Monday, May 11, 2009

Learning To Live Financially Free by Marybeth and Curt Whalen

Kathy Carlton Willis Communications (KCWC) is hosting a blog tour for the book Learning to Live Financially Free by Marybeth and Curt Whalen, and I'm so pleased to be introducing this book to ya'll! I think every couple should be striving for financial freedom no matter what stage they are in their relationship, whether they're engaged, newly married, married with children, or even those going through the empty nest syndrome. It's never too late!

This blog tour also has a lot of great, useful information, so please bear with me... it's worth reading through... there's a quiz for you to take... and ten tips for saving money... and I'm giving away a copy of this book... AND if there are 10 comments on this blog post, I will do another drawing and send the winner's name to KCWC be entered into a drawing to win:

1 copy of the book
1 copy of Financial Peace Revisited by Dave Ramsey
1 subscription to P31 Woman Magazine
1 copy of God's Purpose For Every Woman (collection of the best devotions from Proverbs 31 Ministries)
1 cd of Marybeth's message "Becoming A Woman of Influence"
1 Dove Chocolate bar (because everything is better with chocolate!)

Now, without further ado, the book:


Learning to Live Financially Free by Marybeth and Curt Whalen


Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: March 2009
ISBN-10: 0825441889
ISBN-13: 978-0825441882
Retail: $12.99





About the Book:

(North Carolina) - The fear and reality of tough economic times, foreclosures, bailouts, bankruptcies and falling stocks strike fear in the hearts of many Americans today. With investors, newscasters and bankers giving advice, who can you trust? Marybeth and Curt Whalen share their financial successes and failures in their new book, Learning to Live Financially Free: Hard-Earned Wisdom for Saving Your Marriage & Your Money. If a family parenting six children can get out of debt and live financially free, anyone can. The Whalens readily admit they made their share of mistakes the first ten years of marriage. Becoming more disciplined and intentional in spending and saving helped them learn valuable lessons for better financial stewardship--lessons you'll want to learn too.

Learning to Live Financially Free not only focuses on building a stronger financial understanding in the home, but also encourages couples to communicate, thus building better, stronger marriages. The Whalens clearly comprehend the need for careful money management and commitment in marriage. Money-strapped families will find peace of mind as they begin the process of becoming financially responsible and debt-free.

About the Authors:

Marybeth Whalen is a speaker and contributing writer for Proverbs 31 Ministries. The author of For the Write Reason, Marybeth has also written for Parent Life, Money Matters newsletter, The Old Schoolhouse, Hearts at Home magazine, and Homeschooling Today. She contributes regularly to the daily online devotions of Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Curt Whalen is a trained financial counselor through Crown Financial Concepts. He has years of experience helping couples establish budgets, solve financial problems, and learn to communicate more effectively. He has written articles for TEACH Magazine and Money Matters Newsletter and has contributed to books by authors Lysa TerKeurst and Melanie Chitwood.


Are You A Financially Focused Couple?

Instructions: Give yourself 1 point for every "yes" answer, 0 points for every "no."


1.Do you have regular budget meetings?

2.Do you communicate about daily expenses?

3.Do you discuss large purchases before they're made?

4.Does each spouse have an equal vote about money decisions?

5.Have you planned for your future through life insurance and a will?

6.Do you agree about tithing and giving?

7.Can you both list out your debts, including the amounts and monthly payment for each account?

8.Do you have a plan that was written together for paying off debt and saving money?

9.Do you encourage each other to save money?

10.Have you discussed the spending habits and attitudes about money that you carried into the marriage?

Tally up your score and use the guide to see what category you fall into.
0-2 points: Don't get discouraged. There's nowhere to go from here except up!
3-5 points: You are taking steps towards being a financially focused couple.. Keep working together and you will get there.
6-8 points: You are almost 100% financially focused. Keep up the good work and get intentional about those trouble spots.
9-10 points: You are a financially focused couple and could show us all a thing or two! Consider sharing your wisdom with other couples who are struggling in today's uncertain times.



Top Ten Tips For Saving Money In Tough Times

1. Make a budget (and stick to it). A budget overwhelms many people but it is really nothing more than devising a plan for every dollar you bring in. Having a budget helps you spend smarter and think more. It also helps to improve your buying power. The best way to make a budget is to start by sitting down with your spouse and deciding how much you spend on regular categories like groceries, gas, medical, etc. each month. Talk through these things and get them down on paper. Then spend accordingly. An article that goes into step by step detail about making a budget can be found at:
http://e2ma.net/go/1930670229/1767774/65680510/goto:http://www.christianpf.com/how-to-make-a-budget/

2. Stop using credit cards. Studies show that people who use credit cards buy more and think less about their purchases. By learning to spend cash and limiting your purchases, you make your money work for you rather than against you. Credit card companies are getting craftier as the economy struggles. 25% of all credit card users in this country will have their rates raised this year, or their monthly payment raised. When you are in debt, you are at the mercy of the company you owe. Don’t let yourself get bogged down by credit card debt.

3. Cook at home. It sounds so basic and yet how many of us resort to eating out because we just can’t deal with dinner? By taking a few moments once a week to devise a menu plan, shopping for the needed ingredients for that menu plan, and cooking the meals in your home, you can save lots of money and have more time to gather as a family and enjoy a slow evening at home. Eating at home not only saves money, it saves valuable family time.

4. Buy clothes at thrift or consignment stores. This is especially true with children’s clothes. When you are in a department store, always shop the clearance racks and avoid the other racks so you aren’t tempted. It’s also an income generator if you consign your own clothing. You can then take the money you earn on consignment and buy clothes for a new season without being out of pocket any money!

5. If you must eat out, only go to places you have coupons for. Keep a small photo album and arrange restaurant coupons so they are easy to find as you are heading out the door. It’s also a great idea to look for “kids eat free” nights and frequent those. Other ways to save on eating out include ordering water (big savings on this), share meals, order a kids’ portion if the restaurant allows it, and go out for lunch instead of dinner. For people who work, it’s always a good idea to pack your lunch regularly instead of running out to eat. A jar of peanut butter and a loaf of bread will go a long way.

6. Learn to play the coupon game. Many people devote themselves to clipping and organizing coupons—and reap great savings from doing so. There are many frugal websites and blogs that detail exactly how to save a lot of money with coupons. A great one to start with is http://e2ma.net/go/1930670229/1767774/65680508/goto:http://www.couponmom.com/. And here is a great tutorial video you can watch: http://e2ma.net/go/1930670229/1767774/65680506/goto:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcAUZvGS6L8.

7. If you have children, limit the number of activities they do to one per child, per year. If you are struggling to pay for even one activity, consider asking for the activity as a gift from grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends, etc. Instead of another toy that will end up broken or lost, your child can receive a gift that truly keeps on giving as well as one that invests in their future.

8. Think about the things you regularly spend money on like gas or utilities and research ways to save money on those things. For instance, http://e2ma.net/go/1930670229/1767774/65680504/goto:http://www.gasbuddy.com/ tells you where to buy the cheapest gas according to your area code. Bundling services with your cable provider can save money each month. Calling your energy company to find out when their off-peak hours are and doing your laundry or dishes during those times can save on your monthly bill as well.

9. Don’t shop as a recreational activity. If you can’t see it, you won’t feel a need to have it. Use time you used to spend shopping to go for a walk, visit a park, exercise, read a book, or spend time researching money-saving sites on the internet! If you have a friend you used to enjoy shopping with, sit down and list out other alternatives for your time together.

10. Look for ways to generate additional income. Whether it be an additional part-time job or a way to make money from home using a skill or talent you possess, get creative, get motivated, and get excited about the potential you have to generate income that you didn’t have before. Every little bit helps, so put on your thinking cap and don’t be shy about stepping out and trying something!


Now folks, all you have to do for a chance to a)win a copy of this book or b) a chance to be entered into the grand prize drawing, simply leave a comment on this post with your name and a working email address. I'll do the drawings on Monday May 18th.

18 comments:

Bridget said...

Hi there! Welcome to Win A Book! I've just posted this on Win A Book.

Dawn M. said...

I would love the chance to read this book. I've been trying to pay down my debt and every bit of advice will help.

Thanks! :0)
librarygrinch at gmail dot com

Lisa said...

This sounds like a great book. Please enter me. Thank you!

bloggytreasures said...

I only got 3 points on the quiz so I'm thinking I could really benefit from the book! I'm trying but I'm not sure my husband is on the same page.
quelleheure4[at]gmail{dot}com

Unknown said...

My husband and I have been working hard to get out of debt. I would love to get some advice from this book. Thanks for doing the giveaway!

jgbeads AT gmail DOT com

Renee G said...

Looks like a great book.
rsgrandinetti(at)yahoo(dot)com

Susan said...

It is important to set a good example with money management for my kids. I would love this book.

buzzd said...

I really could use this as I need to pay down bills and get myself in a more financially secure position.

cstironkat said...

I would like to be entered to win. I have been working hard to save for retirement. Thank you

Carlene said...

Please include my name in your giveaway.
Thanks
Carlene
iluvreading(at)verizon.net

Shauna said...

My husband is getting laid off soon so we really could use this please :)
Please count me in! I would l♥ve to read this book! Thanks for the chance! tryingtostaycalm@gmail.com

Emilie said...

Thank you for the chance to win this--it looks helpful!

emvark at gmail dot com

Belinda said...

I know most money saving angles. I would love to see if this book would give me any new information.
Thanks!
1bmore @ gmail . com

Valerie said...

I could use this
KawaiiNeko2008 at aol dot com

Anonymous said...

I could really use this for our family budget and would love the opportunity to win!

Nickolay said...

Looks like a very informative book. Thanks for the chance

jason@allworldautomotive.com

wendy wallach said...

wendy wallach
madamerkf at aol dot com

Mishia said...

I'd love to read this book!