I’m getting a makeover…on my money. Let me rephrase that: I’m making over my money. It’s scaring me to death. My husband, who never reads books,was reading Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover during our short Christmas break. Because he never reads, I was intrigued. I reluctantly started reading this book and I was hooked.
Let me back up a bit. I’m not one to listen to any sort of talk radio ever. If it’s E! radio talking about the latest awards show or who is pregnant (um…Kate Middleton and Kim Kardashian and Jessica Simpson), I may make an exception. I get so bored reading books that are educational and don’t like to learn unless I’m ready. Wow, I sound like such a hoot. You’d think I was dumber than a doornail. The point: I’m stubborn.
Whether you have what you think is a healthy income or you’re completely broke, this book is for you. I won’t go selling it because I get diarrhea just thinking about it. My husband and I ( along with our 4-year old) are completely changing our lives to become debt free. This includes taking a good look at everything we pay for whether it’s big or small. I’m talking about cancelling cable, selling newer cars for less than desirable and barely running automobiles and putting a halt to the shopping, restaurant dinners, Starbucks (gasp!) and more.
This may kill me.
Should I live to tell about being debt free and finding wealth before I turn 35, I’ll be telling you from a very happy place. This is possible, others have done it but I need to see for myself if it really works. Remember that stubborn comment above? I’m a total “believe it when I see it” type of person.
I’m nervous about missing out on the fun. I nervous about not being a part of the group, about not doing what I feel is therapeutic (watching a reality show on BRAVO or getting more than I need at Target) and I’m nervous about the world having a good time around me and then finding out, in the end, that it didn’t work for me. The unknown is terrifying to me. Stubborn and a baby.
Are you doing the makeover? I would be more than open to sharing my experiences with you and having you share your experiences with me if you are doing the Total Money Makeover as well. I like the feeling of community which is why mom and I started organizedCHAOSonline in the first place. I like to know that I can lean on someone when I feel weak and they can lean on me when they aren’t having the best of days. It’s always better to know that you’re not alone.
I’m an open book. Sometimes to a fault. I welcome you to be an open book, too. While I know that others have seen success through this program, I want to know what happens in the middle. It’s like with weight loss. I love the before and after pictures but I want to know about how they made it through the random Wednesday nights when they were craving a box of Girl Scout Samoa cookies or when that morning walk was as painful and frustrating as pulling a stubborn eyebrow hair. I want to know what happens in the middle of it all and know what pulled them through.
After cutting up all the credit cards, my husband and I are officially on day 2 of our Total Money Makeover. That image is of our credit cards…or what was. We are planning a budget meeting this weekend (I really really really hate the word “budget”) and are beginning to eliminate my bubble of comfort.
“If you will live like no one else, later you can live like no one else
Deep breath. Eyes on the prize. I’m off to cry and probably puke. I’m being 100% serious. This is really really tough for me.
I welcome your comments.
I too am working on becoming debt free!! I read his book last year, but it didn’t really hit home until I read it again in August of this year. That is when I decided to get to it and start getting out of debt. I have paid off 5 of 13 bills so far, and it is such a great feeling! I am also blogging about my entire journey to keep me accountable and also give others some motivation. Check it out sometime. http://takingkarayourself.blogspot.com/
That’s really awesome, Kara. I did take a peek at your blog. I’m going to go right on back and start reading. I’ll be honest, in the past year, my “gazelle like intensity” weaned to a mouse. I didn’t keep it up and every time I think about how almost a year has gone by, I get irritated at myself. I’d have made serious progress. No time like the present to start, right? Nice work on your additional job and for paying off debt like crazy!
Yeah, I hope that I can keep up this intensity this year. If I do, I should be able to get out of debt. I’m just glad I started when I did!
Good luck to you and your family on your Total Money Makeover!
I started my Total Money Makeover almost 6 years ago and I can’t be happier with the decision. It is a long road, but it is worth it.
I recently purchased Dave Ramsey’s book and haven’t picked it up yet but after reading these posts I’m looking forward to it!! Good luck to you and everyone else!
If you decide to do it, I’ll be your biggest supporter. It’s tough so far but I’m keeping my eye on the prize.
I’m happy I am not the only one that has to poop when I’m stressed to the max. Oh my gosh Tawsha you are awesome and I am happy that we are friends.
I’ve never seen you NOT do something that you have had an idea about, put your mind to, or even considered. YOU CAN AND WILL DO THIS, and you will kick ass and take names. And save them money. I know you – you will be so successful at this!
I think I can…I think I can…
Loving reading ‘you’ on here! Its like sitting having a conversation with you on your couch! I am with you on the feeling sick thing when I consider the word budget…especially as we are in an odd situation and are actually spending ALL of our money…ON PURPOSE…and when it has gone we have to start again! (barf) BUT, I comment for reason other than to make myself vomit, material things are over-rated. You will find ways to bring the fun to you. You have the imagination and creativity to ‘manage’, not to mention that you are inspiring others to reduce the consumerist bullshit that the world loves so much! Go you! I’m proud of you and KNOW you will kick the bottom out of it! Xxx
We have been using mint.com for the past year and it has helped turn our budget and debt-to-income ratio around – we threw the away credit cards and modified or cut out everything!! Now, I have DEFINITELY missed my frequent cheese dip and margarita dates (aka my version of Starbucks) and my never-ending Publix trips (for recipes I now can’t believe spent the money on per serving!!!) It was and continues to be a total overhaul but it has worked – And I can breathe!! This was the first Christmas in years that I didn’t cry the entire month of Dec over what Santa could/would bring because I budgeted for that all year (he didn’t bring much but I also didn’t have daily panic attacks!)
You will kick butt at this like you do everything else!!! I’m right beside you!!
PS Mint.com is a great tool now matter what place you are in budget-wise. And it’s free! And they are giving away $500 gift cards every day this month to people who set and meet a savings goal on there. I’ll fwd you the email if you want to check it out!
I first discovered you on the Jackie &Bender show as “Sammy” and there I tuned in for your blogs. You write very well, and I enjoyed this. You’re very real and it shows in your writing. I’ve never heard of or read anything by Dave Ramsey, but il be checking him out. You’ve got my support and I’ll be tuning in to learn with you.
We use mint.com (free & free apps!) to help manage our budget. It rocks!!
Ok, if I keep reading this you are going to give me diarrhea as well. It is so scary…and we have thought about this book off and on for a while…i think Brian and I are scared to pick it up and read it as well. We like to have fun and you hit the nail on my stubborn (as well) head when you say you don’t want to miss out or not be part of the group. Ugh…I can give up coffee every day, but not sure about the socializing part. I’m going to keep reading your posts…you almost have me convinced to jump on the debt free train…or at least ride the train to see where we go. Keep the updates coming!! Good luck…you guys got this! =)
Ok…True story….the first time I used cash (from my trusty envelopes!) I stunned the poor cashier when I asked why I didn’t have to “sign”? When he told me it was because I “paid with cash” I squealed like a pig I was so happy!!! …then felt like an idiot! How do ya like that 🙂
It’s been 2 years since I’ve used a credit card & it is a dog gone miracle! I relied on them so much :/ But, it is now so very freeing 🙂
You’re doing the right thing. Yes, it will be painful & may cause diarrhea, but the results will be worth it!! Promise 🙂
Just take it one day at a time, one latte at a time, one glue stick at a time….it’s not going to happen over night. Just like stinkin weight loss!
YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!
Text me if your in line at Michael’s & need reinforcement!!
With Love,
Laprecious