Dave Petso, host of Money Matters, interviewed me on Saturday’s show (580 AM, Boise, KIDO, www.kidoam.com)

To listen, please visit my PODBEAN site.

A new FPU class starts at Covenant Presbyterian Church (4848 N Five Mile, Boise) on Thursday nights from 7:00 – 9:00 starting January 28th.

For details on preview sessions and how to sign up, visit Covenant Presbyterian’s FPU Page or Dave Ramsey’s FPU Page.

The cost is $100 and must be received by the church office by January 15th, or you can purchase your kit online at the Dave Ramsey store.

A unique opportunity is available on Saturday, September 19^th from 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. Boise First Community Center on Eagle Road between Ustick and McMillan will be hosting Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover Live Event, by simulcast, from Atlanta, Georgia, on their big screens.  Here are the details from Marc Taylor, their FPU Coordinator.

• The event is $25.00 per person and includes a workbook.
• Tickets can be purchased at our church office:
• Boise First Community Center
  A Church of the Nazarene
  3852 N. Eagle Rd
  Boise, Idaho 83713
• phone: 208.375.0322
• Or on the web.
• For more info on the event
• Childcare not provided.

Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover Live Event.

Coming to Salt Lake City – May 16th.

On Friday, I attended the Idaho Financial Literacy Coalition’s “Your Money Matters” conference. I was particularly impressed with the three sessions I attended. I’ve summarized my key takeaways here:

Dale Dixon, Presidint/CEO of Better Business Bureau: Scam-Jam. Dale is a gifted presenter and a great storyteller. Lesson learned: Do not cash unsolicited checks from anyone requesting you to then send them part of the money back. These scams rip you off by having you wire cash, withdrawn on your account, from depositing the hot check. Once the bank learns that the check has bounced, you are liable for the money you’ve withdrawn.

Marilyn C. Bischoff, Extension Family Economics Specialist, University of Idaho Extension: Making Ends Meet Through Smart Dollar Desision$. Marilyn led an interactive session with great skill. Lesson learned: Every dollar counts when working toward spending/savings goals. Find those money leaks by employing a money tracking system that fits your style (envelope, computer, check register, calendar, etc.)

Val Brooks, Regulator and Governmental Affairs Director, Idaho Credit Union League: Money Communication. Val has counseled numerous couples in financial crisis and used her light-hearted storytelling style to encourage positive money communication. Lesson learned: Couples need to agree on how to communicate before they begin talking about sensitive issues like money. Learn to “shut up and listen”. Respect your partner when they cue that you are treading on “thin ice”. Avoid “you” statements”. Once a mistake is brought to light and dealt with, never bring it up again.

I’m now looking forward to the Smart Women Smart Money conference on October 3, 2009 at The Boise Centre on the Grove.

The State of Idaho hasn’t jumped on the Dave Ramsey plan completely, but some of these workshops might be helpful.  I’m glad Financial Literacy Month is a top priority of Idaho’s Department of Finance.

The Dave Ramsey Show airs weeknights on KIDO 580 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.!

You can also stream Dave’s show, download one free hour from iTunes, or subscribe to all 3 hours (commercial-free) by joining My Total Money Makeover.

I listen to most hours while running, driving, doing housework or mundane work (I work from home).  Listening to Dave’s show helps me in big ways:

1.  We stay on track financially.  I’m reminded daily that DEBT IS DUMB!

2.  I get new ideas for seemingly impossible situations.  Living without a credit card was really hard for the first three months.  Dave’s program helped me push through my struggles, face reality and develop a new, debt-free habit.  Listening to Dave also triggered my intensity regarding our emergency and college funding.

3.  I become more equipped to help people succeed with money – whether my friends want to know what we’ve decided to do about college funding, or if a coaching client is wondering how to expand her business without debt.

Start making The Dave Ramsey Show part of your daily routine and observe how your life begins to improve.

The common wisdom amongst nutritionists is eating more fruits and veggies and fewer processed fatty foods is a good way to treat your body.  With money, the experts advise us to save more, spend less and get out of  debt and stay that way.  So why is it so hard to do the right thing for ourselves?  Could it be as simple as, “we’re only human”?  Fortunately, good advisers can help us elevate ourselves toward better living.

My favorite money coach is Dave Ramsey because our family has benefited from his advice and wisdom.   I’ve been so inspired, I’m following a calling to become a Dave Ramsey Certified Financial Coach and will be attending training in a couple of weeks.   I’m based in Boise, Idaho.  And we’re on baby steps 4 and 5.

Need a coach?

Certified counselors/coaches offer a wide range of personal and small business coaching services, whether you are financially healthy or in a crisis.

Financial counseling and coaching is:

• an in-depth service for your unique situation.
• designed to help you establish an overall game plan with short-term solutions and long-term planning.
• a fee-for-service solution.
• for people who need accountability and someone who will be honest with them.