Mike Peterson
BS, Certified Credit Counselor (NACCC)
Free
Credit Counseling & Debt Management Expert

Mike Peterson Quick Facts
Mike Peterson, Debt Management Expert, Certified Credit Counselor (NACCC) and author of Reality Millionaire, is dedicated to helping individuals, communities, and corporations not only get out of debt, but start building wealth. Mike co-founded the American Credit Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit credit counseling organization that teaches people not only how to get out of debt, but how to live a rich life and save for the future. He has created the powerful strategies and money management systems that the Foundation uses today. For additional Self-Help debt management resources check out: DebtGuru.com
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Live Simply, Be Wealthy
Who is wealthier: The man who drives a fast car, eats at expensive restaurants, has all the latest gadgets, and lives paycheck-to-paycheck? Or the man who drives an older model, reserves dining out for special occasions, doesn’t bother with expensive toys, and has enough money accumulated in the bank and in investments to live for the rest of his life? Which person do you want to be? The Simple Lifer
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Eight Great Ways to Save Money
If you are constantly on a shoestring budget and are always out of cash, take a good look at your spending and lifestyle habits. You will find that by making a few minor changes, you can both fatten your wallet and have a savings account to fall back on. Saving money is not difficult. It’s just a matter of commitment. Even if you think you have no money to save, you will be surprised at the ways money is thrown out the window. 8 Easy Small Ways to Save Money 1. Watch Your Spendingr
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How To Avoid Financial Foibles
Even if you think you are a careful spender, you could be making basic financial mistakes that are common to almost all of us. To steer clear of these mistakes, follow these simple steps and be in better control of your bank account. * Don’t Miss The Catch. Whenever you hear or see a great deal, sale, or coupon, before you rush out to “cash in”, it is a good idea to stop and consider all the pros and cons. Are you wasting money on gas miles driving across town to a different grocery store to save a few cents on toilet paper? Are you truly saving?
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Teaching Children the Importance of Money
Children seem to be born with an insatiable desire to spend. Whether it’s Christmas, birthday parties, or a trip to the local mall, children are never too shy when it comes to vocalizing their wants. And sometimes, they’re relentless. Parents face this on a daily basis. Dealing with the barrage of purchase requests becomes a part-time job. What’s the best way to give your child a deeper understanding of where money really comes from? Reducing greed, instilling awareness, and teaching good work habits in children will go a long way to creating financially successful adults.
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How To Retire a Millionaire
Do you want to live like the young, rich, flashy millionaires who live fast and die young? Or do you want to build a stable fortune? Sure the life of fast cars and expensive toys is fun, but does it last? Only until the next bear market. In a recent Phoenix Cos. survey, all six types of millionaires shared one quality. Living below their means. It may seem obvious, but to be rich, you have to spend less than you make. That is, you have to have money left over to save and invest.
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11 Simple Ways to Organize Your Finances
Whether you are married or single, taking control of the household finances can feel like a part-time job. Some simple tips can help you streamline your time, organize your finances, and reduce the stress of household money matters. 11 Simple Ways to Organize Your Finances #1 Keep Your Bills in One Place
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How Do I Get Out of Debt?
It's a question we've all asked ourselves; anyone who's ever owned a credit card, taken out a student loan, financed a car, or paid a mortgage has accumulated debt. Debt can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to be a slave to it. You just need a little common sense and some budgeting savvy. Remember, you own the debt - not the other way around.
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Free Up 10% to 15% Of Your Income
Would you be interested in freeing up 10% to 15% of your current income? Just imagine what you could do with this money. You could pay down your debts, increase your savings, or work toward that next important purchase that you have in mind. Wouldn’t it be exciting to actually have money left over at the end of the month?
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Steps To Help Save Money Now. Not Later.
Five things you can do today to curb your spending and bulk up your savings account. You tell yourself things will be different this time. Last time? You weren’t ready. You weren’t dedicated. Not like this time. This time, you’ll stick to your budget – no matter what. This time, there’s no stopping you. You give yourself pep talks in the bathroom mirror. I’m a lean, mean, money-saving machine, you say to your reflection. And when you say it, you mean it.
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Creating Your Own (Cash-Based) Bailout Plan
Want to get your finances back on track? Go back to cash. Here are five tips to help you get started. If there’s an upside to today’s uncertain economic climate, it’s the fact that the recession has forced Americans to take a long, hard look at their spending and saving habits. We’re getting savvier about the perils of debt and overspending. We’re looking for innovative ways to save money and stretch our budgets. After years of impulsive living, we’re trying to get back to living within our means.
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Five Things to Consider Before You Refinance
Interest rates are historically low – should you jump on the refinancing bandwagon? Thinking about refinancing your home? Interest rates are dropping and people across the country are looking for ways to make the most of their money. While refinancing can help put a little extra cash in your pocket and give you a little more wiggle room in your monthly budget, it’s not a cure-all for every financial issue. Refinancing your home is a big decision. Is it right for you?
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Caught in a Money Trap? Keep Reading.
According to a well-known proverb, “Insanity is doing the same thing in the same way and expecting a different outcome.” Same goes for financial matters. After all, there’s something a little crazy about falling into the same money traps over and over again (and expecting that, one day, things will work out).
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