Living like no one else

So that later we can live like no one else.

Have you ever heard this slogan? If not, then let me introduce you to www.daveramsey.com
It was about 2 years ago that Jason came home from work telling me about Dave Ramsey. He went out and bought the Total Money Makeover book that night. We both read the book, thought the philosophy was great, but we just never stuck with it. I can say that I have read the book 3 times and with lucky number three I have really gotten the motivation to get rid of our debt and start building wealth.

Dave's steps are easy and I highly advise you to read up. I will have an extra book if you want to borrow it!
Step 1- Save $1000 in an emergency fund
Step 2- Pay off debt with the debt snowball (genius idea)
Step 3- Save 3-6 months worth of expenses
Step 4- Invest 15% toward retirement
Step 5- College funding
Step 6- pay off home early
Step 7- Build wealth

The problem is that this is a difficult process. There is a lot that has to be given up. I can't shop for new clothing for my kids just because I feel like it. We can't go out to eat 3 times a week because I don't feel like cooking. We can't buy eachother big gifts at the holidays. There is a lot to give up, but the end result will be so worth it.

Anyway, Jason and I have officially signed up for Financial Peace University. I just ordered our supplies and a class is being offered at a local church. In the classes we will learn about the steps in more detail. I for one know NOTHING about mutual funds and the best ways to save. I just got us on a good budget, but I need help sticking to it and using the extra money to cut down debt rather than taking it with me to the mall.

So please, encourage us because we need it. Don't look down on us because we can't give out great presents or join in on fabulous dinners and outings. Believe me, this will be the hardest. If we are able to stick with this, Dave assures us that we will be the ones taking people out to dinner or on vacations. Won't that be wonderful?!!

I'm so excited to get this process started!! I hope to one day call his show and yell "WE'RE DEBT FREE!"