Maxed Out

I just finished watching the documentary Maxed Out. Wow. The film examines America's debt crisis and it was released in 2007. I think now we are in a debt catastrophe!

I wouldn't normally blog about something other than Owen (he is my favorite subject), but financial freedom is my passion and I'm a little fired up after watching this film. Also, I am teaching a Crown Financial class at church and it started yesterday, so my mind is saturated with money and how to handle it.

"Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender." Proverbs 22:7

These words were written by King Solomon in the 10th century, B.C. but they certainly ring true today. Do you find yourself working simply to pay for things you bought with credit? Your paycheck is gone before it is even deposited! You are essentially an indentured servant to your stuff and creditors. How frustrating and exhausting-I know because I've experienced it firsthand. What I have also experienced is the freedom that comes when you are no longer a borrower. Oh, if I could bottle the feeling and sell it-everyone would grab their credit cards and buy a lot of it! Ha!

Seriously, my heart is so burdened to tell everyone that there is a better way to handle your finances than the way the world advertises or the way the government deals with money. Here's a list of a few tools that have been instrumental in shaping the way our family handles money:

Your Money Counts: The Biblical Guide to Earning, Spending, Saving, Investing, Giving and Getting Out of Debt by Howard Dayton

Crown Financial Bible Study (10-week course)

Financial Peace by Dave Ramsey

More Than Enough: The Ten Keys to Changing Your Financial Destiny by Dave Ramsey

The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness by Dave Ramsey (This one is a personal favorite)

Financial Peace University (13-week course)

The Bible (which is the inspiration for the majority of information contained in the above resources)

I believe personal financial responsibility is important for two reasons. First, our government is obviously in a lot of debt, so we all need to be more careful so we can survive and thrive through the difficult times. Second, and most importantly, I believe the way we handle money has a direct impact on our fellowship with the Lord.

Jacob and I have been on a mission toward financial freedom for the past 3 years. There's nothing glamorous about a budget or living frugally, but the benefits are outstanding. Today we are free from car payments, credit card payments and student loan payments. Our only debt is our mortgage and we have a plan to pay it off early. I tell you all this because I want you to know it is possible to live differently than the majority of our society chooses to live. We've done it (and are still doing it) and would be happy-eager even-to share more about our experience with you.

Okay, I'll step down from my box now. Oh, and I'll add a picture of Owen to make up for my essay. ;)