Where Do You Turn?
Without knowing more about your particular situation, a good general place to start is here:
Educate Yourself and Regain Hope
Start listening to Dave Ramsey on the radio, as a podcast or streamed over the Internet. Don’t under-estimate the power of this simple step. You will hear from others who have gotten and are getting out of financial crisis. You will get solid advice on how to get out of debt and build wealth. His show is broadcast live from 1pm to 4pm on many stations. Since stations and schedules change, see his web site for local broadcast stations. You can also listen to him on the Internet. His radio broadcast is streamed live and also archived for several weeks so you can listen at your convenience.
If you want even more information, consider listening to Crown Financial Ministries on local stations, streamed over the Internet or as a podcast. See the website above for more information.
Take Action and Gain Financial PeaceEnroll and take a 13 week course called Financial Peace University (FPU). The course will teach you the mechanics of money and debt, but more importantly, together with a group of like-minded individuals you can start the process of getting out of debt. Aldersgate United Methodist Church has offered FPU in the past and will do so again. Contact us for more information or go to the Dave Ramsey website to find an organization that will teach a FPU class near you.
Consider attending a one day Crown Financial “Journey to True Financial Freedom Seminar”. See the crown.org web site to find a seminar near you.
Financial Struggle
Are you in turmoil due to financial pressures?- Can’t make the minimum payment on your credit cards?
- Hiding debt from your spouse?
- Collectors hounding you?
- Don’t have anything left after paying all your bills?
- Can’t pay your bills?
There Is Hope
There are many organizations that try to help you with your financial crisis, but most approach the problem as a matter of head knowledge and math (e.g. lower your interest rates, shuffle credit cards, improve your credit score, negotiate settlements with lenders, use a debt consolidation loan, etc.). Math matters, but without changes in behavior it tends to accomplish little to bring you to financial freedom. At Aldersgate UMC we believe the journey to financial freedom begins with:Changing behavior This can be the hardest part. It is much easier to do this in fellowship and community with others. Find a community to support you on this journey!
Educating yourself about money and debt. Know how to allocate your money; know what debt to pay first; learn how to deal with collectors; etc.
Getting out of debt! This may take a while. Chance are it took many years to get into the financial situation you are in, it may take a few years to get out.
There are two national organizations we highly recommend to help you on your journey:
- Dave Ramsey at http://www.daveramsey.com.
- Crown Financial Ministries at http://www.crown.org.
If you are considering debt consolidation services, please research them first. Some of these programs may have merit, but often they only provide short term relief and do not address the root of the financial crisis you are in.