Living the Life We Want Because of Debt Freedom

shimmering dreams

I have a sneaky suspicion that most people underestimate the power of debt freedom. The benefits of paying your debt off are enormous. The changes we have been able to make because of our debt freedom have been both surprising and very exciting. It was surprising because although I knew getting out of debt would be awesome and beneficial I hardly expected for it to change our lives the way it has. We recently began looking at how we could further mold our life into one that best fits our wants and desires. That’s the inspiration for me finally writing [...] Read more »

An American Tale: A Life of Credit and Debt

An American Tale: A Life of Credit and Debt

Credit Cards. In my college years, those two words meant freedom. They provided me with a sense of security. They allowed me to finally purchase anything I needed without having to ask my parents for help. Credit cards were the answer when I was hungry or late on a bill payment because my checking account was low. They provided a means of fun. I didn’t have to say ‘no’ to myself anymore. I could go out to dinner at a place that didn’t have a drive-thru. I could go on spring break to Florida. I could buy concert tickets when [...] Read more »

O Emergency Fund, Emergency Fund! Where For Art Thou Emergency Fund?

Letting go

Have you ever had a true emergency fund before? They say, once you go emergency fund you never go back. Having my beloved emergency fund in my life has been amazing, and I became a better person for meeting her. Ever since the first day I laid eyes on my one true emergency fund, I new I was a changed man. The way she comforted me and made me feel all safe and fuzzy inside. I got butterflies whenever I would think of her. I just knew she was the one! Can you tell I’m struggling? My emergency fund was [...] Read more »

Master Your Freedom Because Being The Slave To A Master SUCKS!

It seems that most people consider the word freedom to only pertain to physical slavery. I’ve had many conversations on the subject and have been surprised to find that some do not see having debt as a form of slavery. In my mind, I find that laughable, but it is far from funny. Personally, I feel it is nothing more than denial and denial solves nothing. As they say, the truth shall set you free. I think that most people know the generic definition of freedom, but let’s assume for a second that they don’t. The Definition of Freedom Actually [...] Read more »

Debt Freedom Timeline: “I Can Finally Taste It, And It Tastes Really Good!”

Our debt free journey has been as hard as it has been exciting!!  This is a time line of how our Total Money Makeover looked over the course of about 20 months.  Time line is approximate. December 2007 Decided to start The Total Money Makeover as our New Years Resolution Joined MyTotalMoneyMakeover.com January 1st 2008 First day of our journey towards financial peace Starting debt: $26,076.75 Started our first budget ever! STOPPED WASTING MONEY ON STUFF! NO MORE BORROWING EVER AGAIN! February 2008 Put our 2004 Pontiac Vibe on craigslist Bought Honda CRX for $500 Sold Vibe by end of [...] Read more »

Motivation 101 – Saving To Buy, Instead Of Buying To Slave!

Can You Buy A House, Have A Car, Or Go To College Without Debt? With a plan you can!  It seems like every time I write an article like this I lose a few subscribers.  That’s fine, I am fully aware that I will not please everyone.  This would be too easy if I could, and frankly I like the challenge. For some reason people seem to get angry about someone (me) telling them that it is ABSOLUTELY POSSIBLE to live life without accepting the chains and bondage that come with debt.  I could speculate all day long about why [...] Read more »

Dave Ramsey for President 2008

President Ramsey? No, Dave Ramsey isn’t running for President, but if he was, I would probably vote for him.  He has expressed his opinion and has made it clear he does not want the job.  Personally, I do not blame him, but boy would it be nice to have a Government with a ZERO-BASED BUDGET?  It would be nice to have someone who knows how to cut expenses and knows the difference between a want and a need.  Someone who knows all to well how it feels to hit rock bottom, and someone who knows how to bounce back by [...] Read more »

Financial Peace University Comes To Charlottesville

It is now official! FPU is coming to Charlottesville, specifically to Trinity Presbyterian Church! The preview will be on July 20th at 6:00 p.m., and the classes will begin on August 3rd! During this time I will be using this blog to get the word out. Almost everything you see will have something to do with FPU. I have created my own video to start things off! ENJOY! UPDATE: We have obviously not reached our original goal of September of 2008.  That goal was set based on everything working out perfectly.  As you know that only happens in the movies.  [...] Read more »

Taxes, Incentives, and Less Government

Hijacking Incentive Since 1913 I was reminded today of how much I hate taxes so I thought I would come here to cry about it. My wife had to meet with Human Resources this morning for her new job and they informed her that the $2,000 bonus she is to receive will get hit by taxes to the tune of 38%. WHAT!!! Out of $2,000 we are only going to see $1240? (Counting to 10 to gain composure.) …8, 9, 10. (Deep Breath) You mean to tell me that the Government needs to misuse and blow $760 just because it [...] Read more »

Memorial Day Tribute

Without those BRAVE men and women that sacrificed and paid the ultimate price, we would not be free to have what we have. Becoming debt free wouldn’t matter much without the freedom we have been given. We should all reflect on what kind of person it takes to fill those shoes, as most of us have no idea what sacrifice of this magnitude feels like. The families who have lost loved ones, my heart is with you! THANK YOU! GOD BLESS AMERICA! GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!   Related Articles:Motivation 101 – Saving To Buy, Instead Of Buying To Slave!Living the [...] Read more »