Proud Brother!

My middle brother and his family are now debt free but for the house! When Priscilla and I started working the plan to get free from debt, one of the things we did was buy about 10 copies of Dave Ramsey's book, The Total Money Makeover, and sent them out to several family members and family friends. We tried to be careful to not imply that anyone was getting the book because we thought poorly of their money management skills, but tried to be clear that the book had helped us and we hoped that it might help them in some way.

I have told people that once I realized that the book just made sense, I was stuck with having to follow what it said. I think that played out for my brother and his family as well. And they just went at it like junkyard dogs on a lamb shank. They started about four months after Priscilla and I did and finished about two months after we did - talk about intense! And they have two kids too - with all the expense that implies!!

They paid off the mini-van today and I just happened to be on the phone with Mark when he got home with the receipt in hand to show his wife and kids. I got off the phone pretty quick to let them have their moment, but not before I heard the excitement in their house. It was great.

They are now working on getting their big emergency fund in line and paying off the house early. Then it is college funds for the kids and their retirement plans.

This is one of many times that I wish our Dad was still around to see how his boys have turned out. Great job brother!