Debt...the American Way?

[AOX81]

Well like most of you I sometimes feel like I am a$$hole deep in debt. In October I decided to do something about it! I got my poop in a group and paid off my Student Loan (yay!!), my car (that I never drive because I have a company car), and my Best Buy bill (had to buy a new computer and a few items for my new apartment). I only have two credit cards left to pay off and I will be debt free!! I'm hoping it will be around June when I will only have to pay my rent and utilities. I thought about going through one of those debt consilidation companies but I decided I got myself into the mess and I will get myself out!!

Anyone else in the same situation?

[RU OX Alum]

yeah, my card was maxed out cuz of holidays, I bought a computer and a car, but I worked hard and got good commision and paid off everything. Except the car.

[shinerbock]

Not in the same situation, but don't worry, its not just the American way.

[LouisaMay]

I've been following the Money Map from Crown Financial Ministries. They call it the "Road to Financial Freedom." It's Christian-based, and I love it! They have a radio show, too, and I've learned so much.

Good job with getting that debt down!

[Kevin]

What is Christian about being smart with money?

Oh, I see. Call it Christian and you have instant access to an audience who will instantly recognize you as credible if you throw in a few Bible verses.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by Kevin

What is Christian about being smart with money?

Well, while I would not say that being smart with money is a uniquely Christian principle by any means, I would say that being a good steward of one's possessions, including money, is a practice and a perspective that is firmly rooted in the Christian tradition. That is certainly the religious perspective that we are trying to teach our children.

That said, I tend to have the same kind of reaction as you to enterprises that peddle things like financial planning or money management based on "Biblical principles" to churches and church members. LouisaMay, I'm glad Crown working for you, but unless part of the Road Map includes things like "give away all you have," "it's easier for a camel to enter the eye of the needle," "blessed are the poor," and "woe unto you who are rich," I'm afraid I'd have to question just how Biblical the principles are.

But perhaps I am judging it unfairly -- admitedly I know little about it. I suppose I have just become jaded by all the "preachers" who have assured their flocks that God wants us all to be prosperous.

Congrats, AOX81 and Billy.