I received the e-mail below from a friend and although it's not talking about a specific website, I wholeheartedly agree with the message communicated and encourage everyone out there to do it as well.
- WHAT: Get Serious About Personal Debt & the Economy
- WHEN: Tuesday, February 12, 2008 exactly one week after Super Tuesday
- WHERE: Everywhere in the United States of America
- WHO: Everyone in the United States of America
Bottom line is this: To make our voices heard and to take responsibility for our personal debt. The mortgage disaster in 2007 began a series of discussions with the inevitable debate of "Whose fault is it?" Is it the mortgage companies who made unethical loans with consumers or is it the consumers' fault for not being well-informed or waiting until they could REALLY afford a home?
Let's answer both questions at the same time. Let's show the consumer lending industry that the American people will not stand for shady lending practices. Let's also show some personal responsibility for the debt we have incurred by not taking on any more debt. Let's not borrow on Tuesday, February 12, 2008.
HOW
Do not borrow on this day. How do we accomplish this? Here are some guidelines:
- Do not use a credit card in any way for any purchase on this day. This includes major credit cards, gas credit cards, department store credit cards, etc.
- Use cash, checks and debit cards only for purchases on this day. However, if you know you are about to write a check that will overdraft your checking account, DON'T WRITE IT. This is also borrowing.
- Do not apply for or close a loan on this day. This means credit cards, vehicle loans, student loans, debt consolidations or mortgages.
- Do not go to a quick-cash, fast-cash, payday advance or any other "get money now" business.
- Do not do anything else that would be considered borrowing. (And, yes, this includes getting $20 bucks from mom with the promise you'll pay her back.)
- DO NOT GO ON A SPENDING SPREE THE DAY BEFORE OR THE DAY AFTER THIS DATE.
- Pay off small balances by this date. If you have a balance on a department store card of $200, for example, pay it off by this date if at all possible.
- Idea: Take this concept one step further and open a savings account. Make a promise to yourself that you will save something even if it's only $5 per month.
Show the leaders of our country, and the presidential hopefuls, that we are serious about personal debt and the economy. That's why the date is one week after the big primary day, Super Tuesday, February 5th. Let's work together and get the word out. Let's make this country better let's make ourselves better. Let's begin Tuesday, February 12, 2008!
For me, #1 - #6 isn't a problem at all. I haven't done any of those things in quite some time. #7 and #8 will be a challenge for me, particularly by 02/12.
What about you?