It was bound to happen. If I read enough books on money management, we would some day end up, debt free.  Finally we did.

It started back in 1995, right after we were married, living on one income near Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where Ben was a Marine. We never had money left over at the end of the month. I was the bill payer and was always frustrated when there was never enough. My frustration didn’t do much for Ben, who was working hard at his military career, that he loved. Besides, I was the one who said, “I don’t care what you do, pump gas for all I care…just come home happy.” Which, he did, but, something had to give. So I bought a book called How To Get What You Want Out Of Life, With The Money You Already Have by Carol Keeffe. A book that started us on a budget and put me on a quest to help myself and others become better money managers.

Fast forward to 2007, a new career for Ben, two kids, two car payments, a mortgage and more…later. Our budget still in place, but tight again. Something was missing in our money formula and it was threatening our simple life. Then some friends told us about Dave Ramsey, a personal finance guru. Ramsey, a multi-millionaire who had gone broke and became a multi-millionaire again, but this time for keeps. I liked this guy already, he sounded like he may have something. We started listening to Dave on the radio and checkout every book in the library on personal finance, a total of five. Then we took his Financial Peace University class and nine months later we were debt free, except our house.

I don’t  want to reinvent the wheel, as far as money management goes…Instead I’ll share some real life case studies that you may see yourself in or someone you know…

Choosing to become debt free has totally changed our life and marriage. It has allowed us to put our hopes and dreams at the top of the budget, give more to causes that mean a lot to us, and keeps me at home where I can nurture these precious lives that surround me. I now coordinate Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University classes in our small town and give one on one help anyone who wants or needs simple budget advice. This is sick hobby of mine, I do this for free over coffee or over the Internet, that always makes my simple life richer.

I don’t  want to reinvent the wheel, as far as money managment goes. There are far too many experts in books, videos and blogs. Instead I’ll share some book reviews on money and life and some real life case studies that you may find yourself in or someone you know. If you have questions or comments about personal finances, email me sis@reclaimsimplicity.com or leave a comment. I’ll keep your identity out of it, but share some ideas and tips with everyone that might help. Lawd knows, most everyone is hurting in this economy, but together we can change that and embrace simplicity in the process.

Simply,

Sis

Tags: dave ramsey, debt, debt advice, debt free living, finances, financial peace university, money advice, money management, personal economy, personal finance, Simple Money