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How we got started on our Debt Free Journey



Probably about three years ago now, I was introduced to a book called, "The Compound Effect" by Darren Hardy.  My mind was literally blown after reading this book, actually listening to this book.  I had a pretty long road trip I had to drive, and I almost finished the entire book in one sitting.

This book was just really eye opener to all the time and opportunities I was letting slip by.  It taught me about how I can make so much more out of my life by making better habits and using my time more wisely.  The advice in his book was easy stuff, that an average "Joe" like me could do.  I guess I just assumed greatness and wealth wasn't really ever going to be a part of my life so I never really embarked on any kind of journey before, but this book taught me that it is possible.

After I finished it, I couldn't get enough education.  I started scouring for other self help books like this one and ended up finding the big world of Podcast.  If there is something you want to learn, there is a podcast with people discussing it.  I came across The Minimalist podcast and fell in love with it.  Everyday I listened to episode after episode.  In fact The Minimalist podcast is where I first heard the name Dave Ramsey.  I didn't pay attention to that name for probably another year and a half, which I now regret deeply, but maybe I wasn't ready to accept his wisdom yet.  I try not to get to down on myself because honestly I don't think I was ever ready to accept any of this till now.

We moved last year, and it felt like our finances were getting tighter and tighter.  It felt like we were slowly starting to drown in debt.  It was really scary because not only was our lively hood at stake, but we have 3 rental properties where other families live.  not only do we want to be able to afford repairs, but we don't want to be risking their homes.  I was getting scared, and I decided to look up that name I heard the Minimalist mention a few times, after all they have yet to steer me in a wrong direction yet.

So currently I spent the last 4 1/2 months listening to all things Dave Ramsey, books, podcasts, his daughter's Youtube channel and became a member of the #debtfreecommunity on Instagram.  I can't believe how much I've learn and grown in such a short time.  I feel so much more secure now that I have a plan, a budget.  I feel like I'm in control and no longer drowning.  I am not strictly doing the Dave Ramsey method, and the real reason is that it is pretty hard core and I'm still working out some weaknesses.

I have recently finished a couple of books by Robert Kiyosaki.  He is the author and founder of, "Rich Dad, Poor Dad". I find his work very enlightening and inspiring just like Dave's, however the two authors frequently have opposing views which makes my head spin.  One thing I think both the financial gurus can agree on is that consumer debt is bad, so for right now consumer debt is what we're planning on attacking.  We are using Dave Ramsey's snowball method to pay down our consumer debt, then after that I'll probably pick and choose from what I have learned to figure out our own personal financial plan.  That will be whatever works for us, depending on the situation we're in at the time.

Helpful Links:
Daveramsey.com
Theminimalist.com
Richdadeducation.com
*I am affiliated with the highlighted Amazon links, but will only provide links to products I use and find helpful.
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