Midday Money Show

Aja McClanahan became "Hood Rich" when she moved to a blighted neighborhood and paid off $120,000. That was 10 years ago. Now, she's embarking on the next phase of her plan to take over the world...or at least take control of her family's financial future.

I wouldn't have said this was intentional, but I am attracted to people who are doing interesting things around me. Whether you're an outgoing extrovert like myself or an introvert who needs to limit the interaction stimulation, these tips will work for tapping into a productive network of people who cross your paths. Sometimes it's as simple as being the first one to say hello. Whether I'm meeting people at a swim class for my kids, reaching out to perfect strangers on FB, or going deeper with people that I see on a regular basis; there is a method to my madness. I share that simple method with you.  If attitude impacts altitude, I want to surround myself with people who will have a positive impact on my attitude.

Should you be intentional about upgrading your group of friends?   Absolutely!   Can you do it without being weird?   Absolutely!   Exploring the qualities to seek out in new friends to upgrade your social circle.

We say yes. So much so that this week, we're continuing to explore ways to improve your social circle without being weird. If Jim Rohn is correct and association impacts progress, then it's we should be intentional about the people we invite into optional places in our lives. I'll give you tips on how to develop a social circle that is mutually beneficial.

If we are like the 5 people we spend the most time with, those associations are very important. For those who quality of social connections could use an improvement, we're tackling how to upgrade your circle without being weird.

Sounds like a noble gesture. Right? Well, Alan Corey turned that goal into a reality. The suburban Atlanta native was not known for any special skills. He did not invent the latest Internet craze. However, this author, part-time entrepreneur, and reality TV show regular was a bona fide millionaire by his 29th birthday. He joins the Debt Free Divas to discuss his unconventional journey to millionaire status and the hilarious book, A Million Bucks by 30. This isn't your granddad's personal finance book.

A look at what financial independence is and how you and I can take steps to make that happen while we are young enough to enjoy it. I speak with Todd Tressider, the Financial Mentor, and Mindy Jenson of Bigger Pockets to get their experience achieving financial independence.

Today’s guest also highlighted his brand of accountability that helped him kick butt and dump debt. Phil Risher graduated with $30,000 in student loans. But he got focused and didn’t let those student loans become a permanent fixture. This story is for students, parents of students, or just those who think I’ll never get out of debt – it can’t be done. I’m here to say, after repaying 107K in debt – debt freedom is possible. You  just might need a little accountability.

I spoke with two women who made incredible strides paying off credit card debt. They took different paths, but ultimately landed at a place of debt freedom. Lynnette Khalfani-Cox is a nationally recognize speaker and financial educator. She is The Money Coach and she's a speaker for our summit. LaTisha Styles started YoungFinances.com to chronicle her journey out of debt and ended up becoming a highly successful digital entrepreneur.

Joe Mihalic graduated from Harvard Business School with $101,000 in student loan debt. After 2 years of paying the minimum, $1100/month, he challenged himself and paid off the balance, $90,000,  in 7 months. Yes, 7 MONTHS!!! Find out how he did it and be inspired.

Brian Brandow and his family of five recently achieved a major milestone. They paid off over $100,000 of consumer debt in 4 years. It started with a stark wake-up call. His wife didn't immediately agree to the changed needed. Eventually, his entire family embraced the debt free journey.  He blogs about his family's adventure out of debt at debtdiscipline.com.

Amanda Paige is free from $47,000 in student loan debt. She overcame under-earning and knocked out a 5-figure debt total in just over one year. - 14 months. Amanda shared her journey through bankruptcy and financial set backs to regroup and implement a plan to be debt free.   Your journey may not look like Amanda's because it's not supposed to. Draw inspiration from her story and figure out what resources you can exploit to accomplish your dream.

Bola is an average girl with a goal. She didn't come from rich parents and she didn't have a sugar daddy. On an average salary, starting out from college - she was able to save $100,000 in 3 and a half years.   What she did have was a mom who practiced what she preached and a great idea for creating extra income from a simple hobby. Take her lessons and apply them to savings or dumping debt. It doesn't matter. Just make the dream work.

Damus Smith wanted to be the next Sean John, FUBU, or what have you. He has a gift for entrepreneurship and an eye for fashion. Why not start a clothing line. He was rubbing shoulders with Russel Simmons – chasing his dream. He was also over $100,000 in debt. More details here at DebtFreeDivas.org.    

Aja McClanahan and her family paid off $110,000 and are debt free, including their mortgage. As you listen to their unique experience in achieving and maintaining debt freedom, ask yourself, what can you do to achieve your goals? Stay connected with Aja's journey on her blog: Principles of Increase. Stay connected with the Divas on Facebook, Twitter, or visit our website.

Maarten Van Lier makes his home in Milwaukee, but he traveled from the Netherlands to find the American Dream. In 2000, Maarten’s co-worker made a side comment that started the ball rolling on Maarten’s 13-year journey to millionaire status. This mild-mannered, salaried employee & his wife drew a line in the sand. They wanted to be millionaires in 10 years and he joins us today to describe exactly how they did it. Show notes for this episode. If $200/month extra would make a difference in your debt dumping progress, let me help you find it. Sign up for a free consultation. Disclaimer: Maarten Van Lier is not a financial advisor or expert. All information provided is based on his specific situation and offered for information and motivational purposes only. You should seek advice from a licensed investment professional for custom feedback on your specific situation.

My friend released an interesting article highlighting people who used blogging as an accountability technique to help themselves dump a massive amount of debt.   I reached back into the Midday Money Show archives to pull out conversations from some of them who've joined me as guests in the past.   Accountability just may be your secret ingredient.

Side hustles are a great way to increase your income and pay off debt faster.

Paying off debt is a long-term goal and can definitely be "boring" here and there. To achieve success, I'm sharing how to break the big goal into manageable chunks and knock out a few quick wins.  You can trick yourself into staying focused over the long-term by taking action on interim steps for the win.

Sticking with goals that can't materialize quickly can be a challenge. However, we're covering tips this week to stay focused.  Before we get started on the action, there's a little preparation necessary to start your debt-free journey off right.