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The Money Secret-my rant

Our church has been hosting a Dave Ramsey seminar and we are a little over halfway through it.
Money is a huge big deal in everyone's life and yet...no one talks about not having any any.
More and more people are living on their credit cards. We we're guilty of that.

Why? Why would anyone want to do that? It's easy. Shopping with a credit card for me was painless. It didn't matter what it cost because Visa was in my purse and ready to slide at a moments desire.

Even when the bills came for me it wasn't a big deal. I just handed them to my husband--unopened. (I'm sorry Ed!)

Since we started paying with cash or a debit card I'm now aware of what I'm spending. (sorry Visa) I'm know just because you have a card you don't get to buy what you want. Only what you can afford.

It's been a challenge to walk into my favorite store (Target) and walk past all the things things that call to me, a new t-shirt, pretty glasses to use for summer or gasp inkpens! I don't need any of those items right now--I just want them.

The big secret is many of my friends are doing the same thing. Shopping as if they have the money. And we let each other do it! (sorry Barb!) Oh it's just a yard of material, a new quilt pattern isn't that much and besides I'm sure we'll save money by giving it as a gift. Hmmm, my sewing room is full of unmade and ungiven gifts.

We don't discuss money or bills or debt. It's a rule right? Never talk politics, religion or money-how many times have you heard that? I think it's time we start being honest with our family members and friends. Own up to the fact that you can't spend as much on gifts because you have to pay a bill, or buy long term care insurance. I'm pretty sure my kids would be happy to take less in gifts if it means they won't have to find a way to pay for me when I'm old, broken and need nursing care. I'm certain my friends would understand if I said, "Can we go for a walk in the park instead of eating out this time? Money is tight and I'd love to spend time with you--just not at a restaurant."

Maybe we should assign ourselves designated shoppers to stay sober and keep us from harming our financial lives? I truly want to, as Dave says, "Live like no one else so that we can live like no one else when we retire." It may be to late for us, but it's not to late to make a bad situation better.

Haven't heard of Dave Ramsey? There are classes offered nationwide. Check his website for one near you. It will change your life--for the better, especially if you're in your 20-30s and you start now.

And no I don't get any money or commission if you click his link. My desire is for everyone to know the money secrets to "Live like no one else, so you can live like no one else!"


  1. The thing with credit cards is that they are so easy to use. Which is why I love my debit card - easy to use, but it makes me accountable. Also, it helps to have online access to my bank accounts. I can check daily to see what we are spending. And the credit card balance? It goes down mighty slow, doesn't it?
    Thanks for a great post.

    1. Good for you Chris. I'm using my debit card more now. It's easier for me because I get confused with real cash.
      YES! That balance doesn't go down as fast or as easily as it went up.

  2. Good article, Diana, says the wife of a man whose mid-life crisis treat was a Model T truck.

    And look--I successfully got onto your blog!

    1. LOL sorry about that Model T, Elaine. So glad you were able to get on my blog. We're you ever able to get on to see the video I posted on Thursday?

  3. Very good rant. ;-) Dave Ramsey's material is wonderful, and I wish that someway it could be incorporated into middle school or high school classes.

    I especially appreciate your mention of being honest with family and friends about money. My husband and I have been doing this for the past few years, and it has been liberating.

    Thank you for a great post.

    1. Erica, he mentioned having courses now for those age groups. It would be a good thing for every school to teach. I wish I had learned it earlier.

      Honesty shouldn't be so hard, should it? I suppose we like to hide behind 'our things' no matter what the cost.

  4. Good advice, Diana! Dave Ramsey has a lot of good things to say.

    1. Alina, that he does. Every week I learn something new.

  5. Hey Diana,
    Thanks for posting. I need to be reminded that credit cards must be used at a minimum. I always pay them off immediately, but it would be better if I saved more. Joined your blog. Will send you two of mine...one is a Christian Apologist's sonnets praising God. The other is about wellness. Like the Christian Author's Network badge.

    Please join one or the other of my blogs...return the favor? Appreciate it.