The Smelker Seven

Putting Money to Work

Several months ago Terry and I bought a book called "Total Money Makeover" by Dave Ramsey. This book has single-handedly changed the way we look at and work with our money!



I know that ultimately you can read a million books on a subject and agree with everything written, but then never implement any of the steps that a book recommends. I understand that a book alone is not responsible for any changes that we, or anyone, brings into their lives, but this book is what really catapaulted us into changing the way we see our money.

Like many young couples (I think we qualify as a young couple!) we have responsibilities with our five kids, a car payment, house payment yada yada...so for us it seemed impossible to do more than live pay check to pay check. It appeared that as soon as we got some extra money something would come along and take the money from us! Car repairs, Dentist bills, or something else. The "Total Money Makeover" book gives very common-sense, practical ideas on how to (a) increase income and (b) reduce debt and (c) save an emergency fund and beyond. It means our family has to make some changes this year, but we plan on being one of the minority who don't live pay check to pay check any longer! According to stats, approximately 70% of American families do live pay check to pay check. We are no longer letting our money dictate our lifestyle, but putting our money to work for us.

One other book we're looking at getting is "48 Days To The Work You Love". We'll keep you posted on what it's like!

Labels: Dave Ramsey, Total Money Makeover

posted by The Smelker Seven @ 7:42 AM