...And I need your help!

I've seen the signs. I bet you have too. We're in more than a slow financial period. I'm sounding the bells. We're in a recession. We might even be headed into a depression. I don't care about the "real" definitions any more. I posted the real meanings a month or so again, but I've decided I don't care if we really "fit" the definition.

I hated how the media acted like the end was here. They "predicted" the housing bubble for years... but now it seems like they are not as "energized" about the real problem we are facing.

I've noted how my website traffic has soured with troublesome search terms in the past month, but yesterday it reached a high for my humble little website. Action is needed and people need real answers and hope to get through this period. The No Excuse Budget is going to morph in the coming weeks into a real survival website.

Here are the sections I'm working on adding.

1. I am going to have a section just for stories of survival. Stories of hope, but more importantly what exact steps these people took to get out of a bad financial situation and where they are at now. I hate reading stories that say they were near bankruptcy and then they made millions... we need to know how, right? If you have a story to share please let me know. I'd love to add as many as possible. They more I have the more others can be helped.

2. I also will be adding a new blog and website exchange. If you have a website or blog that talks personal finance please email me and let's exchange links.

3. I'll be adding a section on debt prioritization. Assuming you have no emergency fund and you loose your job you need to know which bills to pay and how to handle the ones you can't afford to pay... along with the consequences. This is all to help soften the blow and let everyone know they are not alone.

4. The next section is going to be about the psycological effects of debt. It would be simple to say that debt can feel like you are physically being suffocated by a pillow, but that would be an understatement. I will add links to websites that talk about coping mechanisms for insomnia, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, marriage counseling and how to keep a "normal" routine for the sake of your children.

5. Losing your home. Understanding the basics of what happens when you can't pay your mortgage. From default to eviction. I won't be able to cover every states individual rules but I will be compiling a list of other websites that do. Again this section is to let you know you are not alone and an overview of what will happen and ways you can save your home.

I don't want to be an alarmist, but I think we are in for very troubled times. It would be easy for me to ignore all the signs like restaurants going out of business, rising foreclosures, gas that cost over $4.00 a gallon, and the unemployment rate sky rocketing. I could easily live in my own little world and pretend it's not effecting my life, but it is. It is effecting everyone whether you want to see it or not. It's time we all realize what is happening and take care of our families before it's too late.

Please email me if you would like to share your story of overcoming financial hardship, and/or with links to your blog or website.

webmaster@noexcusebudget.com

If you are facing a financial emergency right now, please remember that this is a temporary situation. Nothing lasts forever. Everything will be okay. Don't waste away in your troubles. Get out there and take action right now!