Comments on: Financial Peace Through Planning

By: Matt Jabs

Matt Jabs — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:00:52 +0000

@Tim: Thanks, I hope this article helps get even one person on the right track!

By: Tim Rosen

Tim Rosen — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:46:18 +0000

Excellent Matt! A very practical, real-world plan that I believe anyone can “flesh out”.

What I’ve found helpful along with using the spending journal, is to go back over the last 3 months of bank statements with a highlighter and mark all transactions where you have nothing to show for it (except groceries,gas and “fixed” bills); we’re looking for “leaks” in the “bucket” so to speak, then re-direct some of those “lost” dollars towards debt reduction and savings!

By: Kerri Reeves

Kerri Reeves — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:22:22 +0000

I enjoy the positivity in this post–it’s spot on!
For those at the beginning of this process, it can be very intimidating…I’d like to suggest a site that’s a step one to financial understanding (for inputting income, expenses and debt), like a spreadsheet, but easier. The info is also stored and can be tracked over time.
http://www.debtspark.com

By: Matt Jabs

Matt Jabs — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:44:25 +0000

It is awesome to realize that simply putting a plan in place will deliver so much peace, even when still in debt.

@Neal: I LOVE your comment! When people argue about paying off mortgage/student loan debt or investing I always want to chime in about the freedom gained through paying things off. No investment will give you that same freedom. Thanks for the encouraging testimonial!

@Rex: love the premise of “taking control” that is definitely something people need to see. If they do not control their money, the opposite will happen, & it is never a pretty thing!

@Jason: I agree. I love both of those programs, in fact, the wife and I are in FPU right now! Week 4.

By: Jason @ One Money Design

Jason @ One Money Design — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:40:21 +0000

I completely agree there is peace in having a plan. That’s why I’m such a big fan of the Money Map by Crown Financial Ministries and Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps. Knowing you have a plan in place and a focus is so comforting. At that point, there is no reason to be overwhelmed by finances. Follow the plan and when you’re driven off – course by something, do what it takes to resume the plan as soon as you can. Well said, Matt.

By: FinanciallySmart

FinanciallySmart — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:12:27 +0000

Yes we need to have a plan in order for us to be successful at anything we want to achieve. To gain financial freedom we have to be determine to avoid debt or to sacrifice in making the payments that will enable us to be debt free.

By: Peter

Peter — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:55:29 +0000

I love the premise of the article, and completely agree. We’ve paid off our non-mortgage debt, and have a financial plan, and it has been a load off my mind. It truly is financial peace -instead of the financial turmoil we used to have.

By: Rex Huston

Rex Huston — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:55:25 +0000

Great article Matt! You have to be proactive if you want to make changes in your life. You have to take control of your financial situation, just like you do with your career and other aspects of your life. You can not sit around and wait to win the lottery. This list is a great jumping point if you do not currently have a plan.

By: neal@wealthpilgrim.com

neal@wealthpilgrim.com — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:15:40 +0000

Matt…..bravo. Keep the message coming.

I paid off my debt and mortgage and feel 10 years younger and 30 lbs lighter.

While I know the numbers indicate I’d have done better to carry the debt, I get a lot more “life” by being free.

I encourage everyone to look at the “life” payoff rather than just the numbers.

By: John DeFlumeri Jr

John DeFlumeri Jr — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:31:35 +0000

If you don’t have it now with your current plan, just waiting it out won’t change anything.