Goodreads symposis:
Are your finances getting out of control? Have you made mistakes with your money? Are you in more debt than you'd like to admit? Cherie Lowe has been there. She and her family found themselves $127,482.30 in debt (did your jaw drop?). They hadn't bought a yacht, blown it on designer clothes, or purchased a mansion. The small, everyday expenses of living just added up--until suddenly, the Lowes were being threatened by one dragon of a debt.But through hard work and with God's help, Cherie's family vanquished this foe, one bill at a time. And you can too! In "Slaying the Debt Dragon," Cherie shares how her war on debt made her financially free, strengthened her marriage, taught her children valuable money-management skills, and brought her whole family closer to God and one another. As you read her battle tales, you'll be armed with the weapons you need to fight your own financial foes. With God, all things are possible--and your inspired happily ever after can begin today.
One of Gary and I's biggest stressures in our life is our debt. We both had debt that we have brought into the marriage. I took out way too much in student loans to pay for things while I did unpaid internships and random other stuff. Gary went to a private school and also likes motorcylces. We have also had to adapt because we view money in different ways. I'm the shopper and he is the saver. So during our marriage we have had to compromise and learn from each other. I think that we are getting better, but it takes a lot of communication between the 2 of us.
Last fall we completely Financial Peace University. (More about that later.) We also sat down last week to talk about our budget for February. It was good because we went through each line by line and talked about it. We have a pretty good handle on our bills and in which order we will pay them. I really like how in the book she names her debt. They decided on "dragon." Which is cool, but I don't know if I really want to name it. Trust me it's something I already think about A LOT of the time. I don't need a name for it.
She also talks about ways to save money, and I can't wait to implement some of the ways into our life. One thing I am doing, but I need to actually finish (Which is story of my life right now) is making napkins. I got some of the cutest fabric a few weeks ago and need to cut into the right size.
Like Cherie it took me a little bit longer to jump on this bandwagon. For me I don't like to cook. I would rather grab something on the way home. For the longest time it was just me and I would constantly be moving so I would just grab something quick. Gary loves to cook, so it is a "muscle" that I am strengthening right now. Fighting the urge to go out to eat while eating at home.
Another tip that I have taken away from the book is 2 degree difference. Small changes over a long period of time rather than one big change. For example, I LOVE fountain drinks. I know sodas are horrible for you, but I don't drink coffee. So instead of giving it up all together and by the end of the week I have no friends or family or even a job for that matter because I will have ripped everyones head off from lack of caffeine. Instead I usually just have one in the morning, and drink water the rest of the day.
I highly recommend this book because she write in such a way anyone can understand, and breaks it down into baby steps. Things that didn't work and things that did work for her family. I recommend it for anyone on their debt free journey.
What books have you read?
