Eleven years ago, Rebecca and I were newly married, paying college debt and tuition, and living paycheck-to-paycheck. Money was beginning to be a source of tension. How should we spend our limited resources? I liked my hobbies, but Rebecca knew that money had to come from somewhere. She didn't want to be the person who always had to say no, but we didn't have a budget and we weren't really saving like we should. In many ways, we were living like teenage-versions of ourselves when it came to our money, except now we were married!

Thankfully, we were part of a church that offered the Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University class. We signed up and began learning things that shaped the way we handled the money God entrusted to us. We learned the importance of telling every dollar where to go within a budget. We realized for the first time the power of time in growing our money through compound interest. We began to recognize credit cards and debt for the trap that they can be. We started to dream about what God would have for our future, and how our finances might work for that. It was an awesome and liberating time for us.

Fast-forward to today. We’ve been living on our budget for over ten years. It’s one of the most financially freeing things in our lives. Time after time we save up for something, say clothes, and then are able to go out and find what we need, when we need it, for a really good deal. And we don't feel bad because we have the money to do it. No regrets, well unless you think my wardrobe is regrettable! :)

Imagine if you were able to look back at 2018 as the year when you finally started to start to experience the freedom that God wants for you in your finances. That's my prayer for you.

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