I know this may be out of the topic, but I'd just like to share with you a good resource for do it yourself credit repair. they're offering it for free for Beta users - http://www.creditsmartpro.com/beta_program.cfm

You might want to try it out and repair your bad credit for free. :)

jtrenton,
that's a good but simplistic answer...

Many times people have to shift their priorities in order to reallocate their finances..

IE... if you're used to driving a cadillac, and you like the luxury, then it's difficult to talk yourself into a less expensive model, even if you're going to save money. Many times it's a psychological situation.

Hey LindaAJ,
Have you done any work on your retirement planning/

I guess if retirement planning is a priority to you, then you'll spend some time on it. IE.. cut out other activities that are a lower priority and carve out some time to do retirement planning.

With regards to your kids.. if you include them in the process, and show them the benefits of what you're doing, I"m sure they'll buy into it.

The bottom line is: what happens if you don't save up for an emergency, or for your retirement. ? You'll get hammered financially.

There are only 2 ways to remedy situation like this. You have to start earning more (not always possible), you have to lower your spending (possible in most cases), or do both at the same time.

That's a valid point.
I would hate to say that the tough reality is that you need to take time to plan for an emergency fund.

It's possible that if you're not taking time to plan for your money that you're probably spending too much. What I mean by that is that you're not taking the time to look for deals and barter for savings.

Sure you can cut some time out of your schedule to plan.. If not you'll continuously be in trouble.

/threadview/1161.html

As I mentioned with my post in teh emergency fund area, I am just too tired and exhausted to plan for an emergency fund, let alone a retirement plan. We don't have a nickel at the end of the month to save anyways.

I would like to know how other people set aside money for retirement. What do you tell your kids when they want to go to McDonalds and scream their heads off if you don't take them ? It's all so frustrating