Local Author Talks About Latest Book On Managing Money

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – At some point in our lives, nearly all of us are concerned about money. It can lead to arguments, personal problems and even strained marriages.

There are free budget plans out there available for people at every possible income level and stage of life. So why do more than 60 percent of American households still live paycheck to paycheck? It's something Carrie Rocha addresses in her latest book "Pocket Your Dollars."

Rocha said she started a journey of financial management when she herself was in financial trouble. She said at one point she was $50,000 in debt. She says the key to financial stability and success isn't just about money, it's about attitude.

Rocha said it took her and her husband more than two years to fully pay off their non-mortgage related debt. And she said once they got out of that debt, they haven't been back in it since.

She says a lot of people out there have financial plans and goals to save, but they never actually do it. It's about making the attitude changes to make sure they practice good financial behavior for your long-term future.

Rocha said one of the biggest attitude changes that needs to take place in managing money is justifying making an impulse purchase, saying you deserve it. Instead, you should be saying life is too important to let money leak out on some material things that don't matter.

Rocha also said it's important to avoid purchasing things like cell phones that offer the phone for free if you get a two-year contract. Over the course of the contract, you'll have paid far more than the phone is worth. She says skip the contract, buy the equipment outright and you're much better off.

Rocha is holding a signing for her book, "Pocket Your Dollars," at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Barnes & Noble in Maplewood.