I just wanted to bring you a quick tip about using your gas savings to payoff debt.  It may not seem like the funnest way to use your gas savings, but it will be the most beneficial for you in the long run.  I like to try to bring you an example, so here it is. 

Just a few months ago, I filled up my Jeep Cherokee and the average fillup for that tank was $52.00.  Well, just last week I filled up my Jeep and I was only out $29.00.  That is an awesome difference and, simple math tells me that I am saving $23.00 per tank on average.  If I fill up an average of 50 times per year then that is a savings of $1,150 for the entire year, just on my Jeep. 

So, evaluate your own vehicle, and maybe your family has multiple vehicles.  Make a concious effort to take that savings and immediately put it toward your debt.  Here is a tip on how to discipline yourself to do this:

When you fill up your tank with gas, you probably use a debit card.  Well, after you fill up, go immediately to your online bank account or to your physical bank and place the gas savings amount (i.e. $23.00) into your savings account.  At the end of the month take that savings and make one lump sum payment on your debt.  You may just have an extra $1K or $2K paid off after a year! 

You can either continue to stay on your current path, or choose to make your life better and take control of your money and debt.  Yes, the government is struggling to find a way to spend the $750 billion bailout money and now it is trying to figure out the best way to aid the dying auto industry to the tune of $25 billion.  But, why don't you think about yourself for a while? 

Do this.  Focus on your bills, your debts, your income and everything that is relevant to your personal finances.  Watch your personal expenditures.  Lessen your holiday spending.  Increase your family time and really focus on where the true joys are in life.  Try really hard to beat the economy.  No, I do not mean by investing in stock and playing to market.  I mean personally.  You can beat the economy.  The news is publicizing everything as so bad right now and in fact, it is.  But you can beat it.

Just continue to cut your expenses, and pay of your debt.  If you can get your family out of debt, you can and will have complete control of all your personal finances.  You can come out of this poor economic time on top, with more money in your pockets.  Just don't let yourself fall victim to all the bad news.  If you still have a job be thankful and continue your path to debt freedom and just take care of yourself first!

Congratulations to President-Elect Barack Obama.  And, whether you voted for him or not, we are transitioning into a new era and change is positive.  So, with the new year approaching and the new President taking office, you should get busy and develop a new way of thinking when it comes to getting out of debt. 

You have the remainder of November and all of December to develop an effective goal for 2009.  You should make 2009 a priority for you to start paying off debt.  Start writing down and tracking your personal and financial spending right now.  Over the next two months, analyze your findings and evaluate yourself to see where you can realistically cut expenses. 

You may find that that morning stop at the coffee shop for your java and muffin is actually costing you $300 per month.  You need to ask yourself if you can do without that and can you eat breakfast at home.  However, that may be the highlight of your day and it may be the only real thing you do for yourself on a regular basis.  If this is the case, then keep it in your budget and find other places to cut expenses. 

The key is to stay happy and still pay off your debt.  So, really dig in and start developing your own personal debt free plan for 2009.  You are a smart person, and nobody knows your own finances like you.  Be honest with yourself, and you will be surprised at how much unnecessary money you spend on a monthly basis.  Use that money and pay it towards your debt.  Before long, you will be debt free and in much better shape than anyone around you!   

Don't forget or neglect your right to vote tomorrow (11/4/2008).  By now, you may not even know who you are voting for, but just because you are still unsure does not mean you should not vote.  Also, maybe you do know, but you just do not want to stand in line for hours to vote.  Suck it up and go vote.  It is one of our most precious rights as a democracy and you should exercise that right to choose those you want representing our great country.  So, please go vote tomorrow and then come back to the blog and keep reading my tips on how to get out of debt!