Earn or Burn Money Challenge

Well, it is 2010 and so long to 2009 and the EOB money challenge for us. This year started for us in debt just like the past few years but we knew that this one was going to be different. While the economy suffered in ways we’ve never seen in our lifetime and as the media publicized the effect that it was having on many unfortunate families we said to ourselves we can not let that become our situation. At around the same time we made up in our minds that we were going to take action to change our financial destiny we applied for and were consequently accepted into AMOCO’s EOB money challenge. The timing of God is always so perfect! This CHALLENGE did just that in the area of changing how we think about what we do with our paychecks to effect the short and long term, it CHALLENGED us. In a 10 month period we eliminated more consumer debt, decreased more of our monthly living expenses, and saved more money than we ever thought that we could at this point and time in our lives. Although we have made, what we believe to be, tremendous strides we know that the end of this year was just the end of the beginning of the road to total financial freedom. If I could give any advice to any one who see’s there debt and says, “it will take us forever to pay off this debt” I’d say if it takes 5 years, for instance, to do it  then look to the freedom that will come in the sixth year as a result of the sacrifices made in the first five. No matter what, those five years will pass and in the sixth year you will either say, “man, I sure wish that we would have paid off this debt” or “ I am sure glad that we made the decision to change 5 years ago.” The effect of the economic crisis, in the credit arena, was not just caused by the poor judgment of some banks but also by the consumer as well, either by lack of knowledge, self control, or both. The prime reason why I prefer credit unions is because of the reassuring feel of a supportive community and a true recognition of the value of it’s members as real people. My intent isn’t to advertise, by any means, in saying this but the scripture says to give honor where it is due.

Thank you to Amoco and to our coaches (Jeremy and Melissa) for assisting us in this  great opportunity to change our lives, your efforts won’t be in vain.

Also, a special thanks to PTP New Media for all that you have done. Jonathan and Sarah we really appreciate your presence and encouraging conversations. May God continue to bless you both.

Last but certainly not least to the LeDoux’s, Presley’s, and Serena: Although we haven’t had the chance to see each other much in between shows Tara and I feel like we have a common bond with each of you because this experience has been change that we have all endured together. May God continue to bless each of you and your families. Remember, many people’s lives will be changed financially because of our boldness to publicly except and endure this challenge and that our four families will always be the pioneers of the AMOCO EOB money challenge.

Signing off,

The Little Family