Dave Ramsey: Financial Success

Save Money By Guarding the Door

Guarding the "financial door" could possibly be one of the most important ways to become financially free. Few people realize how much money "leaks" out--a little here and there--and how quickly that leak becomes a stream of money flowing away.

The best way to guard the door is to begin by keeping a simple record of every penny spent. Literally. A small notebook in your car to record the snacks you buy, the movie rental, the extra things on sale, etc. Once you've recorded a month's expenses, tally up, and multiply that across the year to see about how much is leaking out.

Of course most people can afford a "blow" category in their budget. But as Dave Ramsey says, decide how much that is, and don't blow over it ;-)

This recording and realizing how easy it is for money to leak will cause you to be more conscious of small purchases.

Once you really get the fever for getting out of debt, you'll resist those impulse buys and stick that money back in savings. The same money that was leaking out is now building up!

Keep you financial goals in front of you for stamina!

Use Less of Everything...(And Don't Bathe the Kids Everyday!)

We are all drawn to headlines like "How to Save More Money"...or "How to Pay Off Debt".  But deep down, we know mostly that saving money and living debt-free involves a way of thinking that becomes your life.  (Thus the Dave Ramsey idiom..."Live like no one else now so you can live like no one else later.")

At the core, saving money is about a mindset of using less--of everything.  And evaluating purchases, understanding that money leaks away before you realize it.

Over the years, I've tried to make an effort to be conscious of consumable products, trying to use as little as possible.  What most people don't realize is that just like spending a little here and there adds up to a lot, the same principle applies to small savings.  Don't underestimate the small savings!

See how little you can use of the following:

• Dish detergent
• Shampoo/soap
• Toilet paper
• Central heat/air
• Make-up
• Deodarant
• Cleaner
• Food ;-)

In a Shoe had a great little post on "If it ain't dirty, don't wash it!"  That's our philosophy too!  Anything from children to towels...let's be practical!

The Cost of Working Outside the Home

People are often surprised to find out how much working outside the home actually costs. There are two costs involved (besides time, energy, emotional toil, etc.) with an outside job--actual money spent, and less time to save money.

Some costs to consider:

• Child care--probably one of the highest.
  
• Gas


• Wardrobe
  
• Lunches
  
• Business-related supplies/expenses not covered by company
  
• Snacks
  
• More frequent shopping due to convenience
  
• Expense of eating out/convenience food due to lack of time
  
• Other suggestions?
  
  Since I've come home, I'm amazed at the opportunities to save money. It has kind of become a sport, and I view it a very important part of my job.
  
  Shopping sales (food, clothing, etc.), less shopping altogether, time to make homemade gifts, and my favorite, time to make money running an on-line business!

Welcome!

Welcome to "We Can't Afford It"! I chose this name because of the all-too-common notion that A. a family can't make it unless the wife leaves home to work and B. most people can't afford more than two children.

When I quit my job as a school teacher, pregnant with our third child, "we couldn't afford it"...they were right.

But our journey has been one of incredible humility as we have watched God provide in ways we never imagined, as well as having learned life lessons I wouldn't trade for all the riches in the world.

This blog is to encourage you--wherever you are. If you have a financial journey story to share, I would love to post it with a link back to your site. Just email me at akcrawford5@hotmail.com

Many blessings!