Financial Freedom

I've been doing a few "top secret" things for several weeks now and deciding I'm going to share one of them...and the other I will share the other about in about 23 days...(I'm just POSITIVE the suspense is already killing you)...lol.

I talk a lot about the goals I have but I haven't went into all the specifics. 

A HUGE goal of mine is to become financially free. I'm not saying I have a goal of being "rich" because I truly believe being "rich" in life has nothing to do with money. HOWEVER, having financial freedom...the freedom to take family trips, the freedom to save for Brooklyn's college, the freedom to retire when my husband retires...would be priceless. 

Daryn and I have very good jobs with great benefits. We are extremely fortunate. And, Daryn has lived a life being very financially responsible. I, on the other hand, have not. I've been in credit card trouble, I have a LOT of student loan debt, my car is not paid for, and as is, I will have to work about another 15 years after Daryn has retired before I "can." I don't know about you, but I'm not thinking 15 years of watching your spouse be retired sounds all that fun...lol.

And, I have the mentality I want to do things for myself. I want to be able to pay for a Disney cruise for us and contribute to Brooklyn's education and house remodels and a lake cabin and to save for retirement in more ways than my retirement and savings plans at work. So, yes, we are a couple that keeps our finances separate and I guess it works for us. 

Enter Beachbody. 

And, Dave Ramsey. 

I initially signed up with Beachbody for the discount on Shakeology and because I knew I would be trying more workout programs down the road. I then found I could earn extra money every month doing something part-time that doesn't at all feel like "work." Now, I'm averaging more than enough each month to pay my car payment, my student loans, and my cell phone....all by reaching out and trying to help people feel better inside & out.

Then, I went to a workshop at Summit presented by Chris Hogan. I have actually signed up for the Total Money Makeover a few times in the last 5 years or so but I've never taken it seriously and followed through with it. This workshop TOTALLY inspired me to make a change once and for all! I'm not starting and failing this time! Since July 1st, I've been keeping track of every penny I spend every day and let me tell you it's been an eye opener. I've also tried this in the past but I typically have lasted about 3 days before I "forget" and give up. I haven't really tried to change any of my spending behaviors because I wanted to see as is how much money is going out the window every month I don't even realize. I've also started paying mostly with cash. It's so true that it's WAY harder to part with cash than it is to hand over a debit or credit card...yes, even a debit card seems easier. So, I'm going to continue tracking everything I spend through the end of the month, while creating a budget. And, on August 1st, I start the Total Money Makeover and will be using the cash envelope system. I'm honestly scared and already uncomfortable. But, with so many other things in my life, I know what quitting feels like. Now, I want to know what it feels like not to quit.

#livefitlivestronglivepink