Freedom from Financial Worry – Alleviating Worry Number One

Freedom from Financial Worry is the Goal

Financial Fact – According to a 2016 Gallup Poll, 51% percent of people worry about not maintaining the standard of living they enjoy. 64% worry about not having enough money for retirement.  And, 60% worry about not having enough money to pay medical costs for a serious accident or injury.  

When I began this site, I made a vow to make this site a place for “Timeout from Your Worries”.  Putting this kind of statistic on here may make you think I’ve changed by reminding you of worries about money.

But, what if you didn’t have to worry about finances?  Or, at least not as much?  Freedom from financial worry is my wish for you.

If you worry about money, you are in good company

Based on the fact above, over half of us are worried about something related to finances.  Yet, talking about money seems to be one of the few taboo subjects in this world of ours.  

And that is a shame because whether it is from a sense of self-preservation (if they know I have money they will think differently of me) or of not wanting to seem lacking (if you are at the opposite end of the spectrum), this is a subject that is highly loaded.

The reality is money is needed in this world to be able to feel somewhat secure.  Yet, money is a topic of great debate among couples and families and can cause tension.  

It doesn’t have to be that way though.  Much of the tension has to do with communication and not having a financial plan.

Five years ago, my husband and I stumbled upon a resource that was life changing.  The resource’s name is Dave Ramsey and he has made his life’s work helping people achieve freedom from financial worry.  

His book “The Total Money Makeover” is an absolute game changer for anyone who needs help with their finances.  His plan for how to get out of debt (and stay there) is easy to follow and eye-opening.  

If you can’t afford to buy his book, you can probably find it in your local library for free.  He has audio books on the subject as well.

Five Financial Resources from Dave Ramsey to check out:

1. Website – daveramsey.com
2. Books and Audio Books – “The Total Money Makeover” and “Smart Money, Smart Kids“, among others
3. Courses – “Financial Peace University – This course is typically offered to the community through a church or other organization.  
4. Tools – Every Dollar – free beginner’s budgeting online tool and app
5. Show – Dave Ramsey also has a successful radio show for inspiration from other people in the trenches trying to dig themselves out

If you aren’t sure where to begin, the website and the Every Dollar app are great at helping you create a budget and figuring out how to get out of debt fast.  

If the idea of having a budget and living with it makes you shudder, try to remember a budget is having a plan for your money and you get to tell it where to go.

Tell your money where to go

Tracking where your money went is not a budget, that is just one aspect of it.  When you are telling your money where to go ahead of time, you gain control over things like debt.  

And, the less debt you have, the more freedom you have to put your money where you want it to be. Whatever you do, do not give up hope on the subject of money!  

You can change any habits that aren’t serving you and find yourself in a totally different financial place.  Dave Ramsey’s resources can help you get there.  I’ve learned so much from his work and continue to do so.

This will always be a work in progress, but if you are gaining traction that counts.  Please check him out if you haven’t already, freedom from financial worry someday is well worth it.

If you feel this information would be helpful for someone you know, please pass it on!

Disclaimer – I am not a financial professional, which is why I’m recommending someone who can lead you to financial professionals.  I did not earn any kind of commission for recommending him, I just have lived with what he has taught and found it to be beneficial for me.  Maybe this information would be helpful for you or someone you know as well.  Thank you! 

Did you enjoy this post?  If so, don’t forget to share it on Pinterest!