Debt reducing binder.

This is my plain Jane debt reducing binder. After researching daily planner, budget binders and things in that nature I have come to the conclusion that these are things that I would end up spending more money I do not need to spend on. So I kept mine simple and used things from around the house. First is the basic black binder I got at the Dollar Tree for a buck. 

This is a notebook that was decorated by a friend. I had it for a long while and hardly used it. So I put it to use in my binder. Why not have something pretty to use when working on your debt right. 

 Just plain lined paper on the inside. I can keep my notes, goals and accomplishments here. And any lists I might need to make.

I did add a little of my artwork  I did in here. Just things I drew on scrap paper. Just makes me a little happier to see if when have to deal with the bills and debt. 

These folders I had already from another file system that did not work for me. They was only 1.00 for 3 or 4 at Walmart at the time. They are pretty and good quality. I just punched holes in them so they will stay in the binder. I put on the side what bills is in that section. 

See the electric bill section. I just punch hole in the bill and stick it in here. I will write on the bill how much I paid and when to keep track of it myself and then compare the next bill when it comes in. 

Same with my cable bill. But this one mostly is just another bill that just gets paid. Nothing hard about it. 

More fancy folders and each section has my dr bills and then on the end the Student Loan and school debt. uggg. That one just makes me sick. The huge mistake in my life. But I need to move on. 

So all this is in one binder right by my computer. So each week or a few times a week I can look though it and take note of what I paid and what needs paid and all that good stuff. I might need a bigger binder but that is something we do have around the house that I can repurpose. 

So no post it notes, fancy pens, or stickers either. I just got a 3 hole punch from walmart for under 3.00. So I just punch the holes and in goes the paperwork into the binder. 

Today this came in handy because I have an extra 5.00. I know its not much but well I have bills to pay so every little penny counts right now. I figure I can send it off to a dr bill at least. I flipped to that section and found all the information I need. I'll be sending that money off here shortly. I only send in 5 or 10.00 to that account weekly anyways so they are used to getting those small checks from me. I'm not sure if they like it but its money and the amount I owe gets smaller each month. That is all that counts. I wish I could do the same with my SL but 5.00 would disappear into the sea of interest and not make a difference in the least. But that plan for that SL is developing and will be started in the next few months. 

If you are thinking about starting a system I say keep it simple. You do not need to buy out the office supply section at the store to get organized. Just a binder, old note book and some file folders and a hole punch. Ok add some art if you want but its not necessary. 

This whole paying off a huge amount of debt thing is a challenge. Its scary and stressful. But you have to see it for what it is and deal with it. Nothing in life is impossible if you just do something anything about it.