Natalie, now what? - The Journey After the Fast

Tasks for Natalie

1. Get rid of all items you don't need.

2. Make a meal plan/grocery list.

3. Save for your taxes owed.

4. Save for car repairs needed.

5. Save as much as you can this year.

6. Pay $650 towards Chevy Chase until paid off (Goal: December 31, 2010).

7. Lower your exemptions so you no longer owe.

8. Sign up for retirement plan - when teaching begins.

9. Monitor expenses - what can be lowered?

10. Save for summer clothes/shoes that may be needed (Budget: $500).

11. Create a spending ledger for each month (see what you are buying).

12. Re-do your budget again, you need to make some changes.

13. Edit your financial goals over over the next 7 years (step by step process).

14. Increase your cash flow doing what you love and lower your expenses.

Do you have somethings you need to do? Financial Freedom is a journey not a destination!

Day 21 - Last Day of Financial Fast - 2.28.2010

Well, today I cry! Tears of joy, wisdom gained, understanding; but most of all peace, contentment and satisfaction. I realize that GOD wanted me on this journey so that it would not only change my life but others. I am glad I was open to the journey though I didn't care about doing it one way or the other (I didn't think it would help me). But GOD knew that what I couldn't do alone I could do with accountability and that it would change me inside out.

I now have a passion to re-launch WISE Financial, LLC (if you don't know about it, you will). I look forward to taking teens and adults through this journey. I have listed every person I want to tell about this journey through 2010. I told God, 'I cannot believe that I went 21 days without eating out'. My biggest money waster. And now that the fast is over; I don't feel compelled to go eat out even today (2.28.2010). As a matter of fact I plan on continuing doing what I have been doing bringing my lunch everyday, only buy gas and food and going to the grocery weekly, leaving my ATM card at home and monitoring my expenses and continuing to monitor were I can cut back.

I also look forward to my free seminars with a twist that I will have twice a month over the next few months. I realize this is a passion for me; because of my upbringing and the mistakes I made and the mistakes that were made before me. But I realize I no longer need to live in the past and those were merely lessons to be learned so that I break the poverty in my family with God's guidance. GOD took me through this financial fast because HE loves me and YOU. As I read this book; earlier this week I read "The Shack" and completed it on yesterday (2.27.2010) which opened my eyes to another world and allowed me to truly think about various aspects of my life and my finances being one. But my relationship with GOD goes to yet another level.

Now I have steps to take over the next few years and I realize where I'm headed in this journey. I will carry the 21 day book with me for the next 21 days and I look forward to doing the 30 day spending journal - as I will strive to concentrate on needs again. I have a surprise birthday party to go and I'm trying to determine how to get a gift that is meaningful but zero in cost. I also was able to up my amount going to my credit card each month from$600 to $650 so I can pay it off in 19 months (I was excited yet again!); but I am asking GOD to breathe on this and that it be paid by December 31, 2010. Yes that is what I'm asking! And Yes I believe its done! One debt paid of each year is my goal. My student loans will take a few years; but based on my budget only 5 years instead of 15 years (Praise the Lord with me). Again all this will come with sacrifice, limiting my wants and increasing cash flow through my GOD-given gifts. Yet again just a daily grind of being 'mindful of the need/want principle'.

I want to prosper so that I can show others how to prosper as well; I believe that money is a subject I'm passionate about and I have been since about the age of 19 because with money you can advance the kingdom/change the world/change your world. You can do things you never thought possible. So chase it God's way not by neglecting things that are important. God will show us how to balance HIM with our family, friends, careers and God-given purpose. And HE will show us what to do with it as HE is perfect at guiding our lives!

I listed so many people that I want to tell about the journey (I'll be inviting them to my first seminar for the year). I look forward to all those that will be impacted by it. I realize this journey can change your life both financially and beyond. Lately I've been asking GOD to show me how to live simply in every area of my life and now I know how and I'm sure that wisdom will continue to grow. As I end I ask myself and you one question - What do you treasure? Why do you treasure it? Would GOD treasure it too?

Here is to a life that will be filled of all the things you hoped for through the ups and downs of life may deter you a little get back on the plane and don't forget to fly. It is time to take on the spirit of the LION and the EAGLE. Think about their spirits and you will totally understand what I am saying here.

I save $280 dollars this month by doing this fast as I only could buy necessities. But this doesn't include my reduction in car insurance of $23 and my reduction in my home phone of $45.

I have a few assignments I need to go back and do as I continue to make this journey a lifestyle. I am so content with the peace I feel in my heart due to this journey; I am also grateful that I don't beat myself up - but that I see my mistakes and I can steadily fix them with God's help and wise counsel.

As Dave Ramsey says, "Let us live like no one else, so we can live like no one else". Now go prosper; then pour that prosperity onto others! Its for GOD, its for YOU, its for OTHERS!

Walk in HIS love and Be Blessed!

Day 19 and 20

I enjoyed reading the about stewardship. I realize this journey has shown me that I haven't always been a good money steward; but now I can take steps on a daily basis to become a better money steward. Further, I realize that none of what I obtain belongs to me and that God will trust me with more as I show myself trustworthy. I realize in some areas I have it down but in others areas there is work to do. I have realized that my stomach has been more important to me than what future prosperity could bring. I think about the day I had to record my spending for 3 months and realized every other day I ate out, wow! Further, GOD has given me works to do that will bring me prosperity; but I my gifts are for others and though I will receive a monetary reward - it goes beyond the monetary. I realize how important it is to walk in your gift and realize there are things inside of me that I haven't even realized yet; but what I have realized must be done. I look forward to this journey as well. So as I become a great steward of my time and energy; it will assist in continuing to be a great money steward. I realize I don't want for much which is great; and at this point I only need clothes and shoes for the summer and won't need to buy anything else (clothing) for sometime. Needs are: food, gas and clothes and when I take this view want I want diminishes more and more. Of course I will balance activities with free activities. I will balance eating out with viewing my allowance and what I have saved.

But I believe over these next few months eating out won't be a hold on me or something that I must do; like going to the movies won't be as important since I can go to the RedBox and obtain a movie for $1. Why pay $9 when I can pay $1 and wait. What a blessing this journey has been.

Further, there is a blessing in knowing that money doesn't bring happiness or joy as much as relationships do. We spend our lives trying to determine what can make us whole and its our relationship with Christ that allows us to be whole. I enjoyed reading about not spending time on gifts as much as we spend time showing others how much we care about them. That is something money can never buy and the person will never forget. You ever thought of writing a note to someone you will love that expresses all the reason you love them either verbally or written. Relationship was the reason I started this journey; because honestly I didn't think anything could help me; but I thank GOD for a woman that I love that recommended we go through this journey. It was well worth it. So now our WEALTH has changed. Now I can daily think about those that mean so much to me: GOD, Family and Friends and use my time to express that love without money. I realize we cannot spend our time chasing money; but we can spend the balance of life pursuing our purpose and giving to the world what GOD has given to us through those gifts. Don't be afraid what's on the inside of you - it was put there to be nurtured.

Day 15, 16, 17, 18

I realize that the greed chapter didn't have much of an affect on me regarding things; I am not greedy for things- but I realized I have had moments when I wanted that my debt could be a quick fix; that have sufficient savings could be a quick fix. I want it now! I realize now its a journey and not a quick fix; it took years to get here; it will take time for these and other financial situations to change. Now I realize I must be greedy (adamant) about surrendering my financial situations to GOD and then I will stay and remain on the right path.

I must admit I had never heard of financial fornication. I can remember every men I have had a relationship with (before Christ and after Christ) and we NEVER discussed money, amazing. I never bought it up and neither did they. It either wasn't necessary or up for a discussion.

I felt yet another breakthrough on the Peace chapter; I enjoyed reading this. It loosed my mind from the beat up I gave myself for past errors. But after reading this along with reading "The Shack" I realize that I can learn from my mistakes and make wise decisions and see the reward over the next few years. My prayer is that GOD will restore all that I have wasted and lost. And if HE so desired to bless me he will - but I'm thankful for what HE has already given. So I focus on my two issues for this year and I will save, invest and spend wisely. Worrying will not change these situations; but working at it will. I told a friend of mine this fast has become a lifestyle not merely a fast.

On a deeper level I realize that I am preparing to reach great financial freedom; but I also think of my children and others that will benefit from what I have learned during this experience.

Day 14

Well today's lesson conjured some old memories (from 1996) and some thoughts that I have to allow GOD to help me with. (1) I remember a bitter root growing because I co-signed for a Montgomery Ward credit card for my best friend at the time so she could get her car repaired; I ended up paying that $800 dollar bill; she never paid on it. I didn't want to be in her wedding (she asked me to be her maid of honor), I didn't go to her baby shower (she invited me). I was truly upset. I didn't talk to her for a number of years. Even after I was saved it took me time to get over this. I felt used and she took advantage of me; and I just didn't like it! But she decided I know you applied for the Montgomery Ward account for my car - but I'm not paying it, you are. I made a vow after this that I would NEVER co-sign for anyone again. Today we don't have the closeness (we re-connected in 2004) we once shared but we can talk and it was good reconnecting with her after so many years.

I also realize I don't want to have joint credit card accounts with my husband. I don't want him to responsible for my debt and I don't want to be responsible for his. I don't know if that's selfish, or if that is a mindset that should change - and I honestly don't know if this is right or wrong. I don't think its fair to me or him to have to pay or help me pay for my choices. I notice it said in the book only co-sign for your husband - my stomach turned. God, please help me because he can have his own cards and I will continue to use my debit card. Now if my baby needs some help - of course I will help him; but I don't want to responsible for his debt. But what GOD would say about his is all that really matters - I don't like it; but that doesn't mean I can do it my way; I realize that.

I know the bible says, 'the two become one'' but does that apply to this? Real talk. Today I came home and fixed some vegetable quiches and oven-roasted potatoes; they were tasty. I have enough for food and gas for the whole week; I only have $15 of gas in my car and will be mindful of my trips this week I will only go to cell group and bible study and the rest of the week; I will come home. And the journey continues!

Questions/thoughts I am pondering

Can I take money out one day a week for gas and food and not use the ATM card?

Should I get a part time job to help save and pay down the debts?

Who would be a good investing mentor for me? (David Briscoe).

Where can I find loan repayment programs for teachers?

How can I increase my cash flow?

How much do I truly need for an emergency?

How much do I need for the condo (12 months of rent)?

How much could I save or give to debt if I didn't eat out those months?

For a season concentrate on needs only.

What are the books that millionaires read? Further, what do they do?

Do I really need a credit card? (I haven't had one for almost 2 years).

Where are my pockets of extra in my budget?

Day 11, 12 and 13

I must admit thinking about the financial legacy I can leave my kids (my own and others I am able to teach) surely gave me a feeling of hope! I realize that I am not just breaking a bad habit but be provided ways to teach, train and invest in the future generations. I can leave a financial legacy to my kids that go beyond an inheritance. I was never taught how to handle money properly all I saw is a mother that had credit cards and shopped, shopped and shopped again; but when she was laid off in 1994 and those creditors hounded her it was sad. Many thoughts entered my mind as I did these three days. Of course the mistakes; but also how much I have changed mentally because of this fast. I realize there are so many items that I can let go of, so many things I don't need and I can decrease my wants; all I'm thinking about now is paying for my swimming lessons ($55) and purchasing my clothing/shoes for the summer; but with a major transition coming I must be mindful daily of my spending and what is really necessary; also that I can become more frugal that I can concentrate on need and in a little while the debt it will be gone. I have even thought of going to different grocery stores and only purchasing what is on sale instead of one store. I sat this morning (I couldn't sleep) and did my budget for the next 7 years. I kept my salary at what I will make this year with the goal of saving my promotions. Further our boss told us that everyone that received an "Exceptional" performance appraisal will receive a 'cash award'. Of course I was all smiles. Once I've established a good amount in the emergency fund and fund for the condo; then I will steadily pay off the debts. I have some extra money right now and I'm trying to decide do I want to save it or give it to my credit card debt. That is my thinking now. I think I will give it to the credit card. I'd rather do that than feed my stomach (that was how I thought previously). But I cannot eat out anyway; so win, win!

I look forward to having seminars for children from the ages of 5 and up and teaching them about money (God gave me that idea as I read the chapter). Further, HE showed me how important it is to walk in the visions for your life; because wealth is there (beyond the monetary). Now I see why he wanted to bring such stability into my life during this fast as well. I never realize how much WISE Financial, LLC could touch their lives. The debt chapters were not so hard to read; because I realize that diligence brings a profit further (I've beat myself up enough about it). Being upset about my choices will not correct them; but taking action will. I went to Target today (2.19.10) we needed some bathroom items and I wanted a snack but I have cut some things out of my diet but remembered that I can have animal crackers. I purchased a box and a box of Teddy Grahams; my budget was $14 for the bathroom items; I ended up spending $16 I was a little bothered about the $2 overage; but that is just an example of how cognizant of my spending I have become. So I have about $72 left and now I want to put some aside of food and gas and give the remainder to my credit card. Further, I will tutor today and will receive a little more change for my pocket.

As I went back three months on spending oh my God! Over $1000 spent but I have gone to the ATL women's conference (ate out alot), ate out in December and January had a lot of liquid drinks since we were on a liquid fast. I realize that there are so expenses that I don't know what they were for; so I need to add these to my ledger. I realize I don't place all the items on the ledger as I should. Well, I'm no longer counting days because I want to go as long as I can. I love the reward that is coming with this diligence and sacrifice and it shall continue. I asked GOD when could I eat out again, he said when you have a "eat out kiddy". So as I save monies from my allowance and continue to save and pay off debt little by little I can begin to eat out.

I must tell you it felt so good to do my budgets for the next few years and see the debt being erased and year 7 when I able to invest, invest, invest! I've also decided when I begin my career that I will have my exemptions low so I don't owe and invest in my retirement program at my job. Keep in mind I didn't include my business/cash flow monies only my teaching salary monies; so this will be an interesting journey. Further, I have been paying a lot of fees since I frequent the ATM and use my card; so I need to think of ways to decrease this. Today I am going to Starbucks and using a gift card; and I'm packing all of my meals and snacks to eat before and after I tutor. My gas tank is almost empty but I'm going to see how many days I can drive without filling up the tank. My car is really good on gas, and I'm happy about that. Well I look forward to what the next few weeks will bring and all that I will give to savings and my debts!

I even wrote as one of my financial goals that I will do this fast with those that would like to participate 3 times a year (beginning, middle and end). I wonder how many will like to take this plane ride; its surely an eye opener. Well, here's to financial freedom!