Jason and Sara's Debt free journey!!

by Greg

Great story about a couple working together to achieve a goal. Interesting that he lost his job and that is how they got started and on the same page. We had that same issue in our family it took me losing my job to make us realize that we were in trouble. It takes a team to get through paying off the debts that you have. Kristen and I really do work together on the budget. we talk about it and have to come to a majority vote to proceed in the plan. What is more important each of us has a vote and say in the budget. it is exciting to see what happened when this couple got on the same page. They really took off on paying down their debt when they did that. It only took them 7 months to nail it just awesome!

I encourage you to take Financial Peace University it is an amazing class and you will learn a ton about finances and how to get out of debt.  

One other part to this is that these people found God. They were "Saved" during their journey of debt freedom. With the lord on your side these struggles become a lot easier. Our heavenly father is just waiting to help us when we need it. He is ready to jump into action and help you along. Remember to involve him in your day to day life you will be amazed at what can happen! He is crazy about you and loves you!

Here is more about their story. Can't wait to show you ours when we are debt free!

Enough is enough, I'm doing it.

via

I've gone back and forth. I've heard the great reviews and I've seen the amazing changes. I'm usually pretty resistant to change, even if that change might make me feel better.

But I think I've reached my breaking point. I mean, it's not normal to wake up after 8 hours of sleep and be exhausted. Not everyone has to take a nap every afternoon just to function. Or if you don't get your nap, you're worthless by 6 o'clock. Is that just me?

So what's the plan? Whole 30. You know where you eat lots of protein, fruits and veggies? You do it for 30 days and then begin to discover how food really makes you feel. I usually scoff at anything structured or regimented but I'm hoping this will be the thing that helps me figure out why I'm so tired.

I was talking to two friends who have done several cycles of Whole 30 and they couldn't say enough good things. It was actually a little shocking. When I asked them what they thought, I was expecting something along the lines of it's okay or that it's a lot of work but no, they were raving about how great they felt and the things that changed even after the cycle was over.

They told me about having more energy and feeling healthier. They've both lost a decent chunk of weight. That's not my main focus but I wouldn't turn it down!

I'm convinced. I spent last week reading the book "Whole 30" and preparing. I made my menu for the next week and I'm actually pretty excited. The food looks good and seems like it's not that far of a departure from what we're usually eating.

Today, Monday June 22, is Day 1. I'm telling you this so that you can keep me on track.

Oh but there is one question I have for you. What do I do about Cookie Day? The kids look forward to it every Friday. It's our thing, every Friday we make and eat cookies. I could probably still make the treats just for them but do I want to? Do I want to do that to myself? My willpower isn't made of steel! Ya know what I mean?!

Happy Friday!! Mathew and Heidi Debt Free Scream

by Kristen

Sometimes I think Greg and I have a ton of student loans and then I hear stories like this couple. $300 thousand. Ya, I didn't stutter. 300K.

They were/ are making serious cash but the amount of debt they had? That's serious too. So many times there are people that think that a student loan debt that large should be treated like a mortgage; pay the minimum and you'll get there eventually. Not these two, Matthew and Heidi, they weren't like that. They decided to get out of debt and move on with their life! No messing around for this couple.

So yes, when I look at our income versus our debt, I can see just how far in the hole we are. When I look at these two and their income versus their debt, I realize that they were in the same hole.

But here's the good news; THEY GOT OUT! They didn't mess around. They didn't try to do it differently. They followed a proven plan and it worked.

That sounds good to me.

Summer Fun: swimming with 5 kids

this was just last year! too little!

by Kristen

I guess that title kinda sounds like a paradox... okay, sometimes it's not fun but most of the time the pool is our favorite summer spot.

But I'm outnumbered. Big time. So here's how we make it work (usually).

Do

• get everyone ready at home; swimsuits, sunscreen. You can do all of that before you leave. I also wait until we get home to have everyone change out of their suits. Well except for Maggie, she gets changed at the pool because those swim diapers are super absorbent. I think she gains 10 pounds every time she swims, no small thing since she just barely topped 20!
• bring a snack, but just a small one. I'm talking a package of graham crackers or a bag of grapes. Oh, and don't forget water (I bring a jug and small plastic cups, it's easier than water bottles for everyone). You could bring money to buy treats at the concession stand but I'm too cheap for that!
• stay halfway packed. I have a bag that always stays loaded with sunscreen, earplugs, goggles, swim pass, stuff like that. The towels and blanket get folded up as soon as they're dry and get put in the back of the suburban.
• make the kids help. Even the littlest carried her towel today. It did take her forever to walk but I'm thinking that's because she's easily distracted. You're not a pack mule, don't act like it.

Don't

• bring tons of toys, one or two is fine, more than that is too much to keep track of 
• stay too long, you can come back the next day, less is more
• think about yourself. No one cares what you look like so just enjoy your time being in the water and playing with your kids. That's the kind of mom that looks the best.
• forget to put on sunscreen. I'm an ace at making sure the kids are covered but I forget about myself. And then the next day I remember. Ouch!
• count on the lifeguards to watch your kids. That's your job, take it seriously.
• forget to have fun. Kids grow up way too fast. Pretty soon they won't want to hang out at the pool with Momma so enjoy this busy season.

I love summer. It's nice to slow down and not have a packed agenda. Enjoy whatever it is you do and STAY SAFE!!!