ReAnn Rothwell’s Money Saving Ideas, Tax & Organizing Tips

 Talking to other people who are in the same situation could help. 

Women in Red Racers (WIRR) is an online community of women (and men) - all in financial straits - who have joined forces to eliminate debt from their lives, come hell, high water, or even a 75 percent-off sale at Wal-mart. {grin} 

 With the idea that each was “racing” to pay off what they owed - this intrepid group formed in fall 2006. The members of this support group have paid off $1.6 million they owed.

They talk on the Internet, in a message board forum for people who want to share money tips and overcome financial problems.

Their three-step method is simple:

1. Be honest when you tally up what you owe. Admit to every cent. It is only when you get real with yourself that you realize you have to make a change.

2. Update the group regularly on your progress - or admit to backsliding.  By honestly posting your status, you’ll get motivation when you need it and applause when you deserve it.

3. Don’t give up - even if success seems far away. The Racers’ experience suggests that perseverance is the key. On average, members have each paid off more than $3,800, and many have come up with more. Most important: The group is still going. With U.S. personal debt at an all-time high of almost $2.5 trillion (excluding mortgages), the Women in Red Racers offer hope to struggling families who feel as if they’re facing a life sentence.

When you get to the site page down to the “WELCOME NEWCOMERS! READ THIS FIRST! From Your Host Mia [MP Dunleavey]” post.  At the end of that article you will see a WIRR (Women in Red Racers) for your region of the country. Just click on the one that pertains to you.

Expect to spend some time going through these stops & this process. You did not get into debt overnite and you are not going to get out of debt overnite and with out some hard work. HAVE FAITH!!!

As the WIRR site says:  “The purpose of the Racers group is to empower our members to take financial control of their own lives. Our ultimate goal is DEBT ELIMINATION. If you’re interested in a community of support, motivation, and inspiration, then this is the place for you. The group tries to focus on the larger debt picture and work together to have accountability toward ridding ourselves of debt. Getting out of debt is HARD WORK and we have to accept responsibility for our own life. Things happen, LIFE happens, but we also make our own choices about how to deal with those things. Each member has to take personal responsibility for their own situation. During your time here with the WIRR, you will challenge your own beliefs, re-evaluate your priorities, and slowly make lasting changes in your life! If you open yourself up to change and stick with it even during the tough times, you will succeed! And we’ll all be here to cheer you on! If you just want to whine and moan about how much worse your life is and how it’s everyone else’s fault you’re in debt, then this probably isn’t the place for you. This is a place to take personal responsibility for our own lives. Yes, WIRR is here to help inspire you, but when it comes down to it, each person has to take action and do the work necessary to achieve their goals. We want to commend all of you for being here! For taking that difficult step to create true and lasting change in your own lives! Every one of you should be proud of yourselves!!! We are proud of you! The road to DEBT FREEDOM may not be easy, but we’re all in it together!”