Money Talk and a Pumpkin Spiced Latte

If you will live like no one else, later you can live like no one else. ― Dave Ramsey

Have you ever heard the Dave Ramsey show? The man used to get on my nerves!! Always telling people how dumb they were for-and quote- “their stupid financial mistakes”.  My husband was a fan but I wasn’t AT ALL. Obviously, if I am writing about this it’s because I’ve come to realize that indeed I was making some dumb and stupid financial mistakes myself.  It was hard to admit, but the man himself has made dumb mistakes so he speaks from experience.

I admire people who walk the walk and speak from personal experience.  For those who do not know who Dave Ramsey or his organization is about, they counsel people hurting from the results of financial stress. They offer many tools such as courses and books.  The books “The Total Money Makeover”, and “Smart Money, Smart Kids” have inspired our financial transformation.

They even offer a “Financial Peace Jr. version”. My girls are loving it and it has inspired them also to even save to gift others. The word saving has taken an intentional meaning in our household and donations have taken a more positive and intentional meaning.

During the economic crisis of 2008, my husband and I almost lost everything. His business was about to close, I was taking graduate classes while working two jobs. We owned three properties that were renting for way less than what we paid. And our main residence was barely furnished because we couldn’t even afford it.  Our meals consisted of mostly Ramen noodles. I learned that those Ramen can be made into so many recipes… Yet, I did not want to admit the financial crisis we were in. It created a burden on our marriage. It was hard.

We made those “financial stupid mistakes” that Ramsey talks about. Many of our friends in similar situations gave up their properties to the bank. It was our decision to do what we had to avoid that. We worked HARD. We felt that it was our mistake and we didn’t want to keep adding to the economy. We owned our mistake. Hard pill to swallow. Some of the most difficult yet valuable years of our lives. It was around those years that my husband introduced me to Ramsey and his saving ideas. Since then I have read many books, his and others, on savings and increasing my wealth.  It has taken us years to come to this point of finally being able to save again but we’ve done it.

I love to see the faces of my loved ones and the ones I care about to open a gift during the holidays. I still struggle to keep my list on the short but this post is a reminder to myself and hopefully, you too, to give without losing your wallet in the process.  Being “Gazelle intense” as Ramsey talks in his book about your financial goals, allows you to give more and share more. One of the greatest benefits of financial freedom.

What I’ve learned the most is to be intentional about purchases. The word budget is not a bad word for me anymore. I still splurge and there are times when I still regret a purchase but we learn something every day. As I continue to look for insight and inspiration, I recently read the book “The Latte factor” by David Bach.  It is a great story that will open your eyes and inspire you to realize that anyone can save and achieve financial freedom regardless of your income level.

“Love is what makes life special, but without money, you are in big trouble” David Bach

As we approach the holiday season, we sometimes forget about our budget. And the cycle of debt starts all over as we start the new year on a negative.

The Latte Factor idea teaches that small amounts of money invested over time turn into a mountain of cash. It bases the teaching of the amount we might spend daily on a costly cup of latte and the effects over time that it causes to our finances. Rob Berger explains in a Forbes article that the factor shows us the power of small amounts of money. How every dollar that comes through our hands represents possibilities. We obviously spend money on needs, and we spend money on wants. Every dollar we can save and put to work for us will compound if given enough time. This is what enables us to build wealth on almost any income.

As it is said by author John C. Maxwell -Consistency Compounds! In everything in life, think about it, Consistency Compounds.

Although it is hard to think about saving during this season, I have made these last months of the year all about preparing to start a new decade strong in different aspects (health, finances, education, family time, etc).  Quality time and simple acts of service bring higher meaning to myself, and the recipients, and fewer effects on my pocket book. With those goals in mind, I suggest you grab a copy of this short, interesting, and easy to read story. I am sure you can even borrow all the books mentioned for free from your library- we did!

To help out with your “Latte Factor” this season, I am sharing a homemade pumpkin spiced latte recipe. Perfect to warm your body and heart while keeping your wallet warm in your pocket. Cheers & enjoy!

Dream • Live • Inspire

L.