“Live like no one else so later on you can live like no one else.” – Dave Ramsey
The Dave Ramsey quote explained
I suppose understanding this quote isn’t rocket science, but for whatever reason I was little slow to appreciate its rich truth.
What does he mean by living like no one else?
Ponder it for yourself then read my explanation; if you’re familiar with Dave’s teachings you have heard it before . . . but have you ever meditated on it?
After a few years of hearing this quote often (I’m an FPU church leader), one day its meaning hit me on a deeper level.
For years Betsy and I have been sacrificing present wants for a debt free lifestyle in the future, which, though it’s growing in popularity is still an anti-cultural conduct. Thing is, after you have been living this way for awhile it’s easy to overlook the eventual benefits. Not only that, it’s easy to become frustrated with the sacrifices now and again.
Not too long ago, while leading an FPU class, the quote hit me afresh, “Matt, you’re living like no one else so that later on you get to live like no one else.”
The simple quote reminded me that our sacrifices will pay off, and gave me renewed appreciation for how they already have.
Ways we live like no one else
Here are a few ways me and Betsy “live like no one else:”
- paid off and cut up all our credit cards
- stopped buying things we don’t need
- canceled cable tv
- canceled my cell phone
- drive paid off vehicles
- using cash envelopes
- sold our house and went from a $1,450 housing payment to a $650 payment.
What about you?
We’re sacrificing now to benefit later, but what about you? Are you indulging, perhaps trying to balance your lifestyle with those around you? Careful, it’s really easy in our culture; much easier than practicing wise stewardship.
If you are new to this I encourage you to be on your guard continually; but don’t worry, after awhile it becomes instinct. Just keep going.
If you’re stumbling I challenge you to reevaluate your goals . . . why did you set them and what do you have to do to reach them?
Encourage yourself to live like no one else so that later you can live like no one else, and whenever possible surround yourself with people who are choosing to do the same. Fellowship with the likeminded can provide a shot in the arm in times of weakness and need.
Ways you can live like no one else
How can you live like no one else now so you can live like no one else later? Don’t let me answer for you, answer for yourself.
Use our experience to find inspiration and the motivation to make changes. Start small and work your way up, remember that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Find a financial peace university course close to you and sign up.
Talk to your family about financial fundamentals and get them on board. Apologize for your lack of leadership, take full responsibility, and ask for their help. Show them where you are, where you want to be, and how to get there. Be humble if you want to be successful, pride will get you nowhere.
Enjoy yourself
Sacrifice does not mean you have to stop having fun. Some of my best memories are of experiences made on a shoestring budget; if you don’t use money you have to use creativity – which always makes for better memories.
Hold fast to your goals and inspire others. Trust me, God will bless your sacrifice and stewardship!
Hooray for living like no one else! You and Betsy are doing all the right things, it sounds like, and you’re also providing a great example for others. You really WILL live like no one else, both now and in the future!
Thanks Paula, we’re blessed and happy to be where we are. God bless!
Just a word of advise. Kill the credit card and loan ads on your website. They contradict the whole idea of living debt free. You’re saying something and then allowing the enemy to tempt those who are struggling to be debt free. God’s word says not to be a stumbling block for your brother. Please get rid of them so you can be an encouragement to others.
Thanks for your opinion Larry.