STOP BORROWING MONEY!!! Just to clear things up, the title isn’t to be taken literally. It’s just my way of grabbing your attention and telling you that if you are in debt, you need to hear this!! So LISTEN UP! This is perhaps the most important thing to learn after getting yourself on a budget. Dumping your debt will help you gain traction and in return offer you a hope you have never imagined. The reason is because all of the things most people have their money spent on before they ever get paid, steals their hope. When you accept […] Read more »
The “B” Word!
Yeah I said it, the “B” word….Budget. My FPU class just finished Lesson Three called Cash Flow Planning, and when most of us think about a budget, all kinds of negative thoughts surface. First we think it will keep us from having fun. If you are like me then you may have thought it was more trouble than it was worth. Seriously, why should we do a budget when it always seems to collapse midway through the month? Most of us have avoided doing a budget our entire life all because of these misconceptions. The truth is that the budget […] Read more »
Relationships That Count
You Do It! If there is one thing that comes through clearly in the “Relating With Money” lesson it is that we all need support and encouragement. We need each other. If you are married, you need your spouse in order for this money thing to work. If you are single you need someone to hold you accountable. So many people that I know use the “you do it” philosophy when it comes to money. I have too. When Alana and I first got married, she was the one who controlled the finances. That was until we had a few […] 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 […] Read more »
What If You Were Recession Proof?
Are we experiencing a recession? That seems to be the question of the year. If you watch the news, you are probably convinced that you should just give up. Don’t start digging that bunker just yet. The truth is that the U.S. is merely growing at a slower rate. From January to March the economy grew at the same rate of 0.6 percent, as the last quarter of 2007. Slow, but still growing. A recession is defined as a period of economic decline; specifically, a decline in GDP, for two or more consecutive quarters. Maybe we should wait until we […] Read more »
Poverty To Prosperity
This is an age old problem that seems to never go away. How do you end poverty completely and is it even possible? I believe that there is an answer to this question, and believe it or not, the Government is not it. The answer is YOU! The way you think, the way you learn, and the actions you take all determine where you end up. If you can work, then you can change your future. I always remember the true story, made into a movie, where Will Smith plays a homeless man that constantly faces challenges and disappointments in […] Read more »
Are Your Priorities Backwards?
I keep seeing this commercial on T.V. and everytime it drives me just as crazy as the time before! The line that drives me absolutely mad is this one: “Far too many Americans health care and financial security are at risk.” It goes on to say that, “Health Care costs are driving American families into bankruptcy.” AHHHHHHH! That is exactly what is wrong with this country today!! What is driving American families into bankruptcy is American families! It is US that is responsible for these stupid decisions that we make, not health care costs! Sure health care costs may […] Read more »
The Path To Debt Freedom!
The Path To Debt Freedom! (My journey illustrated) (updated) NORMAL looks like this! (Borrow NOW, CRY later!) >>> “When do I get paid again?” (The cycle of cycles!) >>> Instead of chasing it, I just tell it what to do! >>> Never again! (Cash only!) >>>o Big T.V’s are nice, but not as nice as being debt free! (Put the $600 towards my Emergency Fund) >>> Sold the left ($8,500) and bought the right ($500)! (Savings- $375/month) Gazelle TIME!!! (Determination has never been more intense!) TO Saving has become a way of life! ($5,500 EF) Aaaaaaaaaaaagggggggggghhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!! We’re Debt Free!!! FREEEEEEEEEEEDOM!!!!!!!!!!! […] Read more »