Have you accepted that you have a debt problem?

It is absolutely necessary to accept that you have a debt problem. Without such acceptance, you’ll only be applying Band-Aids. There will be no real change. It doesn’t matter what you call yourself—problem debtor, compulsive debtor, or something else. Call yourself a Goodtime Charlie, if you prefer, a freewheeling spender, one of the nicest people in town, Sally who’s sweeter than honey; hell, call yourself nothing at all if that makes you happier.

But, alone, in a quiet private place; surrender Admit to yourself that you have a debt problem and that it’s caused a lot of pain and trouble in your life. Do it now. Okay.

Take a couple of deep breaths and relax. Now try it again. Let it settle in. Let yourself feel the truth of it. You have a debt problem. It has caused a lot of pain and trouble in your life.

Many people experience a sense of relief when they finally admit this to themselves. I was one of those. My immediate response was: Thank God! Now I know what the problem is. Which means that I can fix it: Others react quite differently. They panic and bolt for the door, Or want to punch out whoever made the suggestion.

JUST FOR TODAY, ONE DAY, DO NOT INCUR ANY NEW DEBT.

Not one.

• Don’t borrow $2 from a Mend.
• Don’t accept a service you plan to pay for later.
• Don’t take a loan from a bank.
• Don’t charge anything on your credit card.

This is easy. Anyone can do it. Just go through today, this one small twenty-four-hour period, without taking on any new debt in any form. No matter when you’re reading this, and regardless of whether or not you’ve begun your thirty-day grace period or taken any other action, just do not incur any new debt today. if something is absolutely essential—which is rarely the case—find another, nondebt way to get it. Or defer it for twenty-four hours.
Fine. Now close this page, enjoy the rest of the day, and begin reading again tomorrow. Next Page