Dave Ramsey Check-In: Share Your Progress on His Financial Plan!

[janetupnorth]

Just came across this: http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/104346/Eight-Ways-to-Cut-Back-Without-SacrificingThe item about cooking fits our business!

 

[Chefstover2]

I'm so excited to find this thread! My brother and his wife are about to take FPU in Indianapolis and gifted us FPU online so we could get our act together alongside them (we just have to pay it forward instead of pay them back).

So, we sold DH's truck that he spent too much on and was costing too much to run and insure and paid off all but $3K on one CC! With my PC pay, I should have the CC paid off by the end of the year. :chef:

And we'll be paying cash for a new-ish vehicle for him tomorrow (the dealership made a boo-boo and mis-quoted the price so we got a DEAL!!).

 

[janetupnorth]

Hey, good job Kristin!

We just had some "unexpected" vehicle repairs come up on DH's truck to the tune of $1200 but the vehicle is worth the repairs and will give it a few more years of life so we have to do it. Luckily, I was just working on building up our emergency fund so I should have it covered. It will just slow down reducing debt a bit while that gets paid and the fund rebuilds.

Taxes sucked this year...PC saved us from owing - I noticed quite a few deductions from last year weren't available this year.

If we get those checks they approved, that is going RIGHT in the bank!

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

Dave Ramsey is Number 12Talkers Magazine, the authority on talk radio, publishes their list of the top 250 talk radio personalities every year. The list for 2008 is in their February issue, and you can see the top personalities, the http://www.talkers.com/main/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=19&Itemid=44.

There are a couple of surprises in the top ten, even in the top fifteen.

Dave Ramsey, a popular favorite around here, is ranked number 12, pretty good for someone in such a narrow, but important, niche. Bruce Williams, at one time the premiere business and financial adviser in the country, has faded but is still in the top 250.

I thought you might all like to know.

 

[DebbieJ]

Cool! THanks for sharing, KG

 

[familymgrkendra]

I haven't taken a DR class, but I have read a few of his books. DH and I did take the Financial Matters class by Crown Financial Ministries at our church in the fall '06 and it has really helped us tremendously. There are many similarities between the 2 programs.

About a year ago I tried searching for a message board for Crown info, but couldn't find one. I did find one for DR Total Money Makeover though:

http://www.livinglikenooneelse.com/forum/index.php

Also, about 4 months ago I discovered a couple of completely FREE programs that are based on the envelope program. My DH and I were paying $34.99 every 3 months to be enrolled in Myenvlopes, but when I discovered these sites I unsubscribed.

http://www.myspendingplan.com/ is a basic program and very easy to use. You don't even have to input your bank accounts if you don't want to.

Mint is another great program. It is a little more detailed then the My Spending Plan and very very identical to the Myevelopes program. We are currently using Mint for our household and love it.

Hope this info is helpful!!!

 

[janetupnorth]

I haven't taken a DR class, but I have read a few of his books. DH and I did take the Financial Matters class by Crown Financial Ministries at our church in the fall '06 and it has really helped us tremendously. There are many similarities between the 2 programs.

About a year ago I tried searching for a message board for Crown info, but couldn't find one. I did find one for DR Total Money Makeover though:

http://www.livinglikenooneelse.com/forum/index.php

Also, about 4 months ago I discovered a couple of completely FREE programs that are based on the envelope program. My DH and I were paying $34.99 every 3 months to be enrolled in Myenvlopes, but when I discovered these sites I unsubscribed.

http://www.myspendingplan.com/ is a basic program and very easy to use. You don't even have to input your bank accounts if you don't want to.

Mint is another great program. It is a little more detailed then the My Spending Plan and very very identical to the Myevelopes program. We are currently using Mint for our household and love it.

Hope this info is helpful!!!

A good friend of ours, Brian Kluth and former staff member with us at Fort Wilderness also has a financial ministry. He focuses more on the overall church a lot, but often on the individual and focuses on being able to increase giving.

His website needs some work - he -he - I think it is cluttered! But here it is: Generosity Biblical Stewardship Tithing Christian Stewardship Biblical Tithing Church Stewardship Bible Tithe Christian Giving Philanthropy Fundraising Scripture Verses 40 Days Annual Stewardship Help Campaigns Drives Church Offerings Financial Minis

His wife Sandi is currently going through Stage 4 cancer/chemo treatments right now but still very active and busy. They are a great couple and have helped my DH and I out when we needed our last vehicle. Brian is living proof that in giving, God blesses you with more. They are not a rich family, but very content.

 

[janetupnorth]

You'll love some of Brian's church giving cartoons: church cartoons on money cartoons stewardship cartoons magazine cartoons clip art clipart money cartoons clip art clipart Tithing cartoons clip art clipart Building fund  cartoons clip art clipart financial  debt  Generosity wealth cartoons clip

 

[jwpamp]

I ordered my Dave Ramsey items just a few days ago
New Year Financial Fitness Special

and got it yesterday...really quick shipping!

It was an $85 value for only $29. I am so excited to start using it! Thanks for the info, everyone!

 

[jwpamp]

Ok, it hasn't even been 2 weeks and we are well on our way. We already had $$ in the bank, and paid off our cards ever month in full (but didn't realize the thought behind using them and overspending). I do like to use them for bills -- they come out automatically, we pay in full -- no interest, and I get Best Buy bucks and Upromise college $$ back...I don't know if I want to give that up!

Ok, I regress...it's an eye opener to us...we are working on our Trust papers and have upped our Life Insurance thanks to Dave. I am sure my children will be much happier!

I love Suze Orman, too (am a big fan).

Thank you for posting this info!

 

[janetupnorth]

With all the talk of credit cards, I realized we hadn't posted on this in awhile.How's everyone doing...I'm working on reducing debt and increasing my emergency fund at the same time. It got depleted with auto repairs awhile back and is getting there...felt good to pay the auto repairs in cash (check) though!!!!

 

[DebbieJ]

Thanks Janet!We were able to cashflow about $1k in medical bills and $900 in car repairs over the past two months. It feels so good! And we will be paying CASH for everything on our incentive cruise next month (well, debit card ) We should be out of debt by October or sooner! WOo hooo!!!!

 

[janetupnorth]

Go Debbie - we have a MUCH longer road on debt reduction...doesn't help that prices keep going up, but feels good to be on the right track and things get worse. I feel so relaxed this year vs. last year this time.

 

[DebbieJ]

I feel so relaxed this year vs. last year this time.

I am so glad to hear that! Having a plan brings such PEACE. :balloon:

 

[JAE]

Just thought I'd pipe in here. I listen to DR often on AM radio. I feel as if I could answer most questions people have on that show. Sometimes I wonder if the people who call in do actually listen, even though they say they do listen.
Anyway, I don't spend my PC money other than paying PC expenses. My emergency fund for step 1 is in my PC account. I just realized that the other day. Woo hoo! Our first and only debt is the arm loan on our house, so we didn't have to pay PMI. According to DR, if you have an arm loan, that's part of your debt to pay down. I'll be needing to reach my $4000/month in sales and become a director soon to pay that off. Then we'll be debt free except the house (in a couple years!?) My dh isn't totally on board, so I can't count his business debt. I don't even know what it is. He's not really in agreement with DH when it comes to that.

I probably could cut expenses and spend less money to save more, but too lazy right now. Just glad we don't have a car payment or cc's with a balance. I also have a fix it man for a husband, so we don't spend a lot on fixing our old cars. I drive a 2001 Aztek with lots of problems and over 115,000 miles. My dh drives a 1993 Plymouth Grand Voyager with way, way over 100,000 miles. Should probably use the tax rebate for paying down debt, but I think we'll buy a new bed. Ours is over 15 years old.

 

[sfdavis918]

Janet and Deb - you guys are doing great cash flowing your repairs! Good job!

JAE - it's hard to follow Dave's plan when DH isn't on board. Good for you guys though with no car payments and no cc balances!

We were expecting DH to get a bonus this month. It came, but turned out to be about $3k less than what was originally promised. Luckily we didn't spend it before we had it like we have in years past. We had to hit our EF a little when our term life ins payment came due in Feb. We were able to get the EF back to $1k this month though. Should be all done with debt by October as well. I can't wait!!!

 

[finley1991]

I started FPU on Monday!

 

[wadesgirl]

I sent my brother Dave Ramsey's book for his b-day. My sister gave me one for my b-day a few years ago. Poor brother is just out of college, his gf decides to go back to college so their bills are piling up. I haven't heard from him if he got the book yet or not.

I'm happy to say that one of my CC should be paid off in the next month or two! Since I paid my car off, I automatically send that payment to the CC just as if I was still paying on my car.

 

[SilverCeladon]

I really need to get on board with him. I love hearing all your success stories! Now, I know he has more than one book. Is there one that's best? I'm just going to bite the bullet and order it from Amazon.

 

[SilverCeladon]

Have you seen all the Dave Ramsey books on eBay? WOW! Now, should I get the workbook also?

 

[sfdavis918]

I would suggest starting with The Total Money Makeover. You definitely don't need the workbook. Everything is explained really well and you can do you budget just with lined paper and pencil. In fact, to begin with that is what Dave suggests.

Good Luck!

 

[SilverCeladon]

Thanks Sarah. Off to buy the book now!

 

[janetupnorth]

Well, in the last few weeks, I've gotten the kids money in CDs (they have small accounts started), got a new windshield for DH's truck - paid cash...paid for NC with Conference Club and cash and am hopefully starting to save for the upcoming roof repairs - yikes!!!!Still have debt I'll be working on for QUITE awhile but on solid ground with everything else. DH is chuckling at me and calling me "MOM" when I check on his spending or other things but is doing well with it all. (I'm the finance person in our household). I'm also working on saving some spending money for conference so I can pay cash (or debit card since I feel funny traveling with cash) while there...Now if someone from Deal or No Deal would drop by and want me on the show, I'm not going to refuse...

 

[finley1991]

I've paid cash for NC and leadership the last 3 years and LOVE not having any lingering items when I get home! Before I go, I make a written budget just for the trip. I'd be happy to share it with you if you're interested!!!! Let me know...PS: Last NC, I forgot to budget for taxi fare so I'll remember that this time! But I did come home from NC with $20 and from Leadership with $180!!! I over-budgeted for gas & parking for Leadership so that's why I ended up with so much. In any case, I'd be happy to share if anyone is interested!

 

[janetupnorth]

I've paid cash for NC and leadership the last 3 years and LOVE not having any lingering items when I get home!

Before I go, I make a written budget just for the trip. I'd be happy to share it with you if you're interested!!!! Let me know...

PS: Last NC, I forgot to budget for taxi fare so I'll remember that this time! But I did come home from NC with $20 and from Leadership with $180!!! I over-budgeted for gas & parking for Leadership so that's why I ended up with so much. In any case, I'd be happy to share if anyone is interested!

I'm good at budgets, but I'm open for checking for anything missed, please do share... Thanks in advance!!!!

 

[DebbieJ]

Great job ladies!I was just looking at our family's March budget. We didn't do too bad, but there are definitely places to tighten. I just love the freedom having a plan brings.Next up is actually doing some budgeting for my PC accounts.

 

[janetupnorth]

Great job ladies!

I was just looking at our family's March budget. We didn't do too bad, but there are definitely places to tighten.

I just love the freedom having a plan brings.



Next up is actually doing some budgeting for my PC accounts.

I have a "Business Expense" line in my personal budget where I allow for X amount to be spent for PC...and an income line for my commission. I am trying to make sure income is equaling or exceeding PC expenses...

 

[DebbieJ]

I have a separate acct for my PC business, so it needs its own budget. That way I can identify categories where I can trim the fat.

 

[janetupnorth]

I have a separate acct for my PC business, so it needs its own budget. That way I can identify categories where I can trim the fat.

I could probably "trim the fat" too but I've only bought products this year and it is my personal reward for doing PC. I'm sure once business increases for me I'll buckle down and make it a more strict "business budget".

I've been pretty good at spacing out and predicting my supplies so far...I have extras on some things but only things I bought cheap and can use!

 

[finley1991]

Here is my budget from Leadership... couldn't find National's one. And like I said, I'll have to factor in cab fare for the trip. Last year I also factored in water and sodas I would get from the machines... at leadership they usually have those out for us but since they don't do that at NC, I go to the vending machines. Anyway, hope this helps!