There’s Nothing Like It!

IF YOU WANT TO FIND A LITTLE HUMOR about debt and money, you don’t have to look far. Here are a few favorites–from Melaleuca’s President, McKay Christensen.

Remember when we spent money like there was no tomorrow?
Well, it’s tomorrow.

What leads most people into debt?
Trying to catch up with people who are already there.

The easiest way for your children to learn about money is for you not to have any (Katharine Whitehorn).

If you marry for money, you will surely earn it (Ezra Bowen).

A man says to his wife, “Just what have you been doing with all the grocery money I give you?”
His wife says, “Turn sideways and take a look at yourself in the mirror!”

The truth is that being in debt is no joke. Ask anyone with a lot of debt, and they’ll tell you the stress and lack of peace in their life can be debilitating. According to a recent study by two Utah State University professors, 55 percent of marriages end in divorce, and the most frequently reported reason for marital conflict was finances.

The emotional toll debt can take on a relationship, family or individual can be overwhelming. In fact, the price you pay emotionally is far beyond any interest paid along the way. The good news is that the relief and satisfaction you feel when you are financially free is much more powerful than the stress you face when you’re in debt.

Along with greater peace, here’s what you get when you are debt free:

You have a tremendous sense of accomplishment

Becoming debt free is no small task, but when you get there, it’s amazing. In return for your sacrifice, you get the incredible feeling that you’ve done something that few people have ever accomplished, something that will change your life and the lives of your children forever.

You open doors to new opportunities

When you’re in debt, your life is limited by your lack of resources to go, do and give how you would like. Your relationships can be limited by the time required to earn an income to support your ongoing payments. When you’re debt free, you can do more, go farther and experience things you may never have experienced.

You get to relax

You have peace. You don’t worry as much. Even if the economy isn’t going well, you can have peace knowing you don’t owe anyone anything.

You have hope

The future just seems brighter. You have more possibilities available to you in terms of a career, education and other opportunities in life.

You learn what really matters

When you’re sacrificing to get out of debt, you learn you can be happy without things. You learn how to simplify your life. Having lots of things takes time. The vacation home, boat, snowmobiles and other things we buy take time and energy from the things that matter most. Simplifying your life gives you a renewed focus on the important things.

You’re smarter

As you become debt free, you learn about budgeting, saving, living within your means and making a dollar stretch. You gain skills you otherwise may not have.

You’re in charge

You can invest. You can build wealth. You can give direction to your life and begin to write your own script when you have the resources. You get to decide what happens in your life instead of having others make that decision for you.

You’re stable

Economic setbacks still happen. Layoffs happen. Emergencies happen. But you have the stability of financial freedom.

You get a monthly raise

When you’re debt free, the money you used to spend each month in debt payments is now yours to spend or save. Take a minute and add up your total debt payments. Now ask yourself this question: “What would it feel like to get to keep that money each month?” What would you do with it?

You’re independent

Freedom is the best feeling in the world. You have choices. You have fewer limits.

You can help others

When you are debt free, you have more resources to help others. You can give. You can be a blessing to others in time of need. You can be the means for lifting others from situations in life that may be beyond their control.

You’re prepared

You can save and be prepared for your children’s education, for retirement, for emergencies and for big moves that can enhance your life.

You’re happier

While there may still be a few disagreements about money in your relationships, the major disagreements disappear. You can breathe easier. You can dream about the possibilities together.

You can leave a legacy

By getting out of debt, you set an example and leave a legacy for generations to come. You inspire others to follow your example. You demonstrate to your children and friends that it is possible for them to find the same freedom you’ve found.

And last but not least, the Joneses next door are extremely jealous!

Thanks to our CEO, Frank L. VanderSloot, Melaleuca is debt free as a company. We experience the same emotional peace that individuals experience. At Melaleuca, we feel a sense of accomplishment, experience more opportunities, have more peace and hope, and are a stable company because we live debt free. It takes sacrifice and discipline, but it’s worth it.

At Melaleuca’s Convention, more than 20 Marketing Executives will burn their mortgages. They are debt free! They have experienced the emotional peace of paying off all their debts. Most set a clear goal and used their Melaleuca income to make extra payments on their debts. They sacrificed and learned to reduce their spending. They understood that in order to generate more cash flow into their households every month, they needed to increase their income and decrease their expenses. Now they stand in the enviable position of total financial freedom. I hope you’re there to experience their celebration.

The 2013 Melaleuca Convention begins Thursday, May 2. Tours of Melaleuca’s Idaho Falls headquarters begin Tuesday, April 30. For more information: 1-800-742-8803.