F does NOT mean failure.

I learned something this month. I have absolutely zero time for pleasure reading. Ugh. Sucky poo. I was so stoked to hang out with my other boyfriend Dave a ton this month, but sadly our relationship was short lived. Sad day. However, our relationship is NOT over! I will not give up, but I will also not spend every night with him. Instead, I will carry this goal out throughout the year, as I am trying with the other goals I have. I will incorporate them into my lifestyle. Dave is going to play a huge role in changing WAM's behaviors when it comes to finance. We are almost debt free....can't wait!

I realized that as much as I tried to make time for this monthly focus, I don't have a lot of spare time and when I do get it I prefer to sleep, eat and breathe.  With that being said, my February goal of focusing on finances STILL happened. Boom, that's right! I still got 'er done. ;)

How you ask? Well, let's just say that February is the shortest month, but so far, I have spent more money in February than any month. I had set many wedding deadlines for myself during February as well as made about five more "To Do" lists....my favorite thing in life. Not really. But yes, really. I can't stop making them. It's a sickness, but I am not ready to be cured. I love highlighting things on my list!!!! It's a great feeling.......reeling it back in.

Okay, earlier this month I attended a bridal fair in P-town (Pullman for all you non-Palouse folks) and found my DJ and my caterer! W00t.  Check that off the monstrous wedding to do list. I met with the caterer and found out they can supply chairs for outside too-seriously two birds one large stone! Boom. Feeling good.....until she sent the contract. Ouch. When you invite 400 people to a wedding, it's going to be expensive. I mean, we have to feed people and I won't say how much it is because when it comes down to it, I really don't care! But....let's just say I paid less in grad school fees this year. That much....but it's going to be tasty!  My DJ, is awesome and a steal of a deal. Under budget on that....point Majie!

We also found a new apartment this month. Huge sigh of relief. <SIGH> Ahh good. I won't go into detail about the apartment, I'll save that for another post. It freaking rocks my socks though. However, that was another $700 that we spent....didn't plan on it, BUT it felt good that we had the money and it was no big deal. Back in the day, we'd have to live on Top Ramen in order to make ends meet and pay our deposit. Not anymore because we can budget like a BOSS.

February had many more expenses related to the wedding and to WAM. We also just did our taxes and are getting more than we expected back. I love little surprises like that!  All of our tax returns are going to the wedding or honeymoon. Needless to say, finances were on my mind this month. Feeling good about being  smart with my money when it comes to life, the wedding and planning our future.

My "other" boyfriend

Let me introduce you to my boyfriend: Dave Ramsey.

Don't worry. Will knows ;)

Dave and I spend many nights together. He makes me laugh. He makes me think. He makes me plan. The best part? He is changing my life and  Will's life at the same time. Best. Boyfriend. Ever. (Besides my stud of a man Willis! Le DUH!!!)

For the month of February, I will be spending a little time each day, or night ;), with my man Dave. For those of you who don't know, Mr. Dave Ramsey He will guide me through the fascinating world of finances.

The thing that is so awesome about Dave is that he is  real, raw and has been through it all. He was a millionaire by the age of 26. Holy smokes! Only problem, he lost it all. As he says, "We went through financial hell." This loss took a toll on his marriage and he almost lost his wife, but with a baby and a toddler, they sucked it up and figured it out. He realized that finance management is NOT rocket science. He has numerous books, a radio show and does presentations and talks around the nation about his simple finance plan.

Seriously. It's simple. He even says it will make you feel silly how simple the steps are. Funny thing-MOST people do not do them! Ugh, why? Many of us know what to do, but do not do it. Doing it is the hardest part, but the part that will make a difference.

The book of Dave's that I am reading is "Total Money Makeover." So far, I love it. He writes just like I like it. Funny. Witty. Sarcastic, but raw and honest. Very honest. Love it. He makes me laugh out loud (I refuse to ever write the acronym for that phrase!!).  The book is filled with stories of people who have heard him speak, read his books or participated in his Financial Peace University workshop. They are success stories. The thing about it is that the people in the stories are as young as 23 and the oldest are in their 60's...it's never too late to start making a financial difference in your life!

Each chapter has fun tid-bits from Dave....Myths vs. Truth, Shocking Stats, Dave Rants and Dumb Math & Stupid Tax.One that struck me is a Myths vs. Truth.....Myth: I don't have time to work on a budget, retirement plan or estate plan. Truth: You don't have time not to.

My challenge to YOU and to myself is to take the time. Life is short.  You want to enjoy it. Make the freaking time. It will change your life. 

F is for Finance.

It's all about the Benjamins babe-bay...

That's right, this month my focus will be on finance management. I never would have thought that I'd be excited to focus on finances....seriously? What a nerd!

Now, I have a special relationship with money. We have not always gotten along. That's the plain awful truth. I grew up not knowing about money. Not understanding the value of money, the importance of managing one's money, budgeting, credit vs. debit. vs. cash or even saving. Nothing. I knew nothing. Unfortunately, I was never really taught...

The way I learned about money was not an easy way. I learned the hard, ugly way. Like coyote ugly. I rolled over the next morning, hung over to see what lay next to me and  I wanted to chew my arm off the next day.  (w00t w00t shout out to Coyote Ugly!). I made mistakes. Many. But I am proud to say, I have learned from my mistakes and am moving on with my life debt-free! Holla Majie!!!

I am getting married in....five months I think? Is it five already!?! Hot damn. Planning a wedding in itself, forces one to budget. Even more than that, when we get married we combine finances. Ahhhhh. It's a scary thought for some. I agree, however, we are very open about finances. Always have been. It makes me feel good about joining our finances. All couples should be open about finances and be on the same page when it comes to managing their money.

I am studying family program development in my master's program and focusing on finance management and the importance of financial awareness and management for young adults. I cannot stress it enough how important it is for young people to learn about money. Even the basics. A majority of our adolescents and young adults (even full ADULTS!) are in the dark about money. Not a good place....unless you're a vampire. Edward...WHAT! My point is that I want our young adult population to have the tools that I now have. I want them to get the education and knowledge that I am gaining. I don't want them to learn the hard way...