Money always felt like a mystery growing up.
We looked like we had plenty — but behind the mall trips and name brands, we were constantly struggling.
I remember seeing cars repossessed, homes lost, and stress etched into my parents’ faces. We never really got ahead. But we always found ways to spend.
We Looked Wealthy — But Lived Paycheck to Paycheck
On the outside, we had it all:
- The latest designer clothes
- Brand-new shoes
- Weekly shopping sprees at every mall within a 3-hour radius of Baltimore
From White Marsh and Towson to Dover and Annapolis — Saturdays were for spending. We’d hit the food court, swipe the credit cards, and chase the high of “new.”
But the high never lasted. And soon, I found myself repeating the same cycle.
Breaking the Cycle — One Road Trip at a Time
Even though my husband and I were making decent money, it was never enough. The stress followed us:
- Living paycheck to paycheck
- Credit card debt piling up
- Wondering how we’d ever afford childcare if we had kids
Then came a road trip that changed everything.
Somewhere between the red rocks of Arizona and the sweeping views of Utah, we listened to The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey.
Something clicked.
This time, it wasn’t about money. It was about our future.
It was about breaking generational cycles.
Our Why: A Better Future for Our Kids
I didn’t want my kids to carry the anxiety I grew up with.
I wanted them to feel peace, stability, and freedom — not fear or shame.
So we made a decision: We were going all in.
The 7 Baby Steps That Changed Our Lives
We followed Dave Ramsey’s plan step-by-step. Here’s what that looked like:
1. Save $1,000 for a starter emergency fund
Just enough to keep small emergencies from derailing our progress.
2. Pay off all debt (except the house) using the debt snowball
We listed our debts from smallest to largest — and tackled them one by one.
Within our first month, we knocked out small credit cards and student loans. The momentum was real.
3. Save 3–6 months of expenses in a fully funded emergency fund
We wanted to stop living in fear of the “what ifs.”
4. Invest 15% of household income into retirement
Because freedom isn’t just about today — it’s about tomorrow, too.
5. Save for our kids’ college
We opened 529 accounts with help from a Ramsey Trusted financial advisor. The goal: let education be a blessing, not a burden.
6. Pay off the house early
We’re actively working on this one — and loving the challenge.
7. Build wealth and give
This is our favorite step. Giving generously is the joy we didn’t know we were missing.
What Happened When We Actually Stuck With It
✔️ We paid off $120,000 of debt in 18 months
✔️ We bought our first home
✔️ We started retirement and college savings
✔️ We budget together every month
But here’s what matters more than the numbers:
- Our marriage is stronger
- We’re more disciplined, patient, and content
- We stopped idolizing “stuff” and started dreaming about legacy
- Our income even increased — significantly
God honors obedience.
That’s something we’ve seen over and over again.
Fun Didn’t Disappear — It Got More Creative
When we were in Baby Step 2, we learned how to live well on less.
Living in Fort Lauderdale, we took weekend day trips to the Everglades, the Keys, and the natural springs.
- We’d eat breakfast at home
- Pack lunches and snacks
- Split a budget dinner out
- Go for walks, do puzzles, cook together, laugh more
We made memories without making payments.
And honestly? Those were the beginning of my favorite days.
If You’re Stuck Where We Were…
Maybe you’re feeling stuck in the cycle.
Maybe you’re wondering how you’ll ever afford what’s next.
Here’s what I want you to know:
👉 You need a plan.
👉 But more importantly — you need a WHY.
Your why will carry you through every hard “no” and keep you focused on the bigger “yes.”
Ready to Break the Cycle?
We’re not financial experts — just a family that got sick of being stuck.
If we can do it, you can too.
📌 Start by writing down your why.
💰 Make a budget.
🎧 Listen to Dave.
🙏 Pray for wisdom and strength.
And one day soon, you’ll look back and realize…
You didn’t just change your finances.
You changed your future.
Have questions or want help getting started? Drop a comment or send me a message — I’d love to cheer you on. 💛
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