Since my last post I have found even more to do to educate myself as far as family finances go. I mentioned reading Financial Peace Revisited. Then I went on and read Total Money Makeover. Which I LOVED!! I highly recommend both books. Jason's about through with Financial Peace right now and when he gets back from his next rotation at work I'll be forcing him (insert evil laugh here) to read Total Money Makeover. But if you were to only read one of the two, I would have to suggest Total Money Makeover.
When I first learned about Dave Ramsey in 2010 I thought he was great! I was really excited about his methods and ideas. And I was desperate for someone to show me how to fix things.
After this month of reading and doing a lot of financial work, I'm a full on convert. I'm using his lingo in my every day. I'm talking anyone's ear off who will listen. I'm searching for things that I can do to be more "gazelle". :) Jason is also very on board, although I think he's getting just a tad tired of talking money all the time. Poor guy.
For the first time in our life we have a PLAN for our future. Not just hopes and dreams. We always talked about how "one day we'll _______". Now we have a very specific written plan. And I'm incredibly excited about all the things we're working on!
Unfortunately we still have to suffer some consequences of our past behaviors and choices. We've been saying we'd get out of debt and into a house "in the next year or two" for a couple of years now. We were hoping. Dreaming. That's what we wanted. But there was no real plan.
Now? We have a very clear plan. In a world where we could have what we want when we want we would be buying a house right this very second. But know we understand what we need to to do really be able to afford a house. One that we can have paid off in 10 years! Will we be able to buy it in a year or two? Nope. But that's okay! Because if everything goes according to plan, it will only be 3 or 4. Will it be a giant dream house? Nope. It will be modest. Small, even. :) But it will be ours!
We may not get rich and be taking cruises and tropical vacations any time soon, but the hope and peace I feel about our financial future is better than any vacation I can think of.
And the added bonus? Getting our finances in order seems to have a side effect. Other things are falling in order, too. Life isn't perfect, but it's looking pretty lovely right now!
So if anyone wants to yack for hours about money, shoot me an email or give me a call!
3 comments:
That is awesome! I'm very excited for you guys. I have been meaning to read Dave Ramsey's book for a while. I will add that to my list of things to get on Amazon. I know a few other people who have seen a lot of success with his methods too. I can't wait to hear more about your experience!
I used to be a gazelle. Now I'm more of a sloth. :(
I need to get refocused and just pay off these stinkin debts already!!
Several years ago (when Chase and I were still in college), my dad gave all of us kids "Total Money Makeover" for Christmas. Chase and I read it together and LOVED it. (Then we went on our little traveling escapades and didn't give a thought to Dave.) We've done it on and off for a few years, but this last year got serious and have loved it. It's amazing how much you can pay off and/or save when you track and plan where everything goes! Good luck to you guys...keep us updated on your progress!
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