So today marks the 18th consequtive day that my hubby has worked!!! He has not had a day off in almost 3 weeks! Wow! What a MAN!
Because of his commitment, diligence and hard work I am ELATED to say that we are on the verge of being DEBT FREE! And not only debt-free...but we also have been able to build our savings account back up too! (Rene, you can stop holding your breath now! ha ha)
It's almost ironic...how we just went through one of the toughest years we've ever had financially...and yet...we are achieving something we've been working towards for TWELVE years!
You know what made the difference? God is our provider; Not our jobs.
Yah, it was (and is) a lesson that wasn't quick or easy to learn...but we HAD to stop putting our trust in our paycheck, and start knowing that we know that we know that God's "got this." As long as we remained faithful to tithe, give when we could and be good stewards with what we were given, our efforts have been blessed!
We gave the largest tithe check I've ever written out last night...and I don't say that AT ALL to say woohoo look at us....I say that to say WOOHOO LOOK AT GOD!!!!
Of course, we have done without somethings we'd really like to have (wedding ring, new car, vacation) BUT...now that we are not slaves to debt, we can start saving up to buy these things CASH! (or at least with a big down payment)!
I am really going to consider getting Dave Ramsey's Money Management workbook thing and start applying his principles of putting money in envelopes for everything. That seems so "stone age" to me...to carry around CASH for stuff...but, I can TOTALLY see how doing that would make my Wal-Mart trips much more focused and less impulsive. I would be forced to pay attention to how much I'm spending and not nearly as tempted to throw that sports bra or pkg of socks or pj's for the kids in the cart that way. Also, as my dear friend Lisa pointed out to me....it's also a way to be able to purchase things for yourself without feeling guilt (because if the money is in the envelope marked "clothes for jen" then I can spend it!! YAY!)
The tough thing will be passing up that bargain on the clearance rack for 70% off just because I don't have money in the envelope. Maybe I'll make up a special envelope called "bargain money" so that I can spend it on anything that I find that is an amazing bargain!?!?!
Anyway, I'm curious...have any of you used this envelope system? And if so, how has it worked for you?
Another thing I'm hoping to implement with our new-found financial freedom is some kind of savings for those things you never think about saving for (dog grooming, car tags, car maintenance, Christmas, date night, birthday gifts). Not exactly sure how to do this...but I know that those things right there are the ones that got us into debt in the first place!
So....do any of you have any money tips you'd be willing to send my way?
I am SOOOO looking forward to spoiling my hardworkin' man this weekend! Rest, relaxation and a DATE! Yee-haw!
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3 comments:
Jen, we use the envelope/cash system and it has made a tremendous difference for us!
We get our paychecks and immediately write out our tithes, then we get cash out for our envelopes, and pay bills. We have an envelope for groceries, household items, pet car, vehicle maintenance, etc. We also write out a certain amount (in our money software) for things that come up each week and throughout the year like cash, boys lunch money for school, vehicle registration, septic system contract renewal, healthcare costs, birthdays, summer fun, etc. Anything extra gets put into a "payoff" fund to pay as extra toward debt. By putting a little in these funds, out of each paycheck, by the time these things come due, we have the money to pay them. It's been amazing!
Also, by using cash to buy our groceries, household items, pet care items, and vehicle maintenance items, I tend to spend a lot less. I carry my list and my calculator with me through the store. It's saving us a ton of money, and a relief from stress!
Jennnnn, that is soooo AWESOME!!!! Congratulations!!!! Congratulations!!! Congratulations!!!!!!! Wuuu Huuu - definite reason to celebrate you and that wonderful hubby of yours!!! =)
I'm sorry I don't have any money tips to share with you, though! =( Don't watch QVC!!!! There! Ha!
xoxoxo
♥Lori
ok I'm mad, I just typed u a huge comment and my computer died UGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH! my point was in condensed form, do what works for you.You might not know what works for u until u try some new things, so definately try this! I have a friend who says he's not "credit card worthy" meaning he KNOWS he can't be trusted with a ccard bc he will overspend, so he only pays cash for everything. he knows himself so that works. I use my ccard for EVERYTHING (bc I get free tickets and rewards so it benefits me to do this)BUT I pay it off every month, so I only buy things I know I can afford and thus pay for when the bill comes. I have another friend who teaches Dave Ramsey classes and had gotten out of debt doing his program, I don't know if she uses the envelope system at home, but I do know she uses it for vacations. On every paycheck they set asis a certain amount in an acct for vaca then when they go on vaca they withdraw it in cash and only use that cash. They write everything down they spent the money on so they know where it went, and when they get home they don't get a bill in the mail. Its all been paid for as they did it. it works for them, and that's how they are able to go on vacations bc they only pay cash for it and they save the cash specifically for that purpose. whatever u do, you will find a medium that works with yourself.
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