As you may know from a previous post, Keith and I have been trying to get our finances in order. Numerous people told us to read Dave Ramsey. We are taking that advice.
I ordered one of his books, Total Money Makeover. Normally, I would not be a person who would read a financial advice book, but I have heard great things about his books, from people at church, other friends, and helpful bloggers! So, we read the intro and first chapter last night. We are planning on reading a chapter together every day and should be finished with the book in 13 weeks. So far, I am really enjoying his writing style. His plan seems simple and do-able, although probably not easy.
We are going to have to learn to live without some of the things that our friends live with. We are going to have to learn to delay gratification. We are going to have to learn to say no. BUT, if we can learn to do these things now, for a short time, we believe that we will benefit from the end results immensely!!!
One big reason we are trying to get money in order is that I am hoping to stay home with our daughter after she is born. It's scary, thinking about going down to one income. But, it is also scary for us to think about leaving our little baby girl with strangers every day. WE want to be the ones to raise our daughter, not a babysitter. If things get too tight, we talked about me getting a little part time job on evenings or weekends, when Keith can be home with her. I think with diligence and much prayer, we can make this work. Again, we won't have the nice clothes, fancy house or many vacations, but we will have what is most important- family.
So, (deep breath), here's to our Total Money Makeover. I'll keep you posted on our progress!
10 comments:
Thanks for stopping by my blog today! Congrats on the baby.
That is an INCREDIBLE book!! It totally changed the way Jer and I do our finances. We've gone through a lot of the steps. The only one we still have to work on is our retirement plan. Since doing that book we've become debt free, started saving for our kids education, we are one house away from being mortgage free and we have savings for the first time in our married life. It's such a freeing feeling. Love it! Hope you benefit from it as much as we have.
This will be the best thing you have ever worked on. It really pays off. We are out of debt in 2 1/2 years and my husband is now teaching the classes at our church. Good luck. You'll love it once you get the hang of it. Dave Ramsey is awesome. We also started Financial Peace Jr. with our kids.
Corie, this will be one of the hardest things to do. I only work part time to stay home with Ry as much as I can, I want that more than anything in the world, especially since my parents weren't able to do it with us. Financialy I need to work full time especially with Matt in school. But, like you said family is way more important, adn we just can't buy or do the things we used to. But it is so worth waking and being with my baby boy every day! love ya...Amanda
That is a GREAT book!
and you'll never regret staying at home with your kid(s) it is worth every minute!!
Hubs just started listening to D.R. He really likes him. The funny thing is, I was going to tell you that my husband and I are involved in leading a financial Bible study called CROWN. (www.crown.org) at a local church. My husband is incredibly blessed with a having a firm (and Biblical) handle on money. It's really his strong point. I was going to suggest you guys try a CROWN course too and then I realized (again, because I had forgotten) that you LIVE IN ST. LOUIS TOO! Ever heard of Twin Oaks Presbyterian Church off 1-41? They offer that course once a year. It's a 13 week Bible study, with awesome childcare provided during the course.
Congrads..This will change your lives FOREVER! and that precious little girl's futureas well. I would suggest you try in pick up this radio station as well, he always has great tips to different situations. This man in my option is The best when in comes to easy follow plan and a road to success even with low income families.
If you follow his plan and do what he says you will be able to stay home Corie. We did it and I have 4 children staying at home raising my kids with ((((0)))) debt(how weird is that?!) and our house should be paid off in 5yrs...and at 37yrs old we're giving in full retirment, full college funds for the kiddos, and giving our max to Roth IRS's!!! My husband can retire at 55!!!!!!
I think it's worth every page. Good luck and I be praying as you go into this new chapter in your lives....how exciting!
wooden porch: crown is good, but to work both programs as the same time would be too overwhelming to a couple that's trying to get out of debt...I familiar with both programs and they differer in many ways!
Dave does have several programs available just like this at churches called Fin. Peace you could check into that, but it probably wouldn't be a good time with the baby coming soon. Maybe something after.
(((((((FREEDOM!!!!!))))))
Let me encourage you. We went down to one income when our son was born - for the same reasons you guys are thinking about it. There are definitely difficult times and adjustments, but that's what they are, times and adjustments. We still eat, we have clothes, we have cars, we can go on dates (although the content has changed a bit ;)). But man is it worth it! I couldn't imagine leaving Sam each day, even if it was with a family member.
So, be encouraged. It is definitely worth it.
I just wanted to thank everyone for their comments and encouragement! :)
We are really enjoying the book so far.. can't wait to read more!!
I have a feeling that this is going to be a very good thing for my husband and I and our future family!
Hi Corie :) I just found your blog through a link Val put up on her's. Congrats on making the decision to stay home. It isn't easy, but it is SO worth it!
We just started Dave Ramsey's "Financial Peace University" at our church (in Springfield, MO) on March 12th. His steps are so easy to understand, and he is fun to listen to. It hasn't been easy to cut back, but it such a wonderful feeling to know we are almost debt free (just the house left to pay off). Good luck as you start the steps toward financial peace as well as become 1st time parents!!
Post a Comment