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All advice should be weighed against your own abilities
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their own situations.

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This issue includes:

1. How to enjoy and pamper yourself and still save money: Most of
the people who are facing debt problems are afraid that they have
to sacrifice some life pleasures and enjoyments that they consider
luxury expenses. We will show you how to have a great time with
little or no money at all!!!

2. Is Bankruptcy the answer to my debt problems? Having lots of
debts and not much money available may lead you to think bankruptcy
could be the only answer, but bankruptcy has a dark side ...

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1. How to enjoy and pamper yourself and still save money.

The other category of expenses is what we call "luxury expenses,"
such as vacations, presents (Christmas, Birthdays...), beauty and
fitness treatments, etc.. It is even more necessary to be careful
and frugal with these kinds of expenses. Of course, don't get me
wrong; we all need some well-deserved vacations! It is important
to give your partner something nice on your anniversary! And, beauty
and fitness treatments (including going to the heath club, spa,
hairdressing, etc.) boost our confidence and make us feel better
about ourselves. There is no need to deprive yourself from such
enjoyments but you need to find ways so these expenses
do not make your financial situation worse.

1. Vacations: try to get it an "all included" plan. Most of the time
they are cheaper than purchasing your hotel stay, meals and tickets
separately. Choose the travel agency carefully -- it has to be one
with a good reputation. Don't just get any "bargain". Your vacation
dream could become your worst nightmare.

What about going to a campsite? Your family may appreciate the contact
with nature and the change of scenery.

2. Presents and gifts: Objects don't necessarily show your love and
appreciation to others. Your actions do. Don't think that just by
getting the most expensive gift you will show how much you love that
person. Sometimes creating the right atmosphere will enhance the
value of a "normal" gift. For example, if you prepare a nice meal
for your parents or a candle light dinner for your partner before
giving them a present, you would be showing your appreciation more
than just giving them something, even if it is expensive. Our society
is facing a big problem: assuming money or gifts can replace the
quality time and care we need to give to our loved ones.

3. Beauty and fitness treatments: you can apply the same principle
we explained regarding vacation plans: compare the prices of the plans
or treatments that different places offer and get the best overall
value, not just cheap items that end up being a waste of money. There
are many things you can do  to improve your health and fitness
apart from going to health clubs, and they are not as expensive: walk,
jog and cycle more, take the stairs instead of the elevator, get
yourself into an exercise routine at home, do your housework yourself
(such as cleaning, gardening, washing and waxing the car) -- you will
burn many calories and save some money.

There are good books on the market explaining how you can take care of
your skin, hair and body using home made recipes or exercise using
things that you have at home. Even that heavy encyclopaedia that nobody
uses anymore could help you for weight lifting, giving some tone to your
arm muscles!

You will be amazed finding out how some simple things you have at home
such as mayonnaise, (it is great for dry, damaged and brittle hair),
sugar and hand cream (a massage in your hands with sugar and hand cream
will leave them as soft as silk) will do wonders for you.


2. Is Bankruptcy the answer to my debt problems?

Myths and Truths

Many of people in the United States are facing the same dilemma:
Is bankruptcy the only solution to their debt problems? The increasing
rate of people actually filing bankruptcy, considering, or starting the
process is alarming.

Many situations could lead someone to be in such a critical situation:
astronomical medical bills, unemployment, divorce, or one's business
failing. The stress of having no money and the bill collectors calling
night and day making nasty and vicious threats about filling a lawsuit,
getting a judgement, garnishing the wages, putting a lien on one's property
is just too much for some people to cope with and they think their only
solution is to file bankruptcy. The situation with creditor harassment
can get as serious as calling the person at his workplace, calling his
relatives and even the neighbors. There is no place to hide from these bullies.

Let's consider first what bankruptcy really represents and what can be done
to avoid it.

What is bankruptcy?

There are two kinds of personal bankruptcy:

Chapter 13 is a re-organization of one's finances, it provides some peace from
having creditors pestering, all properties can be kept but it gives a judge the
authority and power to decide how much should be re-paid to the creditors and how.
The amount to pay to the creditors could vary between 10% - 90% of the original
amount owned.

In chapter 7 you are allowed to keep the "exempt" property (each state has its
own policies regarding what can be kept and what needs to be given up) but most
of your assets are sold in order to pay off the debts. In either case payments
(house, car, most student loans, taxes) just don't disappear

Bankruptcy may not sound that bad since it could give you some peace.
But consider as well that it is the worst possible thing that could ever happen
to your credit report, the negative remark will stay for about 7 - 10 years,
time in which you will not be eligible for any credit. The bankruptcy report
will appear in the court file for about 20 years. If you are considering
renting a house, or if you are looking for a job or already have one but you are
trying to get a promotion, landlords and employers are allowed by Federal Law
to consider bankruptcy as a reason to reject a person that has filed bankruptcy
in the past. It would be like a phantom in your life that would be impossible to
get rid of.

Most of the people who have filed bankruptcy regret having taken that decision,
wish they could have found a different option, and that somebody could have helped them showing more alternatives.


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