Hello and welcome - my name is John McDevitt (it's my real one) and I'm at your service as one of Helium's Senior Site Stewards.

We're all neighbors, so let's share. I'm here to help, to listen and to make things happen - but I need your help and expertise. Questions? Suggestions? Interested in writing about a new topic? Contact me through the "contact this writer" link on my Articles page. I'd love to hear from you.

I'm excited about the possibilities. Possibilities is a great word isn't it. Let's all make it happen together....

I spent 30 years as an architect until I "retired" from the profession two years ago. Since then I've been writing on Helium and studying copywriting to keep the creative juices flowing. I have one paid copy assignment under my belt and am always looking for my next client.

I've learned a lot about myself and about writing during the past two years. I think I always wanted to be a writer, but never took the time. That's all changed now. The best way to become a good writer is to write, and write, and write...

I spent 3 years, 7 months, 5 days and a wake-up in the Air Force during the 60's. Went to Penn State to study architecture under the G.I. bill during the 70's.

I grew up in an Irish Catholic family during the 40's, 50's and early 60's. I spent my paper boy earnings in the pinball machines.

Personal Finance > Financial Planning The effect of debt on long-term goals

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When you go into debt you are spending your future. You trade your future earnings, your future wealth for "stuff" you want now. Sound simplistic? Well, maybe a little, but there are only two ways to acquire things that you can't afford to pay for out of pocket. Save until you've accumulated enough money to buy, or borrow the money with the promise you will pay the money back with interest over time.

When you have money you can do things. You can have things. You can be secure in those things. When you lack money, you can't. People always seem to worry about money. Either they simply don...

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