I think he would say something like this
Dear Someone that doesn't like me,
You are not the first person to not like me or my simple methods. However, you are very different from other people that I council with my methods as you have no credit card debt. I have to say though that it is never my intention to make hard working people feel like losers. I'm sorry that i have not been as encouraging to you as I have been to so many others.
As to the $1000 dollar emergency fund it is probably not reasonable for your little family to come up with that amount in a month but I still say start trying to find ways to save right now where life has you at. You may be surprised how much you can save when you go to the grocery store and don't spend all that you first budgeted out. Clipping coupons and shopping for discounted prices will also help free up some cash for savings. Saving on gas, recreational outings ect will also lend a hand as well. Make it a game it may take several months for you to reach that 1000 emergency fund but I promise that if you try and make the effort you will eventually get there.
As to the car. No I do not think you need to give up your one and only vehicle but I do say that you need to have it paid off in as short as amount of time as possible. It seems to me that you and your spouse have chosen a good plan and are on track with that so CONGRATULATIONS!
As to moving your family to the ghetto. What I have to say to that is I do not think you need to move your family to the ghetto. I would encourage you however to begin to search for other places to live that would still be a safe environment for a young family but maybe more cheeper. Renting an apartment tends to cost less than renting a house and often comes with the utilities included in the rent fee. Even if you are unable to find an apartment that is cheeper than where you are currently living you could save money by having the water or gas included in that rent fee rather than paying rent and then paying for the utilitie as well.
As to cutting up the credit card. First of all Congratulations on being one of the few americans that actually pay off their credit card at the end of every month. This takes a lot of discipline to do so and the fact that you use it only for one specific purchase every month is also commendable. However, I still say that what happens if your husband loses his job, or something else unexpected happens and you are not able to pay off your purchase for gas that month. Then, wamo, you've just accumulated some debt. Switching to cash even for your gas purchases will help establish discipline in keeping to your monthly budget. It will also aid in helping the environment because you will plan your outings a little more carefully so that the least amount of gas is used throughout the week. I still say cut up the credit card, don't be tempted. But it's still your choice I don't impose or enforce everyone to follow all of my methods.
Lastly, whatever you do, don't give up and don't use those credit cards. Don't borrow any more money and as soon as the Lord enables your family to have more income start slashing away those student loans.
I hope this clears a few things up.
Sincerely,
The man you may not like very much but is hoping you will still find his methods profitable
Dave Ramsey
4 comments:
okay so I'm beiging to not be so skeptical :)
Sarah! We are doing the total money makeover, too. I know we are at different places in our life and have different financial circumstances, but I am trusting God is going to do huge things for both of our families because we have committed our finances to Him. I am so excited to know of another couple starting out on this journey. I will be praying for you guys. I know it is scary. Sara, I could be scared out of my mind about what might happen at the end of this month after Jim's last paycheck rolls in, and we have virtually no savings, but I am resting in Him.
I have been mildly successful selling on ebay - ever tried it? Have any old clothes or household items that you don't need/want anymore? I have made enough to cover a few groceries now and again, but every penny helps. Just a thought . . . . And cutting coupons - UGGG so time consuming, but honestly as much of a pain as it is, it does save money - especially on diapers! Do you use cloth, though? Did I read that somewhere??
Sorry spelled you name wrong. :(
lol oh tiffany don't worry about the name spelling :)
And speaking of Ebay I've never really done it before but I've got a lot of nice gently used clothes that are just piled away in the attic...I may need to just give it a try and see what happens.
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