The burden is lifting

I have mentioned in some of my last posts that I have been taking the Dave Ramsey course, Financial Peace University. It all seems like such common sense and you wonder how our world may be in the mess we are in if you follow such simple concepts - but it's not that easy. After two hours tonight of working diligently on a budget the Dave Ramsey way - I have my envelope system in place and it feels wonderful to know that I have enough money to cover what I need to cover WITH wiggle room.

I have a long way to go. It's going to take me a couple of months to get to where I really want to be and take some of his deeper steps - but what a lifted burden to not have to worry. It was awesome tonight to take my little book I keep in my purse and write down every dollar and toss it because I don't have to keep track that way anylonger. I know where my money is, how much I have for certain things, and if that line says "0", that means, "O"!

Sure feels great! It's weird how you resolve some of the greatest issues in life and everything else falls into place. Dave Ramsey talks about holding onto your money with a tight fist. If you are holding your money in a tight fist, none can leave, but none can come in either. Money is ment to be active. To flow. To move. It just needs to be assigned to where you want it to go. If you don't, it will go nowhere and you will then find yourself trying to figure out where it went in crisis mode 99% of the time.

It's awesome stuff. I recommend everyone who needs that extra push to enrich their lives - to take it. I am already being blessed for it. I can't wait till a few years down the road when I will be fruitfully rewarded.

Happy $$$!!

~Sandy

Falling into Fall

Monday night. It's chilly. Dawson has been in bed for almost an hour. He was so tired this morning. We both were. It's 8pm and I'm yawning. I'm ready for bed already. It's been a busy couple of months since my last post. We took a vacation to Buffalo to see Dave, Isaac, Grandma and the Oates Family. We had a great time. I'm really looking forward to getting back. It really does seem like home. Every since I first with to Buffalo in 1996, I didn't want to leave. When I left in 2005, I sacrificed what I wanted at the moment for what I wanted in the long run. Of course hind sight is always pure, clear vision. I regret many things, but I don't think I'd have learned and experienced the things I have come to appreciate if I hadn't gone through the experiences that I have. It all seems to work out at some point. I'm still figuring out as I go along - but life becomes clearer with each passing moment.

In August, I submitted my worst money habit to the Dave Ramsey Show. I was selected to talk with Dave Ramsey on his show! It was a defining moment. He enlightened me that my decisions (particularly money) are made from fear. He is right. You'd think I'd fear spending money and not saving diligently - but I don't. He was kind enough to offer his FPU Class (Financial Peace University) to me at no cost. I was elated. I have been going for 3 weeks now and have learned so much. I'm working through old habits, slowly making changes, but have been much more conscience of each decision. Even the quick stops for dinner on the way home because we are tired and hungry. Each time we pass on stopping it's one step in the right direction. It's a great feeling.

I have also been working on a new opportunity at work to outsource myself to do planning for other advisors. I have been making great progress and almost at the point to accept new assignments. I have a meeting this week to discuss the opportunity with an advisor in particular and I'm looking forward to the feedback. So far, from the mentors I've discussed and worked with - I'm onto a great opportunity. I am looking forward to growing my business to eventually not have a full-time 8 to 5 job, but a lucrative paying job, be my own boss, and live life!

It's exciting. Lots of great things heading our direction!

That's my update. Off to bed to get some needed sleep. I have been dreaming lately and I don't think it's letting me get restful sleep! :)

~Sandy