If you are fighting credit card debt through a structured debt settlement program, you know that the best way to become debt free is to put more money aside each month for use in settling your accounts.  An effective strategy for allotting more money for use in settling your debt is to become a “non-consumer”.  Make the conscious decision not to purchase anything other than food and safety and health products, and you will be shocked at the amount of extra money you have at the end of the month.

Americans are the world’s greatest consumers.  We buy everything.  Gone are the days of trading or bartering, these days we buy it, and if we can’t afford it, we charge it.  From comfort and leisure products, to sporting equipment and expensive electronic gadgets, we consume more than any other nation in the history of the world.  Although it will be difficult at first, breaking this cycle of consumption can play a huge role in helping you become debt free.

And if you do decide to become a “non-consumer”, you won’t be alone.  Consumer spending has reached the lowest point in a generation due to the recent economic crisis.  Gone are the days of rampant consumer spending that dominated the 1980’s and 90’s.  Frugality has become the new “cool” today, and boasting about a great deal to friends is increasingly commonplace.

But just because you have decided not to purchase anymore non-essential items does not mean you have to go without.  A new culture of trading and bartering is emerging in today’s economy, with many Americans utilizing alternative methods for acquiring the goods they desire.  Evidence of this can be found in the recent explosion of websites offering trades, barters, and even free items for “sale”.  Sites such as www.barterbart.com, www.swapace.com, and www.freecycle.com are receiving more visitors than ever, and similar sites are popping up on a daily basis.

Choosing to eliminate consumption from your life is not an easy task and requires a fair degree of self discipline.  The payoff is substantial however.  With the ability to save3 additional funds, or use them to pay off credit card debt, “non-consumers” can take back control of their finances and speed up the process of becoming financially secure.

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