Boonville Church to Host No-Cost Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Classes

Yeah, I'm Cheap! What Of It?

My daughter and step-daughter went out for coffee on Saturday morning and came home with stories about their fun time together: coffee, brunch, a new ear piercing, clothes, and a $40 perfume. My daughter told me how they had a good laugh talking about how cheap I am. I'd never splurge on a $40 bottle of perfume or upgraded gold earrings. Heck, I wouldn’t even get a $6 coffee! I stick with Aldi coffee and Coffeemate, and I’m perfectly happy with that. And don’t even get me started on how much my daughter despises my old 2007 car. What an embarrassment!

To be fair, I’d probably hate my old barn car if I were a pre-teen too. But as an adult, what I love about it is that it just keeps going. It’s still running well after all these years, and getting it fixed is much cheaper than buying a new car. The fact that my frugality allows me to buy things like a new horse and board for said horse is completely lost on her. Coffee and perfume are shiny, but saving for a rainy day doesn’t have that same appeal.

My Mom Taught Me Financial Lessons

I’ve always been frugal, or as some people say, cheap. I’ve never owned a new car, and I buy thrifted clothes and items when I can. I don’t splurge often, but when I do, it’s on my kids. I’m lucky to have a mom who was a savvy financial planner specializing in retirement. I remember that a trip to McDonald's was only allowed when I was sick enough to need to go to the doctor. Oh, how I loved those chicken McNuggies and sweet and sour sauce. But I learned some really valuable lessons from my mom. She taught me the importance of delayed gratification and the dangers of overabundance.

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Why Are Americans So In Debt?

According to debt.org, American household debt hit a record $16.9 trillion by the end of 2022.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m just as guilty as anyone of collecting things I don’t really need. I have a whole room in my basement dedicated to holiday decorations - at least 20 bins of Santas, nutcrackers, door hangers, flowers, and knick-knacks. But this year, my New Year’s resolution was to really think about what I add to the mounds of stuff already filling my house. I’m also on a mission to donate as much as I can to the World Wide Mission Store.

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Top 6 Financial Tips My Mom Taught Me

I’m very money-conscious. I keep a close watch on my bank account. It’s a habit that started in high school and carried into college when I didn’t have much to spare and was always terrified of overdrafting. Those fees can really add up.

My mom taught me a few things about saving money:

• Make a budget

• Strive to save a little bit each month

• Only use a credit card to earn points and pay it off in full each month

• Open a whole life insurance policy if you're able to

• Never pull long-term investments out of fear

• Don’t spend money on unnecessary things

I know, these are pretty general tips. But if you’re American, there’s a good chance you’re carrying a decent amount of debt and might not have the financial literacy you need.

Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University

One local church aims to help people in the community to gain financial literacy and put them on the path of financial peace.

Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace is being offered free to the public at Impact Ministries at 509 E. Walnut Street in Boonville, Indiana.

This is a 9-week course touching on everyday financial decisions using a Christian viewpoint. If you are financially secure or if you are drowning in debt, it doesn't matter.
The course will be held on Mondays at 6 PM starting April 14th. See the Facebook post here. 

Those who plan on attending are being asked to register in advance. They have also suggested that participants purchase the workbook. You can get one on Amazon or buy a thrifted copy for significantly cheaper. It's never too early to get a jump start on being thrifty!