$15,000 + in just 13 Weeks

Last month 55 people graduated from FPU.  My wife and I have taught FPU (Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University) for over 3 years now.  These 55 people (33 households) set records with their success. When they started however, they were like most people who take the course.  They were scared, unsure if this would work, skeptical, cynical, and irritated that they had to pay $99 to get out of debt.

Not only did they make it through, they far exceeded their expectations.  Together they paid off $357,860.83 in debt.  If you think that is impressive then you also need to know that they managed to save $166,165.06 while doing so.  That averages to $10,844.27 of debt paid and $5,035.30 saved per household in just 13 weeks!  When you add those together, each household on average improved their financial position by $15,879.57. 

How did they do it?  They changed their way of doing things.  They started using this rare form of thinking called common sense.  Here are some quotes from some of my graduates:

“FPU has changed our entire outlook on life.  We no longer have to live paycheck to paycheck like everyone else.” – Linda.  

Richard and Kim wrote, “We believed that we were already doing everything possible to save and budget our money, boy were we wrong!  We paid off $10,633 and saved $2,000 since Jan 24^th.”

Donovan and Katherine said, “it was really worthwhile time and money wise.  I was skeptical that we could truly get past our paycheck to paycheck lifestyle.  Now I am excited to see us saving and working down our debt.  I can actually see a different future.”  

Jon and Renee said, “Thank you for bringing us together with our money.  We understand what it means to have financial peace.”  

Jennifer said, “I was not afraid to take this course.  However, when I realized how long it would take me to pay off my debt, I was very disappointed in what I had done.  Thanks for showing us how to turn this around.”  

John and Julie said, “When we registered we were worried that this information would not be practical enough to be put to use immediately because we really needed help fast.  We started making changes after the first class!”

I have been writing about this course for years.  I can scream from the mountain top but the truth is that I cannot make you understand how FPU can truly change your life.  The only way to for you to understand would be to come and see for yourself.  I am starting a class in early June in Eastvale, (Corona).  I know, its not Chino Hills but it’s only a 10-15 minute commute.  It costs you nothing to check out the first class and make an informed decision about your future.  If you have questions you can check out my website at www.ChinoHillsMortgageMan.com  See you in class!

A Word to the Wise

Have you ever stopped to think about who taught you about finances?  I think like most people I learned quite a bit of horrible habits from my parents.  I also learned quite a bit from the school of hard knocks.  It wasn’t until only a few years ago that I got my masters degree in finance.  Sure that sounds fancy, but I don’t even have an undergrad college degree.  How did I get a masters degree you ask?  Well, I read my bible, specifically the book of Proverbs.    

One of my favorite verses is “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” Proverbs 22:7  Who do you owe money to?  Do you feel like a slave to them?  Are you a slave to Chase, Sallie Mae, Visa, Ford Motor Company or Kohl’s?  How much of your check is spent before you even get it home?  After spending more than 3 years coaching people on their finances, I have come to realize that most people just assume that debt;  student loans, credit cards and auto loans are unavoidable and just a way of life.  The biggest wealth building tool you have is your income.  When your income is spent before it comes in, then your retirement, savings and kid’s college suffers.

Another great verse is Proverbs 13:7 “One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.”  This is the central message in the book The Millionaire Next Door where 100’s of millionaires were interviewed.  Millionaires don’t drive new cars, they buy used ones and pay cash.  They purchase high quality clothes and wear them forever.  Their houses are unassuming but they are paid for.  So many people buy stuff to impress others with no regard to their personal savings and retirement.  I know many people with a $500 car payment so that they can impress someone at a stoplight that they will never meet.

The book of Proverbs certainly isn’t sexy.  Its fairly simple.  There are 31 chapters in Proverbs which makes it a good one-a-day read for a month.  If you are not one to read your bible or you consider this offensive, then let me simply tell you that Proverbs is simply a book of wisdom.  If you are offended by wisdom and common sense then don’t read it.

Proverbs 10:4 “Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.”  When it comes to your money and making good financial decisions, your approach should always be simple.  Be the tortoise, not the hare.  Slow and steady will always win the race.