A few months ago, my husband (Tim) and I heard a sermon that really got us thinking. The message was about your financial life and how to get from where you are to where you want to be. I am a note taker and so I carefully recorded everything that was said so I wouldn't miss anything. We have been married for 7 years and have 3 little girls. I am a stay at home mom and my husband works from home. We are very blessed and are always looking for insight on managing our finances. This summarized where we want to be to a “T” and we thought the idea was worth sharing.

When you stop and think about it, there are really 5 things you can do with your money. You can:

1. Spend it

2. Pay off Debts

3. Pay Government/Taxes

4. Save it

5. Give it away

Most people do it in that order too. I know for us, we have certainly been there. Spending all you have, or worse, spending more than what you have and finding yourself in debt is a bad place to be. Debt becomes a vicious cycle and the stress it creates can be paralyzing. There is hope. You really can begin to do the 5 things in REVERSE order and that is certainly our goal and we hope it will be yours as well.

Did you know that money is the #1 issue that most couples argue about? Whether it's spending, saving, budgeting or giving, couples who don't have a financial plan are bound to get themselves into trouble. Dave Ramsey is a well-known author who offers great insight into managing finances. We know so many people who have gone through his “Financial Peace University” and have benefited greatly from it. There is also an organization called Crown Financial Ministries. I've heard it described as giving you the “heart” for managing your finances and Dave Ramsey's plan being the “how to”.

We know so many friends who have gone through one or both of these programs and have not heard anything negative about either one. Whether you go through one of these programs or not, the main thing is to make sure that you develop a financial plan. Where do you want to be by the end of this year? In 3 years? In 5 years? In 10 years? At what age do you plan to retire? How will you get there? What % do you want to live off of and what % do you want to give? J.C Penny, founder of the J.C. Penny's Department Store, was the first person I had ever heard of who lived off 10% and gave away 90%. Now THAT is an awesome goal to strive towards.

Most people can figure out where they want to be, but have no clue how to get there. So write down some dreams and goals you have. Then write down some simple steps you want to take each day or each week to work towards each goal. Make lists and cross things off as you go. Often times, you are making more progress than you even realize. Always remember that nothing will change tomorrow if you don't change something today.