Education & Community

DebtBusters Blog

Our team is looking for all the hints, tips, tricks, and factoids to keep you in tune with your financial health. With a little bit of humor, a lot of accuracy, and an overload of information, the DebtBusters Blog takes aim at your debt!

Marriage and Credit Cards Survey

Do you spend money without your spouse knowing? CESI Debt Solutions conducted a survey and you may be very surprised to see the results.

Posted on Jul 28, 2010 - 08:22 AM by Nicole Plescher

The Ultimate Unemployment Survival Guide

America has recently faced a tide of unemployment larger than most working adults have ever seen. Luckily, the tide has begun to turn and the economy is looking rather positive. But this upturn has not reached all individuals yet and some workers still will be affected, regardless of the state of the national economy. Some of these workers have done their due diligence and can live comfortably for quite some time off of their “nest egg” or savings. While this is the best way to be prepared for unforeseen disaster like unemployment, this guide is intended that those funds were never gathered or they have been depleted.

Posted on May 24, 2010 - 03:32 PM by Nicole Plescher

College Debt Reality

This May, the nation’s 3.2 million college grads will get caps, gowns and degrees, and now most will also get a lifetime of debt, too, just as they start their careers. Most face hefty student loans and escalating credit card bills, creating the perfect storm of debt and a failing grade when it comes to money management. Trying to figure out how to pay off all the debt can be like cramming for another statistics exam. It’s overwhelming.

Posted on May 17, 2010 - 03:13 PM by Nicole Plescher

The Ultimate Budget Guide

It sounds like a buzz-kill, that is, making a budget. It has the same weight that the word diet brings with it. However, just like going on a diet, making a budget is all about formulating a plan that is reasonable for your lifestyle. Everyone deserves treats, snacks, and splurges from time to time. If these things are built into your budget or “money diet,” you can feed your need without busting the bank. This guide contains some tips, tricks, and must-know info to get you started on reigning in your costs.

Posted on Apr 13, 2010 - 11:23 PM by Nicole Plescher

42 Money Lessons from 19 Very Frugal Bloggers!

We asked 19 of the web’s most thrifty bloggers to discuss the ups and downs of the frugal lifestyle they chose, and to share their wisdom with those just discovering the frugality mindset. We asked them to share how they became frugal, the habits they found hardest to adopt and their strategies for resisting the temptation to spend money. Be sure to bookmark this post for later - or grab a cup of coffee now, a notepad for ideas and get ready to start living the life you want!

Posted on Mar 19, 2010 - 01:43 PM by Nicole Plescher

The 7 “Debtly” Sins… and the 7 Financial Virtues that Will Save You

If you believe in sin - either against God, Self, a Higher Power or Humanity - then read this article to see if any of the “Debtly Sins” resonates with you. Next, save ALL your receipts for a week. After saving your receipts, set aside 30 minutes for quiet self reflection and analyze each purchase through the lens of the Seven Debtly Sins.

Posted on Mar 19, 2010 - 01:40 PM by Nicole Plescher

23 Common Causes of the Destructive Debt Spiral

You’re living paycheck to paycheck, one emergency away from charging your mortgage to your credit card. Then the car breaks down - $576. Then your son breaks his arm and your insurance doesn’t cover it all - $365. Then your checks for your utility bills bounce, and to top it off your work announces upcoming layoffs. Suddenly you realize you’re deep down the debt spiral, out of control and terrified for the future of your family. It’s usually not one cause, not two, but a combination of events and decisions can send you down the debt spiral where suddenly you’re borrowing money to pay debts, monthly living expenses, and more.

Posted on Feb 27, 2010 - 12:03 PM by Nicole Plescher

58 Warning Signs of a Shopping Addiction

Your pulse pounds in your throat and your chest threatens to explode with the pressure of your loneliness. This pressure overwhelms you, it controls you, and you hate it. When you see the store ahead of you, you can feel your control returning. As you walk into the store you feel lighter. You sigh. Those dangerous, explosive feelings soothe, washed away in the excitement of shopping.

You are a shopaholic, and you are not alone.

Posted on Feb 19, 2010 - 02:56 PM by Nicole Plescher

100 Ways to Save $1000 in 1 Day!

We think you should take a day off from work… But ONLY if you can commit to saving $1000 in that day! Before you put in your time-off request read through our list of ways to save money and plan your day off according to how much you’d like to save. Your $1,000 “day off” will relax you more than an expensive week at the beach… so you’re already ahead

Posted on Feb 02, 2010 - 08:38 AM by Nicole Plescher

Tips for the Valentine on a Budget - from CESI Debt Solutions

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, leading Americans to spend like crazy to impress that special someone. CESI Debt Solutions suggests that this year people channel their own hopeless romantic side to combat excessive spending over the holiday, while creating everlasting memories—minus the price tag.

My personal favorite is what Neil Ellington, executive vice president of CESI Debt Solutions, plans to do for his wife: “My Valentine’s gift for my wife this year is a Valentine card she gave me 10 years ago that I have saved,” said Ellington. “I am adding a note to say ‘I love you the same as I did 10 years ago’.”

Posted on Jan 28, 2010 - 12:15 PM by Nicole Plescher

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About the Authors

The Debtbusters Blog is written by a variety of experts employed with CESI Debt Solutions. Our special Debtbusters blogging team is always on the lookout for hints, tips, and tricks to help your money work harder for you!

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About CESI

CESI is a not-for-profit organization for consumers in search of financial independence and freedom from debt. We offer a wide range of services from debt management to credit counseling to financial education. And We're dedicated to helping you find the debt solutions that work for your situation. More...