Christy Z’s Lenten Simple Shift Tips for Getting Out of Debt

Dear Beloved,

Last Sunday morning, Christy Z. preached a great sermon about moving from indebtedness to becoming debt-free. She gave some wonderful simple shift tips to help.

“Here are some other tips you may have heard but are definitely worth repeating:
• If you have debt, pay off the highest interest rate first.
• Call periodically to try to get your rates lowered.
• Pay cash.
• Freeze your assets (put your cc in water and freeze it in the freezer. If it is worth buying, it is worth waiting for the card to melt).
• Always pay your bills on time.
• Consider becoming a one-car household or a no-car household – We became a 1 car household and saved not only in car payment, insurance & gas, but on all the things that we DIDN’T buy because we didn’t have the 2nd car.
• Contribute to your 401k or pension plan (Especially if you employer matches) Do this EVEN IF YOU HAVE DEBT otherwise you will be leaving money on the table.
• If you receive an unexpected monetary gift, put some toward your debt and some to your savings.
• Give back – try % based giving, even if you are in debt.
• Practice an attitude of gratitude.
• Open a high-interest savings account.
• Pay more on your mortgage each month to shave off years.
• Track your spending (write everything down for a week/month/during Lent).
• If you have a CC, get a dividend card that gives cash back and always pay the balance in full.
• Go one day without spending any money.
• Go one week without using your credit card.
• Go one month without eating out.
• Create a 6-month savings reserve.
• Set a SMART goal around money (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely).
• Remember, you didn’t get in debt over night, so don’t expect to get out of debt overnight either – simple shifts.
• Find a buddy in church to help you keep you accountable.
• Think before you do.”