I've heard it said that 75% of Americans have extreme debt. This means that there debt far exceeds their assets. Did someone just say, "bummer"? Maybe that was me.

Our grandparents use to live with the notion that you were not supposed to buy something until you had the money to do so. Somewhere in the 20th century we lost track of that principle and replaced it with "Buy, buy, buy... and then you'll have happiness."

As I've said, time and time again, contentment is the secret to becoming rich. Discontentment is the virus that has infected the American population. If American finally decide to be content with what they have, their lives will never be the same.

Alas! I hope I'm alive to start seeing a bit of that kind of revolution. It's going to take a lot of work!

Ok, I did'nt want to get on my soap box and talk about the problems in American finance, or at least I'm sure you did'nt want to hear it. You want to hear about how you can get out of debt. I assume that since you are reading this you have debt and are hoping to find the kick-butt method to getting rid of that debt by next week. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the only way to get rid of it by next week is to accept a huge inheritance from a family member, or go bankrupt (which will leave you with nothing but... well not a whole lot to speak of.)

Getting out of debt requires discipline and little baby steps that take time. I know you hate to hear it, but it's the truth and the sooner you accept it, the faster the process will speed up for you.

Ron Blue, author of Taming the Money Monster, says "The most formidable aspect is that it almost always requires a change in life-style and a reordering fo the priorities.... the natural human tendency is to resist such change.... you need to pay the price now to enjoy financial freedom later."

True words from a wise man.

Now, are you ready to start eliminating your debt? I want to show you what you need to do in order to chip away at your financial bondage, except, I'm going to show you how to chip away at it with a bigger chisel. I know, I know- I just spent the last 30 seconds talking about how there was no such thing as and easier way to get rid of your debt. While it is true that there is no EASY way, there IS and EASIER way. It still requires some sweat and toil, but you can do it.

1. The first thing to do is to write down all of your debts. Just on a piece of paper is fine, add them all up and then figure out which ones are credit cards. You almost always want to pay off credit cards first. These usually have the highest interest rates.

2. The second thing to do is to find an accountability partner. Ask someone to keep you accountable to getting out of debt. Schedule weekly or monthly report meeting with them so that they can challenge you to continue.

3. The third step in eliminating your debt is to open a free account with Financial Secrets 101. The 5G Plan will show you how to reduce your spending, increase your earnings, and show you a few other techniques on how to pay off your debt.

4. And lastly, persevere. You will encounter times that you do not feel like paying off debt any more. You may want to quit. But press on towards your goal. Celebrate small wins along the way.

Financial freedom does not come without a price. Eliminate your debt today!