Despite record low interest rates, young adults are not rushing out and buying homes.

We were discussing this with some friends of ours when we came up with the idea of hosting our own wine tasting.We decided to invite friends to get together for a potluck wine and beer tasting event. We requested every attendee bring a bottle of wine or a six pack of beer that they enjoy to share with the group.

This is about setting priorities . . . but in the literal sense that something comes PRIOR to everything else -- first in order. Asking "What's first?" is another way of figuring out what the most important thing is and getting it done before everything else.

I happened across this study and spent time reading their findings. I was interested for several reasons. First, I was amazed that a study of this type had been done and secondly, I wanted to see how I, as a 10-year retiree, compared to my peers. 

The majority of our adjustments in the budget were not due to emergency matters, but because of entertainment or purchases that could have waited. These unnecessary adjustments ranged from going out with friends to simply overspending at the grocery store.

Debt affected me by causing me to re-evaluate my life and priorities. When I was indebted, there were several things that I wanted to do that I chose not to do, such as traveling and going to see shows. I sacrificed so that I could quickly repay what I owed.

The recent record high temperatures on the east coast (where I live) , and well lets face it across the country have consumers spending more on gas, electric bills, and yes even food.

We are placing the spotlight on some of the familiar members you see engaging in the Community or entering the Share the Wealth contest on the CareOne website.

I had planned on taking a few days off and had every intention of simply staying at home to clean, organize, and rest. However, I received an offer which I could not refuse.

As a debt management plan provider, we have also noticed that creditors have become much stricter with their policies; some will drop consumers from a debt management plan after one missed or late payment and never allow them on the plan again. This leaves consumers with little options should they run into financial hardships.

So, what is that problem you're trying to solve? Write it down on a piece of paper. Then make a list of the other things in your life that bear on that problem and start working through them to look for viable solutions.

CareOne customer spotlight

Because this is a series dedicated to saving I felt the group experiment needed to be a pretty direct way to save some cash. So, from now through the end of this month (July) we will all try to perform the experiment below.

Sometimes, people just don't get it. Until they experience it and live the cutbacks and budgets and watch the balances go down each month, they just don't get it. 

Our Customers share their journey and experience on CareOne Debt Relief Plans.

For many of us, our lives have been pre-designed; a template existence conforming to society's expectations of life's progression.

I never realized I was carrying debt when I first started spending money on my first credit card, because I always knew that I would pay it back. I was paying the credit card company way more than the minimum payment, which is what led me to think that I could "afford" having a credit card. 

When you're down in the hole, don't make it deeper. It seems like simplistic advice, but how often do we persist in doing something stupid, even though we know it's not helping?

Enter our monthly Share the Wealth contest, and tell us your solution to some of life's challenges. 

With the Summer Olympics knocking on our door I found a theme that everyone would enjoy and was extremely affordable.

If you stop and think about there are some major changes taking place; you will be going from two incomes to one and all the bills instead of half. While this is a scary proposition there are things you can do right now to secure your financial position and avoid debt.

Nobody knew about it because I thought that if anyone knew, they would think less of me. So I played the charade, and I played it really well!

Examining personal financial trends among Homeowners and Renters from 2010 through 2011.

We all need a support system. Sometimes, we need more than one support system. While we often consider the need for a support system when it comes to our emotions, or to various endeavors (such as running a marathon), few of us think of our monetary support systems.

Start by thinking of your life and household as a huge corporation. You have expenses, employees (in this case family members), and also income.