Reddit mentions: The best christian stewardship books

> I really like this. Will be posting in here from now on instead of my monthly updates!

Awesome, welcome to OYS Phil!

>Physical / Lifting: 200 Bench, 260 Squat, 360 DL, 165 OHP

Great job!

>Diet: Absolutely terrible. My living situation allows me access to free food, but conversely I don’t have much ability to store or make anything of personal choice at home. So sometimes healthy is available, but most of the time it’s not. Open to suggestions or ideas on what to do in this case.

>Diet Goals: I want to hit 10% BF, and get my weight to 200. I’m thinking about just eating at chipotle, or some other healthy restaurant once a day, if anyone has any recommendations.

If you want to hit 10% BF, you will have to make some changes. I think Chipotle can be a good idea, actually. I would use that as a sometimes thing.

Eat the healthy food when it's available at home for sure.

If something is served that is in the middle between healthy and unhealthy, portion control is key to winning here.

When the really unhealthy stuff is served, that's a good time to fast for weight loss. Maybe buy some protein powder to use during this time. You can also buy some vegetables and keep them in the fridge for times like this - probably nobody else will want those anyway, so you can fill up on a vegetable you like and get your nutrients in.

>Spiritual: Raised in the church, still struggling to make my faith my own.

>Assurance of Salvation: 5. I really struggle with this. It’s a constant on and off.

>Evangelism: 2. I am trash in this area. I’ve had some opportunities arise in the past few months that I have taken, but I do not actively seek it out, or feel qualified, which I realize is stupid, and something I’m working through.

Are you born again? If you aren't, or are not sure, I have more to share with you. If you're simply struggling in this area, then here's some good videos to watch (or you can listen to them in the car too, the video part isn't essential to grasping the concepts):

• The Firefighter
  
  
• Hell's Best Kept Secret
  
  
• True and False Conversion
  
  >Asked a girl out last week and got rejected, but she’s still involved with a lot of church things, and is definitely flirting a lot still, so not sure what to do, as we were decent friends.
  
  From the Book of Pook: "A friend she sees, a friend you be." She's a friend, but she'll flirt just enough to keep you on the hook. You're a beta orbiter to her. I would just stop spending time with her, unless you truly value her friendship enough that you want to still be around her. My guess is that "friendship" was your planned path to a relationship - this is classic Nice Guy^^TM thinking. Don't be a total jerk to her, but make it clear you're moving on. Make some male friends instead.
  
  >I make enough to survive, but I could be doing a lot better if I cut down unnecessary expenses.
  
  Read Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover so you can get your financial situation straightened out while you're young. I would have given ANYTHING to have had this book when I was your age and still single!
  
  >I used to be a big gamer, but over the past couple years that has dwindled to almost nothing. I’m conflicted however because gaming was great way to spend time with family and friends across the world.
  
  You're conflicted because you don't have anything to replace it. Figure out some different ways to make that connection. Here's a comment that will help get your mindset straight on this (obligatory vulgar language warning - use Christian discernment here).
  
  >I’m working with younger men and leading them in a bible study, and it’s scary when 3 minutes of focus and attention without phones or meme references is a good day.
  
  This is awesome! If you're having a problem with attention and focus, ask them to put their phones on a shelf while class is going. Use paper Bibles instead.
  
  >What they think is cool and aspiring does not line up with what I see biblically, and it’s something missing in their life. I want to be that something in their life. Cool, but pointing to God and living by his word if that makes sense.
  
  Yes, this is a good goal. Evangelism will be a very important part of this - you will have to share your faith at some point if you are to make progress. Watch or listen to those videos, they will really give you a good foundation for sharing the Gospel.

Was it your SO? Was it your own choice?

We have 3 small children and I currently work full time in a nursing job. I was trying to do it all caring for my patients at work, being a mom, being a good wife, keeping up with the housework and all the kids activities and schooling. I found it was impossible to keep in top of it all and suffered a nervous breakdown a few months ago. My husband was the first to bring up me being a SAHM but I didn't initially want to as I was worried we wouldn't have all the vacations and frivolous things we currently can afford. My therapist then brought up the same thing and asked me if I was happy right now with my 1 vacation and year and frivolous things. The answer was no and neither are my kids and husband. We sat down and ran the numbers and we spend 50% of my salary on childcare and we were about to hire a maid so that would've taken more of my salary. The decision was easy.

How did it impact your life? Do you consider your financial stability is great on your SO's salary?

I'm not quitting for another 6 months, we need to make sure we have all our debts paid (credit card and line of credit) so all we will have is out mortgage. Things will be tight but the kids have been so happy since I've been off work. The house is in order, my husband only has to focus on his career and my kids can spend more time with me as I'm not struggling each night to get a days worth of chores (laundry, dishes, lunch and dinner making) done in a 2-3 hour period. Vacations are off the table as are pricey meals out and things like mani-pedis, but at the end of the day my marriage is stronger and so is my relationship with my precious children. Yes our finances are strictly on my husband but when the kids are older and don't need me as much we have talked about me getting a part time job that I can do when they are in school and still be home to pick them up from the bus.

Do you have any concerns about the future?

The future is never a given so I am trying to do the best by family and husband that I can in the present. If finances or health scares caused me to need to work again, I would in a heartbeat but for now this is the best for husband and kids.

Please tell me a bit about your experiences.

I head back to work in a few weeks and I'm dreading it but I have an end game in sight and a wonderful husband who supports me. He loves that I'm currently at home. He said coming home to a happy wife, clean home and happy kids is the best feeling as it makes him going to work worth it.

My biggest fears about staying at home are:

-SO meets another woman who contributes financially

I think this is a common fear for SAHW because their spouse us surrounded by other women 24/7. If you're keeping up with the housework and other necessities, taking care of yourself physically and mentally and are satisfying him physically I don't think there's anything to worry about. He chose you because of who you are as a person and if you keep up your end of the bargain he will too.

-SO leaves me and I have no savings /work experience

The future is never certain but if you trust him to marry him and he the same to you I think you will be fine. You just need to keep working on yourself and the house like it's your job, because it is. Don't fret over maybes, or you will drive yourself crazy. If he's a good man he will take care of you.

-Be poor

Money may be tight and that's a real consideration but if you are both smart with your spending and have a budget than it won't be that bad trust me. I highly recommend Dave Ramseys book "The Total Money Makeover" it changed our lives. I also can't say enough about Dr.Lauras book "In Praise of Stay at Home Moms".

Links to both books (both has a slight religious slant but as an agnostic I had no issue)

http://www.amazon.com/Praise-Stay-at-Home-Moms-Laura-Schlessinger/dp/B005SNO0L4

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1595555277/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1453678813&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=total+money+makeover&dpPl=1&dpID=51g2DdD31VL&ref=plSrch

Sorry to be harsh but it seams like you don't have an income problem but rather spending one. First, your car brings up red flags. Since you have 11k left on it, and it breaks down often and repairs are that much it leads me to believe that you drive a luxury car. Also your car is very inefficient, just to get you around GTA spending $200+/mo is something you can't afford. So what I'm saying right now, your car is your biggest preventer from your future financial freedom and you need to sell it like, yesterday! Yes I know you'll end up owing money on it, but it has to go! I cannot stress this enough.

Good news is that you can get out of this within 2-3 years, but it all depends on you! I went through the same situation, and guess what, I also made stupid decisions and also drove a car which basically ensured I stayed broke for manny years.

I'd recommend you do same things I did to get out of this:

• 1 - Make a budget and STICK TO IT (Remember, your future depends on this)
  
• 2 - Sell your car now and talk to your lender to see what they can do for you if anything.
  
• 3 - Look into getting a transit pass, or save up $1000 and buy a car that will get you to work and back (You need to forget about what people think about your car. Hint: most people don't give a shit what you drive)
  
• 4 - Save up at least $1000 for emergencies and keep it in your bank savings account, not invested. (Very important)
  
• 5 - Start your snowball repayment plan (I recommend you use this free spreadsheet, it's awesome! https://www.vertex42.com/Calculators/debt-reduction-calculator.html) Pay off smallest debt balance first then roll that money into next debt.
  
• 6 - Once you're debt free (you'll get there trust me, if you're committed) expand your emergency budget to about 6/mo of your monthly expenses.
  
• 7 - Only now you should start thinking about investing and retirement, and at this point you'll be so stoked, and hopefully not tempted to make stupid decisions again, you'll end up investing and saving more than 15%.
  
  It is a long road, it'll take you a few years, but it is VERY VERY doable. I've done it with similar parameters as you, and it feels great my friend. I'm now debt free, have a brand new house and I'm on the path to have it fully paid off within 8 years.
  
  Good luck, and remember, your future self depends on your younger self!
  
  Edit: I forgot to mention the book which really changed my mind and how I think about debt. It's by Dave Ramsay, look him up on Youtube, and buy his book, it's only $12 on digital. https://www.amazon.ca/Total-Money-Makeover-Classic-Financial-ebook/dp/B00DNBE8P6/ref=sr_1_2?gclid=Cj0KCQjwh6XmBRDRARIsAKNInDFqnTVZREntH0J2VwWYYj1adNKVIJ4WmK1iopd9iovz8Txo4bPADHoaAqB8EALw_wcB&hvadid=284818070799&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9000724&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=b&hvrand=15846815893330762740&hvtargid=kwd-287159694&hydadcr=16957_10238107&keywords=dave+ramsey+baby+steps&qid=1556707872&s=gateway&sr=8-2
  
  Edit 2: Ok I just noticed that it's not a luxury car in your comments, but regardless you can't afford it right now.

My most honest answer possible: Probably, but maybe not right now. It's going to take some planning and work on your part.

You will find that if you use other people's money to make a home purchase, whether it's grants towards downpayment or some sort of discount, there will be strings attached. You may find the terms not as desirable as you first thought. For example, you might find you can get a half price house, but only if you buy certain properties in less desirable neighborhoods.

While it's true that some lenders will let you buy with credit scores around 600, you will get a much better rate if you can get your score above about 680. While it's true that you might find programs to help you buy without having a bunch of money in the bank, you should probably count on having both a downpayment and closing costs saved up. While you might think you are "dumping all your money into an apartment," the fact is that the landlord is taking on risk you aren't, and will always send a guy to repair whatever breaks in a timely fashion without sending you a huge bill you have to put on your credit card.

So you might think about talking to a mortgage person just to see what's actually possible. But you also seriously need to head over to /r/personalfinance and get some tips to raise your credit scores, pay off your debt, and put together some savings. They may recommend a book like this.

Good luck.

it all depends on the bank and individual, every bank has both good and bad financial planners, unfortunately the only way to find out is trial and error.....FP's quite often also wont take customers that dont have investment money, their main purpose in the banks is to deal with higher dollar value clients and help them come up with a plan for retirement and other major life events like kids college, starting a business, purchasing a vacation home etc....they are supposed to look at your entire financial situation and help you develop your financial strategy as it were.....typically every financial planner I have ever known in the bank (myself included) didnt work with beating debt for clients....reguar financial advisor (account manager or whatever they are called at your FI) should be able to do this for you, unfortunately the quality of a lot of them is even worse than the FPs.....if you want to try a financial officer go ask the receptionist to book an appointment, try to find who is booking the furthest in advance because they are most likely going to be the most experienced/longest tenured officer there and going to know more (assuming they are willing to help)......

 

I would highly highly recommend you check you a guy named Dave Ramsey he is one of the best resources I have ever seen and he lives for helping people get out of debt and build wealth the smart way....he is pretty extreme in some of his strategies but they do work! and if you dont want to follow exactly to the letter it just takes a little longer (eg. he says no going out to eat until you are outta debt, but my wife and I did while we were climbing out, we just made sure we budgeted for it elsewhere and it just made it a little longer getting out, but not by much if you stick to the budget)

 

This is the link for one of his best selling books, the link is amazon but you can get an e-version as well, its cheap and pretty entertaining and a great read cuz it walks you through the "baby steps" of getting out of debt and building wealth....he also does a daily radio show/podcast that is excellent to listen to and its free!

<https://www.amazon.ca/Total-Money-Makeover-Classic-Financial/dp/1595555277/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469806019&sr=8-1&keywords=the+total+money+makeover>

this is the hardcover and its only 20 bucks, i think the softcover is a little less...they carry his books in chapters and any major bookstore

Heh, I'm still just at level one, so I find myself being more helpful than not. :)

If you'd read enough of my comments, the following probably wouldn't come as much of a surprise. I would not use more debt to handle my current debt.

What you've outlined here is a plan to borrow what amounts to about half of your gross income... and it's mostly unsecured debt (not backed by collateral), which is why you need a cosigner. These are all huge red flags!

My advice would be to pretty much do the opposite. Keep paying minimums on the credit cards, but pay extra on the card with the smallest balance. Once it's paid off, throw your extra money at the next smallest balance, and so on. This is going to take planning and being intentional with your money. Start making monthly budgets if you're not doing that already.

I'm not being ugly here, please understand, but your income is on the low side. I would pick up an extra part-time job and kick all of its income over to paying off the cards even more quickly. You could probably get an extra $500/mo by just delivering pizzas on the weekends.

After the cards are paid off, then you get to save up some cash (you'll find that you've got more of that sticking around now that the credit cards are gone), and buy a computer. Save a little more and buy a desk and chair.

I recommend picking up this book: Total Money Makeover. It's pretty much the only thing that gave me traction with getting out of debt.

Best of luck!

> Anyone have any idea how inefficient school and education are. People are spending 30 years of their lives in school, just to get ready for a job. 30 years. And that number isnt exactly getting smaller. When suddenly you have to be able to work multiple fields.

First, I don't know anyone that works 30 years in school. perhaps you mean that one is in school continually until they're thirty years old, which I also think is unlikely.

Second, I think that 'having to be able to work in multiple fields' is nothing new and not something to be avoided: My grandfather worked two jobs to support his family, landscaping during the day and working in the rail yard at night. Even in retirement, he practiced woodworking (wintertime) and small-scale farming (rest of the year). He performed pretty much all the repairs on his property himself (automotive maintenance to welding, drilling his own well, etc...) I myself have done analog and RF circuit design, programming, outside sales and product training, and that's just my current job.

>Not to mention the cost of living has gone up since the industrial revolution. There isnt exactly a lot of space in many countries, where you live in the city or you dont have any place to live. and its freaking expensive to live in the big city.

Not a lot of space in many countries? In the United States, a country of almost 314 million people, the average population density is less than 83 people per square mile. Denmark, on the other hand has an average population density of almost 337 people per square mile. Canada may be your best bet; it's only got one-tenth of the US population, and only 9 people per square mile on average.

You're on Reddit, so I assume you've got a technical background. Have you considered not living in a "freaking expensive" city? For example, Melbourne, Florida and the surrounding area has many technical companies, is very close to Kennedy Space Center, and has a reasonable cost of living. (Florida also has no state income tax, unlike my native Georgia.) I assume that as part of living in the EU, it wouldn't be too hard to go to another, lower-cost area and still find employment

> Someone on reddit once posted something about older generations being able to buy a house for was it one months salary i think. Yeah goodluck with that today, takes 20years salary to buy a house, if you take the average salary.

I've never seen this. All the references I've been able to find say the historical price for (new) houses is about three times the median annual salary for the country, and that is apparently true across most countries.


We live a fabulously wealthy world. When we have a guy with a pencil sharpening business, and people apparently pay him to sharpen their pencils for them, they can't be all that poor, can they?

I know he's from Tennessee, but would you consider looking at Dave Ramsey's The Total Money Makeover? I'm sure that you won't find it 100% applicable as I'm sure things in the EU work differently than in the United States, but his philosophy of money and wealth are universal.

Money: Watch this over and over, take notes and internalize the information. Read this. Live within your means.

Social Contacts: Fnordsnord covered it. Also read "How to Win Friends and Influence People." Actually take notes, practice what you read and reread. Read this blog post.

Women: You're already on redpill so you're probably pretty set on knowledge there. Read this, this, and this anyway. Internalize, practice, reread.

Life: Two suggestions, 1) Your first reaction to things isn't always the right reaction. 2) Prepare to fail. Skipped a gym visit or missed a lift? Chump = give up. Man = you were prepared for this it doesn't phase you. You're back at it tomorrow. Narrow your life to a few important things and work daily on them. Don't overdo it just plod along. All the greatest achievements in life are done with steady hard work. Read this

Career: Every two-four weeks or so update your resume (keep two versions of your resume, a super long form with absolutely every reference, accomplishments, phone number, address, date, etc and a super short form single page one with all the highlights, make it pretty) and glance for either a higher paying job within your field or a higher status job. Always secure a new job before leaving an old one. If you're still in college or decide to go back, pick a career field that will be in demand when you graduate. Start applying while you are still in school. Read this.

Organization: buy a simple small 2 drawer filing cabinet and manilla folders, put important docs in there. Digitize super important docs. Clean it out every once in a while. Watch this.

Study habits/learning habits: I don't really have time to go into this in any detail but go to everyclass. Take comprehensive notes, ask a shit ton of questions, bounce new things you're learning off people and discuss it as much as possible. Find people that know the material better than you and spend time with them. Take those notes you wrote and get a piece of paper. Draw three columns. Right column is most important info that might be on test/eval, center column is that same info in short hand, left column is a visual representation of the information that might help you daisy chain memorize it. This is my own technique so PM if you'd like more clarification. Turn every assignment in no matter how poor the quality. Last but not least one more time prepare to fail. Talk to your boss or professor if you're slipping; our first impulse is to turn inward and blame yourself and not seek others to help because it looks weak. Like I said your first reaction/feeling isn't always the right one. Prepare to fail. Be antifragile. Good luck; you don't need it if you apply yourself, plan, and work diligently.

Edit: One last thing. Statistically you will live a long time. Think with your future self in mind everyday.

Duuuuuuuuuuuuude! Epic! I want your book, I hope you meet your goal =)

This did not happen today, but I paid off my car the other day and I'm still feeling good about it.

While I don't 100% agree on everything this dude says, I'm hoping to work through this plan with my hubby. =)

MCubb may be just a tad bit excited today!"

There are a few schools of thought. On one side is the BRRRR method, where you leverage your properties to build your portfolio. Its riskier, but allows you to build quickly.

Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat: The BRRRR Rental Property Investment Strategy Made Simple https://www.amazon.com/dp/1947200089/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_JQSHDbXM4BE7R

The other end of the spectrum is Dave Ramsey's method, of paying cash in full for all your properties. It ties up your cash, but, if the market takes a down turn, you can afford to rent it out for the then market rates. Its far less risky, and slow to start, but most of your rental income is profit. And once you get a few paid for properties, the income starts rolling and you can build as big as you want.

The Total Money Makeover Workbook: Classic Edition: The Essential Companion for Applying the Book's Principles https://www.amazon.com/dp/1400206502/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_8SSHDbWCFDPG8


This one was on a list of recommend books

The Book on Rental Property Investing: How to Create Wealth and Passive Income Through Intelligent Buy & Hold Real Estate Investing! https://www.amazon.com/dp/099071179X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_yoSHDbKZR7WT0

• Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence: Revised and Updated for the 21st Century
  
  
• Early Retirement Extreme: A philosophical and practical guide to financial independence
  
  
• Rich Dad Poor Dad: What The Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!
  
  
• The Richest Man in Babylon: The Success Secrets of the Ancients--the Most Inspiring Book on Wealth Ever Written
  
  
• The Wealthy Barber, Updated 3rd Edition: Everyone's Commonsense Guide to Becoming Financially Independent
  
  
• The Automatic Millionaire, Expanded and Updated: A Powerful One-Step Plan to Live and Finish Rich
  
  
• Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy
  
  
• I Will Teach You To Be Rich
  
  
• The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness
  
  Ich habe jedes dieser Bücher gelesen und kann es empfehlen. Ich würde jedes davon wieder kaufen und wieder lesen.
  
  
• The Bogleheads' Guide to Investing <-- Steht noch auf meiner Lese-Liste

On What to Read


Here are some suggestions on books and websites:


The Millionaire Next Door by Stanley and Danko - https://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Next-Door-Surprising-Americas/dp/1589795474


If You Can by William Bernstein - http://efficientfrontier.com/ef/0adhoc/2books.htm


Free version is here - https://www.dropbox.com/s/5tj8480ji58j00f/If%20You%20Can.pdf?dl=0


The Investor's Manifesto. Preparing for Prosperity, Armageddon, and Everything in Between by William Bernstein - https://www.amazon.com/Investors-Manifesto-Prosperity-Armageddon-Everything/dp/1118073762


The Bogleheads Guide to Investing - https://www.amazon.com/Bogleheads-Guide-Investing-Taylor-Larimore/dp/1118921283


The Coffeehouse Investor - https://www.amazon.com/Coffeehouse-Investor-Wealth-Ignore-Street/dp/0976585707


The Bogleheads' Guide to Retirement Planning - https://www.amazon.com/Bogleheads-Guide-Retirement-Planning/dp/0470455578


The Four Pillars of Investing: Lessons for Building a Winning Portfolio by William Bernstein - https://www.amazon.com/Four-Pillars-Investing-Building-Portfolio/dp/0071747052/


Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey - https://www.amazon.com/Total-Money-Makeover-Classic-Financial/dp/1595555277


Personal Finance for Dummies by Eric Tyson - https://www.amazon.com/Personal-Finance-Dummies-Eric-Tyson/dp/1118117859


Investing for Dummies by Eric Tyson - https://www.amazon.com/Investing-Dummies-Eric-Tyson/dp/1119320690/


The Millionaire Real Estate Investor per red-sfplus’s post (can confirm this is excellent) - https://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Real-Estate-Investor/dp/0071446370/


For all the M.Ds on here and HNW individuals, you might want to check out https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/ and his blog – found it to be very useful.


https://www.irs.gov/ or your government’s tax page. If you’ve been reading, you know that millionaires know more than your average bear about the tax code.


https://www.reddit.com/r/TheRedPill/comments/7vohb3/money/


https://www.reddit.com/r/TheRedPill/comments/3hzcvn/financial_advice_from_a_financier/


https://www.artofmanliness.com/2017/09/22/4-money-tips-4-personal-finance-legends/


Personal Finance Flowchart from their wiki - https://i.imgur.com/lSoUQr2.png


Additional Lists of Books:


https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Books:_recommendations_and_reviews


https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/books-4/


Subreddits


https://www.reddit.com/r/investing/


https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/ - I would highly encourage you to spend a half hour browsing their wiki - https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/wiki/index and investing advice - https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/wiki/investing


https://www.reddit.com/r/financialindependence/


https://www.reddit.com/r/SecurityAnalysis/


https://www.reddit.com/r/finance/


https://www.reddit.com/r/portfolios/


https://www.reddit.com/r/Bogleheads/


MRP References


https://www.reddit.com/r/marriedredpill/comments/40whjy/finally_talked_to_my_wife_about_our_finances_it/


https://www.reddit.com/r/marriedredpill/comments/67nxdu/finances_with_a_sahm/


https://www.reddit.com/r/marriedredpill/comments/488pa0/60_dod_week_6_finances/ (original)


https://www.reddit.com/r/marriedredpill/comments/6a6712/60_dod_week_6_finances/ (year 2)


https://www.reddit.com/r/marriedredpill/comments/3xw015/how_to_prepare_for_a_talk_about_finances/


https://www.reddit.com/r/marriedredpill/comments/30z704/taking_back_the_finances/


https://www.reddit.com/r/marriedredpill/comments/2uzukg/married_redpill_finances_and_money/


https://www.reddit.com/r/marriedredpill/comments/3637q5/some_thoughts_on_mrp_and_finances/


https://www.reddit.com/r/askMRP/comments/8dwaqt/best_practices_for_finances_within_marriage/


https://www.reddit.com/r/marriedredpill/comments/588e5o/gain_control_of_the_treasury/


Final Thoughts


There are already a lot of high net worth individuals on these subs (if you don’t believe me, look at the OYS for the past few months). This should be a review for most folks. The key points stay the same – have a plan, get out of the hole you are in, have a budget, do the right moves for wealth accumulation. Lead your family in your finances. Own it.


What are YOU doing to own your finances? Give some examples below.

Here is my list, they are mostly books which have helped me to live a better life, so not so much suited for a bucket-list as books which should be read early in life:

• Wisdom of the Desert (http://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-Desert-New-Directions-ebook/dp/B0099JRE3O/)
  
  
• Native American Wisdom (http://www.amazon.com/Native-American-Wisdom-Classic-Collections/dp/0931432782)
  
  
• The Five Love Languages (http://www.amazon.com/Love-Languages-Secret-That-Lasts/dp/0802473156/)
  
  
• The Four Agreements (http://www.amazon.com/Four-Agreements-Practical-Personal-Freedom/dp/1878424319/)
  
  
• Dali Lama, The Way to a Meaningful Life (http://www.amazon.com/How-Practice-The-Meaningful-Life/dp/0743427084/)
  
  
• Dave Ramsey, The Total Money Makeover (http://www.amazon.com/Total-Money-Makeover-Classic-Financial/dp/1595555277/)
  

Elder Scrolls Online is a freaking awesome MMO that just came out. I can't stop playing it.




This book --> http://www.amazon.com/The-Total-Money-Makeover-Financial/dp/1595555277/ref=zg_bs_2717_6 is absolutely wonderful for understanding personal finance. /r/frugal and /r/personalfinance are also great resources.


What do you mean what classes should you take? What are you thinking about majoring in? :)

1. For mom's french toast. THE BEST french toast
   
2. My mom and I get down on some pictionary. Straight up yelling and making a scene
   
3. I sleep on road trips, sorry!
   
4. Hey, Vern!
   
5. My mom burns these so much and I used to hate the smell. Now it reminds me of home
   Bonus
   Sandra Bullock
   Super fun contest!! :))

Pay off your loans, then build an emergency fund, and only then invest. If market declines (which it will one day), you'll be in a horrendous financial position, with debt bills that must be paid but funds that are losing their value.

Your loan interest rate may be 4.4% and the average market may be a higher rate than that, but those mathematical numbers do NOT take risk into account. If you account for that, mathematically, you're better off to take the guarantee return of paying off the loans sooner rather than later.

My advice: Get on a ridiculously aggressive plan to pay off the loans in 2-3 years. What you save on interest & risk will yield greater returns than taking a risk in the market.

Would highly recommend this book for help--it changed my life and will hopefully prevent you from making the same mistakes I did:

This is a great little readby Bill Bright (the founder of Campus Crusade for Christ) that radically transformed my view of tithing and giving. I recommend it to everyone who has questions like yours.

Buy yourself this book, https://amzn.to/2ILu90D. It will help you learn to budget, it even has forms in the back. As far as a/c make sure you figure out how to set times, and as others have said, let it get 80+ during the day when you are not there, and drop down after you get home. My largest bill last year was ~$350 on a 2600 sq/ft house with 6 people and my crypto miners running (lots of power/heat) you should be able to beat that easily.

Good luck.

The best ones are of course free, and both this subreddit and bogelheads have a wealth of knowledge. I try and watch a tutorial or read a story a few times a week on both


For how to create and stick to a budget as a young professional, I like Dave Ramsey. He has tons of good rules of thumb and pitfalls to avoid that will be useful for the rest of your life. He's a bit conservative though, and I don't necessarily agree with his cash only, no debt strategies.


https://www.amazon.com/Total-Money-Makeover-Classic-Financial/dp/1595555277/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480449960&sr=8-1&keywords=dave+ramsey


Suze Orman is another great author for younger people, especially when tackling big things for the 1st time like home ownership and loans


https://www.amazon.com/Money-Book-Young-Fabulous-Broke/dp/1594482241/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480450023&sr=8-1&keywords=suze+orman


My top suggestion though is Rich Dad, Poor Dad. It's not as direct as many other personal finance books, as its more general advice on how to steer your financial life, but itss an incredible book


https://www.amazon.com/Rich-Dad-Poor-Teach-Middle/dp/1612680011/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480450131&sr=8-1&keywords=rich+dad+poor+dad

In many ways it does fit with Driscoll's recent trajectory. Gateway's polity is virtually identical with what Mars Hill was building: local elders without the ability to check the senior leader, with an external, hand-picked board that is supposed to hold the senior leader accountable. I guess why it is so weird for me is that Mark Driscoll was my access point into reformed theology, and it was surreal for me to see him on stage with the man who wrote [The Blessed Life] (http://www.amazon.com/The-Blessed-Life-Unlocking-Generous/dp/0764217070). It was through Driscoll's influence that I found guys like Piper, Carson, and Keller, and eventually Bavinck, Berkhof, and Calvin. Reformed truth brought me out of the man-centered, prosperity churches like Gateway.

I'd strongly recommend you follow Dave Ramsey's approach. Seven steps to financial security, with the debt-snowball method.

If you have an Amazon wishlist, I'd be happy to buy his book for you.

I am just like you. Except that I didn’t come to this realization at 21. I finally woke up to my debt when I was 28 and by then had $20K in credit cards and $80K in student loans. Do not be like me.

You need two things:

• Dave Ramsey’s Book
  This book has literally changed my life. If you call Dave Ramsey’s radio show and tell him your story he may send this book to you for free! I personally am not Christian so I skip the few religious references. (Bonus: r/DaveRamsey)
  
  
• YNAB
  This software keeps me on budget with my expenses and debt repayment. It’s amazing and there are ton of free classes and resources. As a student you qualify for a discount. It pays for itself so don’t be put off my the money. Do the 34 day trial before paying for it. (Bonus: r/YNAB)

You've already gotten a lot of good advice. But I wanted to say that filling for bankruptcy is not going to help you if you make less than you spend. It will screw up your credit and you will still be living off credit cards. Once you cut your expenses and gain more income, start working at paying off the highest rate CC first. You might want to consider getting a book like The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness"

Also, since she is staying home with your son, maybe she could take in another child to watch.

This may look impossible to overcome, but it can be done. Good news is you have a great income. The only way out of this mess is to get yourself on a strict written budget, cut up every single credit card and never use them again, and increase your income even further with a second part time job. Pay the minimum on everything while putting all extra money on the smallest debt. Once you pay that off, move onto the next smallest debt. This will begin to add up and you will start to make progress if you stick with it, but it won't be easy. Bankruptcy is a last resort and ultimately won't solve your terrible spending habits. Not everyone on this subreddit agrees, but I think you should really read Dave Ramsey's The Total Money Makeover. Pick it up from your local library because you don't need to spend anything to read.

I don't have a great answer to that question. I would definitely try a private sale first. If in a couple months you don't get a bite (deal local and in person on craigslist, please), then try to sell it to a dealership or carmax, etc.

You two are great candidate for Dave Ramsey's plan - check out his book Total Money Makeover. It's a step by step plan to get out of debt, and it works well if you commit to it. It's very no-nonsense, and it has an enormous support community around the country and online.

For learning how to do things they should have taught you, I recommend the following:

• for cleaning, unf-ckyourhabitat
  
• for money issues, regardless of your views on religion, Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover
  
• For legal issues, Cornell's Legal Information Institute I use it as a lawyer/investigator.
  
• For auto repair, I found You Tube extremely helpful. Just search the make, model, and year of your vehicle.
  
• For helping me not react to my parents' and brother's bullshit, I have been trying Jon Kabat-Zinn's meditations.
  
• I haven't really found much mental health stuff that's helpful to me out there. I know ASCA (adult survivors of child abuse) has a website, as do a few other groups. Anyone have good suggestions for that?
  

I’d like to suggest a book to you. I actually prefer the audiobook version because the author is the one reading the audiobook version and adds some additional unscripted info.
It’s the simplest plan to reset your finances and get to a solid foundation to build wealth from. There are more complicated/ sexy/ advanced ways available. The thing that they lack is the simplicity. You can add complexity later.

The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness https://www.amazon.com/dp/1595555277/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_KLiXDbKVBH0Y2

Here you go. This, and Total Money Makeover changed my life (just don't listen to Ramsey's advice on mutual funds and stick with indexing per Bogle). Also, use YNAB to budget every cent that you come across.

TLDR:

• save $1000 cash
  
  
• snowball your debts
  
  
• go back and save up to 6 months of bills (some suggest 12 months in this economy)
  
  
• max your retirement. /r/personalfinance suggests the following
  
  a. contribute to your 401k up until company match
  
  b. contribute to your Roth until max
  
  c. go back to your 401k until you hit the limit
  
  d. now you can play with individual stocks
  
  
• pay cash for everything. If you can't afford it, save.

You have a job and you haven't been there that long. Keep at it another year and it may or may not lead to another position at that same company. In the meantime, here is how you make sure that one year from now you can land any entry-level GIS job you want:

1. Read this book, then start attacking your student loan with the power of 1000 suns.
   
2. Keep working on SQL and python as well as HTML/CSS/JS as much as possible.
   
3. Keep yourself unmarried, unpregnant, undogowning, and generally as responsibility-free as possible.
   
4. Keep an eye on https://gisjobsmap.com/us and see what sorts of jobs pop up around the country while thinking about possible relocations, more than just Texas.
   
5. Keep your chin up, if you put in the effort it definitely gets better!

1. Sign up for the GI Bill - you can't after the fact.
   
   
2. Read:
   (Old, but still very true)
   https://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Next-Door-Surprising-Americas/dp/1589795474/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1482883577&sr=1-1&keywords=millionaire+next+door
   
   then this..
   https://www.amazon.com/Total-Money-Makeover-Classic-Financial/dp/1595555277/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1482883314&sr=1-1&keywords=total+money+makeover
   
   AND then this...
   
   https://www.amazon.com/Little-Book-Common-Sense-Investing/dp/0470102101
   
   
   Thanks for your service and willingness to be a cop. Tough jobs.
   
   -Air Force Vet, So Cal native, 7 digit nest egg.
   

Here's the book

/u/astupidfish, Dave Ramsey wrote this book exactly for people like you. I HIGHLY recommend you get a hold of it and devour it.

This book combined with both you’re husband’s full cooperation and being dedicated to financial discipline may be helpful.

Heres what you want https://www.amazon.com/Total-Money-Makeover-Classic-Financial/dp/1595555277/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_14_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=S6DQH80441684GWGFX7P

You can be ultra Dave and pick it up at the library for free!

Or, consider FPU. Its $129 but you get a lot of bang for the buck. Its meant to be done as a couple. I was just fine reading the book but I pay for Every Dollar which is $100/yr (paid version). I might as well have done FPU. You can do the classes online if you dont want to go in person.
https://www.daveramsey.com/fpu#in-progress=0

Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
http://www.amazon.com/Total-Money-Makeover-Classic-Financial/dp/1595555277/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=
Trust me. You can like or not like the religious stuff, either way the money talk is spot on.

I was in much of the same position you are. My dad made plenty of money and paid my way through college, etc.

The best thing the man did for me was force me to take Dave Ramsey’s class on money management. It changed my life and view on money. I learned how to tell my money where to go instead of just wondering where it went. Because the whole class is kind of expensive, I suggest you just read his book “Total Money Makeover.” Here’s a link if you so desire.

I'm confused, because you say rent is $850 but he lives with you so really your rent is only $425 out of your $1400 take-home... which isn't as bad as I thought since your rent and utilities is 1/2 your income instead of 90%.


r/YNAB will help regarding using YNAB.


Nick True's YNAB tutorial:
https://youtu.be/xPVEB759gkU


Dave Ramseys YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/DaveRamseyShow

Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/1595555277/ref=mw_dp_olp?ie=UTF8&condition=all

I agree with everyone, sell the car and get a little reliable beater to drive until you get your feet underneath you. i am a huge Dave Ramsey fan, as in he completely got us out of debt and changed our lives. Listen to his podcast and read The Total Money Makeover. Dave would tell you to get rid of that car today!

Congrats! you are willing to make a change in your life and it looks like you could use Dave Ramsey's ideas, point of view on debt and how to make a change:

/r/DaveRamsey/ - Dave Ramsey

ps: I got the audiobook, and his delivery is just incredible, I needed that to get stuff started.

For beginners in finance, I like the Dave Ramsey show because he helps show you get out of debt quickly:

​

https://www.youtube.com/thedaveramseyshow?sub_confirmation=1

​

Check out his book The Total Money Makeover : https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1595555277/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0?fbclid=IwAR3x5-Psjr8-Djy0FVEXkoBgcH4Hzl99Zk6szjCn1hSXnUXmphkcVUslMmI

​

​

​

​

10 year ago I was in the similar situation, the book below change my life. My family is now completely debt free including our home.

The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness https://www.amazon.com/dp/1595555277/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_J1OJBb1KGMDHM

Follow the easy steps in this book and you'll be set financially for life.

The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1595555277/

As a follow up on the my and SilentKnightOfOld's comments, I have to admit that there is an emotional aspect to owing almost 300K of student loan debt. I have 135k and am going for PSLF (3.5 years in), and it still bothers me sometimes when I see my balance changing very little. However, I have gone through the decision process many times and keep coming back to PSLF.

Here's an article about dealing with the emotions of student loan debt.

Ramit Sethi talks about psychology and the "invisible scripts" we have in our lives in his book. Basically, they are lies that we taught from childhood, and we should really analyze them to see if they are true. One of the most common: "debt is bad".

Dave Ramsey extols the "debt is bad" line in his book. He also realizes some simple elements about the psychology of money, in that paying off the smaller debt (snowball), regardless of interest, is a better path for most people since they get a bigger emotional win from seeing that one line item of debt eliminated rather than just seeing the interest calculations proving they are saving money from paying the higher interest debt (avalanche).

While I like the PSLF program, I realize that it is not for everyone. Some people just want to slash every expense, pay off the debt, and be done. Kudos to them. But their tool is hammer, and not everyone's money problems are a nail.

Have a frank conversation with yourself, then choose the best repayment option.

The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. It's not a motivational book or anything like that but it's what got me out of debt and really got me started with goal setting and personal improvement. It was more of his radio show than the book for me though.

This should give you tons of detail:
The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness https://www.amazon.com/dp/1595555277/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_RX6QAbXS34QY9

I was in about that much debt, though am single with no kids, but also earned a bit less. I discovered Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover and it really helped me bust through my own bullshit attitude of “I should have these things I can not afford.” It was normal to have a $200/month cable bundle. It was normal to eat out daily. Well as Dave says, “being in debt is normal!”

I was lucky to have an extra job land in my lap, and I earned about an extra $10,000 in 8 months. All of that went to paying down debt. Getting a good chunk paid down helped reduce the monthly payments all round, as well as asking sure everything got paid on time. I didn’t realize how much I was wasting every month on late payments, not to mention the damage to my credit score.

You’ve probably already considered this, but weigh your wife’s future income against what childcare will cost. No sense in working just to pay childcare. And perhaps if she stays home with the children she can find a way to earn money online and contribute that way.

Consider whether it would be beneficial to sell and move to a smaller/cheaper house. Your wife’s car being leased will probably be tricky to get out of, but may be possible. Just seriously examine each monthly expense (including subscription services) and decide “do I need this, or is it a luxury?”

Examine your bank statements for what you spend on other luxuries than sneak in, like coffee or fast food. You’ve listed your bills, but what other things might you be spending money on that you don’t even notice?

I got rid of cable, tightened up on shopping and fast food. It’s taken about 4 years but I’m almost debt free. And I’ll admit, I could have been stricter and gotten it done faster.

Read this. Skip over the Jesus freak parts but I can't recommend this book enough.

The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness https://www.amazon.com/dp/1595555277/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_HyaSub1BN0K8R

Check out this book and stay away from the stock market until you know what you are doing.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1400206502/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is too long to read.

Read this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1595555277/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_rgGwDb353PPSZ

I highly Suggest The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey

Also, a decent book on the subject.

Buy/Borrow it, read it, live it OP.

https://www.amazon.com/Total-Money-Makeover-Classic-Financial/dp/1595555277/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1539500261&sr=8-1&keywords=Finance+Ramsey&dpID=512RzrzTb0L&preST=_SX218_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch

Dave Ramsey is always the answer

https://www.amazon.com/Total-Money-Makeover-Classic-Financial/dp/1595555277/ref=pd_sbs_14_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1595555277&pd_rd_r=1H0H5SX7NGYR9E6JQ87J&pd_rd_w=jvdgV&pd_rd_wg=7nyMO&psc=1&refRID=1H0H5SX7NGYR9E6JQ87J

I don't. I believe the figures were coming from the book linked from the article

EDIT: I'm unclear which study /u/curious_mormon was talking about. The study referenced in the Jana Riess article - with the "small number of Mormons" - apparently is taken from this book linked in the same article.

The study described in the UPenn article I've been referencing can be found here.

I can recommend a couple resources to get you started. One is the subreddit /r/personalfinance. There is all kinds of useful information on there that can help you. The other is the book The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. It is quick read. If you do the audiobook it is less than 4 hours. You can almost certainly get it from your local library for free, maybe even as an ebook or digital audiobook.

A very very brief simplistic explanation is that it uses a snowball approach to your finances when in debt. List out all of your monthly expenses from lowest to highest, establish a small emergency fund, then pay off the debts from lowest to highest. When you pay off the lowest one, start applying that now freed up expense to the next lowest. I know that saying to establish an emergency fund is /r/restofthefuckingowl material for this question, but I'm just giving a summary of the ideas.

An example is if you have two debts. One for $200 that you have a minimum paying of $10/month on. Second is for $1000 that you have a minimum paying of $50 on. Each month you pay the $50 minimum on the 2nd and as much as you can on the first one, we will say $25 for this. In 8 months you pay off the first loan, so in the 9th month you roll that $25 into the second loan, and start paying $75/month on it

That's the gist of Total Money Makeover, but I can give you another tip that has helped from my personal experience. It sounds like a discipline problem of spending money when you know you shouldn't. Open a savings account and use direct deposit to automatically put $10, 20, or whatever is appropriate for your paycheck into that savings account. Since it will never hit your checking account you just pretend it doesn't exist.

https://www.amazon.com/Total-Money-Makeover-Classic-Financial-ebook/dp/B00DNBE8P6/ref=nodl_



Piracy is a form of stealing. Don’t think Dave would be OK with stealing.


If you really need the book, call in, and he might give it to you for free.

Dave has hard cover on his site for $16 and audiobook for $20 (price rounded up). Amazon sells kindle for $17.

Certainly don't try to boil the ocean and attack all debt at this point. Step one is to get current and stay current.

If you can buy it or find it at a library, I would recommend a read of Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover. http://amzn.com/1595555277 It talks a lot about how to get started and the vision of where you want to get to. One of the main points is to imagine a life without payments. Imagine what you could do with your money if you were spending todays money instead of tomorrow's money, because right now your payments are a result of spending tomorrows money for a long time.

You'll get there, but it may take some hard choices and tough decisions about lifestyle and needs vs wants.

Dave Ramsey!

What he teaches REALLY helped me. Cut up my credit cards and do cash only things or debit card, and did the debt snowball to pay down the lowest ones first (regardless of interest).

What are you passionate about? Hobbies? I bounced around in 4 different majors before I found Theatre Arts, got a degree and then decided to become a professional pet stylist. (dog groomer). At least I do it with flair!

I'm not particularly religious, but there is a class that is offered in many Christian churches that you have other like minded individuals also trying to get out of debt. (He does reference the bible and some religious teachings, but it's not littered in it)

>The first issue is the idea that evil lives outside of the skin.

The New Testament says, "A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of." (Luke 6:45) So any theologian who talks as if evil only comes from the outside isn't being fully honest about the NT message.


Re: The Environment

http://www.amazon.com/Creation-Environment-Anabaptist-Perspective-Sustainable/dp/0801864232/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1313617901&sr=8-5

http://www.amazon.com/Care-Creation-Franciscan-Spirituality-Earth/dp/0867168382/ref=pd_sim_b_2