5 Top Myths About Debt And Money

Here are five questions we always get here at Mr Home Budget. They are the ones we hear time and time again.

1.Why should we try and get out of debt, aren’t all governments, businesses and householders in debt anyway? We are just doing what everybody else is doing?

Well no! If everybody was in debt, there wouldn’t be enough money in the system to pay everyone back. While it is important to understand that “yes” most of your neighbours are in debt, the ones with no debt have the biggest smiles. Just because most people are in debt does not make it right.

2. Life is for living. Why should we deny ourselves the good things now?

Of course life is for living. However, life can also last a very long time. And you will more than likely have a good 20 years of living after you have retired. Who will fund this time of approximately 7300 days. Or put another way; 21900 meals. Do you really think the government will keep you in the style that you have been living? Make the changes now, to prepare for this time.

3. Don’t you need a credit card to survive?

No way! Anything you can pay for with a credit card, there is a way to pay for it with cash. And the good news is it will be your own cash, not cash on loan. We as Australians have bought into the idea that we need a credit card in our wallet or purse. But it is one big marketing ploy to make it feel normal to everyone. A debit card will do 100% of what a credit card will do and is just as safe.

4. Leasing a car is what smart people do?

Leasing a car is what people without calculators do! There is no evidence that leasing saves you money, in any way, shape or form. Regardless of what the car salesperson says. Do the sums for yourself if you don’t believe me. Buy a second-hand late model car, you will save bucket loads.

5. We don’t have the willpower to get out of debt.

If you are reading this, you do. Sure there are no quick fixes for getting out of debt. But people look for them everywhere (X Lotto). You just need patience and time. If you can combine these two elements you will win in the end. To quote Winston Churchill “Never, never, never give up!”