This week my wife and I marked our third anniversary.  It was three years ago this week, the 21st to be exact, that we officially became financially debt free.  Since then much has occurred – including a recession.  Thankfully we were in the right financial position at the time.

Living in a paid off house has been nice.  Not owing anyone is wonderful.  Helping others get to the same place – priceless.

What is holding you back?

Zig Ziglar is a great motivational speaker. He has helped many through the years including me!  I received this email from him this week and thought I would share it with you.

What do you need in a coach?  Click here….

In a July 13, 2010 article, the New York Times laid out an issue that is confronting many Americans today – debt collection practices.  It is almost daily that I answer questions on this subject from people who are being hounded by collection companies on debts that they owe.  The NYT article really dealt with the overload to the judicial system on the lawsuits that are happening in courts across the country.  In many cases, collection companies are using software to hasten the pace of the legal attack on borrowers regardless of their situation or circumstances.

In many states, people are served with a summons regarding the legal step in obtaining collection.  In my home state of Georgia, the defendant has 30 days to respond, in writing, to the challenge by the collection group – more often than not a collection agency that has purchased the debt from the original debt company.

One NYT statement that was especially interesting is that most people do not show up in court.  In Georgia, many do not respond in writing to the court and address the issue at hand.  Without showing up or responding (whatever the necessary action is in your state) you are almost always given a judgement.

The Times highlights one case where a defendant challenged the plaintiff asking if he was the correct person.  After some questions from the judge, the case was dismissed.  Not all turn out like this one, but if you do not respond or attend the hearing how can you ever defend yourself.

The moral?  Realize that many companies are getting very aggressive in collecting debts.  Stand up and address the issue.  Follow the requirements of your state in responding or attending a hearing.  Don’t just ignore and think it will all go away.

It must be twenty years ago now when I first saw Andy Andrews on television.  He was a Nashville comedian that shared clean, family comedy.  Today, in addition to his comedic work he is an author.  I recently had the opportunity to read one of his newest books – The Boy Who Changed The World.

This book is a children’s book that is set to motivate and challenge young people to be all they can be.  In the end,

the decisions they make can and will have an impact on people around them and me people around the world.

All of us have choices and make decisions every day.  Andy shares with young people that those decisions are important and can hae a huge impact.  He shares tidbits in this quick read about Norman Borlaug, Henry Wallace, George Washington Carver and Moses Carver.  Each one of these people became who they were and help countless millions – by the decisions they made.

Do you have a child who will make decisions?

This weekend we will celebrate (if you have to call it that) the unofficial end to summer.  Many are planning to have picnics, family get togethers or even a last summer trip out of town.  But Monday, Labor Day, is the celebration of the American worker.  Many of the things that we use and enjoy can be credited to you – the American worker.  Thanks for what you do.  As you start this weekend can I ask a question – are you really doing what you want to in your job or career?

Many will say “yes” while many others with say no.  You can not speak for your spouse, your parents, your neighbors or even your children.  The only one who can answer is you.  So, what is your answer – yes or no?

If it is yes, congratulations.  You are one of a smaller group in this country.  Those of us who find what we love to do will never work a day of our lives.  Finding that early and letting that decision drive our personal finances is huge in successful money management.

To those of you who said no, I am sorry to hear that.  But, really, what has you held back?  What is holding you from finding the work you really want?  I remember vividly my pastor asking me, in front of a crowd at the ripe age of 42, “what are you waiting on?”  You know what, I did not have an answer.  After reflecting on that question for days and weeks after, I found the answer – past decisions.

Past decisions had put me in a situation of poor money management and debt that created a risk situation I could not bear knowing I had a wife and family to support.  Bad money mistakes (using debt to fund my lifestyle) got me into trouble and that trouble prevented me from moving into what I really wanted to do.

Don’t use the economy as an excuse – it may never get better for you.  Take the bull by the horns and make the changes that you need to make.

To every American worker – Happy Labor Day weekend.  To every disillusioned American worker – what are you waiting on?

I was on my way to a meeting early, before the sun was up, this morning.  Driving down the interstate, fighting the wonderful Atlanta traffic, the overhead traffice message board flashed the following message – “September is National Preparedness Month”.  Did you know that?  Honestly, I was not prepared for that at all.

It is a great reminder that we need to be prepared.  As I write this, hurricane Earle is churning in the Atlantic.  Having spent some time on the coast this year, I can only imagine what residents are feeling, watching and anticipating.  I told my wife last night, “for the sake of all those who listened to the weather people, I hope those computers are right”.  As a side note, weather personalities are the only positions that can get their job deliverables right less than 50% of the time and still keep their job.

What if it was you?  What if you we facing a hurricane and you had to evacuate?  What if it was a fire?  An earthquake?  What about the death of a loved one?  Are you prepared?  Are you ready to move forward with the necessary information you need to get re-established.  Sadly, most are not.

Do you have all your accounts listed for someone, maybe yourself, to have the information ready for their immediate use?  Important papers identified and locations known?  Most do not.  Are you prepared?

I have a document titled “Your Love File”.  It is a basic list of the things you need to have in place to carry on in the event of  disaster or your death.  It is simple, but lists many of the things that we don’t think about daily and surely not when facing a calamity.

If you would like a copy, please send me an email to coach@myfinancialfocus.net .  I will get that copy to you for you to begin your planning.