Dave Ramsey is going to be my new best friend!

~Proverbs 19:20~
Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.

From my previous post you will have probably gathered that I am not too wise in the ways of finance. This would be a horrible understatment. I am absolutely pathetic in the ways of finance.

I have blindly skipped along spending money without understanding concepts and conditions that are apparently very clear and obvious to most adults. Bob says that he thinks a lot of this is because I never really understood the concepts of money as a kid. If there were money problems (and there were) I never really knew about them because back then, you didn't concern your kids with that kind of stuff. My parents provided me with a good childhood. I wasn't given everything I wanted, but it was only in later years that I learned how much my parents worked and sacrificed for the things I did have. I had no idea how much things cost or how much my parents would have to work to provide those things for me. I didn't grow up expecting everything and would have never thought to ask for or demand more, but I also didn't know the value of what I had.

So, I am trying to turn a new page in our financial book. Bob and I have been talking (calmly and considerately) about the best way to handle our finances and what I will need to do to become more responsible. (He is also working at being more understanding and considerate in the way he addresses the problem)

A couple years ago we went through Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey. We loved it and it really worked! We got rid of six credit cards in the space of about a year and a half. We have quit using the techniques that he gives to manage your finances and to pay off debt so we are going to go back through the class this fall to re-stoke the financial fire. We are also going to start a video series in our marriage small group called imarriage. I guess you could call it a two pronged attack to our problem.

I detest the word budget and really hate the idea of not getting to "spoil" our kids with little things along the way, but I would much rather get it all under control now and have the money to do more later. I would also like to see my dear hubby not so strained and stressed.

Once again, I am asking for your prayer support as we begin this new journey. Ok, as I begin this new journey. As my scripture today suggests, I am willing to listen to wise councel. I will be praying for God to really fortify us and also that He will be kind and maybe give a few little blessings along the way. I know that we have to honor God with our finances. He is the one who is providing them after all. I just ask that I can learn to do that with as few tears and tantrums as possible.