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It’s tough to think of an area of life which isn’t related to personal finances at some level.  A big misconception is that financial health depends on circumstances.  This is simply not true.  Circumstances are the driving force of emotion based decisions and perspective provides a logical plan based on real priorities.  For a financially “unfit” person, circumstances drive every action.  For the financially “fit”, each action is calculated and thought out.  To be above average, above average actions must be taken.  It’s the “freedom to choose” which can be our biggest ally or worst enemy.  The most important battle is with the man or woman in the mirror and the biggest tragedy of life is to “almost win”.  Listed below are 13 reasons to get financially fit along with some links showing Oklahoma’s Statistics of sub par personal finance education:

1 “Unemployed?  Down, But Not Out!”:  The loss of a job can be demoralizing, but there is opportunity for the better.  With perspective, the financial strain on life can be managed and finding employment becomes the main focus.

2 “Go From Foreclosures & Repossessions To Less Payments & More Money!”:  Major financial hardships have helped create some of the wealthiest people in the world.  Learn to handle the toughest financial times without emotion and move forward!

3 “The Right Attitude To Knock Out Debt Collectors!”:  With a game plan in place, collectors will know they’re dealing with an educated customer and their old tricks won’t work anymore.  Learn how creditors and collectors work and some secrets they may not want you to know.

4 “Bankruptcy?  Not so fast my friend!”:  There are always situations which seem totally unmanageable.  Before filing bankruptcy, think twice!  With some income, perspective and a plan anyone get through financial hardships without bankruptcy.

5 “Do It Yourself Debt Management, Elimination & Credit Repair.”:  This is huge!  Want to get out of debt in 2 or 3 years?  It’s in your hands.  Why hire someone to pay thousands of dollars without a guarantee?  With the 3P’s (perspective, prioritize, plan) take things into your own hands!

6 “Healthy Medical Bill Management.”:  The art of negotiation goes a long ways with medical bills!  Learn how to negotiate settlements and payment plans for medical bills.

7 “Young People Get Ahead Early!”:  A bright future is waiting!  However, Oklahoma is among the nation’s leaders when it comes to a lack of “payday loan” restrictions:  http://www.scorecard.cfed.org/financial.php?page=payday_lending_protection  Simple financial principles to help young people avoid common financial mistakes in life is important in Oklahoma.  Personal Finance Education should be required for high school graduation in Oklahoma.  Some states have already implemented this as a requirement:  http://www.scorecard.cfed.org/financial.php?page=financial_ed_in_schools

8 “Nearing Retirement, In Debt?.”:  Most people can become debt free within 2 to 3 years.  Free up the cash flow to save for retirement!

9 “Educated Student Loan Management.”:  Out of school and got a job?  College grads in Oklahoma receive degrees with an average of over $18,000 in debt:  http://www.scorecard.cfed.org/education.php?page=average_college_graduate_debt Get out of payments in a few years instead of a few decades!

10 “More Savings For Less Stress.”:  According to a recent study: http://www.scorecard.cfed.org/financial.php?page=asset_poverty_rateOklahoma Oklahoma ranks 30th nationally in the Asset To Poverty Rate.  This means about 23% of Oklahomans are a few paychecks away from living in poverty.  Learn to build savings for more security!

11 “Smart Home, Auto & Other Purchases.”:  Oklahoma ranks 48th in the country when it comes to “high cost mortgage loans”: http://www.scorecard.cfed.org/housing.php?page=high_cost_loan  Buying a home, car or other large items should be enjoyable.  Learn the ins and outs of how lenders, creditors and sales people work.  Follow the principles of financial fitness coaching and make these experiences fun!

12 “Homeownership For A Bright Future.”:  Refinance or not?  Remodel or wait?  Make the biggest decisions the smartest ones!

13 “Good Credit? Maximize Cash Flow!”:  Ranked 44th in the nation in personal net worth http://www.scorecard.cfed.org/financial.php?page=net_worth means most Oklahomans either don’t have money to save and invest or simply aren’t sure where to start.  Typically, good credit means one of the following:  A. Several years of successfully paying debt or B. A few debts are open, active and paid on time.  Eliminate a car payment?  Wipe out student loans?  Build more savings?  It’s all in your hands!

There’s no doubt as a state, we have some work to do when it comes Personal Finance Education.  In the world of financial fitness, life’s in your hands and financial mediocrity just isn’t an option!  The first question to ask is, ”what do I really want?”  You decide.

Here’s a link to the 2009-2010 Assets & Opportunity Scorecard for Oklahoma:  http://www.scorecard.cfed.org/state_data/oklahoma.php

DW