Hello everyone! Glad you are interested in what I have to give you.

For the next four weeks, I will be here with suggestions for activities, Tips Tuesdays, and a financial term of the day. You know when I first heard the term 'mortgage', I thought it was something so hard to obtain... it was something the President personally gave to people. The importance that term was given made me think it was as hard to come by as the pink horned unicorn; of course I was younger then. But, when I found out that in it's basic form a mortgage was just a long term bank loan for a home; I was astounded! I just knew there had to be something magical about it. Granted buying a home is a very big accomplishment and rewarding for hard working people; and I take nothing away from that. However, those in the financial field use that 'magical' language and add to it in the hopes of confusing us. That way they will know what they are talking about...and we just have to take their word. That is, unless we take it upon ourselves to learn about it.

If there are any financial terms you would like me to research for you, or that are not clear as they could be; please by all means let me know and I will find out and explain them in their barest, basic detail.

The best time to start your DebtSlim is on payday. Prior to payday, though, I need you to get mentally ready. If my introduction catches you in the middle of a pay period, just wait until the time is right for you. What I am giving you is a blueprint, so you can always come back to it; because it won't change. I am not offering any type of consolidation loan. I am not promising to get you out of debt in 12 months. I will make reference to options available to you, but my goal is to help you get a handle on your finances. You can't go anywhere if you don't know where you are.

Here is an overview of your 4 week planner:

Week 1

• Start on payday, pay bills as normal.
• Write down total estimate of monthly, necessary bills coming due.

Week 2

• Write down estimate of income coming on next payday.
• Make your 'New Zero'.
• Revisit total estimate of monthly bills and when they are due.

Week 3

• Revisit written estimate of income, make any necessary changes.
• Free events, creative crafts, think outside of the box.
• Pay any bills that have come due.
• Write down total estimate of monthly, necessary bills coming due.

Week 4

• Make your 'New Zero'.
• Write down estimate of income coming next payday.
• Continue thinking outside of the box.
• You will have extra money.

Now what I'm about to tell you might frighten some, but here it goes: You Will Have To Use Cash More - there I said it. I know, I know those little cards are so convenient..... and easy to use..... and your bank gives you points and rewards for using them...but who has had their identity stolen by using a $20 bill versus using their debit or credit card? And who has received a $35 overdraft fee for paying for their Starbucks in cash? Think about it.

One if the first things I want you to do is to get a color picture in your daily routine. Hang it in your cubicle or put it as wallpaper on your desktop. A picture of a tangible goal in mind would be best, but maybe a picture your child had drawn for you will do the job. The key is the picture has to be something you want, something that will motivate you - and be honest with yourself. Also it has to be in color because lets face it black and white is classy and all; but color is what makes things pop!

Secondly, I want you to start trying to mentally disconnect yourself from your money. You can do this the very next time you feel anxious about a bill. Remember this phrase : NUMBERS DON'T CHANGE. There, see you are still breathing. Dealing with money is a must for all of us; and we all let it get the best of us at sometime or another. Remembering that phrase will become easier as the weeks go by. You see, your emotions will make you think your bank balance has changed, but it hasn't. Unless you have a rich uncle or aunt that just happens to put additional money into you account ever so often, there is no reason for you not to know how much is in there. Now when I say that - I am talking about individual accounts. If you have a joint account with someone that is hurting your goal more than helping it, you might try to have them get their own account. I'm just saying it's not joint if the effort isn't joint.

I will let you consider those few ideas and I hope to see you back next week, when we get down to the nitty-gritty.