Archive for March 2008

As a staff member of NewSpring Church, I am able to provide FREE one-on-one financial counseling for hundreds of people each year.

Something that has been rocking my world lately through these meetings is the frequency that I hear the following statement …

"My parents – UGH!  They are terrible with their money."

Is that your story?

One thing that I have learned from my hero, Dave Ramsey, is to listen to HOW people say things.  To hear the tone in which it is said.  To listen to what is being left unsaid.

What do I hear?  Regret.  Disappointment.  Sadness.  Shame.  Discouragement.  Frustration.  Anger.

Here is what I can say for certain.  HOW you manage your money WILL impact your children!

Proverbs 22:6 comes to mind – "train a child in the way he should go …"

So does Proverbs 13:22 – "A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children …" 

Are you ashamed of your parent's financial management?  Resolve to break the cycle with your family.

Are you ashamed of your own financial management?  It's time to have your IHHE Moment and change the story!

You CAN do this!  I believe in you.

Read recent posts by Joe 

Receive each post automatically in your E-MAIL by clicking HERE.

I am excited to introduce Couple #3 – the newest members of the "Marching To Debt Freedom" crusade.

Introduction

This couple has been married for many years and have one child.   They have HAD IT with their debt and have been marching toward debt freedom since November 2007.  They are THROUGH with credit cards.

What went well this month …

We transferred our Bank of America card balance to another card at a much lower interest rate.  We also got the interest rate reduced on one of the Discover cards.  We "spent" our tax refund before we actually received it, and it went much further!  Half of it funded our emergency fund which is now over $2,900!

What were the challenges/struggles this month …

Not really any this month …  except we want it all paid off!

Updated Debt Freedom Date …

Sangl Says …

I am excited about the progress of Couple #3!  One debt is already paid off, and more are getting ready to fall!  It is AMAZING how fast debt can leave when you have your IHHE Moment!

I challenge everyone to seek lower interest rates on any debt you are carrying.  Many times you can obtain a lower interest rate just by calling your credit card.  Or you can avoid the conflict altogether by rolling the balance over to a "0% for 12 months" card. 

Readers …

Will you take a moment to leave a comment for Couple #3 and thank them for sharing their personal financial information with everyone?  It takes a lot of courage to do this, and I am PUMPED to watch this debt fly away!

Read the Debt Freedom March updates for Couple #1 and Couple #2 

Want to start your own Debt Freedom March?  Check out the free tools HERE.  My book also teaches you how to use all of the free tools.  You can purchase your copy at AMAZON.COM or via PAYPAL! 

Receive each post automatically in your E-MAIL by clicking HERE

Introduction

This couple is THROUGH with debt!  It has now been five months since they announced that they were breaking up with debt.

Here is this month's update!

What went well this month …

Things are going great, and we are sticking to the plan.

Challenges and struggles this month …

I really don't have anything different to say as far as the challenges and struggles for this month.

Here is their updated Debt Freedom Date calculation …

Month By Month Progress …

What are the biggest changes you have seen as a result of the first six months of this march …

Introduction

Couple #1 is THROUGH with debt!  They have been married for many years and have two children.  They are now SIX months into their march.  Here is this month's update.

What went well this month …

WOW! This is like when you can fit into your skinny jeans again.  God blessed us and sent us a bonus check and instead of blowing it, I put it to good use.  I paid off my car, and paid $3,000.00 on the other car.  I am stoked!  In about three months, I will be shed of all debt except the big stuff.  We are also getting a tax refund, and I am hurling that at debt too.  I feel like David reaching for the stones, baby!

What were the challenges/struggles this month …

The only struggle is feeling guilty because we did not do this early on.  I would be a freaking gazillionare by now.  God rocks.  Joe rocks.  Not being broke rocks.  Yee Ha!

What are the biggest changes you have seen as a result of the first six months of this march …

This has made us focus like a laser beam on our finances – both good and bad.  It has let us have a glimpse of what life will be like with no debt, and I like it.  I can only wish that anyone who reads this takes it to heart.  Don't let credit cards ruin your happiness.  I will always remember my IHHE Moment!

Updated Debt Freedom Date …

Month By Month Progress …

Sangl Says …

ANOTHER DEBT IS GONE!  Couple #1 has definitely had enough.  Look at the progress they have made in just six months!  Their initial Debt Freedom Date calculation was 42.9 months.  They are now down to 35.1 months AND they have avoided all new debt.  They had to slow down during Christmas so that they could avoid debt that month, but it allowed them to stay on the path toward financial freedom.  In just six months, Couple #1 has made FOUR different debts leave their life!

Way to go, Couple #1!  I am FIRED UP by the progress you guys are making!

Readers …

How are you doing on YOUR debt freedom march?  You can do this!

Read Previous Monthly Updates For Couple #1 HERE

Like what you are reading?  Receive each post automatically in your E-MAIL by clicking HERE.