Being debt free was at the very top of my resolutions list for 2008. For that matter, it was at the top of my list in 2007, 2006, 2005 and every year that I have had to pay bills. Still, I re-determined to make this the year to finally achieve that goal. There is a great article on MSN Money titled Debt-free — and more — by 2009 that outlines ways to do just that. Among them are

• Reviewing the strategy that failed
• Setting reasonable goals
• Re-evaluating your definition of reasonable

The post is actually a reflection on author MP Dunleavey’s own journey to being free of debt. Through her humorous candor, she reveals concrete ways to approach the task while encouraging us to reflect on the times we have made this goal in the past and what happened as a result.

It all calls to mind the journey of someone trying to quit smoking. The experts say that the average smoker usually ‘quits’ five or six times before it finally sticks. Well, the same can be said of people who affirm and re-affirm to be debt free year after year. It is okay to not succeed the first few times, but it makes the final time a lot easier if you go into it with the wisdom of your past experiences.

Dunleavy says it best when she states

It pays to know your financial demons when you’re aiming for long-term progress. Rein in those little devils, and nothing will get in the way of you getting where you want to go.

It’s good advice that I, personally, intend to take to heart by following her prescription for becoming debt free by 2009. I will keep you posted on my progress!

Check out the full article at MSN Money.

Tags | be debt free, Debt, debt free, debt reduction, free of debt, money, money management, personal finance, resolutions