I’ve been a big Dave Ramsey fan for almost 20 years. 

My husband, Keith, and I went through Financial Peace University when we were still in college – newlyweds – and that class helped us learn how to budget and how to live on a single income for a really long time.

But in the past year, I’ve realized that there is one area where Dave and I disagree…

Dave has a famous saying that goes something like this:

“Live like no one else now, so that later you can live like no one else.”

What he means by that is live on a budget now so that later you can have wealth and not be crippled by debt.

Good advice for sure!

And something we have managed to do, even on a single income, ministerial salary.

BUT…

Lately, as my oldest child nears high school, I’ve been thinking…we’ve been living like no one else for a really long time…and because of that, we’ve said no to a lot of things.

And though I’m thankful we are not in debt or living outside of our means, I’m also realizing that our time with our oldest is short.

So, Dave, thank you for the advice.

But I’m going to have to disagree with you now.

I can’t keep living like no one else because if I do, my time with my oldest at home will come to an end and I won’t have done the things I wanted to do with him or made all the memories I want to make.

So for the next few years, I’m going to push pause on living like no one else.

I’m still a saver (honestly, I can’t help it!) BUT…I’m going to say yes more.

And I want to encourage you – if you’re a saver like me who struggles to spend money –  to do so too.

Be smart with your money (absolutely) BUT…

Take the trip.

Buy the flowers for your mom when you’re at the store.

Say yes to your kids from time to time.

Go on the date with your spouse or the weekend trip.

Don’t “live like no one else” so much that you’re not enjoying your life. 

Here are some pics from a recent trip we took with my mother-in-law to Alabama.

Yes, it cost more than we intended. But that’s okay. Because sometimes…I love you, Dave…but I’ve got to spend a little bit of money to make the memories I want to make with my family.