Dave Ramsey, Baby Steps, and Booty

Episode 66 is here and the pirates are talking about their BOOTY. It's an important topic because, according to the Federal Reserve, almost 40% of Americans wouldn't be able to cover a $400 emergency (See article by ABC News). 

Fact Facts about Debt: 

• The average debt (any kind) per household in the U.S. is $158, 209.
• The average credit card debt per household is $14,241.
• 45% of Americans carry credit card debt from month to month (with an average APR of 17.13%!)
• Adults ages 40-49 have the highest amount of consumer/nonmortgage debt (an average of $24,404 per person). Adults ages 30-39 are a close second (an average of $23,584 per person). 
• Student loan debt is the second largest and fast growing category of debt. The average amount owed is $38,792.

(Source: Ramsey Solutions)

Working Toward Financial Freedom: 

Dave Ramsey outlines a seven step process called the "baby steps." Each of us have found value in the baby steps - although we follow them differently. Bottom line? Being in control of our finances has brought us more than financially security - it's also brought us peace of mind and a lot less stress! We know it's an individual journey, but here are a few of our favorite booty-saving tips... 

Quick Tips to Save Some Booty: 

• Read Dave Ramsey's The Total Money Makeover or his newest book, Baby Steps Millionaires (Bonus points if you borrow it for free at your local library).
• Before you buy, ask if it's a want or a need. 
• Make purchases sit in your Amazon cart for a day/week/month or more before you buy. 
• Use a budgeting app like Every Dollar.

CLICK HERE to listen to episode 66!

What are YOUR financial goals? Do you follow the baby steps? Let us know in the comments! 

Don't miss an episode... Subscribe to The Pirate Life Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Thank you for living the pirate life with us! 

Winning!

In episode 65, the pirates talk about getting lucky! Shawna is the sweepstakes queen, and she shares tips and tricks around one of her fave hobbies! 

Some of Shawna's big wins: 

• Eagles prize pack 
• Dunkin prize pack 
• Celcius bike 
• Washer & Dryer 
• Tix to monster truck show

Shawna's tips... 

• Sweepstakes are typically random drawings. Contests have criteria to enter and are judged.
• No need to pay to play - invest your time instead. 
• Check out sweetiessweeps.com. 
• Enter only the sweepstakes you want to win. 
• Look for boxes to be added to newsletters, etc. (can uncheck to reduce emails)
• Watch for scams. Legit sweeps don't sent unsolicited emails. You also won't win things that you didn't enter to win (ex. Those Wal-Mart gift card emails and/or Apple phone texts). 

CLICK HERE to listen to episode 65!

Have you ever won anything BIG? Let us know in the comments! 

Don't miss an episode... Subscribe to The Pirate Life Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Thank you for living the pirate life with us!