Do you remember the song, All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth? How many of you laughed when you saw that title? I cannot believe that even came to me but I thought so fitting because someone will see that title and say

        All I want for Christmas is to be DEBT FREE

 If that is true, how do you expect that to happen when you have not taken any steps to get your finances in order. Do you even know how to handle your money? Or are you the person that needs outside help and cannot even voice the words. Too painful. I remember my mom saying that my grandmother would say, if she did not say something outloud, then it was true. When in actuality it was very true. However, that was her way of being in denial.

 How mahy of you are that way with your finances? Make a vow to yourself that you will not go into 2008 managing your money or mismanaging your money. It is time to take some action and get some help. I have a special going on right now for those that are interested. You can get The Debt Stops Here and receive two months of free email coaching. How about that. Outside help and an unbiased opinion from someone who has been there.

Remember, I am the person who was homeless for a period of time (IN DEBT HEAVILY), and was able to get out of debt in two and a half years without filing bankruptcy. I am here to help you.

Go to www.stairstepyourwayoutofdebt.com for more details.

The holiday season is up on us and there will be many people getting engaged. Congratulations to you. As you read this, for those that are already engaged you are probably remembering how the proposal happened. I know that I was afraid that my husband was going to propose to me at a professional basketball game or something of that nature.

I knew he was going to do it. I could tell that we had progressed to that point and I was hoping that it would not be during the professional basketball game. I say that because we had been to several games which I loved and I knew he was going to do it at a time that I didn’t expect it. I remember it as if it just happened, we were having a potluck with our friends. One of the guys asked my husband if he could make an invitation using a certain program.

My husband said what kind of invitation? The gentleman told him and it wasn’t a wedding invitation but my husband took that cue and went from there. He asked me in front of our mutual friends. The ladies were tearing up and ooohing and aaahhhing.

Regardless of how it happens for you, or how it happened begin talking even more now than you ever have. I don’t mean just about your wedding, but finances, money management, and even debt. Come back and I will continue along these lines over the next couple of blogs.

I know personally that when I was in debt, I did not enjoy the holidays. Why? Because I was always thinking about this person wanting this and this person wanting that, however, I was not able to buy it for them. Was my thinking wrong? Somewhat it was because the holidays are not about spending money. It is about celebrating Jesus’ birth.

I remember having this discussion with our son the other day, because he saw a toy in the newspaper that was a Black Friday sale. Mind you when he saw it, it was two days later. When I told him the sale was over and they probably did not have anymore, he prepared to cry. I stopped him before the tears could even stroll down his cheek and went on to remind him the purpose of the holidays and that we show him love every day. They receive different things from us all the time and not just one day of the year. Then I went on to share with him how I was raised in the single parent household and how many things that he has already been exposed to by age 5, I didn’t get to experience until I was either in high school or mid to late 20s. By the time I was done, not one tear had strolled down his face and he understood what I had said.

My brother listened from another room and was asking me what was that lecture about. I said to him that I need the childrens focus to be right. See, whether you are Christian or not, we can get off track. Even with children it can begin at an early age and as their parents we have to set that example and share our wisdom so they understand different things.

I know that money and holidays don’t mix when you are debt and can be very difficult. Make a vow to yourself now that you will not go into 2008 the same way.

I am here to tell you, even as I prepare to get things ready for next year I am going to finish this year off in style. Accomplishing task that I want to accomplish and prepare for a fantastic year.

I have not forgotten what I wanted to achieve this year and am pleased with what I have. I know that next year is going to be even better because I have direction and clear vision. How many of you need clear vision? See we can be all over the place and accomplishing nothing. With vision, the things we can accomplish.

I did some networking today, talked with several people and got some insight. You have to love being an entrepreneur. So much you can do.  Timing can be issue. To that I say, take one step at a time and do not overwhelm yourself.

I am sooooo excited because my husband’s photography business is taking on a new look. I have to share we spent some time working on his studio a couple of days before Thanksgiving. It was great - the kids were with us in the studio helping us with stacking things on the shelf that they could reach, while we cleaned out boxes and other items. When we were done, he was able to even hang some additional curtains for our viewing area.

Don’t you guys know that it was sooooo worth it for me to stop what I was doing on my business, to help him work on his. See his dreams come into fruition. If you are a husband and wife, both of you have a business, help each other. Don’t let the other one struggle or need help that you could give. We stop and help each other all the time.

As a matter of fact, last night I was asking him about a special inlay for my box. He was telling me how it could be done and that he would work on it for me next week. Be each other’s biggets supporters.