Call it a mid-life crisis, maturity, economic downturn behavior, finally understanding my dad's money philosophies, or the fact that I am obsessed with Dave Ramsey. I think it is more of the latter and Dave Ramsey has become a household name in the Bartig residence. So much so that Jeff has purchased a pair of ear plugs (out of his budget of course). We have always been good investors and have over a 13 year relationship with our financial advisor. However, we have never really been the best savers or adequately stretched our dollar to it's maximum capabilities (excluding our investments). Since living simply is a goal of ours buying less and saving more parallels each other. I have dabbled over the years in coupon clipping, rebate shopping and researching for "the best deal." However, it has now become one of my hobbies that I find fun, challenging and brain stimulating (we need this for stay-at-home moms). This new behavior has caused us to take a step back and really assess what is important in life and reorganize our goals and objectives. Instead of just running out and purchasing something because we think we "need" it we actually think about it for awhile or start a fund so we can pay cash for it without dipping into our general savings. As Dave says it's really 80% behavior 20% knowledge that sets us apart in the financial world. We have some hefty goals: establish a cushy emergency fund for six months of living expenses, pay off river land and mortgage. In addition to saving cash for future vacations, replacement vehicles & furniture and college savings for the girls. Big goals that would equal a lifetime of freedom! So, we all need to start somewhere...let the coupon clipping begin!
No comments:
Post a Comment