Friday...It's Friday!

Yeah for Friday!! How are all of you doing on your debt challenge this week? Come back tomorrow or Sunday and leave a comment on how you did! Don't forget to leave a comment so we can enter you into our monthly giveaway.

Also, stay tuned for our Friday Successes.  Each Friday you can visit our site and hear a real success story. We are excited to start next Friday and show you people that we know who have had success with making extra income and working to get out of debt. We hope their stories can help inspire and encourage you to do the same! Happy Friday, and here's to getting out of debt!

Tracking Money Tips

How are you doing with the debt challenge this week? To help you track all your expenses, here are some helpful apps that make it easier for you. These apps are a great way to make sure you are tracking your expenses on the go! Don't forget to track all your expenses everyday. Then, let us know how you did and leave a comment on Saturday or Sunday!

Here are those awesome apps:

Itunes app
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/xpensetracker-expense-tracker/id290874373?mt=8

Android app
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gbizapps.money&hl=en

Iphone app
http://www.moneyunder30.com/best-15-financial-iphone-apps

Why Is It Important To Track Expenses?

Source

You may be wondering why we are asking you to track your expenses. It may sound too easy or may not sound that important of a thing to do, but there are some major key benefits for tracking your expenses.
One great benefit to tracking your money is total finacial awareness. Tracking every penny helps you to know where your money is going. Are you going into debt because you don't know how much you are spending on day to day things or do you have money left over each month that you could be putting away in savings? If you aren't tracking all your spending, then you may not know where you stand financially each month.

Once you know how much you are spending, you can start to develop better spending habits. If you know how you spend each penny, then you will be more aware the next time you grab a few extra things at the gas station. With more awareness comes more savings and better spending habits.

After a month or two you will better understand how much you make, how much you spend and where you can put more money back into your budget. Knowing these key things will help you to spend a little less and save a little more.

Stay tuned for Debt Challenge #2 next Monday. Follow us on a debt challenge journey to help get you out of debt and save up for the future!

Debt Free Challenge 1

We are so excited to announce our very first Debt Challenge! Each Monday we will give you a challenge and on Saturday or Sunday you can tell us how you did!

Debt Challenge #1-

Track all of your spending! This week we want you to track every cent that you spend. This will set you up for our future challenges as well as give you and idea of what you are spending your money on. You may be surprised at how much you spend on silly things.

 

A Little Debt Humor

HA! Even hamsters get into debt! Thanks to Ugly Hamsters for this great and all too true sketch!

Let's Get The Debt Free Party Started!

Sherrie and Adrianne

Welcome everyone!  We are passionate about getting out of debt.  Why should you be debt free?  The most simple answer is this:  Freedom!  When you are debt free, emergencies are lighter, life is lighter, your shoulders are lighter...I think you're getting the point. 

Maybe you've just thought about it and don't know where to begin.  Take a look at our suggested reading over in the right side bar.  If you are working on baby steps (Dave Ramsey terminology), then this is a great place to be!  We are trying to make working at being debt free fun.  Having support and shoulders to lean on when it gets hard can be found right here with us. 

Each Monday we will be giving you debt challenges for you to work on for the week. These challenges will include ways to help you reduce your debt and put money back into your budget.  Challenges are meant to stretch your thinking and ability to make choices that seem like they have little effect on your finances, but the truth is they do!

Each Saturday and/or Sunday you can pop in and leave a comment on how you did on the debt challenge. As you leave comments each week, we will enter you into a drawing for a monthly giveaway. WooHoo!! Join the debt free challenge and work to get you and your family out of debt!

Make sure to follow us with the widget or by email so that you get the latest challenges.  Thanks for doing this with us.  We all need a little motivation to do what we should be doing every day.  Don't forget to watch the video on the side bar too...we have a little bit of a sense of humor about it-you should too!

Sherrie and Adrianne

DIY Baby Food (Green Beans)

Do you have a little one at home who eats baby food? Here is another great way to save money and feed your baby some healthy food. DIY baby food is pretty easy to prepare and it is cheap...win-win!

Here I took some bottled green beans we had from a few years ago. You can used canned beans if you don't have bottled beans.

1. Drain a little juice out of the jar first, then dump contents into the blender. 
2. Blend for 2-3 minutes. Make sure it is completely blended  before stopping.
3. With green beans, you have to strain out the strings after it is blended. Take a small strainer and tap in on a cup to sift out all the strings.
4. Pour baby food into small containers. I have some old baby food containers left over from a trip we took that I use along with small empty fruit cups. For smaller portions, pour into ice cube trays.
5. Put trays or containers in the freezer and freeze.
6. Remove and put in a freezer safe bag.
7. When it's time to eat, take one ice cube portion, or 1 container cube portion (however much your baby eats) and heat it up for your baby to enjoy.

Business Ideas

Do you have the desire to make extra income, but are having a hard time coming up with an idea? Take a look at what you love to do or what you are good at, write them down and find a way to market it. You may be surprised that your great delicious desserts could turn into a successful business. If you still need a little extra help coming up with an idea, here are some to get you rolling.

Teach Piano Lessons
Teach Art Lessons
Teach Guitar Lessons
Be a Tutor
Start a Food Blog

Source: Google Images

Write a Cook BookSell Paparazzi Jewelry
Teach Pre-school from home
Teach Private Swimming Lessons
Mow Lawns or do Yard Work
Wood Working
Sew and sell items online
Make Sewing Patterns
Seasonal Sprinkler Blowouts
Christmas Light Hanging
Summer Kids Camp
Babysitting
Photographer
A How To Blog
DIY Blog

Choosing the Right Business for You

Choosing the Right Business for You

Source: Google Images

We've given you some ideas for how to save money, now may be the time for you to think about bringing in a little extra income. There are lots of people that work out of their home now to bring in some extra cash for the family. Watching your spending, along with bringing in some extra income can get you out of debt even faster. Having a new business is very exciting and can seem a little overwhelming at first, but don't let that scare you away!

As you are searching for a business that you can do to bring in extra income, think long and hard at what you like to do. If you love taking pictures, then maybe being a photographer is right up your alley. If you love to bake, maybe selling your yummy desserts is just what you should do. Remember, just because you are good at something, doesn't mean you should do it for work. If you hate sewing, but you are good at it, maybe this is not a good enough reason to start a seamstress business. Just because something you are good at could potentially make you a ton of money, this is not the only reason to do it.When you work day in and day out, it helps to have a passion for it and to love doing it each day. Some days you may not feel like working, but when you have something you love to do, it makes it easier to work on it.

Remember you are your own boss, so nobody will be holding you accountable each day. It will be essential to write up a daily schedule for you to follow. It may be hard at first to be motivated enough to work on it each day, but the more you practice at it, the more it will become a habit. You know you are on the track when all you can think about is your potential new business. I have lost many hours of sleep thinking about posts to write, books to read, affiliates to consider and people to talk to. It's exciting when you start losing sleep, then you know you are on to something.

Join the Debt Challenge

Each Monday we will be giving you debt challenges for you to work on for the week. These challenges will include ways to help you reduce your debt and put money back into your budget.  Each Saturday and/or Sunday you can pop in and leave a comment on how you did on the debt challenge. As you leave comments each week, we will enter you into a drawing for a monthly giveaway. WooHoo!! Join the debt free challenge and work to get you and your family out of debt!

Dave Ramsey's Summer Money-Saving Tips

 Summer Money-Saving Tips

Create opportunities for a very fun summer!

from daveramsey.com

The summer season is notorious for being a time of great spending. Chances are you've experienced the effects of this! Family vacations, sending the kids to camp, updating the wardrobe ... the list could go on and on. You know what? It's okay to spend money! Money's fun ... if you got some.

So in an effort to help you save some money this summer, here are some ideas. They may not seem like huge changes in your daily life, but keep in mind that every little thing adds up and you could save a significant amount of money. A little research and minor alterations can create opportunities for a very fun summer.

Ditch the car.

Don't worry, we're not suggesting you go sell your car and walk 20 miles a day. Think of the places you frequent. Could you walk, bike or carpool more often? At first it might be an adjustment and slightly inconvenient, but you won't be complaining when you realize the exercise, conversations and outdoor enjoyment you'll experience in addition to saving money on gas.

Brown-bag lunches.

Making your own meals the majority of the time is healthier and more cost efficient than dining out. Plan some brown-bag lunches with some friends at work instead of going to a restaurant every lunch hour. Organize a potluck meal for your office or small group twice a month. Pack lunches in a cooler when you're off to the pool, park or on a road trip.

Experience your town for free.

Why travel 1,000 miles away for fun and relaxation when there's stuff to do right around the corner? Be proactive about finding free activities around your town. Not all of them will be highly publicized, but with a little investigation, you could find the hidden gem that could be the highlight of your summer. A town nearby possibly has free outdoor movie nights, museum days, greenways, libraries, festivals and so much more. Invite the neighbors or your group of friends along as well.

Get out of the house!

Take advantage of the longer days and sunny weather by getting outside to experience it. If it will help you, get rid of the cable and gym membership for now. Both can confine you indoors and soak up your time and money. Consider renting movies from the library and exercising at home and outside instead.

Organize your money.

Tell your money where to go. Make a plan. Write it down. If you've never done this, now is a fabulous time to start because before you know it, you'll be shopping for new school clothes, Halloween costumes, and Christmas gifts. How great would it be to be prepared for these events beforehand? If you're a veteran budgeter, now's a great time to refine your plan and still look to cut costs in everyday life. Get started budgeting with Dave's quick tips and resources.

By following these simple steps, there's no limit as to how much money you could keep and debt you could avoid during the summer months. If you keep it up the next month, then the next, and the next, the savings will keep going up!

Get other fun summer money-saving ideas and share your own in Dave's online community.

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Business Opportunity

In reducing our debt, we also decided to also bring in extra income. We decided we were going to sell Paparazzi Jewelry. It has been a great little gig to bring in some extra money and help us build up a bigger savings. You can check out our jewelry site here.

What is Paparazzi?

Misty Kirby acted on a lifelong desire to buy, design, and sell jewelry and fashion accessories. What started as a way to earn extra money for a family trip to the happiest place on earth became Paparazzi.

When the affects of the economy began creeping in all around and affecting their friends and family Paparazzi became a way to help them earn money to “pay the bills”. Paparazzi has never pushed or encouraged people to become consultants. The exciting product and the opportunity it provides are all that has been needed to spark a burning desire in people to become involved and share with their friends and family.

As the success of our first consultants continued to increase and their enthusiasm for the product grew, a push to expand the business was inevitable. Within six months, Paparazzi had grown by over 900 percent. This growth continues today, as people decide the American dream is for them, and not just the lucky few.

We love what we do at here. We love our products and more importantly, we love how it makes people feel. By entering the direct selling market we hope to allow everyone from all over to share in our fun. “Accessorize-Invite-Become” (The Paparazzi Slogan) but whatever you do, have fun doing it. Experience Paparazzi!


How do I order?

These fabulous products are easy to order and for a great low cost. Just browse our store, add what you like to your shopping cart, and then check out. To take a look around our store now and order some of your very own accessories, just click here.

How do I get involved?

If you love fun fashion, try your hand at a Paparazzi party yourself. It’s easy and affordable – simply invite people over to experience trendy accessories that sell themselves. You determine the who, where, and when. You set up the product and a party atmosphere. Best of all, when you sell, you keep the 45% commission.

There’s no pressure. No gimmicks. No party games or sales presentations. Becoming a Paparazzi Consultant is straightforward and simple:

• Consultants Buy your inventory up front
• Earn immediate cash with a 45% commission
• No catalogs or customer orders to mess with
• Sell where and when you want
• Get additional compensation when others become
• Have parties to fund a vacation, or for serious income
• No long-term commitment
• Have fun showing and selling products women love

It works because it’s fun and affordable for both you and your potential customers. Paparazzi has a look for everyone, and at $5 a piece, who can resist?

How do I become a Paparazzi Consultant?

To learn how to become a consultant, click here .

A Little About Us

Welcome to Debt Free You

We're just two friends looking for a way to save a buck and keep it together!

Sherrie and Adrianne met just a little over two years ago at church and quickly discovered that they have a lot in common. Not only are they both laid back, goal oriented, and fun to be around-they are business minded-techno savvy ladies!

Sherrie spent years traveling around the world and grew to love Guatemala. She currently runs a non-profit called Guatemala Embrace Effort. Their mission is to help underfunded schools get much needed supplies and buildings. She's also wildly creative and a talented artist! Sherrie and her husband are always dreaming up business ideas and thinking of how they can help more people.

Adrianne runs a little tutoring business and authors another blog called The Tutor House where she shares tips and business ideas with other tutors. She has fallen in love with tutoring and the blogging world. At times though, she would wish that she had time to write about other passions of hers too like organization, crafts, art, and more. Her husband patiently supports her as she takes leaps of faith into new adventures.

Another shared trait between us is our passion to be DEBT FREE.  It brings us such joy to be free of financial burdens and we want to help other learn how to do that!  But we have to make it a little bit fun too.  We'll be doing weekly challenges (more on that to come).  So make sure to follow us and get all the latest up dates. 

So, Sherrie and Adrianne decided to team up and write a blog together! We're not perfect nor claim to be experts on anything we write, but we're just two moms trying to keep it together. We'll share our little finds and snippet's along the way. We also decided to sell Paparazzi Jewelry because it's amazing stuff and such a deal at just $5.00.

If you need to contact us, please email us at:

debtfreeyou@hotmail.com

Don't Buy Stuff You Can't Afford

As silly as this may sound, don't buy things that you can't afford! This is one of the main tips that helped us (Sherrie and Adrianne) get out of debt quickly. It's amazing how quick you can lessen bills if you aren't spending money that you don't have. When you save money until you have enough to buy what you want, then you don't have the credit card nightmares to deal with. It takes discipline and time to get what you want, but there's nothing quite like paying for a large purchase with cash in hand.  Enjoy this funny SNL video that simply states, "don't buy stuff you cannot afford!"

10 Daily Debt Reducers



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10 Daily Debt Reducers

Are you needing more money put back into your budget, but you just don't know where to cut costs" Here are 10 simple tips to help you reduce your monthly debt. They won't all be easy to do and you may not be able to do all of them at once, but if you can apply these 10 tips, then you will definitely see more money in your account at the end of each month.

1. Drinking soda- If you have to have one or more soda drinks a day, think about lessening your consumption. If you really want to cut costs, cut soda out all together. Your body with thank you and so will your bank account.
2. Eating Out- Eating out for each meal everydat really adds up. If you can cut out a few trips to a restaurant you will be surprised how much you can save each week.
3. Cable/Satellite Packages- Okay, now you are probably thinking I am crazy, but if you can get a cheaper cable package or cut it all together this is more money you can put back into your budget. Would it be terrible to spend more time doing something else besides surfing hundreds of channels?
4. Gym Membership- How often do you use that gym membership? If you think you can grab a friend and go running outside in the fresh air and lift a few weights at home, this may save you a big chunk of money each week. In the Summer you can hop on your bike and enjoy the outdoors.
5. Cell Phone Plan- Cell phones are pretty much a necessity these days, and I am not asking you to get rid of it. But, do you need as big of a cell phone plan as you have? Can you do without a data plan and just use the internet at home? Trim down your monthly minutes and see how much money you can save each month just without talking as much.
6. Electricity- Do you leave the lights on when you leave a room? Try keeping your house lights off during the day and keep them off if you aren't in the room. If you leave also turn down your air and make sure it's not running full blast when nobody is home. You can even turn it off at night, run fans and open windows if you are in a safe and quiet neighborhood. Paying less each month on your electricity bill will be a nice break.
7. Store Brands/Sales- When going grocery shopping or buying other things you need, try only buying the things that are on sale or the cheapest. Typically store brands, (no-name brands) are cheapest, so go with those to shave pennies off your grocery bill.
8. Buy Necessities- It is fun to stuff your cart with yummy treats at the grocery store, but if you can remember to buy what you need and leave the junk food out, your grocery bill will signigically shrink. This will take some will power, but you can do it! You can also make homemade treats instead to save some cash.
9. DIY- Do you hire out when something breaks in your house or on your car? Try and looking it up on You Tube or on the internet to see if you could fix it yourself. Or, find a talented friend that can help you fix things for free or much cheaper than a handyman or car dealer. This can save a ton of money if you shop around or do it yourself.
10. Carpool- If you have errands to run or you drive to work each day, try finding someone to carpool with and share the cost of gas. You can't be the only person you know going to work or to that particular store each week. Gas is expensive so this can really save you a lot of money.

Although these tips probably aren't anything new to you, hopefully they will inspire you to cut costs in your budget and put a little more money back into your account. Stay tuned in the weeks to come for debt challenges based around these tips to help you have more money at the end of each month!