Monday, May 5, 2008

Total Money Makeover...

Okay, I am so not one to say "this book changed my life!" It's cliche right? Well, I've got to say it...THIS BOOK CHANGED MY LIFE! Jacob and I thought we were good with money, and then we read this book. You know that dark cloud of uncertanty and doubt that you get when you think about your bank account?? Once you read this book, it gives you hope and direction. Jacob and I are so, so excited for the future and our retirement now! It tells you how to put your money where it's going to pay off the most debt the quickest. It's simple advice that ANYONE can do weather you make $300,000 or $30,000. It's sensible advice that applies to everyone...even if you already think you are good with money. It teaches you how to pay off even that debt that is concidered "acceptable" like cars and student loans, and even your house! Jacob and I have already paid off about $10,000 in credit card and medical debtscf in just 6 months!!!!!!!!!!! Are you kidding me?!! That's insane! We feel so fantastic and no longer have that looming cloud of worry and uncdertanty when it comes to money and the future. We plan to pay off Jacob's student loans and his car by the end of next year! My car is already paid for. I sold my beloved Jeep and am driving around a '98 Astro Van that we got a killer deal on a paid cash for. I am very proud to drive around my Astro Van because I don't have a payment on it and in a year or two, I can get a better car when we have enough saved up for it. Jacob even went as far as to sell his $19,000 truck and buy a very nice one for only $7,000 that gets even better gas miliage. We even had to sell it for less than we owed on it but by doing that, we still have less debt. We even re-fied our house to have a lower interest rate, pay off our principle but we still have the same payment. After the student loans and car is paid off, we will start paying our home off even more! Can you imagine?! Not even having a house payment by the time you are 45?! I'm telling you guys, GET THIS BOOK!.. and follow it! You will feel SO good. It might not be so fun at first to look at all your debt but at least you will have a plan and you will get hope again by dealing with it.
I'm taking Jacob to the Dave Ramsey Live Show in Salt Lake on the 17th. It should be a blast. I am such a fan. He really knows what he is talking about. Good luck everyone!

8 comments:

Derek and Emily said...

I was really charged up when I read this book too! I can't wait for Derek's finals to be over because I've already told Derek that his homework will be to read this book. It is so not the best time to start a total money makeover (new baby, moving and even more school), but you are right. With this book you feel empowered. Good luck with all that you are doing. Wish us luck as we try to do it too!
Emily

everyday katie said...

Whoa...you're passionate about this. We'll have o check it out. Spencer and I took a family finance class in college and felt like that about it. But as the years have past...we've lost some momentum. THat would be great to rejuvenate us. Especially in the midst of the student load thing. We feel like we're pretty good with money, but student loans are a killer. This is the first time we've really started depending on them and it's rotten. Thanks.

Johnson said...

I totally agree. Jared and I have been about half way through the book for a few months, I think we need to pick it back up and finish reading it. I totally love this guy! Thanks for the motivation.

Sundbergs said...

That sounds like a great book. I am always looking for ways to improve our situation and to plan for the future.

Traci Elizabeth said...

Hey Bethany..you probably don't remember me. I am from corona (Traci Burnham)...anyhow, i blogged hopped over here from Katies and saw your post. My husband and I love this book. I always feel like we are doing good because we only have school debt and a car loan, but the idea is to have no debt. I have been losing focus on this so thanks for the pep talk.

Johnson said...

Jacob & Bethany -- I know Michelle posted on this, but I thought I'd put my two cents in too. I love this book, being a "money guy", when Michelle's grandpa gave it to us I was a bit skeptical, but it was just what we needed. We've always been adverse to debt, but this really showed us how important it is to stay that way and not let what others do dictate what we will. We now are one bonus check away from being debt free . . . oh, except for the new house we just bought in Temecula, but we've got a plan for that too.

Johnson said...

Jacob & Bethany -- I know Michelle posted on this, but I thought I'd put my two cents in too. I love this book, being a "money guy", when Michelle's grandpa gave it to us I was a bit skeptical, but it was just what we needed. We've always been adverse to debt, but this really showed us how important it is to stay that way and not let what others do dictate what we will. We now are one bonus check away from being debt free . . . oh, except for the new house we just bought in Temecula, but we've got a plan for that too.

Tolley Family said...

I think I will have to read this book. You are the second person to recommend it to me!