FPU GRADUATES

Adam and I took a 9 week course called Financial Peace University taught by Dave Ramsey.  Dave is a big name in the financial world and he helps a lot of people understand money in a simple way.  

"Taking control of your money is only 20 percent head knowledge, the other 80 percent is behavior." 

-D. Ramsey

I already had a book of his, and they were offering this class through our church.  We went to the orientation and ended up signing up for it.  It was a 100 dollars a person or per couple and now that we have paid we may return any time.  He teaches his Baby Steps thru biblical principles.  FACT:  Money is spoken about in the Bible more than any other subject.  

It was a really eye opening class, and we are trying to change our behavior towards the money we spend.  

His 7 Baby Steps are:

1. Save 1000 dollars in beginner emergency fund.

2. Pay off all debt using the debt snowball technique

3. Put 3-6 months of expenses in savings

4. Invest 15% of your household income.

5.  Save for your children's college

6. Pay off house early

7. Build wealth and give.

We are currently working on Baby Step #2, we have built ourselves a budget and are trying our best to stick with it.  We are using his "envelope system," for groceries.  We have placed 300 dollars cash in an envelope to buy groceries for 1 month, when that money is gone, you eat whatever is in the pantry to make it thru.  It teaches you to "feel" the money disappear.  When you use credit, you just pay for it later, and it's easy to over buy.  

It has been quite the adjustment because our debit cards have been in over drive and our checking just dwindles down so fast.  BUT all our credit card statements are starting to lead to zero balances!!!

In the end, we are very glad that we took the class, and would suggest it to anyone.  Whether you have financial problems or not, it's great information coming from guy who is passionate about helping people. 

If you live like no one else, later you can live and give like no one else!!!!