The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender. Proverbs 22:7 (ESV)

First of all, it has been a while since I've posted, hasn't it? Surprisingly, our company has opened up this blog site. so that I can do some posting from work. How nice of them! I always found it odd that they allowed some blog sites, but not others. Go figure...

If someone were to ask me what the biggest thing I've learned in the last four months is I'd have to say it's about using money wisely. Between going to a Dave Ramsey FPU class (which I strongly recommend for anyone who hasn't made a budget yet), listening to Dave Briggs (JR Briggs' dad) speak about finances at a weekend seminar at the The Well, and reading The Millionaire Next Door, I have learned tons! I've also been immensely encouraged by what I've learned.If I could summarize what I've learned it would be:

• Do a budget, with your spouse (if you have one), and STICK TO IT! Consider going to a Dave Ramsey FPU class. If you are married, do not attempt to do this course alone - it will not work! Bribe your spouse to go with you if you have to, but don't try to do it alone.
  
• Stop using credit cards!
• Be frugal. Real millionaires are very frugal people.
  
• Have a cash emergency fund of $1000.
• It's not what you make, but what you put away into savings or investments.
• Be a generous giver.
  

I'm currently praying about running a FPU course this spring. I'm strongly considering combining some material along with the excellent DVD training that Dave Ramsey provides. While preparing for this, Matt Bell, author of Money, Purpose, Joy: A Proven Path to Uncommon Success mentioned that the changing of the heart is just as important as the 'how-to'. I think that I took it for granted that my parents brought me up with the right 'heart' towards money, so the 'how-to came naturally. I forget that that might not be the common way people look at money. I look forward to reading his book and perhaps incorporating some of his material into the class.