Our Debt Free Journey

Feel like you're in debt up to your eyeballs? Or, maybe you're one of those people who ignore it and think it will disappear. Like POOF! Don't ignore it because it won't go away. It's true. It will be there waiting for you until you decide to attack it. So, here's my advice to you because I've lived the debt life. Get your money situation together. Face it. Make that change! This is what we've done to help get ourselves out of debt and let us be in charge of our money, instead of it being in charge of us.

We follow the Dave Ramsey plan. It works and it has helped us in so many ways. I can't even begin to tell you! Well, I will tell you once we get going, but first let's start with Dave Ramsey's tips that we have turned into our simple ways of doing life.

WE USE CASH FOR EVERYTHING!  
If we don't have the cash for it, we don't buy it. 
Simple as that.

Budget Meeting.    

Every Saturday morning you will find us meeting at our kitchen table over coffee and computers. We use everydollar.com to budget every dollar that we have. It's true that I know, we know where every penny is being spent. Numbers are crunching, coffee is sipping and guess what we are smiling! I can't stress how important this is. I used to feel like that guy on the cup. We both did. I used to not want to know how bad it was, or how much we owed on things. Now, I can't imagine not knowing where my money is going. You have to get mad at your debt and then you understand that you don't have to live like everyone else. You can be DEBT FREE!!!

Funds: We have funds which are our personal cash stash for the month. We both get a clothing fund and a "slush" fund that we can do what we want with. But, once those funds are gone, the carnival is over and yes, you are out of money for the month. It really helps us, or should I say me spend wisely. Release me into a store with home goods and I'm toast. It has taken a lot of training and stupid purchases to realize that I need to control my money and not allow it be in control of me.

For example, this month I have $17.00 left to my name. I'm not poor by any means, but I made a big purchase at the beginning of the month. I knew this was going to be my reality quickly. Try living off of $17.00 in a slush fund for a month with a vacation mixed in. Every place that I went had things to buy, but I didn't do it. When you have to let go of that cash, you feel it! Especially, when you only have $17.00.

Coupons: I use coupons when I grocery shop. I shop smart and even look at those flyers that come to the house. It's a challenge for me to see how much I can save in a week and how much I don't have to spend.


These are our 3 easy steps so far, but more are on the way. Digest it. Think about it. It's how we live. It's not for every one, but you will save a TON, just by doing these steps.

We are not perfect. We know we'll make mistakes. But, we are making a difference for us. For our child. It's important.