Total Money Makeover:Short Story

I might go back and edit this post, but for purposes of getting something up here I think it's important to tell you the basics:

• Hip Mama & Dad aren't too Hip when it comes to finances...since we are $40,000 in debt.
• About 1/2 of that is Student Loan and Car.
• The other half is frivolous credit cards and some personal loans

The plan is to basically use Dave Ramsey's "Total Money Makeover" as a guideline. Check out his website here. I will try to post more soon.

The first step would be to know approximately how much debt you are actually in...then go from there, as GI Joe says, "knowing is half the battle".

Live Like No One Else

"Live like no one else...so that later you can LIVE like no one else."

This is the quote that Dave Ramsey says is his motto for life, or was his motto for life before becoming debt free, and a world renouned financial guru.

I mentioned in an earlier post this week or last that I'd be making some kind of announcement. Well, the announcement is a commitment to be debt free and an invitation to join me (us) in my (our) quest. Finance is a big theme these days. In particular, the disintegration of the family. Lets face it, it seems to be at the root of many issues in the marriage. Why we think divorce solves this, I'm not sure I understand, but nontheless, it seems to be on the "Top 5" list of why marriages end in failure instead of "til death do us part".

So in pursuit, not of wealth or fame, but in pursuit of a successful marriage, and a (more) stress free family, I (and Hip Hubby too!) am commiting my self to the "Live Like No One Else." motto. Hip Hubby and I are commited to honoring the Lord in our finances and in our family. So no more secrets here...

Will you join us and share in our journey? I've created a blog to help with us with accountability and gettin' real. If you're interested, visit my newest blog HERE and join in! So far I've explained the challenge. In the next day or so, I'll be posting my story...and all the dirt on my finances. I encourage you to pray about joining the challenge with me. Imagine how much we could do were we debt free? If you have a good handle on finances share with us how...and encourage others. It doesn't really matter what "plan you are using, just that you have a plan and are sticking to it. Although Dave Ramsey's plan made the most sense, where we are at now. Looking forward to your feedback and your "locking arms" with us.

Total Money Makeover

For the purpose of getting started, I'm creating a blog to help keep me accountable in certain areas of my life. At the moment the purpose is financial freedom. The reason for the title, to Love others, to Laugh with family & friends, enjoy Life, and to "Live like No One Else". See my post here for more explanation.

I don't want to limit the ways we can use this blog, we can use it for financial accountability, or other types of accountability/challenges. I just want it to be used as a place to share, be honest and for those who are commited to Living a life in a different direction. I am a believer, so my journey also includes being a good steward of what the Lord has given me. Up until recently my huband and I haven't been very good stewards. I hope those of you who have conquerd finances will share with those of us who struggle and we can all see how we are doing and lock arms and pray for one another as we journey together on this path.

Another burden I have is the growing number of failed marriages today...specifically in "the church body." I believe finances are a major undercurrent of why these marriages are failing. I hope and prayer is that maybe this commitment or challenge might be a small step in keeping a marriage from getting so stressed over money that they forget everything else.

IF you would like to share your story or join the challenge, please let me know. The goal is to have many contributors, and I will mediate for now, but before you take the challenge here's what's important: HONESTY. If you would like anonymity, that's fine...be whoever you want, just keep it real. Just let me know if you would like to be a "challenger". I am open also to contributor's who want to post some tips....time, money, devotional...encouragement. Whatever. Just let me know.