Saturday, November 24, 2007
Easy Get Out of Debt Plan!
Here is an easy get out of debt plan. It will work every time! Did you manage Black Friday with no new debt? Leave it to Steven Martin for a good laugh and yet so to the point! I am still chuckling over here! Those of you in a reader, pop over and watch this short clip!
Links to this post:
Monday, October 15, 2007
The Dave Ramsey Show on Fox Business Network
Nationally syndicated radio talk show host and best-selling author, Dave Ramsey, can add television to his resume. Monday, October 15 at 8p.m. ET marks the debut of "The Dave Ramsey Show" on Fox Business Network. Contact the local cable provider or visit www.daveramsey.com to find the closest station carrying FBN. DirecTV will carry the network nationwide on channel 359.Much like Ramsey's radio program, his television show will include calls and e-mails from viewers with questions about life and money. The show will also include videos of "Plasectomies" (creative destruction of credit cards) and people celebrating their debt freedom by screaming, "I'm debt free!"
Labels: financial
Links to this post:
Thursday, August 23, 2007
God's Provision
Talking with my friend Stephanie yesterday she shared about God's provision in her life. She has blogged about it and it is definitely worth the read. It is a great story not only because she is testifying about God's providence in her life but it is also a great Dave Ramsey plug too.
Visit Stephanie and read about Her Debt Free Mini-Van
Read about Dave Ramsey's Baby Steps
Visit Stephanie and read about Her Debt Free Mini-Van
Read about Dave Ramsey's Baby Steps
Labels: Christianity, Encouragement, financial
Links to this post:
Monday, July 2, 2007
You Are Your Own Worst Enemy
I stumbled across this article today and thought it was worth the read. When it comes to budgeting and having enough cash, we are often our own worst enemy. What are your thoughts? Please read the article and head back here and post your thoughts in the comment section so we can all benefit!
You Are Your Own Worst Enemy
You Are Your Own Worst Enemy
Labels: financial
Links to this post:
Monday, April 9, 2007
Baby Step Seven
Begin to build your wealth, primarily with mutual funds and real estate.
FPU has so much more than just the few things I have shared from the baby steps. Things on how to deal with collections, to understanding what your financial broker and insurance companies are actually saying. He has an awesome section on The Great Misunderstanding, the last lesson in the FPU class, this is the most crucial part of FPU in my opinion.
PLEASE PLEASE take an FPU class, even if you have done "everything" correct (yeah right) in your financial life, it is well worth it! I have personally seen marriages strengthened by going through this class as well. It is an amazing journey!
FPU has so much more than just the few things I have shared from the baby steps. Things on how to deal with collections, to understanding what your financial broker and insurance companies are actually saying. He has an awesome section on The Great Misunderstanding, the last lesson in the FPU class, this is the most crucial part of FPU in my opinion.
PLEASE PLEASE take an FPU class, even if you have done "everything" correct (yeah right) in your financial life, it is well worth it! I have personally seen marriages strengthened by going through this class as well. It is an amazing journey!
Labels: financial
Links to this post:
Monday, April 2, 2007
Baby Step Six
Baby Step Six is paying off your home early. I had someone leave a comment a while back about whether the morgage was considered debt. It most definately is! This is the setp where you begin to throw all of your extra at your morgage and pay off your home early.
The Financial Peace program has a whole section on purchasing, selling, and investing in real estate. A must if you are looking into any of these things! If you want to learn more about this, go to the Dave Ramsey link and search for a class in your area. He has alot of great information on real estate, a business he was in for many years. Things that most real estate people will not tell you and things that tend to go against the grain.
The Financial Peace program has a whole section on purchasing, selling, and investing in real estate. A must if you are looking into any of these things! If you want to learn more about this, go to the Dave Ramsey link and search for a class in your area. He has alot of great information on real estate, a business he was in for many years. Things that most real estate people will not tell you and things that tend to go against the grain.
Labels: financial
Links to this post:
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Financial Links
Links to this post:
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Baby Step Five
College Funding
Look into the following:
ESA~Educational Savings Accounts or 529 plans.
NEVER fund college using the following~
Life Insurance
Savings Bonds
Zero Coupon Bonds
Prepaid Tuition
Look into the following:
ESA~Educational Savings Accounts or 529 plans.
NEVER fund college using the following~
Life Insurance
Savings Bonds
Zero Coupon Bonds
Prepaid Tuition
Labels: financial
Links to this post:
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Baby Step Four
Baby Step Four~ Invest 15% on household income into Roth IRA's and pre-tax retirement.
1) Fund 401K or other employer plan IF they match and fund the amount equal to the match.
2)Above the match amount, fund ROTH IRAs. If there is no match, start with ROTH IRAs. Why a ROTH? The Roth IRA is an after tax IRA that grows TAX FREE!
3)Complete 15% of income by going to company plans.
Military folks, Dave says TSP (Thrift Savings) is a good thing, do that too to get to your 15%!
Remember an IRA is not a type of investment at a bank, it is the tax treatment on any type of investment. Make sure you are diversifying. Dave recommends 25% in each of these four categories: growth & income (Large cap), growth (Mid cap), international, & aggressive growth (small cap). Mutual Funds are a great way to go!
1) Fund 401K or other employer plan IF they match and fund the amount equal to the match.
2)Above the match amount, fund ROTH IRAs. If there is no match, start with ROTH IRAs. Why a ROTH? The Roth IRA is an after tax IRA that grows TAX FREE!
3)Complete 15% of income by going to company plans.
Military folks, Dave says TSP (Thrift Savings) is a good thing, do that too to get to your 15%!
Remember an IRA is not a type of investment at a bank, it is the tax treatment on any type of investment. Make sure you are diversifying. Dave recommends 25% in each of these four categories: growth & income (Large cap), growth (Mid cap), international, & aggressive growth (small cap). Mutual Funds are a great way to go!
Labels: financial
Links to this post:
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Baby Step Three
Now it is time for your fully funded emergency fund (FFEF)!
Now that your debt is gone take that snowball and put it into your FFEF, 3-6 months of expenses. This shouldn't take too long, considering your expenses are much less without all of that debt.
Now that your debt is gone take that snowball and put it into your FFEF, 3-6 months of expenses. This shouldn't take too long, considering your expenses are much less without all of that debt.
Labels: financial
Links to this post:
Friday, March 23, 2007
Shopping Spree Photos
I was told to put up pictures of my shopping spree, so here they are. The pictures really do not do them justice but it gives you an idea anyway.
Here is a nice shirt, sorry about the wrinkles! LOL! And my two pairs of shoes.
Here is a nice shirt, sorry about the wrinkles! LOL! And my two pairs of shoes.
I think these are my two favorite skirts and there is a nice camel colored tank top.
This is what my hubby calls my "Fairy Skirt", it has the um..wispy points cut at the end of the skirt. It looks really cute.
Skirt with matching top, this is floor lenghth, I love it!
Last Two Skirts:
Links to this post:
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Shopping Spree
I very rarely shop for myself, something that tends to irritate my husband. But yesterday, we took our children out to spend their money and I ended up finding a few things. It was so much fun! When we move I will most definately miss our Macy's store!!!! The Macy's store downtown has an awesome clearance floor! Everything is 80% off!!!! So since we were there and we just happened to have some money this week I bought a new church wardobe, something that was greatly needed!
I thought about taking a picture of everything but I thought it would be too hard to really tell what everything was in a little picture. Anyway, here is what I came home with:
6 beautiful skirts, 3 blouses, and two pairs of open backed pointy toe heels.
Are you ready for the total???? Big breath!! $550, yep! I paid $112!!!!! WooHoo!
Dave Ramsey would be proud I think, a big, big bargain and we paid cash!
I will definately miss this Macy's store!!
I thought about taking a picture of everything but I thought it would be too hard to really tell what everything was in a little picture. Anyway, here is what I came home with:
6 beautiful skirts, 3 blouses, and two pairs of open backed pointy toe heels.
Are you ready for the total???? Big breath!! $550, yep! I paid $112!!!!! WooHoo!
Dave Ramsey would be proud I think, a big, big bargain and we paid cash!
I will definately miss this Macy's store!!
Links to this post:
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Baby Step Two Debt Snowball
Baby Step 2 Get Rid of the Debt
Now it is time to tackle that debt. Cut up and close all of those credit card accounts. You don't need them, you have your emergency fund!
List your debts smallest to largest (except for the house) and we will tackle the smallest one first. This is where Dave Ramsey differs from most financial plans. Most recommend tackling the larges interest rate first, "just to be smart" well as Dave says, if we were smart we wouldn't be in debt in the first place. The whole idea here is to give you some quick wins and get you motivated. Pay the minimum on all debts except that smallest one and throw any and all extra money on that debt. When that debt is paid off add what you were paying on it to the minimum of the next one on the list and keep going. The further down your debt list you go the bigger your snowball gets.
There is a great snowball spreadsheet at the link in the sidebar, try it out it will let you know when you can expect to be debt free!!!!
Now it is time to tackle that debt. Cut up and close all of those credit card accounts. You don't need them, you have your emergency fund!
List your debts smallest to largest (except for the house) and we will tackle the smallest one first. This is where Dave Ramsey differs from most financial plans. Most recommend tackling the larges interest rate first, "just to be smart" well as Dave says, if we were smart we wouldn't be in debt in the first place. The whole idea here is to give you some quick wins and get you motivated. Pay the minimum on all debts except that smallest one and throw any and all extra money on that debt. When that debt is paid off add what you were paying on it to the minimum of the next one on the list and keep going. The further down your debt list you go the bigger your snowball gets.
There is a great snowball spreadsheet at the link in the sidebar, try it out it will let you know when you can expect to be debt free!!!!
Labels: financial
Links to this post:
Monday, March 19, 2007
Use Cash & Envelope System
Using cash and incorporating the envelope system can help to keep you on budget. Cash tends to have some sort of emotional attachment to it. For most, it is harder to spend cash than it is to just just swipe a card, even a debit card. So move to a cash based system for your purchases. To begin, pick a few catagories such as food, gasloine, entertainment, and clothing, and put your designated amount into individual envelopes with those labels. When you make purchases from those catagories use that envelope and only that envelope. When the money is gone you are done. This is also a big help at the grocery store. It makes you keep track of what you are buying, do I really need those oreos? Use cash for your big purchases also. Save up! You can get a great deal if you have cash! Let me know how this works out for you!
Labels: financial
Links to this post:
Friday, March 16, 2007
Emergency Fund
Wondering where to keep your EF? A savings account is a good place. It is fairly easy to access if an emergency should arise. We were keeping ours in our savings account at the bank where we have our checking account earning a measly 2.3%. I had someone tell me about ING orange savings account where I now earn 4.5%. I have really liked ING thus far. They also have a sign on bonus. If you sign up with a minimum of $250 deposit they will give $25. Not bad huh? You must have a referral though. If you are interested in getting a referral please let me know. Email me at andertribe@yahoo.com and include first and last name and your email address, please write ING referral in the subject line.
Labels: financial
Links to this post:
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Gathering Your EF!
Does gathering $1000 seem like an impossible task? Here are some ideas....
- Sell something.
- Give up that pizza, latte, or whatever else you don't really need.
- Get an extra job.
- Do you really need cable?
- Open an ING account and earn $25 that way, you can also earn $10 if you refer someone. Need a referal for ING? Let me know and I will send you one.
These are just some suggestions. Remember even if it is just $4 a week you are moving in the right direction! Keep it up!
Labels: financial
Links to this post:
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Save, Save, Save Baby Step One
Baby Step 1: Your Emergency Fund $1000 in the bank or $500 if your annual income is under $20,000 a year.
Murphy's Law: Whatever can go wrong will go wrong, and at the worst possible time.
When Murphy comes knocking who is there to take care of things? Your credit card or maybe a relative?? You will find that if you have an emergrncy fund for when those emergencies arrive you can simply pay for things and not have a crisis! When car trouble comes you will find you will not have to have a money crisis as well you simply pay for the car trouble.
KEY: Decide ahead of time with your spouse what constitutes an emergency and then only use your EF for those things if they should arise.
Murphy's Law: Whatever can go wrong will go wrong, and at the worst possible time.
When Murphy comes knocking who is there to take care of things? Your credit card or maybe a relative?? You will find that if you have an emergrncy fund for when those emergencies arrive you can simply pay for things and not have a crisis! When car trouble comes you will find you will not have to have a money crisis as well you simply pay for the car trouble.
KEY: Decide ahead of time with your spouse what constitutes an emergency and then only use your EF for those things if they should arise.
Labels: financial
Links to this post:
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Things to Think About when Budgeting
- For bills that you do not pay monthly but quarterly or annually, divide them out and put away an equal amount every month so when the bill comes due you will not bust your budget.
- Remember to budget for things such as Christmas, Vacation, Birthdays, car maintenance, clothing, etc. Put away some every month and designate it.
- For the first few months keep your reciepts and keep track of what you spend and which category to which it belongs. This will help you determine if one category in your budget is too big or maybe too small. Make adjustments.
- Always, Always, Always balance your checkbook!
Labels: financial
Links to this post:
Monday, March 12, 2007
Budgeting
I am hear to tell you that the much dreaded budget really is your friend and not all that dreadful! Dave Ramsey's plan is based on 7 baby steps but before we get there you need to get started on a budget. A budget is not a straight jacket it is simply YOU telling your money what to do. We will either learn to manage our money or the lack of it will manage us.
Pro 27:23
Know well the condition of your flocks,and give attention to your herds.
Wealth was once measured by livestock and not dollars. Tending to the herds was tending to the financial means of the family.
Not sure where to begin? There is a link to spreadsheets in the financial link section or to start just get out the yellow pad. Designate EVERY dollar! This is called zero-based budgeting. Even if it is money you just intend to blow, designate it. Remember it takes about 3 months to get a budget that actually works! You will need to make adjustments and do a new budget monthly. But get your first one down on paper!!!! Once you get your budget set up we can move into the baby steps!
Need help? Have a question? Post a comment and I will help as best I can.
Pro 27:23
Know well the condition of your flocks,and give attention to your herds.
Wealth was once measured by livestock and not dollars. Tending to the herds was tending to the financial means of the family.
Not sure where to begin? There is a link to spreadsheets in the financial link section or to start just get out the yellow pad. Designate EVERY dollar! This is called zero-based budgeting. Even if it is money you just intend to blow, designate it. Remember it takes about 3 months to get a budget that actually works! You will need to make adjustments and do a new budget monthly. But get your first one down on paper!!!! Once you get your budget set up we can move into the baby steps!
Need help? Have a question? Post a comment and I will help as best I can.
Labels: financial
Links to this post:
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Financial Peace University
Financial Peace University is a program put out by Dave Ramsey. My husband is a FPU (Financial Peace University) coordinator. We have run several classes and have seen amazing results. People's lives have been changed, ours included. It is a 13 week program designed to help you beat debt and build wealth. It is an awesome program and if followed, really works. During the 13 week program the average family pays off $5300 in debt and puts $2700 into the bank for savings! Fpu is a life-changing program.
I will periodically be posting about the basics of the program to aid you in your journey to financial peace. I pray this is a benefit for you.
I also encourage you to find a FPU program near you and get involved!
I will periodically be posting about the basics of the program to aid you in your journey to financial peace. I pray this is a benefit for you.
I also encourage you to find a FPU program near you and get involved!
Labels: financial
Explore Christian Blogosphere