are in shambles or just need some fine tuning I’d more than glad to help.

Visit my website for coaching and testimonials too.

To Your Financial Freedom,
Greg Whitaker

Live your life. It’s always better to apologize after the fact instead of asking permission before hand. You only get one bite at this apple. Live life like you mean it!

The safe road is crowded with boring people. The road of dreams and risk has much more room to roam.

To Your Spiritual Freedom,
Greg Whitaker

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36Lrua6sxP8

Ever wondered what it’s like at a studio that produces video full time for a blog? Here’s an exclusive insider peek at a “day in the life” of the Debt Shepherd.

We work hard to bring you relevant, useful video content that you can apply in your daily life as it applies to personal finance.

Thanks for your support and we hope to see you on your debt free journey in the next video!

To Your Financial Freedom,
Greg Whitaker

http://youtu.be/UxTd7ZyKCMI

Which credit card should you pay off first? The one with the highest interest rate or the smallest balance?

The one with the smallest balance should be attacked first. This gives you a quick victory and keeps you motivated on your personal finance plan toward total debt free living. When prepaying debts, over time, you negate the interest charged on the higher rate credit card.

You can be debt free much faster than you ever thought possible.

With just 10% of your net income going toward prepaying debts, you can be totally debt free (including your home) in about 5 to 7 years on average.

That’s with the money you already make! Get started today.

To Your Financial Freedom,
Greg Whitaker