So, What’s Your Secret Weapon?

What’s your secret weapon? (IMAGE CREDIT: Freedigitalphotos.net)

I belong to a Web Site called Sparkpeople.com (I’m Jessc098 if you’re looking). It’s a free weight loss site with some really, really great tools and ideas and communities for people with a common goal (fitness and weight loss).  I’ve been off-and-on-again active on the site for a few years since my heart surgery—a turning point for some unhealthy weight gain.

A few weeks ago I saw a post aimed at successful members—those who’ve achieved their goals or are close, asking them their “secret weapon.”  What did they need to get where they are (or to make it easier)?

The results of the question surprised me;  Ipods, running shoes, a good friend or a goal (wedding, etc).  Good enough reasons, I suppose, but so simple!  I don’t think I’d keep up a workout without my Ipod or my running shoes.  I’m motivated, but not *that* motivated. One entry especially surprised me—a special “powdered formula” peanut butter—that has all of the oil pressed out and is mixed with water and reconstituted.  I tried some and it’s pretty yummy, and has all the protein with 1/3 the fat, so I may be adding this to my weight loss arsenal.

I found that particular message board thread so helpful that I thought it might be worthwhile to start the discussion here—and ask you—what are the secret weapons in your financial fitness challenge?   Here are mine, in no particular order:

• Dave Ramsey Podcasts—keeps me busy on the treadmill and on track financially (and free!)
• Keeping an iron fist on the food budget–yes, it  includes peanut butter.
• Snowballs and snowflakes of debt repayment.  Like taking the stairs of parking far from the supermarket, these little steps make a big difference over time.

I’m curious—what is your “secret weapon” in your battle to become debt free?