If you don't read anything else today...

I ran across a couple of old posts in another blog that I wanted to pass on today. These are excellent in many respects and I wanted you to read them and apply them to your life.

http://www.leadingsmart.com/leadingsmart/2006/08/it_just_makes_c.html

http://www.leadingsmart.com/leadingsmart/2007/03/lets_give_1_mil.html

By the way - thanks for reading. I should post more often or in a predictable pattern...maybe I'll set that as a goal in the next few months...maybe! I appreciate your involvement in this blog by reading, considering, applying, and occasionally even commenting. I just wanted to say, THANKS!

I'M DEBT FREEEEE!!!! The Baby Steps...

Lord,

Today, as with all others, I am humbled by the generosity of Your rich provision, by Your abundant grace, and Your redemptive nature.

-Amen

Having made the $2,260 payoff on my last student loan, today I am DEBT FREE except my mortgage - and I can't wait to kill that one, too. Carrie and I have worked our plan, eliminating $23,660 in 17 months. God has provided in abundance!

I don't think the freedom will set in until next month. This month's budget is in place and is pretty well wrenched-down. May begins the building process of our fully-funded emergency fund, as well as saving for a new furnace this fall (this has replaced our 10-year anniversary trip I mentioned in a prior post). Then, on through the Baby Steps...

Review of the Baby Steps:

1) $1,000 in the bank as a starter Emergency Fund

2) Pay off all non-mortgage debt using the Debt Snowball

Here is where we are...

3) Save 3 - 6 months regular monthly expenses in a money-market-type account for a fully-funded Emergency Fund

4) Save 15% of take-home pay in tax-favored retirement plans

5) Save for kids' college using "Education IRA" and other tax-favored plans that allow you control of the money

6) Pay off home early

7) Build wealth and GIVE!

I want to encourage you - you can do it, too!

Have a great day! I know I will.