Wednesday, May 25, 2011

FINANCIAL PEACE.

Something funny happened last week.

One of my coworkers happened to be one of Gerson’s patients. She had no idea, but when he saw she worked with my employer he asked if she knew me.

My coworker did not know that Gerson was a full-time medical student. Once she arrived at work, she came to tell me that she had met him and her only thought was “Lucky her, she married a doctor!” Other coworkers also found out, so then the obvious comment was mentioned, “You are going to have a lot of money someday” Believe it or not, I get told this (in different forms) all the time. Really, ALL the time!

But the truth is we actually may not have a lot of money someday. Something can change. The economy… doctor’s salaries… managing our finances irresponsibly… ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN.

I guess I was having a really good day, cause my response was Maybe, but I’m broke now, yet so happy, so as long as he continues to love me I’ll be good.

I realize money does give a temporary happiness, but I never want it to define nor break my marriage. Although we have had our financial high & lows, I’m kind of proud that we remain crazy in love although our finances took a twirl when we moved to SA.

Everyone handles money differently. Normally, there’s a spender and a saver in each relationship. This is why arguing about money is extremely common. What’s sad is that many times marriages divorce due to financial struggles.

Here are two things I’ve learned through my financial ups and downs. First, MONEY COMES AND MONEY GOES. A very common saying but very true. When my dad had a heart attack I did not care what I had to pay to get him well. All I wanted was he with me on earth.

Second lesson is one that changed my life. It is Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, class. A lot of people think that Dave Ramsey is all about getting out of debt, but it’s more than that. It’s a financial plan that teaches you to become debt free,live within your means (on a budget), invest to build wealth, and GIVE; give to your family, to your church, to organizations, to the poor etc!

Those two, allowed me to understand that arguing about a piece of paper called money was simply not worth it. I’m beyond blessed whether I have millions of dollars or not. God has given me so much including things that money can't buy.

If you find yourself arguing often about your finances I encourage you to take Dave Ramsey's class. Living on a budget is no where near easy but it gives you a smart financial mission in your relationship. You won’t regret taking this class. It will change you!
Also, begin to count your blessings. Many people don’t even have a roof over their head or food to eat. Reflect and remember that you’re already blessed with or without the IPAD2!

And who knows I may have a lot money someday. But it may be through my career or Ramsey's brilliant plan. Only God knows. What I do know is that money just can't buy me love! ♥

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