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Sunday, January 24, 2010

I am Wealthy...and introducing Pantry Week.

That's what my pastor reminded me of today.

Even when I feel like I am broke. I am wealthy.

A Haitian (before the earthquake) averages $2.00 a day.
A person in India averages $1.00 a day.

I buy coffee that last for 10 minutes and cost $4.00.

I am wealthy.

But I need to do a WAY better job of managing my money. And my husband and I talked about that in great detail today...still are. But we aren't gonna mess around anymore. We are serious. We are trying to figure out ways (and some might end up being drastic) to be completely debt free and at peace with our finances.

The first is PANTRY WEEK! I love to buy fresh groceries (ESPECIALLY FRUIT AND VEGGIES), but my house has a lot of food in it, and I suggested to Curtis we try a whole week without going to the store... whatever we have right now is whatever we eat. Next shopping day is a week from today. Let's see if we can make it.

Anyone else out there working on their budget? Finances? Let's hold each other accountable.

9 comments:

Lisa P said...

Pantry week is so fun...and tests your creativity! I usually plan my meals for the month, and there are times that I've not had to buy meat because we had so much left in the freezer. We are wealthy indeed.

Brazenlilly said...

Yes, we are! I'm starting the world of coupons, reducing our food budget, using the cash system and actually STICKING to the cash when we run out--not cheating and using our debit cards. Like you told me years ago--the coupons take time, but they work.

Carrie said...

We are ALMOST debt free! We took a Dave Ramsey class called Financial Peace University. Cheesy name, amazing system! It's a cash system that works if you take the time to do it. We're doing pantry week too! I'd love accountability!

Ang said...

I did pantry week added with Freezer week. Because I had a lot of food in there that I forgot about. I also managed to cut out 340.00 of our monthly expenses like canceling the paper, reducing our cable plan, phone plan, internet plan etc... It may be a little here and there but it all adds up.

Alli said...

I agree with Carrie. Dave Ramsey's FPU is a life changer. We are debt free (except our house) and on a cash budget because of Dave. And he gives very practical advice. The course is worth the $100 cost, as you will save well over that in the months following! Another budget saver is the crock pot. That way you have a warm dinner waiting for you when you get home and it decreases the temptation to grab take-out!

Best of luck to you on your pantry week adventure! If you discover some creative pantry recipes this week, please share them with the rest of us!

The Unlikely Pastor's Wife said...

You're awesome.
Love the idea.

Not sure if I am disciplined enough to do that. But...I could be inspired.

I'll be watching :-)

Kristi said...

Carrie/Alli - I feel like I know a lot about the FPU program... Enough that I might be able to follow it without purchasing it. But it is killing me to pay $100 to buy the program. Promise it's worth it?

RE: Pantry Week. I just blogged last night's experience. I'll give you a short little update each night and see what happens...

P.S. I feel like I'm on an exciting new adventure... Even Haley is in on the act. She gave up her once a week "hot lunches" so we could save the 4.00 for each lunch. Go Team Templeton!

Alli said...

I can't speak for Carrie, but Derek and I believe it is worth the $100 price tag. He teaches so many practical steps and explains things in a "common sense" kind of way. And, once you pay for the course, you can take the course any time you want for the rest of your life for free. So, if after a year or two, you want to brush up on the course, you could go again. Not only that, but the "kit" comes with a workbook with worksheets and audio CDs of the course material. So, anytime you need a reminder of one of the studies, you can pop your CD in the radio.

That being said, I know the $100 up front is a HUGE committment, especially in this economy. So, in addition to a cash budget, here are the seven baby steps to get you thinking in Dave's terms:

1) Put $1000 away to start your emergency fund (don't touch this money unless you have an emergency).
2) Snowball your debt. Do not pay the lowest interest first. Pay the smallest bill off first and pay minimum on everything else. Once this one debt is paid, roll that money to the next lowest debt, etc. Pay off all debt except house.
3) Finish funding your 3-6 month emergency fund.
4) Invest 15% of your income for retirement.
5)Create college funds for your kids.
6) Pay off your home early.
7) Build wealth and be generous.

This is just a basic skeleton of what you learn in the class. The class gives you insight on how to budget, how to invest, how to negotiate prices when you make big purchases and pay with cash (Derek and I just did this last week at the jewelry store and saved $100!) what kind of insurance you need, how to deal with creditors, etc.

Hope this at least helps get you started. But, if you ever have the opportunity to attend, I highly encourage it.

P.S. Love the "potato bar" pantry dinner!

Alli said...

Hey Kristi,

Got this link today from Ramsey. Half off the course and you can take it online:
http://www.daveramsey.com/store/promotions/dave-s-deals/dave-s-deals-february/financial-peace-university-online/prodDDFeb.html?ectid=dd1002.1c_1