Money Money Money Money......MONEY!

If you've read many of my previous posts, you probably know we are trying to get out of debt. I would not say we were terribly in debt compared everyone else, but it was when it started to stress us out and put a strain on us that we had to give it some attention. Notice we were comparing ourselves to everyone else. This happened around the time we had our first child and I quit working. We lived tight and stressed for about a year and a half. Next, we listened to a series about money from Andy Stanley called Lost and went through Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey and realized we were way over our heads. About that same time we were having our second child and we both wanted me to continue to stay home with our children. I can only relate this feeling to the idea of being put in a pressure cooker. We have stuck to our guns so to speak and God has been so faithful to guide us in our decisions when it comes to money. We are not yet debt free, but we are praying that with God's favor this will be the year. By the way, we will celebrate our 7th anniversary this year! A year of jubilee I pray.

With all that said, I feel somewhat guilty saying THIS IS TOUGH!!! It is not some peaceful river that we are floating down on our way to freedom. This puppy is white water rafting at its toughest. The temptation to give up, the sadness of not being able to buy family, friends or each other gifts to show our love and appreciation, the numerous step forwards with 3 steps back, and most difficult for me are the everyday decisions in light of the long-term goal. There are always shoes needed, clothes needed, repairs, doctor appointments,etc.. All the while trying to keep our trust not in us or our power, but in God's faithfulness to guide us and provide for us.

I can totally see the power of money and how it can control you whether you have a lot or not enough. If you have it, the temptation is getting consumed in how to keep it or manage it. If you don't have it, it becomes how to get it and every little decisions seems coated in temptation. I can't tell you the number of times I hear in my head"if you can't go buy some clothes, at least buy a starbucks, or or a ..." Since we've been seeking out financial help, we've come across some good advice.

-There are 2 kinds of people in the world: those who earn interest and those who pay interest" - advice given to Andy Stanley

- "You don't need credit cards to establish credit. If you have money in the bank you don't need credit" - from Dave Ramsey


What is the best financial advice you have been given?