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Budgeting Works!

To gain financial freedom you must take control of your money, plan for the future and Stop Borrowing Money!
Two families striving to gain financial freedom share their experiences.
Blog Author Mona Weathers (monawea)

Co-author, Manda C.
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There is no end, just a lifetime of Financial Peace

For anyone considering enrolling in Financial Peace University, do it. Jason and I weren’t even the best in attending. Our classes were on Sunday’s after church, and with a toddler and a newborn, it was impossible to make it to all of the classes. We were diligent about listening to the lessons that we missed. We’re taking a short road trip this weekend to pick up a car from my parents. They’ve not seen the “Financial Peace” light, and have taken on a new car payment. I’m inheriting their paid for car. We’re going to revisit as many of the lessons as we can during our time on the road.

One of the reasons that J and I are excited to acheive Financial Peace and to build wealth is that one day, I know that I am going to be responsible for the finances of my parents. My mother works to pay her credit card debt and car payment. My dad is going to seek retirement soon, and I assume my mother will keep working. They’ve worked hard over the years, but they will not be able to retire with the dignity that two such hard working people deserve. Hopefully, when the time comes, I’ll be able to give them that dignity. I’d like to help my dad pay off their home. They live in rural Alabama and have very little left on it. Then I’d like to have my dad pay “rent” into a savings account and invest that money for them on top of his military retirement and social insecurity. The hard part will be to get my mother to start spending money instead of credit. But hopefully, I can use our Financial Peace Journey as a motivator. I believe that as Christians, we are called to take care of our family. The Bible tells us in 1Tim 5:8 that even unbelievers take care of their family, and to not do so, makes us less than an unbeliever. It is that important, and something I take seriously. I’ve always known that it will be my responsibility to care for my parents when they get older. I’ve just had no idea how I would be able to do it. With Financial Peace, it becomes possible. With Financial Peace, taking the God-given responsibility of caring for my parents will not be a burden on top of many other burdens. It will be a pleasure because I’m no longer dealing with life as it comes. I’m thinking forward, taking responsibility for my actions and decisions, and being mature enough to delay gratification.

On the flip side, I hope to build our wealth to change our family tree. I know that if I am diligent and continue to apply the principles taught in Financial Peace, and continue to pray for the guidance of God in our lives, that my children will be able to go to college, and will be able to start their first jobs newly educated and debt free. I want to raise them to be responsible with money so that they will make mature decisions about the wealth that J and I will build over the years. In changing our family tree, my daughters will be responsible for us and our money, but in managing it, and not providing for us.

Preparing for the senior years of our parents, and changing our family tree are but a few of the examples of what we’re looking forward to through Financial Peace. We’d also like to build Accessible Playgrounds in memory of the infant daughter, Aleah, who died 18 months ago. Looking forward to giving is exciting. But, it means living the lessons that we’ve learned. We’ve already planned to listen to the CD’s on our trip this weekend, to re-motivate, to remember, to not lose our focus. Even if we stopped with baby step 2, the positive impact Dave Ramsey and Financial Peace has had on our life is remarkable. I’m happy to report that we have a balanced check book! I know that this is minor stuff for some, but it’s been 5 years for us. All of our bills, with the exception of our trash service, are caught up, and it will be paid in full on the 25th.

It’s tempting at this point to cut back our titheing in order to have the extra cash flow to pay down some debt, but after hashing that decision out in my head, I know, in my heart, that titheing is an important component of my spiritual life. It’s me showing God that I trust him with my finances. He led me to my church, which in turn led me to Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace. I know that God blesses those that have Faith in him and “put aside” for his glory. In our case, it may not be a financial blessing, but I think that the change in my marriage over this process can be a testament of the blessings God has promised us in exchange for our giving. I’ve always believed that giving is an important part of Christianity that is often overlooked. J and I missed the last FPU lesson on giving, but I’m excited to hear it this weekend during our road trip.

As Mona said earlier in the month, quitting is not an option. I understand that some may get discouraged because Baby Step 2 takes so long, especially if there is a lot of debt. Even for those who pay their debt with no intensity are better off if they stick with the resolve to QUIT BORROWING, because that is a step in the right direction. No matter how quickly or slowly you travel, having the proper orientation, although basic, gets you to your destination. Christmas is just right around the corner, and J and I have absolutely no money budgeted for it. None. We aren’t willing to go back into debt this year, and spend the first few months of the New Year recovering. But, I trust that it will be a joyous holiday regardless.

~Manda

September 21, 2008 | Filed Under Dave Ramsey Financial Freedom, Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University (FPU), Just Whatever

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