Would it put people off if I was in debt.

[ecovergeeks]

I have just started writing a blog about trying to get my debts paid off, but was curious if it may stop people from ordering from my graphic design business or shouldnt it matter. I just have a slight niggle about sharing the 2 or cross linking them.

Like if i were to add both links in forums. 1 would say that i create graphics the other would say getting my debts paid off.

what do you think?

Thanks
Andy

[Asher]

Originally Posted by ecovergeeks

I have just started writing a blog about trying to get my debts paid off, but was curious if it may stop people from ordering from my graphic design business or shouldnt it matter. I just have a slight niggle about sharing the 2 or cross linking them.

Like if i were to add both links in forums. 1 would say that i create graphics the other would say getting my debts paid off.

what do you think?

Thanks
Andy

Don't worry about it. Just do what you feel is right - ignore what
the others say. If you're trying to get out of debt, at least you're
doing something about it!

Better than being in debt and keeping mum, doing nothing about it.

You don't HAVE to link the two together but it's up to you. I
know of people who blatantly put up a figure on their website
that states how much debt they are in.

And they state that they are using the internet to make money
to clear that debt.

As days go by, the figure drops. So whose to say that it doesn't
work?

It's up to you.

Besides, you've got good graphic skills. Who says you can't use
it to make some money to clear debts?

Asher

[Marie Pugh]

I personally don't see anything wrong with it - you certainly aren't the only one who has debts!!

I think it shows that you are willing to work to pay off your debts, which is good. So, I wouldn't be turned off by it in any way. It just shows you're human!

Good luck!

Marie

[ecovergeeks]

thanks for the comments. I may add it too my signature, as i like to read other peoples debt problems when i get time, so you can get ideas from it and reminds me i'm not the only one in debt

Thanks
Andy

[Alexa Smith]

I don't know. I think it's a very good question.

People are funny about "debt", aren't they? Even in this sort of economy it's still stigmatised.

You often see people with various business opportunities promoting them as being affiliated to a "debt-free company" as if that's a big plus. In reality, most businesses need (and ought to need) financing of some kind, which means "debt" really, so it's not at all.

I suspect that there's some prejudice and stigma around this issue, still.

[Hamida Harland]

It wouldn't bother me, but I'm only speaking for myself. Creating graphics is alot different to marketing a 'make money online' product though, so I can't see there would be any issues with credibility.

[Chri5123]

Originally Posted by ecovergeeks

I have just started writing a blog about trying to get my debts paid off, but was curious if it may stop people from ordering from my graphic design business or shouldnt it matter. I just have a slight niggle about sharing the 2 or cross linking them.

Like if i were to add both links in forums. 1 would say that i create graphics the other would say getting my debts paid off.

what do you think?

Thanks
Andy

I don't think it matters that much.

In fact if I was looking for Web design and someone mentioned they were offering a discount because they are in debt I would think I would get a really good job as they will more than likely want the repeat custom.

Just my 2 pence.

Andy,
As someone that has been doing design and devlopment for years I can tell you that it does not matter. I sure was not debt free when I started and it did not effect my sales at all..

I have some very good relationships with clients and I am proud to call them friends. I have clients that have been around for over 8 years or more.. Many of them knew I did struggle when I first started out and it did not matter to them. What mattered was that I delivered what I said I would..

James

[ecovergeeks]

Wow some great response. yes i agree about the design and making money are 2 different topics, so I think its ok.

Thanks
Andy

[Emailrevealer]

I say tell everyone you're in debt. You might get a bail out...

Seriously, If I were going to hire you fror graphic work I would not care if you have personal debt and are advising others how to pay off debt.

[ahuddy]

No having debts has nothing to do with your graphic design skills, so dont worry.

[Scott Ames]

Originally Posted by ecovergeeks

I have just started writing a blog about trying to get my debts paid off, but was curious if it may stop people from ordering from my graphic design business or shouldnt it matter. I just have a slight niggle about sharing the 2 or cross linking them.

Like if i were to add both links in forums. 1 would say that i create graphics the other would say getting my debts paid off.

what do you think?

Thanks
Andy

Its quite personal, but I don't think it would stop orders. You don't offer a course on how to get out of debt. If you did, then that would be pretty bad. Your graphic skills are totally seperate.

Some of the richest people are still in debt. IE:


According to documents unsealed by a judge in the shareholder lawsuit, [Larry] Ellison [founder of Oracle] habitually pushes his credit limit of more than a billion dollars to its maximum to finance his yachts and homes. And that's not even counting some $20 million a year he burns through in miscellaneous lifestyle expenses.



There is another Warrior here that is getting out of debt and sharing it on a blog.

[kf]

Why not use it to your advantage and develop your USP around it?

It could be your reason why you are ... (insert benefit here).

[Dana_W]

I think it's a fine idea. As someone else mentioned, it's only bad if you are pushing "make money online" products, because then everyone is going to think, if you're so good at making money online, why are you in debt?

But if I were ordering graphics and I knew the graphic designer had debt, I wouldn't think twice. Most people today have debt.

[Chris Lockwood]

It's nobody's business (except those you owe money to), and I don't see how it has any effect on your ability to do design work.

Like others said, if you had one site about trying to get out of debts and another about how you're a zillionaire, that would be another issue.

[Rachel Zaouche]

Hi Andy

I think the fact that you are actually going to repay all the debt you have says a million things about you and all of them nice. Far too many people blame everyone else for the mess they got themselves into and make a lot of excuses as to why they cant pay it back. The fact that you are working so hard to pay it back, to me at least, suggests you are honest, reliable, hard working and HUMAN!

To make your debt go away faster try this (you are probably doing it already!)

1) Move your credit card debt to the lowest interest rate you can find over a longish period. Do not necessarily move it all onto one card (if you fall behind or get ill, having it on one card makes it easier for the banks to harass and threaten you)

This is not always 0% as sometimes the charge for moving your money (balance transfer fee) outweighs the benefits. If you have worked out that it is going to take you 12 months to clear your debts, then you should be looking for a year long rate if possible.

Just watch the minimum payment (some cards charge 2%, some 3% but some charge 5% so you need to make sure you can meet these payments come what may).

2) NEVER EVER EVER secure your unsecured debt against your home - that only makes it easier for the banks to recover the money and despite what Carol Vauderman etc says it does not do ANYTHING for the most important person i.e. you.

3) Some people advocate paying off the card with the highest interest first and in an ideal world this is what you should do. But we dont live in an ideal world and most people find it more motivating to clear the smallest debt as then they have achieved something and are motivated to continue.

4) When you clear your first debt, make sure you apply that payment to the next one. You should always pay the minimum payment on all credit cards and tackle one debt at a time. Too many people pay a bit here and a bit there but you need a battle plan. The banks employ far too many marketing people to get you into this mess so you need to fight back with a strong system.

So for example:

Friendly bankcredit card no 1 - £1000 balance o/s - you pay £300 plus the minimum payment of say £45 every month. Clear in 4 months (just over 3 if we get fanatical).

Month 5, you pay the minimum payment on friendly bank credit card no 2 plus the £300 you paid to no 1 plus the minimum payment you paid on no 1. Does that make sense?

Then when credit card no 2 is clear, you take the payments you were making on number 2 and apply it with the minimum to no 3 and so on.

This is the usually the quickest way of clearing your debts. Oh and when you friendly credit card company rewards you for getting out of debt by increasing your credit limit, write back to them and decline. People think you have to accept the new limit - you don't and if you dont have it you cant spend it.

For the sake of legality etc, please take the above as information rather than advice as given I dont know you or your personal circumstances I can't provide specific advice.

Best of luck with getting to your debt free day.

Rach

[Alan Petersen]

That wouldn't put me off. If you were selling your money management services then I found your "I'm in debt" blog that would be different.

[bryce]

I agree with the comments already posted, and it reminds me of my own position back in June, where some warriors will remember, I posted a "very long" thread here (on the old forum) about the fact that I was about to cross that great divide between being in debt and being bankrupt.

In less than a month, more than 3000 people (I think it was 3000) had viewed the thread, and I received more great responses than I knew what to do with. It was enough to put the topic on the "Best Of" list and more than enough to give me the encouragement I needed to continue my journey.

Being in debt is something that almost everyone can relate to! Stigma or not, I would say that at least 90% of the worlds population have been there, or are still there (in debt) and most struggle with it every day of their lives. It causes depression, anxiety, addiction and in the worst cases even death, but it continues to spiral out of control.

You could even explain your position or cross-link the two locations you have, and tell the masses that by securing these 2 peices of online real-estate you will clear your debt, and you can show them how they too can do the same thing.

I think now, with the way the international economy is, and the fact that more than 10,000 people a day are losing their homes in the US, more and more people will have to overome the stigma of being in debt, and admit they need help.

My thoughts
Bryce

[ecovergeeks]

wow i been away for a few hours and had so many good posts, this has also given me some great ideas for gaining new clients for my graphics. i just need to focus on following through with them.

thanks for all the great responses

thanks
Andy

[CIIC]

Someone needs to make site kind of like one of those social loan sites.... but call it SocialBailout.com LOL "Pay off my debts!"

[Suthan M]

Originally Posted by Alan Petersen

That wouldn't put me off. If you were selling your money management services then I found your "I'm in debt" blog that would be different.

You always come up with funny remarks Alan. LOL

[Paxton]

Don't see that it should matter.

Now if you were offering "Milkshakes and Urine Samples" from the same shop...

That would bother me.

Originally Posted by Paxton

Don't see that it should matter.

Now if you were offering "Milkshakes and Urine Samples" from the same shop...

That would bother me.

If that did not bother anyone I would start to wonder about some people ..

James

[Clyde Dennis]

Topic is the key.

Your situation shouldn't be a problem for most semi-sane adults. Frankly I think it's a fairly safe assumption that most people selling things online or off are in debt to some degree.

That's why we're selling stuff - Right?

[TiffanyDow]

Debt and not making money are two different things. Rich and successful people have debt, too. I wouldn't make it some sob story that tries to guilt them into buying from you, but just a proud story about how you want to become debt-free.

I myself am doing this. I was blowing all of the good money I'm making but still had old debts racked up that I was paying off slowly. Not anymore. I'm doing it the Dave Ramsey way and I'm very pleased with the 7-8 paid off credit cards and bulk savings I now have.

Tiff

[scene4u]

People should not be put off by the fact that you are in debt. In fact, some may take pity and hire you because you are in debt.

[Frank Ayres]

It personally wouldnt put me off i have seen it before and have been interested to read the persons journey to paying off their debts