Why is it that money causes so much stress? Money should be fun, especially if you're making it. We shouldn't be bogged down or stressed out over our finances. We should use it as a tool for accomplishing all the great things we want to do in life!
Here are a few reasons that you should be debt free:
1. Reduces stress. When you're debt free and have an emergency fund you can stop worrying about money and start focusing on living. You can do more things you enjoy outside of work. You can take more walks, read more books (or write one), join a group or start a new hobby, volunteer, and much more.
2. Strengthen relationships. When you don't have to spend all of your time trying to make money, you can spent time with others. You could spend more time with your spouse, family, friends, colleagues, mentors, neighbors, church members, and more.
3. Opens up opportunities. When unexpected things pop up you can take advantage of them. You come across a special rate on the trip you've always wanted to take, an exciting new job opportunity that requires a big move, someone is selling a business you've always wanted to start, that classic car you've always dreamed about has a For Sale sign on it, or starting your child's college fund with a big check.
4. More to give. Broke people can't help poor people. If you're debt free you can give more to your local church, a worthy cause you feel strongly about, help a friend or community member become debt free, purchase land and turn it into a city park, start a college scholarship fund, support the local hospital or women's shelter, or surprise the server at your favorite restaurant with a big tip (if you've ever waited tables you know you're working hard for something better!)
5. To be obedient. God tells us to give. He's a giver and wants us to experience what it's like to do something wonderful for others. In John 3:16 it tells us that God gave us his only son. In Mark 12:41 we learn about the widow who gave a few cents, but Jesus said she gave more than any other! Your giving doesn't have to be big, in terms of dollars, giving is whatever you feel proud of. Be a generous giver!
Living debt free not only gives you financial peace, as Dave Ramsey teaches, it also gives you peace in all areas of life; Spiritual, Social, Physical, Intellectual, Family, and Career. It also gives you hope, excitement, fun, and many other joys.
You can see debt free living as an opportunity to make investments with your time, and not just your money.
