There is an increasingly widely held impression in society today that in order to get by, you have to get into debt at some time or another.

This is actually untrue, but because for many people the alternative seems to be a fairly boring life, they feel that it may as well be the case.

However, it is possible to live life debt free if you follow some rules and bear in mind that, eventually, you will find a way to make the best of it and actually enjoy your life.

Knowing that you can live a life without debt collectors writing, calling and even knocking on your door really makes a difference.

It will require you to make and stick to a budget. This may sound dull, but when you think about the alternatives – debt collectors generally do not tend to be particularly courteous people – it is something worth doing.

When you have money paid to you at the end of the month, write down what you will need to spend. Food, rent or mortgage payments, transport and general housekeeping, as well as bills for electricity, telephone and other necessities – these are essential outgoings. What you have left over is disposable income.

By doing this monthly you will before long arrive at a point where you know automatically how much money you have.

Treating yourself or others need not be a thing of the past. Indeed, without monthly credit repayments to meet, you will have more scope to do this. It is a more serene way to live.