Does anyone know who wrote that quote? Dave Ramsey. Yep, do you know him? If you don't, you should. Chad and I know do and he is changing our lives. Dave Ramsey is a Christian financial planner who runs Financial Peace University across the nation. He is an author and radio talk show host who has changed the lives of thousands through his 7 Baby Steps to financial freedom.
When we were looking for a house in Amherst, God laid on my heart that we needed to get out of debt. Of course, I think I started listening to late...at least I thought so. See we put a bid on our current house but after lots of problems we started second guessing ourselves. I was second guessing buying a bigger and more expensive house. I started to hope that the deal wouldn't go through so we could get a smaller house and get out of debt. However, Chad wasn't thinking the same thing and obviously God wasn't either because He blessed us with this beautiful home!
God has blessed us in so many ways including financially. We have two good jobs that we both love, a beautiful house, nice furniture (thanks to Maibach's), nice things, and get to do nice things. So why wasn't I at peace? Because I knew we were still in debt and God desired for us to get out of our debt and use His money more wisely. I had been telling Chad that I really wanted to go through Dave's Financial Peace University classes since April or May but he had no desire until about two weeks ago. We couldn't have done this without both of us on the same page.
So two weeks ago, we signed up for the online classes and we are now gun ho about getting out of debt. Now I am being really honest here because I feel like God wants me to share my journey with others. I am not usually this open about my financial matters with others but here it goes.
We are about $235,000 in debt with our house included. We are lucky because we do not have a lot credit card debt compared to the average American family. In fact, all of our credit card debt is under 0% interest for so many months plans and we are on schedule to pay them off and could be paid off right away. However, we know that one of us could get hurt and not be able to work at anytime and therefore, we could be in trouble if they are not taken care of quickly.
On the other hand, we do have A LOT of student loan debt! Why did we go to private schools? We have really not put a big dent in paying those off and we need to get started!
Though I think we have made lots of poor choices, I also think we have made some good choices and it is good to focus on those as well. For instance, we paid cash for all of my master's classes. It cost us over $12,000 to get my masters. This is something that makes me very proud!
So will you please help us by supporting us in our journey through prayer and encouragement. We will officially begin implementing Dave's steps starting in October and we hope to be debt free except for our house in no more than 2 years! It won't be easy but I think we can do it!
In fact, my nerdy hubby is in the other room working on our budget while this free spirit types away! (If you don't understand this line...go through Financial Peace University)
Anyone want to join us in this journey? If so, I know Fairlawn is offering a class this fall or you can do it in your home online. We would love to support you as well! I will give you updates on our journey every once in awhile. I know one thing it has already done is strengthen our relationship.
I want to end with something profound I read on a blog the other day..."If we charge things on a credit card that we don't have the money to pay for, aren't we telling God that He has not provided enough for us?" I don't know about you but I don't want to tell God He isn't providing for my needs because He surely has blessed the Yoder family!
Oh, how we love him!
And because our children our spoiled by their grandparents....
