Just venting . . .

[christineann]

Just a couple suggestions that work for me (single income). I have a decent income, but I, too, have debt, as I raised and educated two kids without any help from the ex.

I dropped cable. Do I miss it some times? Yes, but I enjoy saving the money even more.

I was driving 25 miles each way to work in my 1998 truck. I realized I was either going to have to find a job closer to home or get another vehicle. I got a new job (same field). Truck has over 211k miles and still going strong. I cut my commute/gas bill by almost 80%

I work over 40 hours per week and took on a second at-home job typing for court reporters (paid by the page). I work in my pajamas. There are times I wish I didn't have to come home from my full time job to the part time job, but the money is good.

A friend of mine (in her 60's) earns extra money by doing bartending and working for caterers at private parties. She usually makes over $100 per night by working for the better companies. She has an awesome personality, and the hosts love her and request her.

 

[CJHussey924]

HUGE, I mean HUGE Dave Ramsey fan here. My husband and I paid off 150k in debt (student loans (125k)/car payments x2(25k total)) within 2 years. We didn't have any credit card debt but we do have a mortgage on a modest home. We both took on second jobs and barely did anything but work. We lived his "rice and beans" lifestyle and literally only bought what we needed for our four walls and food.

I'm not going to sit here and say that it was easy, because that would be a complete lie. It was however pretty empowering to truly see what we could do without. I think the first 60 days are the hardest, after that things became routine and more often than not I pushed our money to stretch further throughout the month, leaving more money to put towards our debt. For us I took the religion aspect out of his principles as I personally felt it didn't belong (only my opinion here). Once you realize how much money you spend without acknowledging it you begin to see money in a different light.

It's two years later and I just paid off the last student loan 30 days ago, I'm proud of ourselves that we stuck through it all. We both gave our notices at our second jobs and will just return to one job come June 1st. We are both looking forward to living a new found respect for one another and our money after sacrificing for two long tireless years. Today we see our money very differently than we did two years ago. Communication about finances is apart of my daily life and because of this I no longer worry about where the money will come from to pay the bills etc. I learned that Target was a huge red flag for me so I put parameters on myself to stop the Target bleeding. Boundaries are a huge thing with Dave's plan...I'm proud to say I no longer feel I have to keep up with the Joneses.

Know that your life and situation can change if you are willing to make sacrifices and changes within. Dave's philosophy is easy to understand and does work if your willing to put in the work. I can share a few blogs that I read during the time and I'm willing to answer any questions if you have them.

 

[mlulrich]

We are also following Dave Ramsey's plan and I would love to hear about what blogs you follow ... we are always looking for more inspiration! Thanks!!!

 

[CJHussey924]

frugalvillage.com Great source of knowledge about how/where to cut expenses.

I also read his FB page religiously especially the comments people make to his postings or just general postings. It was a great place for us to get suggestions and opinions from like minded people following his program. We found that many people talk about a lot of things but they never once talk about money. While it may be taboo to talk about, finding people that were like us in our core group of friends was nearly impossible. People still think we are nuts for paying off our student loans so quickly when they were low interest rates.

I also listened to his radio show daily online and that gave me patience and will power on our "wanting to stop" days.

I also found a couple shopping websites that are AMAZING!! slick deals.net and fishingfordeals.com Both are quite different but slick deals was great for shopping sales for local stores etc. On that website in particular people can find a coupon for anything.

 

[christineann]

This is a great thread - lots of great suggestions. A friend has loaned me Dave Ramsey's books, so I need to get on that.