Hello, world. I hope everyone is finding some peace during these chaotic times. Good grief! Has the year 2020 been one heck of a roller coaster! Personally, I was hoping for a comeback of the flappers, for Gatsby-esque parties sans Prohibition. But nope. We got a pandemic and pandemonium instead. Ah well. At least wine, beer and liquor are considered essential. Cheers!
I haven’t been on this site in quite some time, but I feel compelled to resurrect it now. As you may have guessed from the title if this post, I will not be discussing plants in this article, but in fact the other kind of “lettuce”: money.
A few years ago, I discovered a financial coach who is based out of Nashville, Tennessee. His name is Dave Ramsey. Some of you may be familiar with him, but I will wager that many of you are not. His philosophy about money has gotten millions of people out of debt and living their best lives, using his “Baby Steps” and other tools.
My own personal journey with money is not terribly complicated or dramatic. But I was frustrated with feeling as if I could not get ahead of my finances. I knew about saving money, about 401ks and saving for retirement, but each and every time I thought I was starting to tread water, I would sink below the surface.
Finding Dave Ramsey and applying his tools to my finances has been a real game changer for me. I have a budget that I have set and am (working on) sticking to (I can be an impulsive buyer). I have an emergency fund that I am currently building up for 3-6 months’ worth of expenses. This in particular has been such a relief to have during these uncertain times. I have been furloughed since April, and I am so grateful to have this cushion to fall back on.
Far too many people are without a safety net of any kind, and I can only imagine how scared they must feel. I feel particularly compassionate toward those single parents who are now both bread-winner and professor. This is what is compelling me to pay it forward. I want to help others to get to that point with money where an emergency situation arises, and instead of panicking and feeling trapped, it’s more of an inconvenience than a nail in the coffin. Just knowing that the four walls of your home are protected is such a profound feeling.
I have only just started my journey to becoming a financial coach, and I will be honest; I am a bit nervous about putting myself out here. But here I am.
I am starting slowly. I would love to hear from you about your own experiences, particularly about money, finances, job and career changes before and during the pandemic. Have you had that moment of “That’s it! No more! I will never be in this situation again!”, or, “Now what”? You are not alone.
I am here for a discussion, and to answer what questions I can. If I don’t have an answer, I will do my best to find it or direct you to a source that can help you.
I hope you all stay healthy and safe during this time.
Lots of love.
A Green-Ish Thumb 