Live Like No One Else

I'm feeling very accomplished tonight.  On a night where Daniel and I would have probably gone out to eat and maybe gone to a movie, shopping, etc.; we ate some amazing "Easter" kabobs (that's my new name for them) and are watching a movie from our collection!

Daniel and I have been "doing" Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace for about 3 years now.  We've actually kind of modified his program to fit our lifestyle and  have been slowly but surely trying to pay off our debt.  There's probably a reason Dave says to do things a certain way.  I bet we'd have been out of debt already if we'd just done what he said.  I've always had to learn the hard way....ask my parents!

Now, under our modified financial plan, we've paid off 2 cars, a baby, and a student loan.  We've also been able to avoid going further into debt.  All of these are fantastic accomplishments, but it has really taken a toll on us as it has taken SO long to do all these things.  We're ready to finish "living like no one else" so that we can "live like no one else." 

So, we had one of those infamous "budget meetings" Dave's always talking about.  We talked rationally and reasonably about our goals and some of the things that we've been doing that we could cut out of our lives.  The result??  We'd like to be debt free in a year - April 2012.  We firmly believe this is feasible and (for the moment) are pumped to get going.  Daniel gave up truck parts (he recently bought back his old yellow, Dodge pickup from his brother), and misc. hunting gear.  I, the free spirit, gave up everything else.  Haha, no, just kidding.  I am giving up Sonic & QT drinks (limiting to 1 a week), misc baby purchases (that aren't needed), and new clothes, purses, etc.  Together, we're limiting our entertainment - no movies out; only redbox.  We're also going to limit our eating out even more than we already do. 

Now, I will be the first to admit, this is going to be really hard.  We went to Walmart last night for flour, cheese, and chicken....I'm glad Daniel was with me or I would have left with Easter candy and a bouquet of tulips!!  We've only been doing this for a week and I've already used up my Sonic/QT drink for this week and next...oops!  BUT, I'm encouraged.  I'm always up for a challenge, and I truly believe that we can do this. 

So, Dave, we submit.  We're gonna try it your way!!  We've seen amazing things happen in our budget and God has blessed us immeasurably.  Now, it's up to us to finish the job and owe no man!!