Finances, For the Love of Family

$1000 in the Bank. 5 Ideas to get started.

              In Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University©, he outlines seven very basic, yet sometimes complex, baby steps towards gaining financial freedom. As a financial coach, I recommend following these proven steps and strategies. But sometimes getting started is hard.  As Dave says in the first video, the first step,  $1000 in the bank, is the easiest and yet one of the hardest steps. Easy because it is only $1000. Hard because it’s $1000. It’s also hard because it is the first step. The first step that requires commitment. First step to prove you are […]

Family, For the Love of Family

A Resolution I didn’t make

It was crowded after our delayed three hour turbulent ride from Denver to Chicago. Passengers were inevitably going to miss connecting flights and emotion was running high,  yet most of us patiently waited our turn to exit the plane. A two minute dialogue between a young mom and two irate passengers created an unexpected personal resolution. I didn’t resolve at that very moment – it just happened.  A sad, painful ‘discussion’ caused me to unconsciously resolve to add a bit of kindness to life’s daily interactions. The mom, concerned for her young child, asked politely “would you please watch your […]

Finances, For the Love of Family

5 things to Plan for 2016 Holiday Season

We are wrapping up Christmas 2015 and looking forward to 2016. Before we move ahead, let’s review, learn and plan for our NEXT Christmas and holiday celebrations. What were your favorite experiences? What made this Christmas and/or holiday memorable? Ask these questions not only of yourself but your family members. You may be surprised at what they say! For the Tucker family, our favorite experiences were being together, playing games, laughing. We also enjoyed giving to others – helping a young struggling family buy gifts for their children and monetarily supporting a start-up ministry. Memories are filled with emotion. Emotions […]

Family, For the Love of Family

Mary Did You Know?

One of my favorite Christmas songs is Mary Did You Know? (lyrics by Mark Lowry; music by Buddy Greene). By asking the question, Mary did you know?, the song prompts us to consider the possibility of Mary not knowing. Most likely she didn’t know what Jesus life would entail for him to be the Savior of the world. As a young girl and planning to be married soon, she was confused and disturbed (Luke 1:29). She tried to understand as she was told, “The baby will be holy, and he will be called the son of God.” I believe Mary […]

For the Love of Family, Raw Footage

A Sunburn, Grace and Mercy

“And the Lord God made clothing from animal skins for Adam and his wife Eve.”        Genesis 2:21 NLT   One of the most compassionate scriptures in the Bible is when God takes care of Adam and Eve, even as they are about to live out the eternal consequences of their sin. Despite their willful sin, He lovingly took care of their needs . Leaving for his roofing job, I reminded my son to use sunscreen.  His ‘whatever’ reaction prompted a follow-up text.  With only 40 characters to use, I used my best skills at an abbreviated sermon, and […]

Finances, For the Love of Family

Money in the Bank – without a raise!

Gas prices have dropped significantly. If there isn’t a plan in place for your extra dollars, the money is spent unconsciously. Typically, our living expenses meet and/or exceed our income – UNLESS you have a plan. According to some reports, enough to save the average driver $50/month. According to CNN Money, the average gas price in October was $2.31, down from $3.27 earlier in 2015, saving Americans an average $1 per day or $365 per year. As of this weekend, the average price in Denver was about $1.77. Predictions are steady that gas prices will continue to stay down through […]