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Financial Peace University…

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My husband and I are attending Financial Peace University (Dave Ramsey’s course) again. We attended the series two years ago but I missed nearly half when I lost my day job and started working nights.

The first class was this week and the facilitator asked if anyone was a returning student. My husband and I raised our hands along with one other couple. After the video, we gathered into a small group and were immediately asked if the course had changed our lives. My husband and I said it had and that we lived below our means.

‘Are you debt free?’ a classmate asked.

‘Um. No. We have about 10 grand left.’ I said, ashamed two years has passed and I’m still carrying financial baggage.

‘At least you are working on it. And you’re here!’ she said smiling.

The rest of the group talked about their struggles and goals for about 20 minutes and then we all headed home. It was nice to hear others are fighting the same things as me.

It’s funny that I can openly and fearlessly share every little detail about my debt with you but I’m completely ashamed to share it with the small group – then again, I don’t have to shake your hand every Sunday morning.

If you haven’t been through FPU, you should consider it. The lessons are great but more than that, you have someone to look you in the eye every week who asks… how did you do this week?

Suddenly, spending feels different.

Hello Goodbye Florence

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We left Florence this morning. Weird to say but… Im not a fan. It was busy, dirty, and the people were beyond rude. Im not your typical loud American. Im quiet, I say thank you and please in Italian but somehow, I think all the Americans before me blew it. Or… I can just blame the Canadians.

Sorry for the horrid punctuation. Im paying for this internet connection and for the life of me, I cant figure out this darn Italian keyboard!! I dont have time to find all the keys!!

We arrived in Siena this morning and what a beautiful city it is!! We had a pretty bad experience with the gypsys in Florence and are a bit scared to head to Rome in a few days. There were two groups of gypsys who were causing problems in the streets and another who tried to steal clothing while my husband was washing his in the laundry mat! He met a couple who had their passports and cash taken in Rome and warned us to be VERY CAREFUL. Ugh.

We are heading out to see the wine country tomorrow morning. Im not sure when my next connection will be but I hope to update in Rome.

Ciao!