Debt-Free Forever: The Book
Posted by Gail | Filed under Goals
My new book, Debt-Free Forever, is almost ready. The publishers, HarperCollins, plan to have it in stores just before Christmas, so if you know anyone who would benefit from a good Gailing, put it on your list. You can also preorder by clicking on the link on your right.
While I’ve written a ton about how to get out of debt and how to stay out of debt over the past couple of years on this blog, what’s missing is a cohesive process that takes you from the beginning to the end. This book fills the gap because everything a body needs is all in one place and in the right order. Reading the book is a little like having me knock on your door, have a quick look around and then get down to brass tacks.
I’ll warn you now, anyone who buys this book with the intent of working through the process of becoming Debt-Free Forever is going to have to bust his or her cute little patootie to make it happen.
One of the chapters in the book deals with figuring out your core values and what you really want. I think it’s important to know how you feel about your life, your needs, and what you want in the future. Often people assume they would have very different lives if only money weren’t an issue. So imagine for a moment that it isn’t… imagine that you have all the money you need. How would your life be different?
On Monday night as Alex and I watched TV, an ad for a 50-million-dollar lottery came on the air and Alex asked me what the first thing I would buy was. I never gave her an answer. I couldn’t think of what I so had to have. I already have a deeply satisfying and rich life, and the things I am missing – like my best friend Cookie who died several years ago – can’t be fixed with money.
Which brings us to the next question you might want to consider as you work to figure out what’s really important to you: If you only had five years to live – no pain, no financial stress, just a drop-dead-by date – what would you do with the time you had left? Would you change your life?
I don’t think I would since I have the life I want now. And since I’ve been working on living in the moment – not worrying too much about what comes next in my life since time has proven to me that trying to anticipate is a waste of energy – I think (‘cos who really knows) I’d keep to my current path. It already makes me happy.
Some people like to tack one more question into the mix because sometimes it helps narrow their focus to what is really important: If you died today, what would you regret that you did not do in your life? This might help you to focus on who you wish you’d spent more time with and what you wish you hadn’t wasted time on. It might help you drill down to what’s really important to you when everything else is pushed out of the way.
If becoming debt-free forever is really important, there’s no doubt in my mind that you’ll find a way to do it. We human beings are remarkably resilient and incredibly stubborn when we set our minds to something. Sometimes we need a little help getting focused. Sometimes we need some help figuring out what the steps should be. If that’s all a body needs, Debt-Free Forever will guide you through the process.
If what you’re looking for is an easy solution, don’t buy the book. You’ll be disappointed. For while the process is simple, there’s nothing easy about it. It’s tough going. And it takes really stamina and determination to get to Debt-Free Forever. Some people just aren’t ready yet. When you are, the book will still be here.
October 8, 2009 at 7:24 am
Gail,
I’ve always found in your show that you never let people off easy. As soon as your book comes out I’m going to get a copy of it. I would love to be debt free forever, and I know your just the person to get me moving in the right direction.
I wouldn’t want to change anything in my life if I was going to drop dead in 5 years. I’d probably want to work less and enjoy spending more time with my wife. Good thing I have the life insurance policy up to date, she’ll have enough to live on if I dropped dead in 5 years.
regards,
Jason
October 8, 2009 at 8:11 am
Dear Gail,
I am a newer fan of your show, and I would like you to know that you have completely changed the way I look at our finances. My husband and I aren’t rich, not by a long shot, but with all of your amazing advice in hand, I feel like we have become so much wiser about where our money is going.
Every morning I have my tea and look forward to reading your newest post. Your truly an inspiration, and I thank you for that!
All the best,
Adriane
October 8, 2009 at 8:18 am
Gail, if I had five years to live I’d definitely be making sure my debt was gone before I left! Then I’d get to work on my list of things to do before I leave the earth. As I’m young, it is still fairly long, and mostly includes traveling and adventuring. The biggest thing though would be to make sure I got in as much time as I could, taking the people I love with me on these adventures. It’s more fun when you have someone you love with you.
I’m looking forward to your new book arriving! I have a feeling it’ll be the best butt-kick exercise I do – even better than kickboxing!!
October 8, 2009 at 8:40 am
Gail,
Glad to see your new book. It would be great if this was available directly in Australia, surprisingly the shipping costs are almost double than the cost of the book. Anyway, keep up the great work, and despite the steep shipping costs, even if I am happy to wait up to 7 weeks to get it, I will still buy it!
Dale – Australia
October 8, 2009 at 9:11 am
I’m getting two copies!! One for me and one for my brother
Right now I’m reading your other book.. “A woman of independant means” I’m really really enjoying it! I love how the book isn’t just about money and how to make it, keep it and invest but it also makes you think about what is important to you and how we see money working in our lives. I’m really looking forward to the new book… Thanks Gail!
October 8, 2009 at 9:19 am
I can’t wait for the book to come out!! It’s going on my ’so you don’t know what to buy me? Here’s something’ list.
October 8, 2009 at 9:27 am
I’ve put in a pre-order at a local bookstore (I was going to check Chapters but then I figured I’d give the business to the little guys) for 3 copies! One for myself, and one for each of my sisters. Debt problems run in the family and I’ve even gotte one of them to say “what would Gail tell me to do?” when she thinks about finances!
We love you Gail and appreciate that you’re able to share this knowledge with us.
Melanie in Ottawa
October 8, 2009 at 9:29 am
Yay new Book! It shall be under the Christmas tree for my partner who loves the show.
If I had 5 years to live I would travel the world for sure. There are so many things and places that I want to see.
In general I wish people would stop with the over-the-top, stressed-out work schedule. Yes we need to make sure we have enough money, but I find that some people (my partner included) get so worked up over work that they let that stress affect their life. When you are about to die do you really start thinking “man remember when I worked for 16 hours that one day?”. Ya, not really. As Ive said before, healthy balance is key
October 8, 2009 at 9:33 am
Gail:
I like what you said at the end “don’t buy the book if you want an easy way out”, and that truly shows that you do care for people that put the effort. I am not sure if I am buying the book, not because I don’t want to spend the money, but because with all your help thru blogs and your program, you have changed the way we use our money and I am confident that we will stay debt-free forever. Maybe if you give us some more insight on the book I might change my mind. We have a good amount of savings, EF (6 months worth), and currently the only debt we have is our mortgage, which is the “good debt”. We are also paying into our son’s RESP, so we could not be happier. The mortgage will get paid off eventually (maybe in 18 years), and we are saving for a newer car once our old one goes off. I am with you on leaving things the way they are, and not worring so much about the future anymore.
Thanks for all your post, and hopefully with more insights on the book you will make me want to buy it more !!!
October 8, 2009 at 10:24 am
I think I’ll buy the book, even though I feel we’ve gotten a good handle on things just through following the show and the website. I’m just generally interested in this kind of stuff, and knowledge is always a good thing!
If I had 5 years left and no financial worries–definitely go on a trip. I’m not a traveller, but I’d like to go somewhere just once, so I can lay on a beach under a palm tree and drink from a coconut.
Otherwise, I would like to spend far less time at work, and more time at home with hubby and kitties. Also would volunteer more of my time at the shelters. And go all over Canada and California tp visit my friends and family. And maybe, just maybe, I’d get up the nerve to try skydiving once….maybe. 
October 8, 2009 at 10:29 am
We often play the “what if we one the lottery bigtime” game in our family. It’s kind of a running joke. It’s interesting to hear what some people would do with mega millions. Some family members would go on a major spending spree. I maintain that I wouldn’t move from our house. I love it and the location. I may make improvements inside and out but am happy to be where I am. However, I would take time and money to travel and bring friends and family with me to enjoy the experience.
October 8, 2009 at 10:30 am
oops – that should be ‘won’ not ‘one’. My grade school grammar teachers are cringing right now.
October 8, 2009 at 10:42 am
I did win the lottery once, if only for $100,000. Surprisingly, it doesn’t go as far as some might think. Thanks to a spendthrift former hubby, it was gone in a flash – new truck and topper that got vandalized everywhere we went, fancy paint job for the semi, a reefer trailer, sensible doors, windows, siding, etc on the house, and I got a new serger! All we owed on the house was $47K at the time, but the semi was supposed to support us, so ‘don’t worry about the mortgage’. Too bad I didn’t have the balls to say NO, and paid off the house. That was 19 years ago… If only I could do it all over again, but I can’t waste anymore of my life lamenting that, it is not worth the regret. But, the serger still works, lol… If I could win the lottery again, I would find myself a little piece of land, have some sheep, chickens, pigs, my horse and dog, plant a garden, and spend a whole bunch of time making my quilts, dolls, and all those other projects that are cramming my head. Sometimes I think I would like to provide my brothers and sisters with a home, because I know none of them will ever become homeowners on their own with their lifestyles and habits. Then I think, nope, why should I ‘enable’ their bad habits by giving them a free ride. Then I feel guilty all over again. So, I guess it’s a good thing I haven’t won the lottery again – You’d be surprised how many friends you will have….
Looking forward to the book, Gail, it will be my Christmas present to me…
October 8, 2009 at 10:59 am
If I had only 5 years left… I’d tell people who were ticking me off to jump off a bridge and spend my time with the people I love. I’d also finish all the prep work for the novel my husband and I are writing so that he could finish it in his lifetime. I’d spend more time with my Chinchillas and I’d get a dog. Done!
October 8, 2009 at 11:16 am
If I had 5 years left I’d keep doing what I’m doing, playing with my kids. And make it a point to travel whereas before I might have waited a bit. I could say my regret in life is not having met my husband sooner and had the wonderful children, but that wasn’t in my control anyway. Mostly my regret would be every moment I may not have spent with my family (although someone has to do the dishes).
Like Gail said, I am actually living the life I want although it was incredibly difficult for me to resign from my career to raise my kids. But I knew deep down that it was more important for me to be home and it was really what I wanted (doesn’t make it easier). We had the financial plan in place so it really was a decision to make for personal reasons. Oddly enough it was our miserable then-landlord who tipped the scales for me. He was around 50, no wife or kids, and then got cancer. I pictured myself on my deathbed and imagined that my regret would have been not being with my family. So here I am!
If I won the lottery I’d actually be scared of a big amount. I’d donate at least half the win to our church, then put in a huge master bathroom with all the trimmings for my husband. And take a stellar 5-star vacation somewhere.
October 8, 2009 at 11:24 am
If I won a lot of money or only had 5 years to live the results would be the same – I would see more of the world. My life is pretty good. We are debt-free forever (not including mortgage – which will be gone in less than 10 years) and have been for over 5 years now. We do travel now -but only within our budget – so more travel would be in order (we may even bring some friends and family along if we had the funds). The regrets I could have had are now gone – I have lost 84 lbs and regained my health and control of my life. Both my financial and health are well under control – and I have a wonderful husband to share it with – who could ask for more.
But I might still buy the book – I love the way Gail writes and I can always learn to improve on the way I handle my finances.
October 8, 2009 at 11:34 am
Gail, I cannot wait to read your book. Congratulations on it being published.
As a coach in training, one of the things I especially love about your blogs and your work on the show is how you help people connect to their values around money. What is being satisfied 10 out of 10 around money for them? What does that picture look like? What are the values that show up… that’s what moves us into action.
I am a devotee, and recommend your blog and the show to a lot of people who are struggling to find their way. Thank you for showing me mine.
October 8, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Ooohhh!! I cannot wait for this one Gail
October 8, 2009 at 12:39 pm
The book sounds amazing. You may have solved my problem of what to get my BFF for Christmas
. She and I are ardent fans (she and her sister came to the picnic this summer with me), so she’s totally on track to be debt-free forever, but I know she’d love to hear you take on figuring out your core values and what you really want, as would I. Thank you for continuing to be generous with your talents-so many of us benefit every single day!
October 8, 2009 at 1:52 pm
If I only had 5 years to live and money was not a problem, the things I’d change are these:
- I’d work less, maybe even stop working (for money)
- I’d have my hubby stop working too so we could spend more time together
- I’d hire a housekeeper to do the grunt-work around the house, thus freeing me up to enjoy life more and spend more time with loved ones
- I’d volunteer more at my children’s school because I’d have the free time to do it, and I love the quality time spent together
- I’d take a couple of trips – one with my hubby alone, and one with the entire family
But, generally speaking, I’m pretty happy with my life – I just wish I didn’t have to spend so much of my time in the laundry room!
October 8, 2009 at 3:00 pm
I would HOPE TO GOD that none of us are buying Gail’s book, or multiple gift copies, ON CREDIT!!! HA HA!
October 8, 2009 at 3:46 pm
I hemmed and hawed on whether to buy the book because let’s face it, those who check in here daily are already convinced. Gail’s preaching to the choir. But later thought one day TDDUP will be off the air and Gail’s website may be no longer so wanted something that I could always go back to. It sounds like it’s going to be one of those books that will be on the shelf forever. I can’t wait to read it.
October 8, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Congrats on the book. You look fabulous on the cover.
And you know what? I don’t know what I would buy with the lottery winnings either. I’d pay off my mortgage for sure, but beyond that? I have no idea. I think this is the sign of contentment, not really wanting more stuff.
October 8, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Can’t wait to get a copy. Dec 15 it is available at Indigo.
October 8, 2009 at 5:17 pm
Great posting Gail. I regularly think about ‘what would I do if I had only 5 yrs to live.’ My dad, my hero died the yr after 34 yrs of work, hardly getting to enjoy his retirement. I’m also named after a woman who was murdered by the Natzis. So I see life as a gift. One to be cherished – and planned for too.
I’ve been setting aside 20% of my salary for 4 yrs and next year, my year 5, I’ll have the year off work with my now 80% savings trickling in each month. While I’m fit and healthy I can have a year for me – to use my life energy as I wish. During these planned yrs off I do things that fulfill my potential, try something new and make good memories with my family.
On a daily basis – I get up extra early, making time to read the on-line newspaper, then do my fitness routine, then paint for half an hour. By the time I leave for work I feel I’ve already accomplished so much.
Hey Gail – Congratulations on your new book. Where and when can we order it?
October 8, 2009 at 6:50 pm
You’re a Friday night tradition for us. We love your tough love. We can’t believe you haven’t truly lost your temper yet! Congrats on the book – we’ll definitely be picking it up!
October 8, 2009 at 7:31 pm
Hi Gail,
I love your show.
My boyfriend and I are considering using the jar system, to help slow the spending of part of our budget.
I will try to buy a copy of your book around Christmas if funds permit. Congrats on your new book!
October 8, 2009 at 8:34 pm
Hi Gail,
This year has been all about me. After a horrendous break up last year I have had a year of growth, so what would I regret if I died tomorrow?
I would regret the fact that I have been training for 9 months and only have five weeks to go til I trek to Everest Base Camp, the scariest thing I have ever done.
I am frightened but exhilarated at the same time. I am the fittest I have ever been, and even though I haven’t lost weight, I am quietly confident that I will be able to finish this physical challenge.
Thanks Gail! I read your blog every week day and you are an inspiration to us.
Sarah
October 9, 2009 at 1:51 am
I am a mature struggling student. Living between the good food box and the food bank. I have a 17,000.00 debt that Im slowly chipping at. Unfortunately that was due to a nasty divorce last year. I enrolled back into college at 43 and trying to become a nurse in hopes to improve my income. I was just wondering are you going to be giving away your book in a draw in the near future!? Love your show. Im a big fan from way back. And yes, the divorce was a combination of money problems which drove him away into the arms of another woman. Heartbroken but surviving. Jenny
October 9, 2009 at 2:57 am
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October 9, 2009 at 3:19 am
I would visit the remaining four continents on my list…and spend about a year each on at least three because Antarctica is more like a three-day visit.
October 9, 2009 at 9:57 am
If I had 5 years to live, I would reduce my working hours. I would worry less about other people’s opinion & be more carefree with what I do with my time & who I chose to spend it with. More time to spend with my daughter and spouse & less time spent with other family. I would not get into family battles/disputes & try to maintain a non bias opinion.
If I won the lottery I would pay off my mortgage & vehicle loan & 1 credit card which we are paying off within 3 years. I don’t want stuff as I have everything I need but a return trip to China would certainly be a consideration.
Thanks Gail for this website and your show. Love them both & I intend to purchase your book for myself as a Xmas gift.
October 9, 2009 at 1:05 pm
I’ve been hearing that a lot this past week: It’s SIMPLE, but it isn’t EASY. I think that is life in a nutshell. Something for me to ponder some more.
A question on behalf of all the Gail Clubs out there: would you be willing to give away any copies of the book to various Gail Clubs should members want to share it? Or even create a way to give it away to a member within the group?
(I realize you did not write it to give it away – this is just a suggestion to keep the momentum going for some clubs/members).
Thank you for writing it!