Robby and Melissa - Living Like No One Else!

Man have I got an awesome story for you guys. This is a real life story about a subject that touches every area of our lives. Please take a few minutes and read on...I think it will be worth your time.

Meet Robby (also goes by Tate) and Melissa. To say we're a little bit proud of these two is an understatement...but we're just a little bit proud of these two.

The couple that gets gainz together, remains together :)

I met Robby and Melissa at the gym, and recognized Robby as a friend of my brother Steve. We got to talking and ended up all working out together a few times a week.
Robby and Melissa were engaged to be married in a few months, and I took the opportunity to tell them about Financial Peace University. You see, my wife Leigh and I believe that being on the same page with money is one of the most important things that you can do to ensure a healthy marriage relationship. Statistics prove over and over that money fights are the #1 cause of divorce in America. If you know how to communicate about money, and work together to achieve common goals; your marriage immediately avoids the biggest destructive issue out there. What is more, Financial Peace doesn't just teach you how to handle money God's way and avoid the stresses of burdensome debt, it is like marriage counseling. It teaches how to appreciate and honor your spouse in a God-centered relationship. I did my best sales pitch for why they should do it, and they signed up!

CRISIS MODE

Until we started the first week of Financial Peace University, I had no idea how bad Robby and Melissa's situation was. Melissa had just lost her job the month before, they were planning for a wedding and had already spent any savings they had toward that, they had just purchased a home a few months before, and they had two vehicles, one brand new, with $1,000/month in car payments between the two of them. Because Melissa lost her job they were behind on a few items and they couldn't borrow any more money on their credit cards....they were absolutely drowning. They were trying not to show it, but they were stressed out and scared. The amount of money coming in each month was less than the payments they owed, and the hole they were in seemed to get deeper and deeper. Collectors were calling...and with a wedding weeks away, stress was mounting. This was definitely a crisis.

THE PLAN

SELL THE TRUCK!

Leigh and I walked through Robby and Melissa's budget with them and found some areas that needed attention. The things we told them they needed to consider doing weren't easy, and I remember telling Leigh that we were going to find out really quick how serious these two are about getting out of debt. Here are some of the action items we discussed: Melissa's full-time job was finding a job - the income level had to come up, the cell phone bill was outrageous and needed to be cut way back, we suggested cut off cable TV to reduce expenses, suggested a temporary stop to Robby's retirement contributions, reduce any wedding related cost possible, don't spend any money unless it is a necessity...and the biggest one of all...sell Robby's gorgeous 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 that he just bought last year (even if that meant he'd sell it for less than he owed, finance the difference, and buy a cheap used truck). WOAH! What would you do if you were faced with that advice? Doesn't sound like fun at all...especially selling your dream truck and trading it in for a high mileage older model. Did I mention the 2014 Dodge Ram was Motor Trend's Truck of the Year? I honestly worried that suggesting to Robby that he needed to sell the truck had the potential to make them quit Financial Peace University. When people are faced with some uncomfortable decisions...when they have to decide if they want to sacrifice now to win later...some are willing to do it, and some just aren't. Well guess what...

THESE TWO ARE SERIOUS!

They started attacking their action items and checked off each item. Over the next several weeks Melissa went on interviews and landed a solid full-time job, they cut their cell phone bill by $100/month, they cut off their cable TV (are you serious Clark?) saving another $100/month, they temporarily stopped Robby's retirement contributions (more $$ savings), and they found ways to keep from spending more money on their wedding. They didn't spend any unnecessary money and even started selling whatever they could part with to scrape together some more cash. They got married on May 10th, delayed their honeymoon plans (more on that later), and then shortly thereafter, they dropped the bomb on their debt by selling Robby's truck and purchasing a $6,000 used truck. HOLY COW! I don't know what the official measurement is for seriousness...but these two have got it! They decided they were all about getting out of debt and winning with money!

FINANCIAL PEACE GRADUATES!

Financial Peace University Graduates!!!

Robby and Melissa began Financial Peace University on April 7th, and graduated 9 weeks later on June 2nd. Their situation went from a crisis to control and focus. They are gaining control of their money by budgeting where it goes every month. They are working towards Baby Step #1 which is having an emergency fund of $1,000 cash in the bank (they are already half way there) and they are about to begin seriously attacking their debt with the positive monthly cash flow they will now have. During the 9 weeks of Financial Peace University, they paid off $21,000 in debt, cut up 5 credit card accounts, and saved $500 cash. That is in just 9 short weeks!!! They've bought into what Dave Ramsey teaches...the same advice that you could find if you studied the scriptures...and they are starting to win. Certainly, this is a marathon, not a sprint, and the hard work isn't over for these two. BUT I can tell you that they have a plan, and they're going to do really, REALLY well.

Sandals - Whitehouse, Jamaica

Robby and Melissa are making sacrifices that many others aren't willing to make. They are living like no one else now...so that later, they can live (and give) like no one else. Oh yes, I told you that I'd tell you more about their honeymoon plans. Well, you wouldn't expect that they would go drop a bunch of money on a honeymoon and go further into debt while they are working so hard to pay down their existing debt would you? I don't think so, these guys are rockstars...they are the real deal. They plan to work really hard, pay off all of their debt except for their mortgage, and then save up cash to go on an awesome Sandals vacation in 2016. That's right...a vacation paid for with cash. Let me tell you, that is the way you can REALLY enjoy a vacation. If you pay cash, the debt doesn't follow you home...only the memories do!

WE'RE SO PROUD!

The Tortoise wins every time!

Robby and Melissa, Leigh and I are incredibly proud of you. This is the 3rd Financial Peace class we've taught, and we've had a number of awesome couples graduate the program. However, we don't think we've seen anyone come as far in just 9 weeks, or be as seriousness, excited and intense as you two. We are excited to see what you can do in the future as you seek to be diligent stewards of God's money. Remember what Dave says...."the Tortoise wins!" The race isn't over yet and consistency is key! Keep budgeting every month and keep your eyes focused on your goals.

Always remember that everything we have is God's, and while He wants us to enjoy the fruits of our diligence, there are greater purposes for the resources He has given us. What can you do to bless others? Can you teach someone? Can you help someone? In doing so, how can you show the love of Christ? How can you point others to Him through your actions and your love? Our encouragement is that you continue to grow in your relationship with each other, and your relationship with the Lord. If you only focus on the financial aspects of what you've learned in the last 9 weeks, then you'll just have Financial (and not the Peace). However, if you put just as much diligence into growing your relationship with the Lord, you'll experience tremendous blessings and experience joy and peace. Money is a big deal, but it's not as big a deal as your walk with the Lord and your testimony. We encourage you to regularly spend time in prayer, Bible reading/study, and fellowship with other believers. Seek opportunities to serve and grow, and tell others about the Savior of the universe who offers salvation to all who come to Him. Be spiritual leaders in your families and in your circle of friends. Step up, step out, and be who God made you to be!

And remember what Dave always says... "There is only one way to Financial Peace, and that is to walk daily with the Prince of Peace, Christ Jesus."

Your Friends,
- Matt & Leigh