Well, Bob and I finished week 2 of Dave Ramsey’s Class, Financial Peace University. This week, he talked about relating with money. He talked to people who are married, single, and to parents. I have to admit, I really like this one. So much helpful information!
For Married Couples
For those who are married, he talked about being on the same page financially. If the two of you are working against each other, because you have different goals, then it’s bound to cause conflict. I have to say, Bob and I have been on the same page financially for the most part. I’m not too involved–I’m the free spirit, as Dave calls it. So, every once in a while I check up on things and look to see if tweaks need to be made. But most of the time it’s because I want something, so I’m trying to find the money to get it. Ha ha!
For Singles
He also talks to singles–a time when I didn’t have it together at all. I was the classic example in his book. I had no one to be accountable to and I spent my money without restraint, which caused me problems. Dave recommends every single person should have an accountability partner. One who will tell you when you’re being stupid and you don’t need a new car because you’ve got a flat tire. Wish I would have had that when I was single.
For Parents
Last, he talks to parents. This was the part that I really needed to hear. I am not a parent yet, but I will be revisiting this section once my kids are old enough to do chores. He says to teach kids to do three things with their allowance or “commissions” money. 1) Save 2) Give, and 3) Spend. He says that people treat money they have to work for much differently than money that is given to them. And I agree. I know I sure do. He also talks about how we have to show our children how to use money.
Proverbs 22:6-7…
6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
7 The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
It’s interesting these two verses are next to each other and yet I wasn’t taught much about money. And I don’t know many people who were. I was taught much more by TV which tells me that I need to look like I have money rather than what God’s Word says about money. I didn’t think I could ever not have a car payment, or credit card debt, or a house payment, etc. But I don’t think that way any more. I’m challenged to see myself debt free! Can you imagine? I can. And I think that’s the way God wants it.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
We just started a chore list and “commission” system with my 5 yr. old this week. It was her idea, but we structured it much the way Dave Ramsey suggests. She has 3 chores – make her bed, help set the table, and put her dirty clothes in the hamper. She uses a sticker chart on the refrigerator to keep track. When she earns a commission, she knows that she will have some to spend, some to save, and some to give. So far, it seems like it’s working!
Very well said! I enjoy your reviews of FPU so much I’m considering taking it, even though I’ve been a fan of Dave’s radio show for several years and have read his book “The Total Money MakeOver”. It sounds like he goes a little more in-depth and targets his message to specific audiences, which is great for anyone regardless of age or experience. Thanks for taking the time to write this. I look forward to the next installment.
Great description of lesson 2 in FPU. I would recommend anyone interested in improving their finances to take the FPU class. My husband and I are facilitators and lead our first FPU session last fall and just started a spring session. In the fall class we had 16 families but about half were already out of debt and just wanted to learn to manager their finances better. After the class finished they all said they felt even more confident in how to handle their finances even the participants that were already at baby step 3 or beyond. Also just about all the couples in the class said the main side benefit of the class was that their relationship with their spouse was much stronger. So I feel FPU isn’t just for people struggling with finances but anyone who’s interested in taking better care of their financial lives.