budget

Dave Ramsey on Holiday Shopping – 4 Tips to Celebrate Debt Free

Dave Ramsey on Holiday Shopping – 4 Tips to Celebrate Debt Free

Why Go Into Debt to Celebrate?

Debt Free Holiday Budgeting TipsHappy Holidays.

If the holidays are supposed to be the happiest time of the year, why does it often seem like the most stressful time of the year?

Financial stress is at the top of many people’s list this time of year.

Many folks just don’t have extra money available to do all the celebrating and shopping they desire. Yet the world puts the pressure on to buy more and keep up with Joneses; even if it means going into debt. Throwing it all on the credit card seems to be the solution.

Although after the New Year, the bills start coming in and the struggle just to pay the minimum payments begin. The struggle to get the debt paid off can go on late into the year or longer. And that only adds to the stress the following holiday season. So instead of planning and enjoying the new season, there still remains the hassle of left-over debt and the stress that goes with it.

Are you ready to end the cycle and say no more debt, no more credit? Then it is time to make a plan early in the year and stick to it so you can avoid piling up mounds of debt on credit cards.

Dave Ramsey provides the following holiday shopping ideas and tips for celebrating debt free this year:

1. RESEARCH

Look for deals online before heading to the stores. Find out what the prices are at the stores you plan to visit and don’t waste your time shopping at one if you know another store down the street has a better deal.

2. MAKE A BUDGET

It’s common sense stuff, but amazing how many people have no financial plan for their spending. And when they go shopping they are like kids in a toy store buying the first flashy toy that catches their eye.

If you plan to work your way out of debt, it requires becoming disciplined during the holiday season. If you must buy for many, keep it simple and stay within your means. Don’t get caught up in the mindset that bigger is better or it will just come back to bite you when the bills start coming in after the new year.

3. USE CASH

As Dave always says, you spend less when you use cash. So stop by the bank or ATM to get your pre-planned amount of shopping cash before you hit the stores. And when it’s gone it’s time to stop shopping.

If you’ve planned ahead and followed the previous two steps then using cash should be easy. You will know what you need to buy and how much it will cost before you start. Planning time well spent!

4. START NOW – PLAN EARLY

If you haven’t made a plan this holiday season, then stop now and take some time to evaluate your situation and make a budget. Look at the big picture and consider the outcome of your choices this holiday season. Shop smart and keep it within your means.

And if this holiday season caught you off guard once again, well remember, it is never too late to try again. Next year you can make better decisions and do things differently.

Happy Holidays to All & a Very Merry Christmas!

God bless you,
Brenda

P.S. Check out www.daveramsey.com for a wealth of information on finances and budgeting. Dave Ramsey also provides a tool that allows you to create a budget online in 60 seconds.

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Budgeting – Dave Ramsey Money Makeover

Budgeting – Dave Ramsey Money Makeover

The Power of a Budget and Baby Steps to Beat Debt and Build Wealth

I’m sure you have heard of Dave Ramsey; often referred to as today’s financial guru.

His path to wealth is based on seven, simple, common sense baby steps.

However, before taking the first step, he teaches the importance of a written monthly budget.

Ramsey’s book The Total Money Makeover”made the NY Times Best Seller list. He also teaches these principles in other books and courses. Plus you’ll find him on the radio, TV, at live events and his website is www.daveramsey.com.

Dave Ramsey’s recommended baby steps are below:

1 – $1,000 to Start an Emergency Fund

We all know it is only a matter of time before the unexpected emergency happens. This is for the unexpected things we can’t plan for.

2 – Pay Off All Debt Using the Debt Snowball

List all of your debts and begin paying them off starting with the one with the smallest balance. Once the first one is paid begin using the “extra money” toward paying the next on the list, etc.

3 – 3 to 6 Months of Expenses in Savings

After the first two steps are completed it is time to start building your full emergency fund.

4 – Invest 15% of Household Income Into Roth IRAs and Pre-Tax Retirement

When you reach this step, you’ll have no payments except your house. Now it is time to get serious about building wealth.

5 – College Funding for Children

Make sure you have already started investing 15% of your income in step 4 before saving for college.

6 – Pay Off Home Early

Now is the time to begin putting all extra money toward the mortgage to realize the dream of life without a house payment.

7 – Build Wealth and Give!

Time to build wealth and give like never before. Leave an inheritance for future generations and bless others with your excess.

video clip of Dave Ramsey:

Our society today is lacking in financial common sense and discipline. Everyone wants to have things “now” but figure out how to “pay” later.

There is hope though, and there is help for anyone who wants it. I’m always very encouraged to hear the success stories of those who have gone through the Dave Ramsey course.

If your finances are a mess, it is not too late to reach out for help, make a plan, and begin taking the first step to turn things around! 🙂

May you be blessed to be a blessing!

God bless you always,
Brenda

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