A completely different perspective

Things have happened this summer that make me grateful for 2 things- 1- John's new job and 2- the Dave Ramsey plan. I've been fighting with insurance about issues with my maternity coverage and with Grace's ear problems. (summary- They said my c-section was complicated, but it wasn't. An uncomplicated c-section is covered by my maternity policy, a complicated c-section is covered under major medical, which is another deductible and out-of-pocket limit. For Grace, we switched insurance for her, and her ear problems are considered pre-existing condition, so we have to appeal for a waiver to get it covered.) If the appeals go in our favor, things are good. If they go the other way, it will be a lot more money owed. If this was happening last summer, or if John didn't have a new job, I would be so incredibly stressed about it, even just waiting for the judgment. But knowing that with John's job, we'll have money to pay bills, I have no stress whatsoever.

We are also getting into the Dave Ramsey method of finances. We read his book about a year and a half ago, but we've really struggled implementing it completely. We've tried, but it's been hard. The main thing we did was set up an emergency fund, and we are so glad we did! We were able to pay for both of our car repairs and John's new glasses without stressing about where the money would come from. (It helped that we had saved our last tax return in preparation for our move, so we had more than our normal emergency fund.) We had to make adjustments about our move (like choose an apartment over a house for the first year at least), but when things like this happen, you have to make sacrifices. We cut expenses wherever we could to help save money. It's been tight, but it'll all be worth it in the end. (We skip a paycheck in between jobs, so it was going to be a tight summer even without the extra expenses we had.) The lower stress level is amazing! We're signed up for the Dave Ramsey class, Financial Peace University, starting in September, and we can't wait! I think EVERYONE needs to take this class or at least read his book. It's not just for rich or poor, or for those with debt or without debt. It's about how to live within (or below!) your means, while preparing for the future. I highly, highly recommend it. It has changed our lives, and we haven't even really started the program! haha. Once we're in the program, I'll definitely post updates here about our progress.