20k in Credit Card Debt? 4 Steps to Overcome

If you’re like me, then being over $20k in credit card debt can become strangling. My minimum payments were $896 and I knew something needed to change.

Take charge of the situation by following the 4-step C.A.R.E. method: 

 

1. Choose. The first step is to choose a deep, emotional reason for why you want to get out of debt.

 

2. Assess. You can’tt defeat a monster you can’t see. You need to get your exact debt picture in black and white in front of you—down to the last dollar.

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Distress Associated With Credit Card Debt

Interview:  Michael Taggart

People would rather talk about how much they weigh than reveal how much credit card debt they owe. Here are some talking points from Michael Taggart on the subject of emotional stress Americans have with credit card debt.

 

  • A recent survey by CreditCards.com found that 47% of Americans felt uncomfortable discussing their credit card debt with anyone and only 19% who were uncomfortable talking about their weight. 
  • Struggling with debt brings up a host of negative emotions like guilt, shame and embarrassment, so many people hide the problem. Continue reading “Distress Associated With Credit Card Debt”

5 Ways to Fine-Tune Workplace Communication

Interview: Carol Barkes on Workplace Communication.

Carol Barkes is a conflict resolution expert, mediator, national speaker, educator and bestselling author who uniquely applies neuroscience to the fields of conflict resolution and negotiations. Her expert perspective is always fresh and relevant.

Talking Points from Carol Barkes on
How to Fine-Tune Workplace Communication:

Effective communication is an integral part of having positive, successful interactions with the people around us. For some, good communication skills seems to come naturally, and that’s great. But for others, it is a challenge to communicate in a way that both articulates our thoughts and doesn’t rock the boat. Poor communication can lead to arguments, loss of opportunities, hurt feelings——and the list goes on and on. In the workplace it could mean conflicts with the people we work with and for, loss of credibility, a decrease in production, and other negative-affecting career circumstances. Here’s some tips on how to fine-tune workplace communication:

1) Conflict in the workplace is similar to family conflict in that conflicts can build over time as people have continual negative interactions with a person. Consequently, when a situation arises with someone we’ve had problems with in the past, it is very easy to blow the current problem out of proportion. It is important to try to look at each occurrence with its own lens so past experiences don’t negatively bias our approach.

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How Women Can Do Better at the Negotiation Table

It seems that men have the advantage over women when it comes to negotiation in many business situations. Here are just a few tips that can help women—or anyone, really—on how to approach these situations and be in a better position to achieve the business outcomes you are aiming for.
Carol Barkes is a conflict resolution expert who helps couples who are considering divorce.  She knows these bullets below are surefire ways to put a marriage on the path to divorce. Carol is available for interviews.
  • Women are less likely to negotiate than men. Women are more likely to negotiate for other people, if they do so.  This being said, women need to remember that they, too, are worthy and deserve a voice for themselves.  Most everything can be negotiated so why not try?  At the worst, we are no worse off than before the attempt.  Continue reading “How Women Can Do Better at the Negotiation Table”

Flattery Will Get You Everywhere—With Your Partner

For a long-lasting and happy relationship, here are some great tips on how to compliment your partner:

How to Increase Your Chances for Divorce

Divorce is not something anyone is hoping for when they get married. But, unfortunately, many people end up sabotaging their relationships and increase likelihood of divorce.

Carol Barkes is a mediator who helps couples who are considering divorce.  She knows these bullets below are surefire ways to put a marriage on the path to divorce. Carol is available for interviews.  

1) Criticizing your partner. There is no such thing as constructive criticism. Criticism is just that, and it is hurtful. Instead, separate the person from the problem. It is okay to have a complaint about a process, but keep it to what is happening and then move forward to what you would like to see happen differently.

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