Nothin’ into Nothin’ carry the Nothin’ is Nothin. — Jayne Cobb (Firefly)

Firefly is one of my favorite shows that never made it, and Jayne is one of my favorite Characters.  This line was delivered while trying to reason with his boss that when you are paid on commission there must be something to divide or no one gets paid.

In order to pay off debt there has to be something left over at the end of the month to pay out otherwise no one is going to get paid.  The first step in your journey out of debt is to make sure you are spending less than you make, I know it sounds obvious but our Nation’s leaders can’t figure it out so maybe others are having trouble as well.

Keep track of your spending for a solid month, every penny and see where it all goes.  You can start from there by reducing your spending or increasing your income of both.

A man with priorities so far out of whack doesn’t deserve such a fine automobile. – Ferris Bueller

People always have time for what they put first and always have money for what they really want.  That is something I was taught while working a sales job.  If getting out of debt isn’t a strong enough priority in your life your money will find other places to go.

You have to set your priorities to accomplish your goals.  If you don’t have them set clearly, I recommend, written down you can easily forget them.

Peter Gibbons: Our high school guidance counselor used to ask us what you’d do if you had a million dollars and you didn’t have to work. And invariably what you’d say was supposed to be your career. So, if you wanted to fix old cars then you’re supposed to be an auto mechanic.
Samir: So what did you say?
Peter Gibbons: I never had an answer. I guess that’s why I’m working at Initech.

– Office Space

If you don’t know where you want to go, you may never know when you get there.  So, many of us find ourselves in a life we didn’t expect and then we shift into neutral and coast through life.  Take some time and get away if you have to and determine what you want to do then find a way to do it.   Other wise you may find yourself working for Initech.

Doc Holiday: Wyatt Earp is my friend
Creek Johnson:  Hell, I have a lot of friends
Doc Holiday: I don’t
– Tombstone

The path you take in life will cross over many other people’s, a few will even run along with you for some period of time.  Know who your true friends are and appreciate them, as they will make a great difference in your life.

Photo by Juliebee

About the Author:  Jason started Improve the Quality with the hope of helping others improve their lives and creating the best personal finance, simple living blogazine on the web. He and his wife has been practicing the art of simplifying their lives for years. He is an IT professional by trade but would prefer to blog for a living. Read more from this author