While I’m sure mentioning this topic is going to bring some eye rolls and heavy sighs, we can’t deny that Christmas will be here soon.  So rather than avoiding the issue, let’s take it on and discuss some ways to plan and stay out of debt.  As Dave Ramsey says, “Children do what feels good.  Adults make a plan and follow it.”  I propose that we make a plan to stay out of debt this Christmas.

1)  Audit your spending.  See if there is anything that you’re willing to cut out.  I’m thinking things like lunch out with coworkers, movie rentals, …read more

Debt is not a tool; it is a method to make banks wealthy, not you.
Dave Ramsey

If you’ve been here long, you’ll know I’m wild about Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University classes.  The classes helped to get our family on track financially and to pay off thousands of dollars in debt in just one year!
I was at Dave’s site today and saw that he is having a tremendous sale on a Starter Special.  The starter special includes:

The Total Money Makeover Book
Financial Peace Revisited
Dumping Debt Video – DVD
Cash Flow Planning Video – DVD
Financial Peace Software (available for PC users only – not MAC compatible)
Starter Envelope System

The Starter Special will show you how to:

Design a sure-fire plan for …read more

There have been times in my life that I have been frugal because I have no other choice.  When I was in college was a perfect example of that.  There have also been times when I was frugal out of choice, which is most of the time.  This comes from realizing and enjoying that by being thrifty my money can go further and I can do more things that I like to do.
Through the past few years, we have been incredibly frugal and it has paid off.  We have paid off large amounts of debt and we are now living …read more

After some consideration, I’ve decided to add two new categories to Thrifty Mommy.
The first one is debt/credit.  I have no idea why we haven’t added it sooner because we talk a lot about the effects of debt.  I guess in the past we have just lumped it into financial matters.  No more!  I think debt needs a category for itself.
The other category is product reviews.  To save money, before I buy certain items I find myself surfing the web to find out what others say about the product.  We have tested products too, so why not pass on the helpful information to you? 
Don’t …read more

Congratulations! We’re pleased to inform you that your outstanding credit management has earned you a credit line increase on your Discover Card.
Your new Discover Card credit limit is $14,200.00.
Your increased buying power makes Discover Card the best choice for all your purchases.
They even enclosed another three checks.  Oh geez.  How lucky am I?    :p

Kelly and I really enjoy giveaways because we get to place some cool materials into your hands . . . and it’s all FREE!   
Our first giveaway last week was for the Debt Terminator.  Over the past year, my family has become debt free.  I can’t begin to tell you how liberating it is.  I hope Dan and Marsh from Giveaway City enjoy this useful kit.  I thought it was ironic that someone from a giveaway site won this.  Now it’s her turn to receive.
Stay tuned as we announce more winners from the Bloggy Giveaways.

Within the past year, my husband and I have become debt free!!!!  I can’t begin to tell you how freeing it is to only have a house payment.  We all know that debt ties us down, but we don’t realize how bad it really is until we’re out of it’s bondage. 
With our income and me staying at home, many times it seemed impossible to get out of debt.  I’m here to tell you that it can be done and I’d like to help you get started.
I am giving away a Debt Terminator Kit.  The value of this prize is $99.95.  The …read more

I’ve told you about the success my husband and I have had with paying off debt while following Dave Ramsey’s program.  You CAN do this too! 
Dave Ramsey’s site has a list of places in your area where his Financial Peace classes are being held.  All you have to do is type in your zip code to find out more information.  Click here for the Class Finder.
These classes are becoming more and more popular, as people are seeing the bondage that debt holds and that they can successfully follow this program.  I was amazed to find two upcoming classes where my parents live and seven …read more

Last year, I told you about the Financial Peace classes my husband and I were taking at church.  These classes helped my husband and I to get on the same page financially.  We both saw the bondage that debt had on our lives and ever since then we have worked hard to get out of debt.
It didn’t take long for my husband and I to start selling some of the things we had accumulated.  We’ve been married for over 10 years, so you can only imagine the hobbies, toys, and things we had collected.  One time a friend of ours …read more