A Goal Bigger Than My Problems: Financial Freedom

13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: nforgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for othe prize of the upward pcall of God in Christ Jesus.
Philipians 3:13-14

As I wrap up my One Thing for the month of January I wanted to focus on Finance and Tithing. 

My problem is, I'm broke. 

My goal bigger than making money is: Being completely out of debt by 2016. No more credit cards, no more bills other than *hopefully* a mortgage, no more car payments, no more subscriptions, no more unpaid doctors bills, no more unreturned library books.

I'm done. I want to have freedom from money problems. 

So, for the month of February I will continue my tithing habit (though I haven't made any money since my last contribution to the collections plate) and I will change my focus for the month of February to Family and Community. (I think that's appropriate for the month of Valentines)

Until then-

Brilliant! Freebie!

While I'm dreaming about recieving a pay check. I'm planning how to be smart about being a good steward of my money. I have not been a good steward of my money and, while I had a mind to saving for my future. I didn't use it as a goal.

Anyway I found this really nifty printable diy envelopes for envelope budgeting. I feel like I need to cut my debit card out of my life.

Love 'em

http://www.todaysnest.typepad.com/todays-nest/2010/09/todays-money-budgeting-with-cash-envelopes.html


Here's another similar diy. So Cute!

http://kelleighratzlaff.com/featured/free-envelope-template-and-a-tutorial/

And here is a fabric version

http://www.imperfecthomemaking.com/2013/01/diy-wallet-for-cash-envelope-system.html?m=1

and another one

http://www.atimeforeverything.net/2011/01/diy-cash-envelope-system-wallet.html

Make sure you leave them some luv!

One Word. One Thing. Cutting the Lifestyle.

I received my first email today from Dave Ramsey's "My Total Money Makeover"
You can recieve his emails as well click here and subscribe to his emails.

Dave Ramsey's suggestion is to "Cut the Lifestyle" this fits my One Word Carve perfectly. The first thing Dave suggests is to sell your car, purchase a car for $2,000-$4,000 and cut up your credit cards pay off your debts and put $1,000 in a savings acct.

I don't have any credit cards.

I love my car, but honestly I've been thinking about selling my car all week. But then...my car is worth between $5,000 and $6,000 dollars and it's not paid off. I would be able to trade my car in for a $3,000 car, but I'm not sure that I'll get any cash for it.

I am not paying rent at the moment. My goal is not to pay rent until I can afford a house. That's a HUGE lifestyle cut. I am lamenting my twin sized bed after I've been sleeping on a king, and then downsized to   a queen.  I've sold or given way everything anyone would accept. All that I have of value now are books.

There are so many things I want for my own luxury, or because I'm used to having them.

I think only a combination of "accepting my cut lifestyle" and working as much as possible are going to put me in a situation where I can sock away an emergency fund and focus on paying down my debts.

I started substitute teaching on Tuesday. I learned my lesson today to accept the first phone call you get. Unfortunately I played the odds and lost. I did not receive another phone call today about subbing. Prayerful for tomorrow.

I'm also still in the running for a job, I've been inadvertently praying for for years. They said they are excited about me. Please keep praying.

Thank you Lord for your provision.

Just One Thing: Tithing for 30 days

I have not had any additional income this week, and a couple unexpected bills hit. It's a struggle right now because I know I don't have the money to pay for next months bills, or even some expenses that came up this month. I'm a little too proud to ask my parents to help me out. I am going back and forth between knowing that I really shouldn't put anything on my credit card. Christianity today posted an Article "What's Wrong With Credit Card Debt?"  I think we all like to know in advance how we are going to pay our bills.

At this point "Carve" for me means not spending ANY MONEY that I don't need to spend. Driving less, not eating out, not buying extra "stuff" that I don't actually NEED.

Carving out all of that out still is not going to allow for me to pay my bills come February.

I've really had to live by Mathew 6:34 in the past six months “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

On the up side of things, I am now on a sub list in a school district, and will be able to start subbing next week. I have another interview with another school district on Weds. I also am in the fourth step of an interview process working for an organization that I am really excited about. 

I know God is working. I'm just not sure if I trust Him enough to provide me with the money I need to pay my bills. 

 Lord, thank you for the opportunities that are coming up in the very near future. You are the great provider. You will never leave me, you will never forsake me. Even when I don't trust your presence, I still know you are there.  Lord, I know you have provided for me in the past. I have never been in want of basic necessities. Please give me the peace to trust you with my financial future.