kt.lennox So, I listen to Dave Ramsey pretty much everyday. I think the Baby Steps are the way to go if you want to get out of debt and build wealth the quickest.
CONFESSION: I am not all in. I want to be but I am not. I guess I haven’t had the real “I’ve had it!” moment since I have only changed some of my habits. I’m hoping this post helps get me there and keep me accountable…..I’m almost there. Right now, I’m doing the Kate plan.
Behind my Dave-ish behavior I have many excuses. Part of this post is to call myself out for not going in 100% on the plan, in hopes that I can push myself towards intensity. The other part of this post will be to explain my habits so that others that relate can find hope that they can do this plan, work (as I will) towards full intensity, and find some tools that may help.
The debt. I never really talked about money and never really learned too much about it either. There were many lessons I could have learned from my mom and dad- and I am pretty sure the memories I have of how my mom and dad used to shop and budget for groceries and plan for coupons or sales, could work even now to teach me what I was kinda too distracted to pay attention to at the time. Having neglected the responsibility of learning about money and applying principles – like don’t spend more than you have – I found myself behind where I would like to be in my financial journey. I found myself in all types of debt – car loan, credit card debt, and student loans.
I have been half doing this for some time now and have paid off all my credit cards, my car, and have been working on paying off my student loans. I would like to say that The Ramsey plan works, and even if I am only doing it half-way, it will only take longer and I will be less wealthy. I am willing to sacrifice a little of my success in being debt-free so that I can still do things I want during this time – I am not suggesting that anyone do The Ramsey plan halfway, BUT if it’s between not doing it at all and doing it slower – doing it slow is a good choice.
The next post will be explanations (read: excuses) on why I let my finances get out of control. Knowing that might help others who are like me be enlightened. I am hoping it encourages others to understand the reasons behind our spending habits and how we treat our money. Holla all you Enneagram 7’s, 2’s, and ENFP’s – we have a hard trek ahead of us!
