No, not THAT kind of change. Today, I am thankful for the changes in my life. Not just the major long term changes that have occurred. Consider life just one year ago.
One year ago…
- We had over $6000 in consumer debt (not including mortgage or car).
- We had nothing in savings.
- We had one vehicle for our family.
- We were living beyond our means, and going deeper into debt.
- I was not clipping coupons, and I had never set foot in CVS.
- I had never heard of The Grocery Game.
- I was shopping at Target, a lot.
- We were eating out 4-5 times per week.
- We were planning a 2-week trip to California (by plane).
- I had never laid eyes on a Personal Finance or Mommy Blog.
- I had never heard of Dave Ramsey.
- We believed debt was inevitable and necessary to survive.
- We were not honoring God with our finances.
And One Year Later…
- We have around $1000 in consumer debt (and shrinking).
- We have an emergency fund.
- We have added a practical, used vehicle with over 100K miles to our family.
- We are living well below our means, and giving more.
- I am serious couponer, Grocery Gamer, and CVSer.
- I no longer shop at Target (ok, well, except for that one time).
- We eat out 1-2 times per week (still room for improvement).
- We are planning a road trip to California this August.
- I have my own blog, and read many others!
- I am reading Dave Ramsey’s book, and watch his show nearly every night.
- We believe “Debt is Dumb”.
- We are honoring God with our finances (always room for improvement here, too).
We have come a long way! I can only imagine where we will be one year from now. I look forward to reflecting back on this post.
I believe in change, and I believe ALL things are possible through Christ who strengthens me.
Why don’t you shop at Target? Several people (myself included) have been known to get many freebies and good deals from them.
This is wonderful! I need to have the same determination and yours is inspiring!
Tracey
Good for you and your family on reaching your financial goals! Keep the faith and God will continue to bless you and your family!
Lisa
Thanks for visiting my blog!!
Sheer blind luck,
I agree, there are many great deals and freebies at Target. But, in the past, I have been known to go a little crazy in Target with the impulse buys. Clearance section especially.
So, I simply stay away altogether. My bank account is much happier now. Eventually, when I build more self-control, I will be shopping for those freebies at Target!
Way to go! Reading all the things you have changed is very inspirational! Keep it up.
S.B.
alyssa – how amazing! Look at how much God has done for you in this short period! He is good and it’s so good to see you give Him the credit for what has been done in your life!!!
Ah! That makes sense! Wish I could do that with Doritos :-/
WTG Alyssa! You are certainly an inspiration and proof of the transforming power of God when we seek His heart and obey.
Great work Alyssa! Thank you for taking the time to share all of your progressions. I think you have really inspired alot of us to be more determined!
The amount that your debt has shrunk is outstanding. Thats my main goal at the moment to pay off credit cards and climb my way out of debt.