"Frrrrreeeeeeddddooooooommmmmmmm"

"Freedom," the words we hope to be able to scream some day. What am I talking about? Freedom from debt and creditors. Before I go any further, I don't want this to sound like a cry for help, because we are blessed abundantly, but just trying to change the way we think about money. Many of you may have heard of Dave Ramsey. For those of you who have not, he has been a wonderful inspiration to us. His book, Total Money Makeover, was given to me as a gift when I graduated from graduate school. George and I both read it and agree with the principles in it.

The main idea behind Dave Ramsey's school of thought is to get out of debt and stay out of debt. This includes no credit cards, no borrowing, no school loans, no car payments...if you can't pay cash, you can't afford it. The resounding saying through the book is, "Live like no one else [now], so you can live like no one else [later]". It is a very easy read and not full of financial jargon. It is NOT a "get rich quick" book, but rather a reasonable approach to getting out of debt and how to build wealth.

He also offers a course, Financial Peace University, through many churches and homes. It is a 13 week course where a portion of the time is spent watching him on video with that week's designated lesson, followed by small group discussion. We decided to enroll in the class to gain additional knowledge and guidance on how to follow his plan. In our class there are several other couples near our age, as well as a few couples a little older than us, and a few single individuals as well.

This week was just the introduction, and because we have been such big Dave Ramsey fans, there wasn't much "new" information to us, but it was nice to meet other couples that have the same desires as we do; to take what we have been blessed with and use it in an honoring way.

I hope to do weekly posts on the class lesson that week, and share information that we have learned. Also, for those interested, and those new to Dave, he ahas a radio program where he answers financial questions that is fun and educational to listen to. Once callers have finished paying all of their debts, they can call in and share their story of success, (some pay for years and years to be debt free)--Dave is truly excited for each and every person that has had the discipline to get out of debt. After they share their story of reaching financial peace the following conversation takes place,

"who's yellin' with you?" Dave asks.
Then the caller says "children, family, wife, etc." Whoever is has been a part of the process.
"Let's hear it!" Dave says.
"We're/I'm DEBT FREEEEEEE!!!!!" they all yell at the top of their lungs, as the Braveheart track plays in the background "Frrrrreeeeeddddddoooommmmmm"

It is quite funny to listen to, not to mention encouraging and motivating to hear others' success. While we are a ways off from making that big call, we have the hope and desire to get there someday.