Eight Tips for Gaining Financial Freedom

Follow this road map and kiss your debt goodbye.

Get Money - The new year is the perfect time to get your finances in order. But we all know that resolutions rarely stick beyond January, so we have some money-focused resolutions you can knock out in a couple days. Do the following in the first week of the year, then forget about them — your finances will thank you. By Kenrya Rankin Naasel (Photo: JGI/Jamie Grill/Blend Images/Corbis)

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Improve Your Financial Future - Getting out of debt and staying out can seem like a winding, never-ending road. Fortunately, it’s not as difficult as you think, that is, as long as you budget efficiently, plan effectively and stay committed. Here’s your road map for how to do it! By Dontaira Terrell (Photo: JGI/Jamie Grill/Blend Images/Corbis)

Shopping Spree - Who doesn't love to spend a little without feeling guilty? Take your special someone out on a day full of shopping and let them know money is no object (for this particular occasion that is). (Photo: moodboard/Getty Images)

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Don't Keep Up With the Joneses - One of the biggest mistakes we all can relate to is trying to keep up with emerging trends and happenings. Learning when to say “no” to that fancy dinner out or that new designer splurge makes a huge difference in feeling financially free and financially strained. (Photo: Jose Luis Pelaez, Inc./Blend Images/Corbis)

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Curb Your Spending - Think of how much money you could save each month if you cut down your latte habit or limited online shopping to a few times a year? Every little bit counts. (Photo: LWA/Stephen Welstead/Blend Images/Corbis)

Enjoy Free Activities - Who says you can’t have fun on a budget? There are plenty of fun, free, or low-cost activities to enjoy, either alone or with friends. Check out your local community paper, or a try an online resource like meetup.com to get some ideas.  (Photo: Monkey Business Images/Getty Images)

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Enjoy Free Activities - Who says you can’t have fun on a budget? There are plenty of fun, free, or low-cost activities to enjoy, either alone or with friends. Check out your local community paper, or a try an online resource like meetup.com to get some ideas.  (Photo: Monkey Business Images/Getty Images)

Get Ya Mind Right - Unknowingly, mental clutter has the largest impact on our daily lives. It paralyzes our actions and causes high levels of stress, anxiety and sometimes forgetfulness. The benefit of having a clearer mind is similar to having an uncluttered home: it helps you to think, function and relax more efficiently. Here are 10 tips to help you alleviate the mental clutter, lessen the stress and better organize your thought process. By Dontaira Terrell(Photo: Michael A. Keller/Corbis)

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Have a Rainy Day Fund - Although difficult, each month you should try to set aside money for an emergency fund. Life is filled with surprises, so having an emergency fund allows you to pay for things up front rather than placing yourself further in debt by charging credit cards or borrowing money.  (Photo: Tetra Images/Corbis)

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Avoid Credit Card Traps - Paying your monthly bills on time and paying more than the suggested minimum puts you one step closer to becoming financially free. Even though it can take months or possibly years to pay off, clearing out those balances is a great confidence boost that will keep you inspired as you move forward in life. (Photo: Chemistry/Getty Images)

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Keep a Watchful Eye - Keep a diary of your spending habits so you can see where your cash is really going, and stick to it. This will help you clearly see where expenses can be cut or reduced in order to help you save more money. (Photo: Bruce Laurance/Getty Images)

Train - The National Breast Cancer Coalition runs online advocacy training for folks who want to learn how to work the system to prevent and cure breast cancer. (Photo: Matt Dutile/Corbis)

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Educate Yourself - Never stop learning about personal finance tips, money-saving principles or benefit plans, because the more you educate yourself, the more financially secure you’ll be in the end. (Photo: Matt Dutile/Corbis)

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Alter Your Attitude - Gaining financial independence also involves cultivating a healthy mindset about your progress. Remember that becoming financially free doesn’t happen overnight. It is a process that involves patience, dedication and self-control. But you can do it! (Photo: Wavebreak Media Ltd./Corbis)

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Alter Your Attitude - Gaining financial independence also involves cultivating a healthy mindset about your progress. Remember that becoming financially free doesn’t happen overnight. It is a process that involves patience, dedication and self-control. But you can do it! (Photo: Wavebreak Media Ltd./Corbis)