We're Debt Free . . .

4 years ago Jody and I were up to our eyeballs in debt . . . remember my coupon craze posts???  We had no money - so I couponed, so we could eat.  Jody and I hit rock bottom and knew we had to change something.  We decided to take Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey - and it changed our lives.  We began the debt snowball with a staggering $83,000 in debt.  We didn't have student loans and this did not include our interest only home mortgage on a house that was now worth half of what we owed because of the recession.  This was all "stupid" debt - cars and credit cards.

Things started off slow . . . but we started - and that is what matters!  We began to make some traction and soon, we knew we could do it!!  It took us 3.5 years, but I am happy to report that in April of this year - we did it - we paid off our last credit card!!

My favorite part of this story is that in May, Jody and I had purchased tickets to see Dave live!!  I had also signed up to start coordinating FPU classes (I mean really, how could I not share this life changing information?!?!).  Because of signing up as a coordinator, I was offered the chance to attend a meet and greet luncheon with Dave Ramsey and his Daughter.  Of course I said "YES!!!".

On Tuesday, May 6, I attended Dave's Entreleadership seminar for business owners.  I had the chance to meet Rachel Cruze and get her new book "Smart Money, Smart Kids" signed by her.

Wednesday rolled around and was time for the luncheon.  I was filled with such a nervous excitement!!  Jody and I went downtown to the top of the Zions Bank building and were one of the first to arrive (in true Adams fashion).  The view up on the 18th floor was amazing.

With only 15-20 people in the room, Dave and Rachel walked in and I was giddy!  I had me Entreleadership book ready for Dave to sign.  Jody and I made our way over to him, introduced ourselves and got my book signed.  In the brief few minutes we were with him, I told him (In a fast, excited high school girl voice) "This is our debt free scream - we just paid off $83,000 in debt 10 days ago".  He congratulated us and we sat down.

Lunch was amazing!!  A couple of people spoke and then Dave got up to speak.  About 15 minutes in he said "Where is that couple that told me they paid off all that debt?".  I sheepishly raised my hand and he asked us to stand up.  He asked us to tell everyone (around 100 people) how much we had paid off and how long it took us.  Then he said "I don't normally do this type of thing at a professional business lunch, but I am going to count to three and I want you to yell as loud as you can "We're debt free".  He counted, we yelled, I floated on a cloud the rest of the day.  I am sure our yell penetrated all 17 floors below us!!  People call in to Dave's radio show and travel to Nashville to do a debt free scream, but ours is the best story EVER!!!

Jody and I have made a commitment to never accumulate debt again.  We are now teaching financial Peace to others and watching those around us take the same life changing steps!!!  What a legacy we get to leave!!!

Serving Him,

Jess