Don't be afraid!!

We talk about our finances often, with each other and other people. We're not afraid to talk about it. It's not the big elephant in the room anymore.

Chris and I had two great chats about finances today. A dear friend was going over her budget this evening and I couldn't help but be excited for her written budget! Yes, budgeting makes me all sorts of happy. I'm weird... what can I say....

Then we were off to the bank, to chat with a bank manager about some financial goals and plans we have in mind. We were late for our appointment -- thank you OC Transpo -- but thankfully our bank employee was gracious enough to still see us before her next appointment. In the midst of our chat, we went over a few general information items she wanted to ask us, and discovered that we're budgeters and had already paid off approximately $30,000 in less than a year with about $20,000 or so left to go. She stopped talking, looked stunned and whipped her head back around at the computer screen to examine our bank statement numbers again. 

"I wish you could teach my daughter how to do that!" she exclaimed.

We tried our best to be humble and indicate the amazing Dave Ramsey plan that we're following. Emphasizing it's a lot of sacrifice, having a written budget and following the plan to the best of your ability. 

It can be incredible the reaction you may get if you are open and honest with people sometimes...You never know she may mention our success to her daughter or a friend may see the benefit of writing out a budget for their own hopes for the future.

Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and do something daring -- like talk about finances! The more we talk about it, the less scary it is... Being honest with our Heavenly Father, your spouse, yourself , friends and family can mean the difference that only you get out of debt, or having your family or church family out of debt, too,  Isn't the point of this journey we call life, to support one another? By being honest, we can truly be an encourager for those who don't see a way out of the mess they're in. 

So yes, I may seem a little overly passionate about the idea of sitting down with pad of paper, and calculator but there's a fire in my belly, a passion that I just can't contain and I pray everyday that someone else be inspired by the stirring of the Holy Spirit to give this a try for themselves. If you're too afraid to do this alone, reach out to someone you trust who can look at those finances with you. Honestly, after the first 10 minutes it's not so scary anymore and soon after it gets really exciting and fun!