Financial Dieters Make Progress

(From The USA Today -- By Mindy Fetterman)

Maybe it was realizing that yes, we need help.

Maybe it was getting a chance to get free financial advice from professionals who usually charge hundreds of dollars for their time.

Maybe it was understanding that public exposure would force them to quit putting off decisions and act.

Whatever the reason, the participants in USA TODAY's FINANCIAL DIET CHALLENGE have made amazing progress toward reaching their goals, whether it was reducing credit card debt, boosting retirement savings, investing a better way, saving for college or paying off student loan debt.

Here's a look at where everyone is at the end of the first phase of the FINANCIAL DIET. We'll return in three months to check up on them again.

Financial Dieters Make Progress