Using the "B" Word and Acting Your Wage

I have this friend, we'll call her Heather because, well, that's her name.  On her most recent trip to visit us Tucsonans she gave me a book called The Total Money Makeover.  Written by Dave Ramsey, this book is popular among people I know, and tackles the tough topic of getting out of debt.  His plan isn't a painless one but it is simple.  His philosophy is simple, pay off your debt and pay it off as fast as you can. 

As I began to read the book I was encouraged by the stories of people who had gotten themselves out of some pretty  tough financial situations.  Being a single mom my income is not that great.  As a matter of fact I am currently an unemployed student receiving unemployment benefits.  I did something really smart when I found out that my job was about to end.  I paid off the one credit card that I had and I reduced the amount of money going out every month.  I don't have a huge income but I don't have a crazy amount of debt either.  Some student loans and a car loan are all that I have, (I say "all" because I have known people with far more debt than I would ever like to have).  What was encouraging about this that paying them off seems more feasible than it did before.  Before I had no plan, now I do.

I encourage you, if you feel overwhelmed by debt get this book.  Like I said the plan is easy.  Sticking to it can be as easy or as hard as you make it.  Two things you should know about his particular plan: one, it involves making a budget (yes you heard me, A BUDGET); and two it requires you to live within your means and "Act Your Wage".

http://www.daveramsey.com/store/prod326.html

Making the List

Last week as I walked out of my class I noticed that the school had posted the new Honor Roll, Dean's List and President's List for the spring quarter.  My name wasn't on the Honor Roll nor the Dean's list, but it was on the President's List.  I was/am very excited.  I worked hard for that and I did it with bronchitis, strep and pneumonia. Out of the entire school only 8 of us made that list.  Yay!

It's not over though.  That was just quarter one.  I still have several quarters to go.