Thursday, April 30, 2009

Thanks, Dave.

I love pay day. While my small paycheck isn't much and doesn't last a long time, I must say, I AM grateful to be receiving one during our country's economic crisis.
At the beginning of every month I tell myself, "this month is going to be different! I'm going to be really good with my money!" I know I'm not telling you something you don't already know, but IT'S.SO.HARD. I'm not a huge spender, and I've tried budgeting a little, but nothing really seems to work. I still normally struggle to make it to the next paycheck. Where does my money go?

We've all heard of Dave Ramsey. He's a financial genius who seems to have all of the answers. I've read a little about him before, but to be honest, I get annoyed when he (or anybody else for that matter) says something I don't want to hear. Like it or not, though, I've decided that this is the month I'm really going to listen to what he has to say (or read what he has to write). Claire, a fellow teacher and friend, and I were discussing this topic recently, and she found a fantastic tool on his website. It's pretty self-explanatory. He basically breaks down your finances and helps you create a budget that really seems do-able! I entered all of my numbers in the appropriate blanks and I was amazed by how much money I SHOULD be able to save each month, while still being able to use money for some fun things!
So, starting tomorrow, I'm turning over a new leaf. I'm going to use the "envelope system," and hopefully, by the end of this month, I will start seeing results!
If you're just getting by like so many of us, give it a try! I may be needing some accountability partners here!
(Emily, I know you and Reed are so proud of me for spreading the word! I'll let you know how it goes!).

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

We have been Larry Burkett and Dave Ramsey students for over a decade (even before we were married). It will change how you look at finances, that's for sure!

Good luck,
Rhonda

Marty said...

Kurt and I have been Dave Ramsey disciples for almost 2 years. It is so nice to feel secure, yet still save for goals and get to have fun!!

The Andersons said...

Kev and I do this, too. I have the book if you want to borrow it! We're not the EXTREMISTS since we don't use the envelopes, but we've done a lot of the rest. We are officially debt-free now, but still broke. ha! :)

Colby and Daniel said...

We use the envelopes too and it really does help. Good luck!

Jared and Brandy Verwiel said...

i think you'll really like this! we've used dave's method's for almost five years and we're debt free!!!! have you listened to his radio show? the stories of people becoming debt free are so liberating and inspiring! CONGRATS on making this big decision!

Anonymous said...

You won't be disappointed. "Keep those dollars with their names!"

claire

Unknown said...

We are huge DR fans...Luke would prob consider himself a DR Guru...whatev...Anyway, we are debt free now (just in time for us to go down by a paycheck while I am on maternity leave), and we use the envelopes! Just remember, dont get a basket full of groceries only to realize your envelope is in the car, or a tank full of gas to realize your envelope is at home!

Tracy~ said...

I just bought his total money makeover book. It's sitting on my end table right now collecting dust but I AM going to read it and I AM going to follow it. It has got to help!

Good luck!