Evolution of a 30-something

Hey Y'all! Yesterday I had my first fantasy football draft of the season and it is one of my favorite things of the year. This particular draft is an auction draft allowing us owners to bid on players so you have more choice of who you get. The league from yesterday is one that I co-manage with my best friend - Greg Manz. We do this as a reason to force us to talk each week and catch up, while talking some football. Two more snake draft leagues take place tonight - wish me luck! Along with the draft, I got the annual harassment from one of my cousins asking if fantasy football, a few beers at the bar, and a slew of other things are in the "budget" and "allowed". Simple answer - yep! Remember, I'm not here holding this Dave Ramsey torch to say you can't have fun. I'm here doing it because it changed my, and our, life for the better. It isn't about saying what you  can't  do, it's about having a plan for what you're going to do. ...

Hey Y'all! We just got back last night from a fun, four day trip to Colorado. We visited Megan's sister (my sister-in-law, still getting used to saying that) and her fiance Mark (future brother-in-law). They live in Silverthorne, CO, which is about 1.5 hours west of Denver and near Breckenridge. We had a great time experiencing the wonderful views Colorado has to offer. Quick travel tip - the Denver Airport (DIA) is super far from Denver itself, and the airport is massive! Emily and Mark just bought a gorgeous house with great backyard views including the foxes we saw three different times. It was great to be their first guests to stay with them and to see the life they've started to build together in Colorado. We can't wait for their wedding next summer! We also met a bunch of their friends and co-workers, which was super fun. They all embody the true Colorado lifestyle - being out in nature, outgoing, and genuine, along with some stereotypes like long-haired males, ...

Hey Y'all! What if every time you got paid, you got to decide how to spend your money? What if your only monthly payment was your mortgage? What if you didn't have a car payment, credit card payment or debt, student loan, medical bill, or any other monthly payments to make? The majority of Americans have multiple debt payments and many others live paycheck to paycheck. Often times the money runs out before the month does. Can you imagine if you didn't have a $400 student loan payment and $350 car payment each month? What would or could you do with that extra $750 a month? These are fairly mild examples depending on where you went to school (and how much parental or scholarship help you got) and how long you've been paying the loan back, as well as what type of car you're driving. I remember as I paid off my car a few years ago, I literally had the thought that I should start looking for a new-to-me car because I assumed it was normal to have a car payment every ...