Running … Out of Debt

"This would be a much better world if more married couples were as deeply in love as they are in debt." --Earl Wilson, American journalist and gossip columnist

Husband posted that quote on his Facebook page the other day. Interesting, right? Makes you really think about the things that people put value on, and unfortunately, put first in their lives.

I love that Husband is on board with my Dave Ramsey obsessive new way of thinking. We’re six weeks into our Financial Peace University course and its truly changing the way we handle our money. Dave’s philosophies aren’t rocket science; in fact they’re extremely simple and straight forward. Cash rules. And, get this - don’t spend money you don’t have. Gasp! We’re such a debit driven society that the thought of actually saving money for something before you by it is almost unheard of. Oh, no we’ll just pay more for it afterwards, for the next 10-15 years.

While it’s hard to untangle the mess made from credit (some days running 18 miles seems easier) its definitely doable – and necessary. Just like training for a marathon you should set your goal, come up with a plan, realize it doesn’t happen overnight, then put one foot in front of the other and go for it. Yes, there’s a little sweat and sacrifice involved, but something tells me it’s truly sweet when you cross that finish line.

Winks & Smiles,

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3Gs: Good Humor, Good Times, Good Advice

When I say I ran all day long yesterday I mean it – literally. Ok, not actual running, although I did get three miles in, but I was on-the-go!

It started at an ice cream social sponsored by Good Humor and hosted by the fabulous Jennifer James of Mom Bloggers Club.

Jennifer and me

Don’t worry, I didn’t eat any ice cream – gasp!

But it looked absolutely delicious!

I did get to chat with some of my favorite local Atlanta bloggers and escape my usual Monday morning madness. Thanks, Good Humor!

After picking up the kids we headed to my mother’s house to celebrate my grandmother’s 87th birthday.

Isn’t she just fabulous?

G-Ma and my kids – I just LOVE her!

After dinner – yes, I skipped the cake – Husband and I had our first Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University class. Can I just say I’m so excited to make some changes? There’s so much valuable information in each session but one thing that really stood out this week was the quote, “Building wealth is a marathon, not a sprint.”

Now they’re talking my language. (Did I really just write that?) Just like running, you have to take your time and build up your stamina. Marathon running doesn’t happen over night. Neither does getting out of debt and increasing your wealth. But, you do have to start to be able to cross the finish line. Taking that first step is hard but it’s the only way to make it happen. Then you have to be patient and take things in stride.

Good advice, right? Definitely easier said than done. Here’s hoping I can sprinkle some of my marathon mojo on my checkbook, too.

Winks & Smiles,

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