I'm usually at the office or showing property when Oprah airs on our local Springfield station so I record it and watch it while treading on the tread mill later in the evening. Tonight's episode dealt with Oprah's debt diet and I came away quite shocked how people can be so immature where personal debt is concerned.

Don't get me wrong. I understand that in this economy people can lose their jobs and health issues can arise causing people to become extended due to credit card debt, but to run up the debt the people on the show discussed because a family didn't like to cook and therefore ate out each night, just doesn't make sense to me. Call me old fashioned, but other than my mortgage, I run from credit card debt like my son runs from daily chores.

When my treading was over, I logged onto Oprah's web site and found several episodes dedicated to the Debt Diet. At least when I get through watching them all, I ought to be in pretty good cadiovascular shape.

 
This post has been included in Missouri Real Estate News
Post is included in group: Active Rain Newbies
Post is included in group: Blogging & SEO
Post is included in group: Posts to Localism
Post is included in group: "Whacked"!!!

13 Comments on Oprah's Debt Diet

JUN
03
2010
212,359 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Keep telling your clients about what you have learned Billi.  Credit Card debt is a horrible habit that many many people have.  You can make a difference to the people you care about!
1:29am • #1
519,192 Points Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Credit card debt is the worst the amount they can charge is criminal.
1:39am • #2
147,546 Points 6 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Been there, done that, finished with that, would never recommend that.  Once you dig yourself out, cover that hole with concrete, and keep your shredder available as the solicitation comes in the mail.  Great post.
1:58am • #3
1,024,230 Points 66 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

When she first started her show in Chicago, she gave 10 families $100,000 to better themselves and after a year, she had them BACK on her show and all but 1 family did NOTHING with their $$$ except buy bling and cel phones * 1 family made out of the urban area but were struggling with finances in a home they could not afford.

This is why she went to South Africa to build her school - where her $$$ would be appreciated.  Several of the beneficiaries of EXTREME HOME MAKEOVERs have been foreclosed on because they refinanced with no income and lost their MADEOVER homes....credit counseling should begin at the family dinner table with a home-cooked meal!!!
2:15am • #4
4 Featured Posts

It's funny you said that. I made my college age son sit down and watch the show with me.
2:24am • #5
239,736 Points 7 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Billi,

Debt is often thought of as the American way! Not only is the average individual American way over their head in debt but the country as a nation is too. Debt management is not something that is taught on a basic level. The average European doesn't have nearly as much personal debt as the average American. I wonder why that is...........

Maybe they don't feel the need to keep up with the Jones and pretend to be something they are not like many Americans do.

:) 
3:52am • #6
2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I was raised by Depression Era parents and I can tell you that was the best education one can get. I passed that education onto my kids.  My daughter can make a dollar scream and my son has driven the same car he bought in high school for 4000, for the last 7 years. Neither kid has a credit card although they both have credit history and good credit. 

I always wonder how folks can get that far out of control.  But then every time I show a short sale home I go right to the garage to see what kind of toys are in there.  Usually I find new vehicles, new 4 wheelers, new ski do's, and a shiny trailer.  Then I look in the family room for that flat screen.  It all tells the story.......very few short sales are truly hardship stories.
6:51am • #7
268,058 Points

Thanks for sharing - I used to watch Oprah about every day ---
6:53am • #8
610,272 Points Outside Blog

I had the opportunity to see it as well and it is amazing to me that 2 sibilings raised in the same family by the same parents could be so different when it comes to debt management.

shelton
9:14am • #9
590,125 Points 31 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Billi your post made me laugh and not about debt LOL  I was tackling the treadmill myself yesterday!  My husband is a loan officers and talks to clients everyday about debt when it comes to getting a home loan.  He tells them about credit repair program and items of things to do then come back to see him in 30-60 days.  I think the worst thing is giving a $5,000 credit card to an 18 year old student, the banks should be shot!  My 24 year old daughter has some credit boo boos because she made some dumb mistakes.  Guess having a Mother who shops is a bad influence!
11:23am • #10
4 Featured Posts

Marilyn, I would never dream of letting my twenty year old have a credit card and while I love to shop (yes, I confess) I never put anything on plastic.
2:23pm • #11
JUN
04
2010
761,637 Points 61 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

This is so sad but true in our country.  I hate credit cards and only use a debit card from my bank.  Keeps me honest.
8:44am • #12
JUN
07
2010

I agree with Paula. Try to only use my debit card. Good post though.
11:30am • #13


What does the graphic say?
Leave a response…

(optional)
Spam Prevention:
 
Dump_pics-112

Billi Evans

Springfield, MO

More about me…

Murney Associates

Address: 620 W. Republic Rd, Springfield, MO, 65807

Office Phone: (417) 879-7234

Cell Phone: (417) 773-6505

Email Me



Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog