Monday, January 29, 2007

Financial Peace Now!


Yep, we started Financial Peace University last night at church. Have you already given up on your New Year's resolution? This is the only one I made - Get control over our money! I told Jim that '07 was our year! He has spent the last 11 years trying to do it alone and, surprise, it hasn't happened. So, I'm actually committing to doing my part to "make my money work for me."


A little history: I had been single and taking care of myself for about 10 years before we got married. I hadn't done a good job but I was the one doing it. I hated it! Money always stressed me out - I knew all I needed was more. When we married, I told Jim that he would have to be the one to do all the money stuff and I didn't want anything to do with it. It worked okay for us when I was earning 29K a year and we had no children. When I quit working and had Kenny, it started to be somewhat inefficient. Is anyone surprised by that?!


I clung to the belief that I could continue to be a non-participant in our finances. It hasn't been working well.


If only to make me talk out loud about money, I have pushed us into Financial Peace University. Jim was willing to go and he's looking forward to the videos about future planning. I, on the other hand, am taking "baby steps." So far, Dave Ramsey keeps quoting Sarah. I'm pretty sure I've heard these mantras before from her.


My favorites so far:

"Baby steps" - This is really big for me - it seems so overwhelming. Last night we talked about wills, for goodness sakes! Baby steps, baby steps....


"Make your money work for you" - That's right, dadgum it! I can tell my money what to do!!!


"A budget isn't a straight jacket" - You mean I have some flexibility! There can be movement in a budget?! Yes.


"Cash flow plan" - Not the evil - budget. It's about where my cash goes - cash flow plan. See, isn't that better?

8 comments:

Tammy M. said...

I am so glad you and Jim are in Financial Peace. Rob and I are looking forward to participating in the program next year this time. We just have to remember to not be leading bible studies during Financial Peace then we will be signing up. So January is penned for next year - Dave Ramsey Time.

Anonymous said...

Dave's FPU rocks!
Everything my parents wished they knew and taught me about money. I hate that I waited until I was 30 to decide to learn. And thanks to Dave for making it understandable to a money-learning-challenged person like me.

I am so glad I will be able to teach our 2 kids how to handle money so they won't have to make the same mistakes I made.

24@8

Sarah said...

Yeah, Dave asked my permission to use my stuff -- he's cool that way! :-)

Truly, I have told Troy, it really IS peaceful to feel like YOU are in control of your money -- even if you feel like you're sending it all away! I guess that's what they mean by financial peace!

Melanie @ This Ain't New York said...

Thanks for de-lurking, cat fish and all.
I listen to Money Matters on the radio. They call a budget a spending plan- what it really is. It all belongs to God and we are just taking care of it. That is a huge responsibility- one that I fail at often.
Thanks for the visit!

Anonymous said...

We didn't use Dave Ramsey. . .but we DID pay off a five figure debt in 15 months that was incurred while I was home with the kids. I've gone back to work now, so we hopped to and got it done. It's a wonderful feeling.

soul and culture said...

Financial Peace is good stuff. Helped me take the fear out of dealing with money.

You might also check out the book Money: A Memoir, by Liz Perle. Deals with women, emotions, and money.

2nd Cup of Coffee said...

Hi, here for the 1st time and just kept reading. Tonight I was at a Bible study in another church from my own, and I saw a notice about Financial Peace University. I thought that sounded really strange, but I now I see what it's all about. Also, my boss is from Abilene! AND--you mentioned the Colts, and suddenly, I am a fan of you now!

Anonymous said...

I know this is going to bring you and Jim even closer. You will be a team with the same goals. We have used the envelope system before and I like it. I feel it gives me more choices. Also once that money is in my purse, I feel like it is mine and will be less likely to spend it. I usually put back some at the first of the month and try to save it for a special treat- like a trip.