Day 1

In the spirit of Julie and Julia, I have decided that rather than starting a traditional journal which I will lose, end up writing grocery lists in, and have no finished record of my journey... I will blog.

I am starting day 1 of my journey towards financial peace. I am accompanied by Dave Ramsey of course (via his book, webiste, etc.) and the support and guidance of the friends God has blesesed me with. Why now I ask myself? Well, thanks to the influence of a wonderful friend that entered my life about two months ago my eyes and heart have been opened to a fuller life that is focused on serving God through living a life of discipline and service to others. I am anxiously anticipating marking the true start of my journey when I am baptized in the near future, truly dedicating myself to being a Disciple of Christ in the Baptist faith where I have found my home. My heart is exploding with excitement, especially to be able to pass this commitment on to my daughter.

If anyone else out there remembers what it was like to be at this crossroads or is currently there I hope you will share. I just witnessed an incredible sermon that focused on the Christian Family. When we share in the Lord's supper, we are reminded that just as we sit around our kitchen tables at home to share a meal with family, we share a meal in our church homes with our Christian brothers and sisters. I am a single mom with an amazing 18 month old daughter. It is easy to at times feel very alone... and it warms my heart to be reminded that we are never alone.

So, that's enough about me for now. Let's get started on the journey. At the end of chapter 4 Dave encourages us all to think about the minor and major changes we personally need to make to take control of our financial situation. Here are mine:
1) Always know exactly what you have in your accounts.
2) Anticipate costs and save for those. Do not rely on savings to handle the unexpected.
3) Be more creative and intentional in finding ways to save and celebrate with little cost.
4) Be sure to not let stuffitis creep in.
5) Make giving a priority.
6) Build financial management into my daily routine.
7) Set timelines for paying off debt and saving.
8) Lower my montly bills and increase my monthly income. There are ways and it is worth it to making it to the finish line but without sacrificing time with my child.

Ok Dave - there they are... now teach me what to do about it!

Any and all prayers are welcome as I begin :)