Brad Chaffee

I am very excited about being a regular contributor on the Self Reliance Exchange. In our microwaveable, must-have-it-now society, self-reliance has become a thing of the past. I believe that people have forgotten just how capable they are when it comes to doing something for themselves.

While self-reliance and personal accountability have become obsolete to some, I believe molding your actions around the idea that “you can do anything you want to do” is an essential part of becoming successful.

I am honored to be a part of this collaborative effort and look forward to providing you with useful tips and information to assist you on your journey to a freedom that very few experience.

Furthermore, one of the reasons I believe self reliance is so powerful, is because it provides you with more options in life. It’s easier to depend on others, but depending on others does not teach us how to fix our own problems or mistakes. We all make mistakes, it’s a part of life, but learning how to resolve those mistakes yourself can be the difference between bankruptcy and financial peace. I hope to help you become a more efficient manager of your finances, as well as your life by becoming more self-sufficient.

My beautiful family and I reside in the mountains of Charlottesville, VA. We recently celebrated 5 wonderful years of marriage, and are the very proud parents of one adorable little man, with another on the way. I value my family and do what I can to be the best husband, father, and man I can be. Reading, hiking, playing golf, and skiing are just a few of my many interests. As a student, I am currently working to become a certified financial counselor, and look forward to working in this area that I am very passionate about. That passion is fueled by my very real urge to help you succeed financially, which is why I created Enemy of Debt. In May of 2009, CNN.com highlighted my passion and work in Walking Away From Credit Cards.

My contribution to the Self Reliance Exchange will be focused on personal finance and living debt free. I’ll also tackle topics such as personal responsibility, goal setting, and positive attitude as a way to address the behaviors that hinder financial freedom. Most of the time we are our biggest hurdle. I intend to motivate you by showing you how self reliance can help you master what you can, while letting you focus on resolving the problems you cannot. Occasionally, I will write about politics, health and fitness, family matters, and I may surprise you with other topics related to self reliance.

In December of 2007, after becoming sick and tired of living paycheck to paycheck, my wife and I decided enough was enough. We were tired of letting our money manage us, so we decided to manage our money. We learned about a key financial principle that put us in the drivers seat. It’s really no secret, but many have forgotten its importance. This long lost principle is living on less than you make, which is really nothing more than good old-fashioned common sense. We have sworn off debt and the bondage it creates.

Living debt free and preparing for our future has become front and center in our financial affairs, and I am here to tell you that it has changed our lives completely. We have taken control of our money and freed our income to allow it to become the tool it was intended to be. I am excited to share with you everything that we have learned along the way!

I am also pleased to announce that as of September 2009, my wife and I have become debt free by paying off debt in the amount of $26,076.75 in about 20 months. Debt freedom is cool and I want to show you why.