Just wanted to share an update on our month of no spending. It's been a good month, although a bit boring at times. For example, it's Saturday night at 8:45pm and i'm blogging, Dustin is walking around our studio apartment aimlessly...i think you get the point. I guess I would sum up the month in the following ways:
1. I absolutely would have regretted this month had we not made this decision. We easily could have wasted the extra money that we received through my extra paycheck. So, I know that I will feel good and not guilty at the end of the month regardless.
2. The Theology of Money class that Dustin and I took was extremely instrumental in helping us to make this month about changing our life choices and not just seeing if we could not spend for one month. I have a feeling that every month will be no spending month. =)
3. We have decided to follow Dave Ramsey's (www.daveramsey.com) Total Money Makeover as a way to pay off debt and get in a better financial situation. It's comforting to know that we have a proven plan to follow and i'm very excited to stay committed and see results.
4. Dustin and I have had to be more creative in how we spend our time. It definitely sucks not being able to do stuff sometimes with friends. But it's been fun having people over to our house and cooking for them. I miss entertaining and this gives us a good excuse. Even though we don't have much extra money, we have been inspired by another newlywed couple to make traditions for our family. For example, Frozen Fridays, our date night to eat frozen pizza and hang together.
5. The truth about money is becoming a passion of mine. It's crazy how our views of money have been predominantly determined by what society says, especially credit card companies and car loan businesses. It's crazy that our society teaches using debt in life rather than saving. It's disappointing that the church has, in my opinion, fallen short in this area. Most churches are so hesitant to talk about money for fear of turning people away. However, in the meantime they haven't educated people about what the Bible says and about how God views money. I think the church has done a great diservice to society in general and Christ followers in particular by not educating its people. I hope to be a part of changing that in the future as God changes my heart and continues to open my eyes.
I feel so blessed to have a husband that is on the same page as me. God has taught us so much in our almost 2 years of marriage and he continues to provide for us day by day. We pray that we will continue to be faithful and obedient.
