A Day For Hope

I don't know about you, but there are days when I watch the news, listen to talk radio, and hear general conversation about "the economy" and I start to wonder why my life seems relatively untouched. Because fear is everywhere... but most days, it's the last thing I remember to feel.

Have I just drank the Kool-Aid and bought into some belief about the security of our life together - spiritually, emotionally, and financially - that is just a denial of the inevitable? People's lives are truly being touched by the changes our country's financial situation has seen over the last year or so, and you can't help but see it in the unemployment statistics on the radio and the "For Sale" signs you see when you drive down the street.

Fortunately in this time adversity, we've seen that many lives have also been changed for the better and will continue to be so. For many the touch has been a call to action. A call to take control. A call to surrender to a life of peace and hope in their finances, in their marriages, and in their everyday journey. To me, that's what tonight's Town Hall For Hope event with Dave Ramsey is all about.

And sure, I'm biased. I count that a fortune, in this day in age. We have been so blessed by the knowledge, the culture, the perspective, and the financial savvy that's been imparted to us in the time Cliff has spent and will continue to spend at Lampo. I don't regret the decisions we've made to save, to forgo the luxuries some might call essential, to give more, and to still live with so much freedom to do and pursue the things we love. I don't think you reading this or anyone could fault us for that.

But Town Hall For Hope is so much more than a rallying cause for the "way of Dave Ramsey" - it's about someone who cares about people and is committed not to selling a product but to infusing hope into the lives of America that he's willing to go out on a limb and say the things that are so counter-culture that you can't help but think he's crazy. And he doesn't care. And I love that about Dave, and I love that about most of the 250-or so employees (my husband included) plus their spouses who remind me everyday that being weird is so good.

I could go on and on with my own personal perspectives on what tonight means to me and the hope that we have been praying for just over a month now will be infused into people's lives. Into hundreds of thousands of people's lives. But I would challenge you - if you have the time, are just now finding out about this, and aren't already planning to go - find one of the 6,000+ locations closest to you that is broadcasting the evening this evening at 8PM (Eastern) / 7PM Central / 7PM Pacific and go. Bring a friend or your family. And if you can't find a location nearby or are locked to your couch for some inexplicable reason, watch or listen.

This is a day... a year... a lifetime for hope. If you're looking for some, I can guarantee you'll find some tonight if you go.

In Case You're Interested

Life is busy here in the Neeley camp with the world of both economics and politics. Lampo is a regular on our daily program, but this whole Belmont Debate thing has added a lot more than we bargained for to our schedule. Not enough time to write an actual post but copying and pasting is easy. Big things are happening over at Financial Peace Plaza, and for those of us wondering about our present economic situation, I thought I'd share.

First, Dave's making another round of appearances...

Today:

At 3:40pm CDT, Dave will be on FoxNews’ “Your World with Neil Cavuto”

At 4:25pm CDT, FBN’s “Happy Hour”

At 5:37pm CDT Michael Berry on KTRH Houston

At 6:20pm CDT, FBN’s “America’s Nightly Scoreboard”

At 7pm CDT, FoxNews’ “O’Reilly Factor” to talk about the bailout and answer questions O’Reilly is getting. (This interview is taped)

Also at 7pm CDT, Dave will be doing his show live on FBN

At some point between 8pm and 9pm CDT, Dave will be part of a panel discussion on CNN’s “Larry King Live” talking about the bailout and the economy

During the 9pm news, Fox 17 in Nashville will air an interview with Dave about the economy.

Tomorrow:

At 5:30am CDT, Dave will be on FoxNews’ “Fox & Friends”

At 6:05am CDT Atlanta: 640 WGST Randy Cook

At 6:50am CDT Portland: KEX 1190 AM The Morning Update with Paul Linnman

At 7:10am CDT Nashville: Ralph Bristol on WWTN 99.7 FM

At 7:20am CDT Houston: KTRH Morning News with Lana Hughes and J.P. Pritchard

At 7:30am CDT, ABC’s “Good Morning America” for a panel answering viewer questions

At 7:35am CDT Kansas City: KCMO 710 AM Chris Stigall

At 7:50am CDT Charleston: WSCC 94.3 FM Kelly Golden

At 8:20am CDT San Antonio: KTSA 550 AM Trey Ware

At 8:35am CDT Grand Rapids: WOOD 1300 AM (Rick and Scott)

At 8:50am CDT Tampa: WWBA 1040 AM Dan Guidert (Gui-dare)

At 9:05am CDT Salt Lake City: KNRS 570 AM Bob Lonsberry

At 9:20am CDT New Orleans: WWL 870AM/105.3 FM First News with Monica Pierre and Bob DelGiorno

At 9:30am CDT, “Rick & Bubba”

At 10:50am CDT, FBN’s “Fox Business” with Dagen McDowell and Brian Sullivan

At 12:30pm CDT, FBN’s “Fox Business” with Stuart Varney

At 3:34pm CDT, FBN’s “Bulls & Bears”

At 7pm CDT, he’s doing the FBN show live again.


Okay, so there's that and... well... you just have to check this out for yourself because it's quite interesting and we think a rather, well, common sense solution that might add some unique perspective to what's happening in Washington (and Wall Street, for that matter) and that we can be a part of, if, of course, you believe in it.

That's all for now!

It's That Time Again

Well, school is starting soon...

"What school is she talking about, because I thought this chick was done?!" You're right, I am. At least, for the time being. But that's not the kind of school I'm talking about. I'm talking get-to-the-basics, common sense, in your face, financial knowledge school otherwise known as Financial Peace University. And we are ever students in that school, but have the awesome opportunity to be facilitating our second class of the year starting in a week with our class orientation... and then for the next thirteen weeks after that. "Goodbye, Tuesday nights. Hello, financial freedom!"

Lampo employees are offered the opportunity to teach a class on-site which is open to both those who work there and to the general community. I guess this time around, Cliff (who eagerly put his name in the hat) was fortunate to be one of the few selected. So, technically the responsibility is his and I don't have to be there. But I want to be, at least as much as I can, because daggumit we're a team! And we do this well together and I like being able to share both of our perspectives of how we make all of this work and what the Lord has done in us through this process.

So, if you're interested, registration is still open and we'd love to have you!

Not a Martyr, Yet - Part III

Well, I got a response.

Mrs. Neeley:

I received your letter in regards to the confrontation you and your husband had with one of my branch managers. Thank you for bringing this to my attention, and I apologize that you were subjected to this at one of my locations.

Our goal at U.S. Bank is to deliver the absolute best customer service to you, our client, as well as to ensure you are given solutions to any financial need you may have now or in the future. After speaking with [the branch manager] about this, I feel that we did not act appropriately as your financial institution. While Mr. [Dave] Ramsey's teachings may conflict with [the branch manager's] personal opinions about financial management, it is not his place to debate, or to argue this with our customers in a place of business, especially in the manner in which he did.

I regret that this has happened, and assure you it has been addressed with my employee. I appreciate your continued loyalty to our company, and again thank you for bringing this to my attention.

Sincerely,

[the Vice President/District Manager]

I left out names, because I don't feel particularly like mud-slinging (though it wouldn't be hard for you to do the detective work and figure it out). But that's not the point. We were quite satisfied with the letter, but what else was he going to say, right?

Well, at least we made our case known so hopefully Mr. Branch Manager will think twice about doing the same thing again. So, there.

Not a Martyr, Yet - Part II

Okay, I finally have a chance to write again. Imagine me sitting on a stool with a dinner tray pushed up against the window, computer resting on the sill and a stack of books underneath. This is what I do for love. Because love means your husband's ancient PC laptop that doesn't even work but was "cutting edge" when it was issued to him at West Point is sitting on its monstrosity of a "stand" on the real desk you actually own and would rather to use.

Can't wait to get that economic stimulus check because then our savings for this baby will be complete. Anyone know of a good recycling program for old honkin' Dells?


Now, onto the "Publix U.S. Bank Branch Manager and Cliff Showdown 2008". I left you hanging, didn't I? Well, about 30 minutes later Cliff returned home in one piece, no black eyes, and was noticeably calm. Here's how he said things went down...

Cliff approached the sweet teller-girl who's face fell when he introduced himself by describing me and the earlier altercation. Even teller-guy who was on the phone the entire time I was there chimed in with "Oh, Dave Ramsey, right?" It turns out Mr. Branch Manager had learned his lesson regarding public debates and kindly requested Cliff enter his office after the two were introduced. I much appreciate my husband's willingness to put aside his fervor for Dave Ramsey and let the guy know he wasn't there to defend him. He was there to defend me. Not that I needed defending, as he explained, since I'm "strong, educated, and passionate person." He reiterated those were two separate issues and that the D.R. matter was least important. What was important though, was the "inappropriate manner of conversation that took place" and the fact that his wife "left the Bank upset because of a Branch Manager who crossed the line."

Mr. Branch Manager said he had no qualms with Dave Ramsey (HA!) and that he was simply "inquiring" (how about berating me?) about his program because he has many customers and if something works, he'd love to pass along the information. He emphasized repeatedly, by interrupting Cliff, that he had not been inappropriate (then explain teller-girl apologizing when I left...) and that his branch was the numero uno (my words) producing branch in the area. Cliff said that's all well and good, but in the service industry the perception of a customer is in some fact, reality and when someone walks away feeling violated and certain they'll never return to a location, there is a distinct problem. Cliff requested a business card and told Mr. Branch Manager he would give it 24 hours before he decided whether or not we would take it a step further and make a complaint with the regional president.

So, now we're drafting a letter. Because in my mind I can only think of those families that cling to Dave Ramsey's philosophies as a last resort. For so many people, his words, his advice, and his plan offer hope. What if that situation had not taken place between me and the Branch Manager, but one of those families that feels as though the carpet might be pulled from underneath them at any moment? I could just imagine the defeat and the destruction that could do to someone. And by an individual who has NO RIGHT (in that setting) to interrogate and belittle someone for their financial choices?! I can't fault the guy for having strong opinions, certainly, but when someone comes to your bank to withdraw their own money, who are you to ruin their evening?

I mean, really.

Not a Martyr, Yet

I think I may have just had my first experience with what some might call "stoning". Sure, there were no rocks involved nor any measure of religious faith, but it's the closest thing I can think to what just happened at Publix. Rather, at the US Bank at Publix. It's such a shock to my psyche I just had to write and knowing the varying audiences that read, I'm really just fishing for some sympathy. There are plenty of other things I'd rather be writing about like my birthday or our trip to Memphis (which were both great), but this is what I've got.

So, I just went to the bank at Publix because our normal branch is closed for the evening. I'm taking out our cash for our budget for June and the teller politely asks if we do the envelope system. She must know this by my acute specifications of what denominations I need in such a large amount of money. So, I say "yes". She says something like "I've thought about doing that, but I just don't know if I can" and I say "Yeah, we've been doing it for about 10 months now and it definitely takes some getting used to, but I think I've finally got the hang of it." I wasn't ready to sell her the darn thing, only stating a simple fact.

Here's where it gets dramatic.

Enter the branch manager I've seen sitting behind the desk in the corner office of the little bank in Publix with a snide, nowhere-near under his breath comment about Dave Ramsey and his "stupid philosophies" and some other words like "idiots" and "ruining people's lives". Just the audacity left my mouth agape. Even if you don't agree with Dave Ramsey, the last thing you should do is make a customer (who just so happens to have a spouse who works for the guy) feel that uncomfortable about believing in DR's philosophies. The teller kind of shifted and let out a tense laugh, probably knowing I was in store for more than I had bargained for. I said something in response to Mr. Branch Manager that was as Christ-like, kind, and yet still impassioned as I could think of. "Can't say everyone has to believe it, but it's worked for us and I think we're pretty smart."

The next fifteen minutes of my life were spent towing the line between embarassment and boldness as we proceeded to argue, mostly because he began raising his abrasive voice and I wasn't going to go down without a fight. I am surprised a ring of spectators did not form around us, though I am certain the teller and the other guy in the corner (who was conveniently on the phone) were definitely on the edge of their seats.

The arguing part wasn't about me trying to bash Dave's philosophy over his head, but to justify why WE have chosen THIS PATH for our marriage and for our future together. He wouldn't let that rest and that is the part that peeved me to no end. (Peeved is a polite word, don't you think?) And, for him to describe a man and a company that we are absolutely invested in wholeheartedly as "greedy", "money-mongering", and "destroying peoples' lives" was just wrong and too much for me to bear. Especially as a woman who was just minding her business pulling out an innocent envelope system which has brought freedom and peace into our marriage, and has at least touched the lives of many people we care very much for.

I wasn't looking for a fight. But I certainly got one.

The sweet teller interrupted us the best way she knew how which was to say something like "Okay, well here's your money. I'm sorry about this" and I was on my way. Mr. Branch Manager didn't even have the courage to ask me my name or to even say goodbye as I left the counter. I was reething in my silent, put-on-a-smile and walk out the door kind of way.

So, I called Cliff on my way home where he was, himself, minding his own business reading. Before I could even ask him not to, he was in his car on his way over to Publix which is where he is now. My last words on the phone were "Just please, be Christ-like."

The Land of Gu and Sport Beans

Well, it's official, we have our race numbers and we're nearing 40 hours until race time. And by race time, I mean when Corral 1 will be let loose to roam the streets of Nashville and Cliff will be waiting in Corral 22 for at least another hour. Me? Oh, I'll be in Corral 27, wondering if I should just set up a tent where I am and forget the whole race thing altogether.

I jest, I jest. Well, at least about the setting up a tent part. It'll be close to 8:30 or 9am by the time I actually start running, so I'll see you at 6pm. Okay, okay, someone's got the funny bug. My stretch goal is 3 hours (shoot, I shouldn't have admitted that), but my cinch goal is just to finish. I can handle that, don't you think?

Anyways, most of the people we're around who are running are Cliff's co-workers (who have these awesome blue wicking t-shirts that I'm totally jealous about). Cliff took a trip down with Shane to visit The Land of Gu and Sport Beans, otherwise known as the Health & Fitness Expo where race participants pick up their race number, info packet, time chip, t-shirt, goodie bags, and any other free gear they can fit inside said goodie bags. I braved lunchtime car and people traffic and headed out there just in time to pass them going out the door and ventured in alone.

The whole system is rather painless, and I was pleased to see that there are at least several Corrals behind my own and that I was not the only person in my line. I told Cliff yesterday that I wish he ran slower or I ran faster so this didn't feel so much like a solitary endeavor. We laughed when I said "solitary" though considering the thousands of people who will be out running/walking/etceteraing as well as those who show up to cheer and provide musical entertainment.

This is going to sound so hokey, but when I left Vanderbilt's campus this afternoon to head to the Expo, I was driving part of the course (on West End) and the reality of what this race means and stands for hit me so hard I burst into uncontrollable tears. It was like everything I have ever been or hoped to be in this city, from Belmont, to Vanderiblt, and every place in between that has held some memory or some meaning in the last near decade (from the time I started coming to Nashville on trips with mom) will be my backdrop on Saturday. And not only that, but the sense of accomplishment and achievement - determination and follow-through, and the very idea of crossing a finish line nearly a day after turning in my final assignments of grad school, after 19 years straight... man. I'm getting choked up just writing this.

I'm just so grateful for this opportunity. And I'm going to go ahead and say I'm grateful for the hundreds of people that show up to cheer friends and strangers alike along their way. My heart brightens everytime I think of that and anxiously await my first experience on the other side. I'll see you there. Just look for the girl with the pomegranate-colored face (because I really turn purple when I run) and the big block letters spelling KRISTINE on the front of her tank top.

Signing out until then (possibly),
27050

p.s. my 24th birthday is in a month to the date.

We Did It!

Five months and seventeen days after writing a check to Vanderbilt to pay off my student loan a year early, we are now on Baby Step #4.

(If you're not a Dave Ramsey fan/listener/watcher/even enemy, you might not know what the heck I'm talking about. Here's something that might lend a little insight.)

Our version involves setting aside $1,000 from my August paycheck for our initial Emergency Fund (Baby Step #1), using a good chunk of what was left over from the loan I took out for my first year of grad school plus a matured CD and Aug/Sept/Oct paychecks to pay off $11,500 in student loans, which was our only debt (Baby Step #2), and we have just finished saving our "fully-funded Emergency Fund" of six (and a half, technically, because Cliff thought a little extra couldn't hurt) months worth of expenses equaling $13,000 (Baby Step #3). We did that by setting aside everything from my paychecks besides what we set aside for taxes (my self-employment) and Cliff's "investing" portion that we started preparing for when he gets to start his 401K next month.

And man, it feels great! And still... strange.

When we look around, we realize we're doing things differently. And different is great in so many ways, and difficult in others. I think, for us, this is character building. Delayed gratification... devising a plan and following it... building patience. Because... really... if we wanted - that loan payment could still be looming ahead with the knowledge that our interest rate "won't be that bad" and "emergencies never happen" so why have an Emergency Fund? Instead, we could have nearly $25,000 to go buy a house (considering that's a larger down payment than most people shell out these days) or a brand new car or something else that might make us feel good for a little while but will probably bring us more stress and financial unrest in the end.

We're trading a lot of what many today see as the requisite features of being young or being married (or being young AND married) for something a little more. A little more safe. A little more peaceful. A little more challenging. And dare I say, wise? I don't know.

But it works for us. Is working for us. And is changing the lives of so many people close to us... my mom, Cliff's parents, Cliff's siblings, Cliff's best friend and his parents, our friends from our Sunday School class, and the list goes on. It's exciting and rewarding - in so many ways.

Big News

This has been awhile in the making, and we've had to keep mum about it until today, but there's been an exciting development in the Dave Ramsey world. We're excited to see what effect this will have on Dave's work and ultimately the success of the whole company! These are certainly exciting times.