Debt Help Ideas

Are you looking for Christian organizations that help people in debt? Two Christian organizations that I can personally recommend are:

Crown Financial Ministries. I first became familiar with their organization when they merged with my personal favorite, Larry Burkett, and his ministry. I learned so much from Mr. Burkett’s books, and have been pleased to see that Crown Financial Ministries, with Howard Dayton as their CFO, has continued to follow the same conservative teaching.

They continue to grow and thrive and help families of all ages learn Biblical principles of dealing with money. When my husband and I were struggling under the load of too much debt and too little income, it was Larry Burkett’s teaching, which Crown Financial continues to use, that helped us learn to be sure to put God first by giving at least 10% or more to Him, even if it seemed like we couldn’t afford it. We chose to do that and saw God bless us tremendously over the years. I’m not going to say there weren’t tough years and easy years – then and now. But God has always faithfully provided and I know I can trust in Him and rely on Him!

A good friend took their Bible study class last year and shared various details of what she learned. I am happy to report that they continue to stay focused on the core Biblical truths they started with and am pleased to recommend them to any of you looking for Christian organizations that help people in debt.

The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey

Another good organization is Dave Ramsey’s. I have not read or used his materials personally. However, a close family member has and highly recommends these materials as well. Knowing them gives me great confidence in passing the recommendation on to you as well. This series, like Crown Financial’s, focuses on Biblical principles including giving, saving, and careful spending.

Both of these are evangelical Christian organizations that help people in debt. They have a wealth of materials, including the books in the list in the right column. In these books and using the software, you and I will find plenty of practical ways to save and budget money, as well as smart ways to reduce or eliminate debt, that will help you and me achieve our financial goals of reducing yours and my credit debt, start saving, and plan wisely for the retirement years.

Debt Consolidation. You know what I mean. Taking all that unsecured debt and lumping it all together into one loan so you only have one payment and you think you will reduce debt cost. It seems so logical, so easy, so wonderful! We thought so too. Then we discovered the dark side of this option.

It’s just too easy to borrow more. Those paid off credit cards will be calling your name, begging you to use them. Needs will arise like you wouldn’t believe. Before you know it, your unsecured debt will have doubled and you will be miserable!

You’ll be a lot happier and a lot better off if you sit down and make serious plans for ways to reduce or eliminate debt safely and sanely, one bill at a time. I like the “reduce debt snowball” idea that many financial counselors, including Dave Ramsey, recommend. You start with the lowest bill and pay it off using any extra money you can. That’s where all the creative and practical ways to save money that you will find on this site will come in handy. For that matter, if you can start a home business earning money at home, you can also apply any extra money from that to your bill.

Pay as much as you can on that bill, not just the minimum. Once it’s paid off, take all the money you were paying towards it and add it to the payment you are sending for the next lowest bill. Before you know it, your unsecured debt will be gone, and you will have gotten so much closer to your goal to eliminate debt!

P.S. If you’re looking for extra help, you might check with one of the reputable Christian organizations that help people in debt. You’ll find my two favorites in the right column. Just click on the pictures for more info.