Writing+to+Propose+a+Soultion

Patrice Washington April 3, 2012

Writing Reflection Writing to Propose a Solution **How far you've come (on this piece)** I believe that this piece is not complete. I tried to mimic the writing prompt "five things" however I believe it needs to be developed to present more of a clear statement of the problem. The list format and the conversation tone of the "five things" prompt seems to be in conflict with more "academic" forms of writing. Based on Gallagher's four part description of the problem solution paper I am missing defend your proposal and the concluding portion. I have to think through what those who would oppose my suggestions about getting rid of debt might say. I have alluded to it in a few of the points but not thoroughly throughout the piece.

I am not satisfied with this because I took a chance and decided to write in ways I am not used to writing. The "five ways" list seems like something that could appear on a blog or in a new article. I am more used to writing in a traditional persuasive essay form.
 * b) How satisfied you are **

I would like to know if the ideas I have mentioned about following the four part suggestion will help to elevate this piece into something that does present a problem and propose a solution. I would also like to know if the introduction is sufficient enough to present the problem of debt.
 * c) What kind of response you need or what you want to know about this draft **

**Five Things You Can Do to Get Out of Debt** $12.7 Trilllion. That is how much our nation owes (whitehouse.gov). $1.5 billion. That is how much our state owes (michigan.gov). Being in debt is quickly becoming the end result of perusing the American Dream for the average individual. The “carry debt” mentality has worked its way down to the individual. Being in debt is a way of life. The norm. Inevitable? Our national, state, and local governments make it seem so. But being in debt comes with some high costs that go far beyond the money that is owed. There is stress involved, the interest often outweighs the amount that is borrowed, and the likelihood of paying it off becomes more and more remote with each passing day. This is a real crisis in the way we live life. There is a way to stop the credit crunch, at least on an individual level, and regain control of your finances.


 * 1) **Stop using credit cards:** Endoftheamericandream.com reports that “that median household debt in the United States has risen to $75,600.” That debt includes credit cards. The average American with a credit card carries about $16,000 in high interest credit card debt (creditcard.com). Using the credit cards to make purchases cause individuals to spend more money in interest on their purchasing needs. By cancelling the use of credit cards, the money saved in interest can be put toward debt.
 * 2) **Make food at home:** Eating out at restaurants can become expensive. By choosing to make food at home you can save money that can be used to reduce debt. For example if you have a $5 daily lunch habit during your work week and you replace that with leftovers from last night’s dinner you can save $25 a week. That adds up to $1200 per year that can put a dent in the debt you carry.
 * 3) **Sell stuff:** Your possessions are a gold mine. You know the old saying “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”. Selling gently used items is big business for the seller. It has a twofold benefit. First you get rid of junk you don’t need and second you get money for it. Win! Win!
 * 4) **Live on a Budget.** Often we waste money on things without even realizing it. It is the idea that we have a hole in our pocket and as soon as we know it the money has fallen out. To live on a budget does not mean skimp on the things you really need or want. Simply put it means allocating a reasonable amount of your money to spend on things that are not always the same every month. If you know you want to be able to go out with friends at least once a week you can choose and amount to allocate for it. That way you know exactly how much you have each month.
 * 5) **Give money away.** What? Yes that is exactly what I said. If you commit to donate some of your money to charitable organizations/causes that are really important to you as a number one priority, you will find that you spend what is left over more wisely. You will feel better about yourself. You will feel like a better citizen of the world. You will be helping others in need. And in most cases you will get a tax credit for the giving you have done.

Works Cited "35 Statistics That Show The Average American Family Has Been Broke Down, Tore Down, Beat Down, Busted And Disgusted By This Economy." //The American Dream//. Web. 03 Apr. 2012. . "Credit Card Statistics, Industry Facts, Debt Statistics." //Credit Cards//. Web. 03 Apr. 2012. . "Infographic: U.S. National Debt." //The White House//. Web. 03 Apr. 2012. . "TREASURY - State Debt Management." //SOM//. Web. 03 Apr. 2012. .

First Draft

**Five Things You Can Do to Get Out of Debt**


 * 1) **Stop using credit cards:** The average American carries about $16,000 in high interest credit card debt (cite sources). Using the credit cart to make purchases cause individuals to spend anywhere from 9-22% more money in interest on their purchasing needs. By cancelling the use of credit cards, the money saved in interest can be put toward debt.
 * 2) **Make food at home:** Eating out at restaurants can become expensive. By choosing to make food at home you can save up to $250 or more a month (cite). That money can be thrown at debt.
 * 3) **Sell stuff:** Your possessions are a gold mine. You know the old saying “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”. Selling gently used items is big business for the seller. It has a twofold benefit. First you get rid of junk you don’t need and second you get money for it. Win! Win!
 * 4) **Use cash instead of plastic:**
 * 5) **Give money away.** What? Yes that is exactly what I said. If you commit to donate some of your money to charitable organizations/causes that are really important to you as a number one priority, you will find that you spend what is left over more wisely. You will feel better about yourself. You will feel like a better citizen of the world. You will be helping others in need. And in most cases you will get a tax credit for the giving you have done.