What I Have Learned Since Starting My ‘Finance and Fat’ Turnaround

I didn’t know exactly where I wanted to go with the idea for this web site when I started, but I did hope to learn a lot along the way. Between doing research and writing articles here and reading lots of other great blogs around the Web, a few things come to mind as the most important so far.

There will be setbacks.
Patience is a requirement.
No matter how much debt I pay each month, it doesn’t feel like enough.
A $1,000 emergency fund sounded like a lot until I needed to use it.
Losing weight is harder than paying off debt.
There is no perfect plan for everyone to follow.
The only universally applicable money management tip is to SPEND LESS THAN YOU EARN.

What have YOU learned in your journey- whatever stage you may be? If I get enough tips I’ll create another post with links to the authors. Thanks!

By Eden, Sat 15 Dec 2007, 14 Comments, Categories: Life

http://www.singleguymoney.com SingleGuyMoney

I’ve learned that I in order for my financial position to improve, I must get rid of DEBT!
Pingback: Consolidation Loans: Debt Management Debt Solutions » What I Have Learned Since Starting My â€˜Finance and Fatâ€™
http://mrsmicah.com Mrs. Micah

I’ve learned a lot–including that I’m going to be in debt for years (but I can influence how many) and it’s hard to attack debt when you’re in an flexible income situation.
http://makingmoneyjournal.com/ MMJ

If you are part of a couple, both have to be on board the get our of debt bandwagon, otherwise the climb will be nearly impossible.
http://www.four-pillars.ca FourPillars

That’s a great question. One of the common themes I’ve heard from various bloggers is how much they have learned from doing a blog. Finance, tech blog stuff, all kinds of things.

What have I learned? Maybe not to over-analyze too much. Most bloggers do this (that’s why we are bloggers) but it doesn’t necessarily help us in our decision making.

Mike
http://www.paidtwice.com paidtwice

Don’t define your journey by your setbacks but by your triumphs.
http://iowahippiechick.blogspot.com dawn

I think what I’ve learned the most since starting financial blogging, is to make every dollar count.
Making that a mantra of some sorts, helps me think a little, before spending it frivolously.
Also, as savingdiva does, putting the bits of money that I may earn on the side towards a specific goal.
In other words…making every dollar count
I think there is a lot of financial power to that frame of thought!
http://debtdieter.blogspot.com/ debtdieter

I’ve learned that I’m not the only one in this situation, and that I have what I need to be able to change it.

Love your list!
http://www.financeandfat.com Eden

Thanks to everyone for the great tips! I will write the compilation post later today with everyone’s tips and links.

It’s not too late to add what you have learned- I will update the new post with your comments for the next day or two.
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http://fatmanskinnywallet.blogspot.com Blubba

The thing that has fascinated me about making changes with respect to my finances and health is how inter-related they are. Choosing to get healthier has helped my finances (although maybe it’s choosing to get my finances in order that has led me to get healthier). What you’ve learned in paying off your debt seems just as applicable to getting healthy (other than an emergency fund, of course).
http://uncommon-cents.net/ Ryan S.

The one thing that’s totally the same about fitness and finance is discipline. It’s hard but it’s worth it–and it’s absolutely necessary.
-
Ryan
http://uncommon-cents.net/
http://www.collectingmycash.com wealthy_1

Since starting my blog, I’ve learned that there are so many nice bloggers with great ideas. I’ve been inspired by so many of them. I’ve also gotten many great ideas. The underlying theme is that in order to become debt free is to earn, give, save, and invest. Finally, spend less than you earn.

Great post, Eden!

Happy holidays and thanks for reading my blog!

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Disclaimer: Eden is not a financial professional, and is not in the business of giving advice. This blog is based on his opinions, real-life experiences, and what he's learned along the way.