Credit Card Offers

We collected nearly 50 credit card offers during the 13 week FPU class from a handful of the families that attended.  Below is what is their demise.

Debt Free College

Listen to Dave talk with Zac Bissonnette, author of Debt-Free U.

http://www.daveramsey.com/radio/home/loadclip/bissonnette.mp3

Money Matters from Proverbs 13

I was reading Proverbs 13 today and I wanted to share some of the financially related topics from there.

⁴ Lazy people want much but get little,
      but those who work hard will prosper.

 ¹¹ Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears;
      wealth from hard work grows over time.

¹² Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
      but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.

²² Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren,
      but the sinner’s wealth passes to the godly.

Scripture taken from the New Living Translation (NLT)

Millionaire Myths

Dave posted a good article with common myths about millionaires.  Check it out.

http://www.daveramsey.com/article/millionaire-myth-busters/lifeandmoney_other?ectid=bitlyified101220101133

Dave Talks Budgets with Fox & Friends

Coupons & Deals

If you spend much time on the internet, I would encourage you to check out the Kansas City on the Cheap blog.  The writers of the site have frequent postings of food coupons, free/cheap festivals, concerts, and local activities.  For example, if you look on the site today, you can see where to get free Cold Stone Ice Cream, a free meal from Panda Express, and a free Mrs. Fields Cookie.  Check back frequently, or subscribe with your favorite RSS reader.

Looking to make the clothing budget stretch?

If you've got kids, check out the Here We Grow Again consignment sale.  These are supposed to be some of the biggest sales in the KC area.  KMBC has a story about the sale that ends this weekend in Olathe.  There are several sales around the metro the next few weeks, show check out the website for times and locations.  You can even sell some of your gently used clothing.

Details: http://www.herewegrowagain.biz/

The "B" word

That's right.  It's time to talk about the budget.  *and the nerds rejoiced*  This week we are going to learn how to put together a successful budget, tell our money what to do and use the envelope system to avoid overspending.  This lesson is the first where real action and commitment are needed.  This is not easy, but as Dave says, it is worth it.  I hope you plan on joining us as we tackle this together.

Don't forget, we want to celebrate victories as we go along.  Last week we heard about people who found better deals on dog food, eliminated cable, completed baby step 1, and put money in savings for the first time.

The budget forms are in the back of your workbook, but can also be found online.  (you'll need extra copies) http://www.daveramsey.com/tools/budget-forms

Other items of note:
If you do most of your banking online, check out www.mint.com (free), as Mark mentioned last week.  This is a website that can help you track your money, and can be a great supplement to your budget.

E Mealz ($5/month) and ALDI Meal Planner (free) as possible ways to improve your grocery shopping/planning/savings

Here's another Debt Free call for motivation


FPU is now on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/FinancialPeace

Week 2 - Relating with Money

Tuesday, September 14th will be our second meeting.  In week 1 we discussed saving for emergencies, purchases and retirement.  We did a brief overview of the baby steps and even covered Murphy's law.  Lesson 2 is all about how money effects our relationships.  We'll talk about husbands/wives, singles, kids, nerds and free spirits.  I hope you are looking forward to continuing this series and don't forget to bring your quickie budget.

Debt Free Story

If she can do it, so can you.  Listen to this single mom's story for some inspiration.



More Radio Show highlights and Debt-Free Screaming

Class Materials

Now that you've signed up, make sure that you will have the needed materials for the first lesson.  If this is your first time through FPU you will need to order a lifetime membership packet.  You can do this on your own, but it is cheaper to order through the church.  If you've been through FPU before, just bring your old packet.

To order through the church, simply make out a check to Red Bridge Church of Christ for $93 and give it to myself (Scott) or Jim Dalton.  It takes 7-10 days for shipping and we would like to order all the packets at once, if possible.  That being said, please have your check/cash by Wednesday, September 1st.

If the materials don't make it in time, I will make copies of Lesson 1 from the workbook.  Also, if you are still on the fence about FPU (even after watching the preview), you can attend the first week free.  After that you will need to purchase materials.

Sign Up Today!

Let us know you that you've decided to come.

Statistics

Check out these statistics compiled by Larkin Coaching.



70% of people in North America live paycheck to paycheck.
- The Wall Street Journal

17% of Americans do not have enough savings to cover 1 week without a paycheck. 55% could not live for 3 months or less without a paycheck. - USA Today


Over 62% of Americans retire on annual incomes of below $10,000
- The US Census Bureau

The typical bankruptcy was not a homeless guy living on the street or a high rolling real estate salesman, but a "well-educated, middle class baby boomer with big time credit card debt." - The Wall Street Journal

Most marriages that fail list financial problems as a contributing factor, if not the main reason for the failure. - Dave Ramsey

It takes the average millionaire 17-18 years to become one. Most are first generation and started with little or nothing. - Dr. Thom Stanley



Read the full "Financial Facts" pdf here.

On the Fence about FPU?

Watch the class preview free online.  This 8 minute video will give you a feel for the entire class.  You will get a glimpse into Dave's teaching style, energy, and humor.  You can even check out the first workbook lesson.  Use the links below to access this information.

Video
http://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/preview/

Chapter 1 workbook
https://a248.e.akamai.net/f/1611/26335/9h/dramsey.download.akamai.com/23572/pdf/fpu/workbook/fpu_supersaving_free_lesson.pdf

Financial Peace University Coming Soon!