I started this site in April 2010 as my first foray into the world of internet marketing. Although I chose a domain that had a personal leaning, from almost day one the site lacked focus, a true sense of what it is and would be about. Instead, I used it as a way to explore the world of making money online, choosing “keywords” that I might find remotely interesting, writing about them, waiting for citizens of the world to search for them and arrive. Every now and then they did, but not often.

I’m glad that not many people found their way here. Ever since choosing the domain, I knew deep down that I wanted this site to be much more personal; that is, much more reflective of the unique and independent ways that I see the world and live it. The “Independent Rich”. So now it’s so much easier to ‘reclaim’ my domain, my estate, my identity here.

At one stage, this site had well over 100 posts on it. Most of them related to personal finance or guitars, but I even had articles on items such as black leather briefcases and packing tape. Few of them had my heart, soul or personality within them and were moved to other domains to see if they could find a purpose there. A couple, which I feel are worthy of my name, remain here.

As I said above, I have always had an idea about what the subjects that I will cover on this domain. The things that make me “Independent Rich”. These subjects include; frugal living, writing and performing music, niche music, independent travel, nature/environment/ sustainable living, the outdoors, personal development and generally “doing things my own way” without care for how the masses do them.

So here I am, it’s 6pm on a dark January evening in the north of England. It’s the latest of a string of extra-windy evenings that have destroyed  the garden fence and a large willow tree outside. I’m listening to the Pet Shop Boys album “Introspective” from 1988. Neil Tennant is singing to me that “I hope it’s gonna be alright, because the music plays forever”.

I’ve written this spontaneously. For me, the best journeys are those with less planning. That’s when our senses are most alive and our instincts and rawness cause the Law of Attraction to kick into action. In the ether of the internet, that journey can be a lonely one – or at least one made alone -  for a while, but I hope; in fact I know, that others will join me when the time is right.

But back to the Fender Mexican Stratocaster! When I bought it, it was way before the internet had taken charge of the retail world, and luckily there were a few musical instrument shops in my relatively small town. One of them specialised in sound equipment more than actual instruments, but they always had a selection of new but discounted Fender Stratocasters Mexican style! At my wits end with my first guitar to the extent that it was becoming de-motivational, this was a perfect opportunity for me.

The only thing to think about was the colour. I can’t remember what was available, but I ended up choosing a kind of metallic sky blue body with white scratch board. I think it cost about £370 and I may even have got an amplifier included, or at least discounted. I still have that Peavey Blazer 158 amp too, and use it in my bedroom for jamming around. It’s a lovely compact and portable size. I’m really proud that in this overly-materialistic era that I am still using my first main guitar as my principal instrument.

I suppose the main question though, is whether it still plays well? Well, yes, actually I think that it’s playing better than ever. I recently changed my strings, using a lower gauge, and it feels wonderfully smooth. The body is hardly scratched or dented and looks almost new from a short distance. There is some wear and tear around the fret ridges, something that is really my own fault. I am one of those musicians whose fingers seem to sweat a lot and leave behind a deposit that soon builds up if I forget to (or am too lazy to!) wipe the fret-board and strings immediately after playing. So unfortunately, at one time there was a build-up of green chrome-like grit next to the metal frets that had to be scraped out. Therefore, if there was one thing that I would change, it would be the metal fret ridges.

If you are considering acquiring a Fender Mexican Strat I would definitely recommend it based on 19 years of experience. Even if it doesn’t quite match your self-perceived standards when you are gigging, it is a great second-choice guitar to practice on around the bedroom, in the garage or at informal jam-sessions. It says a lot that I’ve never really considered it to be absolutely necessary to replace mine, other than for to have an instrument that can produce a completely different sound, for example for more jazz-oriented pieces.

Obviously, the best scenario is to not to get into debt in the first place, but some things like university education, cars and mortgages require them. Some may see them as unavoidable. This aside, there is a lot of unnecessary debt that people fall into, and this article attempts to assist individuals and families to start to get out of debt and help make their lives more independent.

1.    Avoid getting in any extra debt! If you can’t afford it, don’t buy it!

2.    Create a budget. In this scenario it is vital that you know where you are spending money every week. Only then can you know how and where you can begin to spend less and start to make savings. Keep a spreadsheet if you want and make it a target to reduce your expenditure in each column each month.

3.    Change your spending habits. Many people pay a little bit too much here and a little bit too more there. Basically they waste their money for no discernible improvement in life. If you start to change these habits, you are more likely to save money than incur debt.

4.    Clear any monthly credit card balances as soon as you can. If you pay off your card in full at the end of each month, you don’t incur any interest charges and you prevent any existing credit card debt getting larger and won’t have to worry about >negotiating credit card debt. Make no mistake that the task of trying to eliminate unsecured credit card debt is far from easy, so try to minimise it in the first place!

5.    Avoid temptations. Many people are in debt simply as a result of clever marketing and advertising techniques that tempt and persuade you to spend money on something that you don’t need, or to spend on a more expensive model than your require. If you can, try not to spend too much time watching TV as this is the biggest thing that will persuade and tempt you. Think of all those shiny new cars that you are told that you have to have. Or even small items like chocolate bars. Saving a few cents per week on small individual items that you don’t need, all adds up!!

6.    Be careful with who you mix with. Perhaps the biggest reason for people spending more than they need is peer pressure. The so-called ‘keeping up with the Jones’’. If you are continually mixing in circles of people who boast about what they have, it can be very disheartening and difficult to stay financially responsible. If your friends are causing you to spend more than you should, and hence making you miserable, you really need to ask yourself whether you need those friends in your life. Also, don’t forget that they may also be in a stupid amount of debt – but nobody likes to brag about that.

7.    Consult any free debt advice charities or agencies that exist where you live. Consider debt elimination services that consolidate your debt into one monthly payment. A debt reuction company like this should have a multitude of debt elimination programs to help you gain positive momentum.

8.    If you begin to have a surplus of cash each month and you have a mortgage, think about starting to pay off the capital on your mortgage. In this way your monthly repayments will gradually be reduced, all things being equal.

9.    If you have any savings or inheritance, use it for clearing debts. This is likely to be much more efficient and prudent in the long run.

10.    Focus on your mind about why you want to clear debt. Make no bones about it; having debt can be a great weight on one’s shoulders. It can weigh physically and mentally and have a massive negative impact on your health and relationships. The chances are that you want your health to be good, so focus on this and make it your reason to be determined to clear debt.

11.    Give yourself small targets towards your goals. For example, in the first few months your targets may be to start saving just a bit. Then you may focus on using your savings to pay off existing debt. As you clear the debt you will begin to save even more and have the means to pay off even more debt. There will be a positive snowball effect.

12.    Take responsibility for the debt. Ascertain in your own mind that the debt is yours and you are responsible for eliminating it. Blaming anybody else, no matter what the reason, will not help!

13.    Think about the difference between what you need and what you want. It’s difficult in this media age when you are constantly being bombarded with slogans that complicate matters, but deep down you know the answer already. Most people need a car, but most people spend more than they should. Everyone needs clothes, but most people spend more than the need to. You get the picture. Everyone needs to eat, but just about nobody needs to spend more by going to a restaurant or fast food place.

14.    Keep yourself motivated by making tangible gains. If you prove to yourself that you can cut your expenditure in the first month, you have the momentum to continue. If you can only make a small gain, then make it. It’s a great start!

15.    Treat yourself. If you make your monthly target, allow yourself a small and inexpensive treat that helps you bask in your glory and keep you motivated.

16.    Get over the social stigma that you perceive is linked to personal debt. You are not going to clear your debt if you don’t accept that you have it.

17.    Sell things that you don’t use or need and use the cash gained to help pay off any debt you have. You’ll be surprised when you realise how few material things that you need in your possession in order to be happy. Start with things that you haven’t used for a year and have little sentimental value attached. By using these ‘useless’ items to good use to help to pay off debt, you will feel good!

18.    If you have some spare time, see if there are any extra ways that you can make cash. For example, there are a multitude of online sites where you can be paid to do legitimate surveys online. Doing one survey per day for 20 minutes may allow you to save/earn hundreds of dollars per year. This may not seem like much, but for example it would more than cover your yearly internet connection charges and mean that you don’t have to worry about that particular piece of expenditure. Do two surveys per day and you may have enough to pay your car insurance. You get the picture. All of these savings produce cash that can be used to pay off debt.

19.    If you have tried really hard to reduce your debt but have hit a brick wall, maybe because you have an insurmountable hurdle such as having lost your job; consider whether personal bankruptcy might be the right choice. In this case, expert advice is vital and you should begin making enquiries right away. You could try a debt lawyer iso ling as you are aware of any potential costs. The more time you leave it, the more the weight will remain on your shoulders and negatively impact your health and relationships.

20.    Contact your bank and let them know your situation and what you are trying to do about it. For example, most banks apply high charges for going into an overdraft with prior agreement. By liaising with your bank, you may be able to avoid incurring such unnecessary extra costs and charges that will make your debt situation worse. They may have some vital debt settlement solutions to help you. You could even get debt elimination companies to liaise on your behalf, although it will obviously incur a cost.

In conclusion, it can be seen that much of the strategy involved in these clear debt solutions and overall aim to attain financial freedom is psychological. It’s about not spending money on things that don’t need and not feeling the stigma of having less than somebody else. If you can neutralize these emotions, you will find it much easier to cut expenditure, make savings and thus be on the road to eliminating debt. Once you have that momentum, you’ll not look back.