by Hope
I can’t remember if I shared that I signed up for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University at my church last fall. It cost $25. I remember when Beks wrote about it many years ago, but really never thought it was for me.
Of course, after 10+ years blogging here, I’ve learned more about it. Gotten pretty familiar with the construct of “baby steps“, at least 1 and 2. Now I’m taking the 9 week course.
It’s in person, 2 hours a week, with homework, small group support, and a year’s subscription to their app EveryDollar.
As of writing this, we are on week 2. There are over 200 people taking it with me. I don’t know a single one of them. Last week was all about creating a zero based budget. This week was about the Debt Snowball Method. I am learning so much.
Two Major Concepts
In reality, the concepts aren’t really new to me, I guess, but hearing them taught this way is really making an impact.
There are two things I am really thinking through right now…
- Proverbs is full of financial guidance. What? How come I’d never heard that before. And I’ve been reading Proverbs for years. Just never looked at it that way.
- Can I live without credit cards? Cash only.
No More Credit Cards
Last night, they had a “plas-ectomy” (sp?) where they invited people to come up on stage and cut up credit cards. Boy, that’s scary to me.
For the longest, I’ve leaned on my credit cards: 1) to carry me through when I had low income; and now 2) as kind of an emergency back up/what if?
But I’m really thinking about it. It would be a HUGE leap of faith for me. Maybe not faith, but big mindset shift. Whatever you want to call it.
Last summer, I closed alot of my accounts. But I still have 4 open. And in Dave Ramsey’s video at class last night, he addressed all my reasoning…security, rewards/points, etc.
Can I do this? Can I close all my accounts and go cash only?
Proverbs as a Finance Lesson
As I teeter on the edge of this BIG move. I’ve decided I’m going to read through Proverbs, one chapter at a time again. And each day, I’m going to write down all the “finance” lessons or guidance I find in that chapter.
I’ve always read Proverbs as a book of contracts, not financial guidance. Let’s see what looking at it from a new perspective gives me.
Hope is a resourceful and solutions-driven business manager who has spent nearly two decades helping clients streamline their operations and grow their businesses through project management, digital marketing, and tech expertise. Recently transitioning from her role as a single mom of five foster/adoptive children to an empty nester, Hope is navigating the emotional and practical challenges of redefining her life while maintaining her determination to regain financial control and eliminate debt.
Living in a cozy small town in northeast Georgia with her three dogs, Hope cherishes the serenity of the mountains over the bustle of the beach. Though her kids are now finding their footing in the world—pursuing education, careers, and independence—she remains deeply committed to supporting them in this next chapter, even as she faces the bittersweet tug of letting go.
Since joining the Blogging Away Debt community in 2015, Hope has candidly shared her journey of financial ups and downs. Now, with a renewed focus and a clear path ahead, she’s ready to tackle her finances with the same passion and perseverance that she’s brought to her life and career. Through her writing, she continues to inspire others to confront their own financial challenges and strive for a brighter future.
