ONE MORE LOAN!

Moving brain is a real thing, guys. Something totally slipped my mind and I don't think I ever wrote about it. WE PAID OFF OUR 3RD LOAN!!!!!! We only have one more to go (although its pretty large), and this is how we feel about it...

 We have been working really hard and it felt so great to wipe it out. I know that only having one more loan left to pay off will motivate us like never before. We're dedicated, have our eyes on the prize, and can't wait for what our future will look like, debt-free!!!!!

It feels so great to be married to a man who shares all my same views. Not only on politics, but when it comes to our money. Sure, we'll still have a little fun here and there, and when we do, we'll use cash! We have the same goals in mind, and know that above all else - we want to be able to bless others like CRAZY someday. So watch out loan #4, we're comin' for ya!

In other news, we're finally feeling like we're getting settled in our new place. We've even hung a few things on our wall, are doing laundry regularly again (thank goodness), and its really beginning to feel like home. Next item on our agenda? Find a reasonably priced dining room table!!

Happy Tuesday, friends!

Five under fifty and a few favorite things.

As you all know, I've been on a hunt for a perfect pair of boots. Regardless of boot or bootie, I just want something. I built up enough money on my Paidviewpoint account (which btw - if you like free money for answering 10 simple questions a day? Click that link), and I'm ready to spend it. So I decided to do this Friday post a little different and list five of my favorite finds, that are UNDER $50! I mean...holy bargain!! I just don't believe in paying a huge premium for a cute shoe. There are ways to keep your wardrobe adorable, and your wallet happy. So every one of these shoes are from DSW, a favorite store of mine.

#1  Restricted Penny Bootie for only $49.95. I mean... these would go with everything, and I LOVE the laces!

#2 Qupid Madge-01 for O-M-G... $34.95?!?!! Why haven't I bought these yet!?

#3 Restricted Groovy Riding Boot... wait for it. $49.95! For a pair of TALL boots, believe it!

#4 Madden Girl Domain Wedge Bootie for also $49.95. I love the dark brown color to these; opposed to the more cream colored in the first two options. (Erin, I think you have these!!)

#5 Diba New Pilot Bootie - these are also $49.95. I love that these are black with that rusted looking heel. I have nothing like these!

Aside from shoes...here are a few highlights from my week!

-This pumpkin apple candle pretty much hasn't stopped burning since I got it last week.

Seeing that text from my mom on Sunday. Bringing me to tears!

-Getting surprised with cotton candy on an impromptu date night out. That man of mine had too much banana pudding. YUM!

-Our church gifted every family a new mug with our logo on it. I'm obsessed with it and have used it daily at work this week.

Whats making YOU happy this week!?

Cash vs Cards

One way that Caleb and I keep our spending down (like crazy) is by carrying cash. When I tell people this, they usually think we're crazy. Now there is no right or wrong way to pay for things! We'd just rather save up and pay for something we really want in cash, than be in more debt to someone. I have a tall, red wallet from Dave Ramsey just like the one below...and its incredibly organized. Everyone is different, but we keep our envelopes in four sections; Groceries, Fun, Tithe, and Gas. I'll keep my debit card sometimes for gas, but I notice when there is cash in my checking account, I'll try to spend it.

So why do we believe in using cash only?

It's emotional. Spending $4 at Starbucks doesn't hurt near as bad when I use my debt card, because I don't see the money physically coming out of my bank. When I use my $20 bill that I give myself once, maybe twice a month...I don't want to break that bill. I think twice about what I spend because once its gone, its GONE. 

It speaks louder than a credit card. When Caleb and I made our first big finally-married purchase together (our couches), we were paying with cold, hard, CASH. We weren't financing, we weren't talking about interest rates, and we definitely weren't going in debt over it...having cash in hand helped get us about $300 off the total, and guess what? It was actually OURS when we took them home, not "until we paid it off".

It's convenient. Sometimes I'll run into a gas station just for a $2 pop, and they won't accept a debit card on purchases under $5, etc...so every now and again, those situations pay off to have cash.

It makes you feel awesome. When you can decide that you're going to SAVE for something, and not just charge it to a card because you think you deserve it...it gives you a different outlook. You have a sense of accomplishment when you can EARN something and say you paid for that in full. No strings attached, no interest rates, no worrying about minimum payments, etc.

Some people will never agree with this method of thinking...and you know what? That's alright. Just because it works for us, doesn't mean its the ONLY way to live. Now, don't get me wrong...we still use our debit card, but keep in mind, that's coming straight out of our BANK account. Obviously, we plan to have a mortgage someday, but we'd like to save a huge down payment first - so we aren't stuck in an apartment for life! ;)

I do have to say, stalking Etsy for cuter "cash envelopes" gets me pretty darn excited. #nerdalert Like this one;

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Or to go the cheaper route (which I recommend) you can order directly off Dave's website and get paper envelopes that fit inside a long wallet, like me!

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Or buy these cute little printable dividers!

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Whatever you decide to do...or are already doing, just be sure it works for you! :) do any of you use cash only for certain purchases?