I have followed Dave Ramsey for a couple of years now. I've read his books, and listened to his radio show. I know some people don't approve. I am not going to decide whether his philosophy is for you or not, but I want to share my experience. My wife and I have been working intentionally toward debt-freedom for the last two years. I have learned how to budget at home and in the business. I have taken control of my spending at home and at work. When I called to cancel my credit cards, the representative asked me what I would use to buy things. A debit card and cash. Crazy, I know. She was baffled and could not understand why I wouldn't want to have a credit card.
Now, don't get me wrong. I don't have anything against people who use credit cards. I just know I have more control of my money when I don't use them. We were generally good with them when we used the cards, and would pay them off every month. But, we were occasionally surprised when we would find out we had a large bill due because maybe we went a little crazy on the card. That's always a fun conversation to have with your spouse.
My point is that you don't have to go into debt to run a family. Or a business. You do not have to use a credit card. You do not have to own a credit card. Not even for emergencies. It's called planning ahead and having a little cash saved up.
To the dental students out there: take out as few loans as possible. People will tell you that you can pay it back quickly because of all the boatloads of money you will make. Don't listen to them. Loans are loans, and borrowed money is bondage. I wish I would have lived on as little as possible while in school and taken out fewer loans. I am paying them off, but it will be a few more years before my practice and my family are free from debt.
What keeps me motivated is the image of life after our debts are paid. What will I do with all the monthly cash flow that currently goes to debt?
What could you do?
Michael Lemme, DDS
YES, TAKE IT FROM VOICE OF EXPERIENCE - ALL THOSE lectures about not living beyond means are right on and right now. Plus, a working wife makes a huge difference, takes a lot of pressure off - even if part time and she gets to grow as you grow in other areas besides raising children - one man's expression. HERE ARE A FEW THOUGHTS IN MY GOLDEN YEARS:
ReplyDeleteMake life not only about work, get away with wife every few months (hard to do , takes dedication by both). Make a social life as well. Do things that are cultural, not just movies. Don't stay home every night. Exercise and meditate - even if in the shower for 2 minutes.
Treat patients like you would like to be treated. Take many classes. Be great at understanding stopping disease, not just fixing effects. Have lots of post ops to check work and patients home care if you want to make a real difference. charge enough to be able to do so. try to get patients to commit to total work, if only in stages as well. don't have them pay as they go - it ruins relationships when they can't afford it today. try to collect in advance. review all insurance eob's to learn insurance and get the patients what they deserve =- don't accept denials by insurance, learn to legally bill alternative services. etc.
Look up humanistic dentistry group and follow principles that make sense to you.
I admire your blog - you are on the right tracks.
dr phil
usc 70
Thank you for sharing such wonderful and interesting article about Go From Debt to Freedom.
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