A SK DAVE
Dear Dave,
Myhusbandisreallyexcited after reading your books, and now he’s determined to start living on a budget. I love seeing this kind of passion and determination in him, but I’m not sure about going all-in on everything it would take to make this happen. I guess the truth is there are just some things I don’t want to give up. Do you have any advice for getting motivated?
Allison Dear Allison,
I get what you’re saying. Sometimes, when you first begin working hard to gain control of your money and get out of debt, it can seem like all the fun goes out of life. It takes a lot of hard work and discipline to change any habit.
I know budgeting sounds intimidating, but goals and dreams have a better chance of coming true if you have a written game plan. Just give it a try. Sit down with your husband at the beginning of each month and do a written budget together. Give every dollar a name on paper before you spend anything. It’s not medieval torture, and it’s not just a math exercise. It’s a chance for you both to have input on what you want to accomplish and how to make it happen.
When two are married they become “as one.” And that’s how all decisions should be made from that point forward. Some fantastic sharing is going to happen when you bring these thoughts and ideas out in the open.
Once you start doing a budget, you’ll begin to see things in a whole new way. You’ll see where you can cut back, where you can save and how you can make things happen that may have seemed impossible before. Sure,youmayhavetogiveup a few little things for a short while. But when you see how quickly you can make a lot of really cool stuff happen in your lives, I think you’ll be excited by the possibilities!
— Dave Dear Dave,
We’ve been following your plan for a while. We’re debtfree, except for our home, and we have six months of expenses set aside in our emergency fund. Recently, I lost my job. I’m luckier than some, because received a generous severance package from my previous employer, plus my wife still has a good job.Myparentsalwaysraised me to take care of things myself and not rely on others. I suppose it’s because of this I feel a little guilty about filing for unemployment compensation. Do you think there’s anythingmorallywrongwith accepting unemployment benefits?
Brandt
Dave Ramsey is a seventime #1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of The Dave Ramsey Show, heard by more than 16 million listeners each week. He has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, buildwealthandenhancetheir lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.
Dear Brandt,
I really appreciate your self-sufficient attitude. I don’t know what happened at your last job, but I’ve got a feeling you’re a hard worker and a decent guy. I’m sorry you and your wife are having to deal with this kind of situation.
The Social Security system in this country is a mathematical failure. But that doesn’t mean I’m not going to take my money when I deserve it.Thegovernmenttook it from me in the first place, so I don’t have a problem withacceptingsomethingI’ve already paid into.
Now, I’ll throw out a warning here. Sometimes when people start receiving unemployment benefits, it causes them to take their foot off the gas. The idea that “free” money is coming in can help them rationalize sitting at home on the couch, instead of working hard to find another job and being extra careful with their finances. I’m not hearing that kind of mentality from you, though. And it’s obvious you and your wife have been pretty smart with your finances.
OnemorethingI’dsuggest is making sure you look at your severance package as survival money only. Make a strict budget and stick to it. Cut out all excess spending. That means no eating out, vacations or anything like that until you’re working again and everything’s back on solid ground. Right now, focus on covering your Four Walls. By that, I mean food, utilities, shelter and transportation. Feed your family, keep the electricity on, pay the mortgage and put enough gas in the car to get where you need to go.
Everyone hits a rough stretch of road in life from time to time, Brandt. But you two are in a position to handle it better than most. Just remember what got you to such a good place with your finances in the first place. The discipline muscle is already there, and it’s strong. Just flex it, and it’ll help get you throughthisandbackonyour feet again!
— Dave