photo credit: Jeff Kubina

I am definitely not a financial expert. This page is just to redirect, share and outsource all that I have found beneficial as we (Wildman and myself) work at balancing this area in our own life. With multiple income streams, and fluctuating sales income, a budding corporation, and wild boys, it is a work in progress and we are working the plan.

As I talk to people about balance, it is so apparent that finances do play a huge role. It is the #1 reason for divorce. Not because there is an exact amount that will give us balance, but because we did not properly learn the techniques and discipline to balance any amount of money, and control it before it controls us.

We took a Financial Peace class that really opened our eyes to the whole credit score, credit card fiasco.  Dave Ramsey is real and genuine and has already walked the walk through foreclosure, bankruptcy and back again. He knows the deal and is ready for ANY questions that come his way. He has a syndicated radio show, and a TV show on Fox business. The course is great for couples because he relates the different personalities and how they communicate about money and budgeting. This was so right on target with us, and one of our biggest challenges, having a variable income in sales. How do we actually create and live up to a consistent budget?

Dave takes us back to our grandparent’s philospophy of truly NOT spending it unless we have it in our pocket. cash.

I found some great blogs of families that have done their homework and then some.

Simplemom has broken down Dave’s babysteps for you as you work your way through the debt snowball.

PaidTwice has coined the term “snowflaking” and explains more about the revolution she has started here. She breaks the snowball down to bite-sized pieces the average person can handle.

I truly love Dave’s program and the envelope system, as it has given us a great feeling of control of our money, and where it goes.

If this is an area in your life that is out of balance, I encourage you to set a goal this week towards the greatest investment you can make – yourself.  Educate yourself with great books and programs like Dave’s. Find a mentor or a coach to hold you accountable, and move forward.  We are all a work in progress, and Dave offers a program that is empowering!