Latest Blog Posts
Big Changes Coming Soon!
This has been the craziest, most change-filled year of my entire life. We finished paying off six figure student loan debt, we finally bought our first home, I had a surgery I’d been putting off for a while, I got a new car, my step dad received a difficult diagnosis...
Paying Off Debt is Worth the Sacrifice + Other Frugal Life Lessons
I haven't shared a life update on this blog in a while, so I think we're long overdue for one...especially considering all that's been happening around here! As you may already know, we finished paying off $127,000 of debt (mostly student loans) about nine months...
3 Surprising Lessons Learned After Quitting a 4 Year Spending Ban
While my husband and I worked on paying off $127,000 of debt (mostly student loans), I was on a four year spending ban. I know, I know...nuts, right? I promise it's not as crazy as it sounds. Anyway, I learned a lot about frugality and minimalism during those four...
Is Dave Ramsey a Hypocrite?
It's no secret that I'm a huge Dave Ramsey fan. Reading his book The Total Money Makeover completely changed my life. My husband and I took Financial Peace University at our church and attended Dave's Money and Marriage event in Minneapolis. *Disclosure: This post...
4 Compelling Reasons NOT to Use the Cash Envelope System
I recently started using the cash envelope system and it’s been amazing so far! It makes the budgeting process so simple and easy. I don’t have to feel nervous or guilty about spending money on fun stuff because it’s already been budgeted for and I know EXACTLY how...
50 Cash Envelope Category Ideas
I started using the Dave Ramsey's cash envelope system for budgeting recently, and it's a game changer! I love anything that makes life a little simpler, and cash envelopes make budgeting SO easy. *Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Read our full...
500 Things I’m Thankful For
We all know that focusing on what we’re thankful for can make us feel happier. Many of us have written lists of 5 things we’re grateful for, or 20, or 50…but have you ever made a list of 500 things you appreciate? I decided to create this list of 500 things because I...
Buying a Home? 4 Hidden Costs You Haven’t Considered
Buying a home is likely one of the largest financial decisions you will make in your lifetime. We all know that buying a house is expensive, but it can be tough to estimate exactly how much cash you'll need if you aren't aware of some of the more "hidden" costs of...
10 Bad Habits You Need to Stop if You Want to Be Happy
Habits are hard to break. This topic comes up frequently and the reason why is because most of us struggle to break bad habits, even when we truly want to. Our brains like to be efficient. When we don’t tell our brains what to do (what to think about) and instead live...
Home Warranties for Reducing Home Maintenance Costs
Every year, renters are converted to owners by irresistible pitches. Ditch your landlord, gain the freedom to plant a garden, pay less per month on a mortgage than rent – all are compelling in their own way. The last one is particularly appealing – saving money while...
Why God Wants You to Be Rich
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” – 1 Timothy 6:10 This is one of the most misunderstood and misquoted Bible verses. *Disclosure:...
5 Crucial Ways Dave Ramsey is Right About Money
You’re reading a personal finance blog right now, so you’ve probably heard of money expert Dave Ramsey. Dave has authored several books, teaches a popular course called Financial Peace University (which I highly recommend), and hosts the Dave Ramsey Show. *Disclosure:...