Rachel Cruze helps people learn the proper ways to handle money and stay out of debt. Her new book Love Your Life, Not Theirs guides readers to live an inspired life, within their means and without the comparison game.

Rachel shares that, "Money is a topic so many people have lost hope over. I give a clear path to help you win, gain control and lower stress around personal finances."

My friends, join me and Rachel to get great tips on how to better manage your finances and more importantly: Love YOUR life.

SHOW NOTES: 

• Despited being the daughter of financial guru Dave Ramsey, Rachel did not grow up extravagantly. In fact, the Ramsey family filed for bankruptcy the year before she was born.
• "My parents taught me that work is a verb. We never had allowance as kids, we worked on commission."
• We had to get jobs/responsibilities outside of the house. Looking back, it was such a gift.
• As a mom, I get that its exhausting to have kids do things they don't want to do. But man it pays off! I've met 20, 30, 40 year olds that don't understand you have to work to make money. Its a foundational principle parents can teach kids.
• Rachel is part of Ramsey Solutions. Listen to Live Inspired Podcast episodes with other Ramsey experts: Dave Ramsey (general finances), Chris Hogan (retire inspired), Meg Meeker (raising children) +  Les Parrott (marriage).
• Check out The Rachel Cruze show on YouTube.
• "The standard of living, what we expect out of life today, can only be attained by a credit card."
• "People need to see that the stuff they are gathering up with their credit cards is not making them happy."
• Steps to begin the climb out of debt (on average people pay off debt, other than mortgage, in 18-24 months):
  1. You can do it. Don't get bogged down looking at statements. You have to keep in mind you can do it.
  2. List out all debts. Everything but mortgage. Smallest to largest. Regardless of interest rate. Pay minimum payment on everything; then pay off smallest debt first.
  3. Get a second job. Work over time, sell things, make sacrifices; do everything you can to pay off that smallest debt. Once it's paid off, put it all towards the second.
  4. Smallest to largest means you are getting quick wins. It's powerful to take destiny into your own hands; to say I can change my life when I decide to do so.
• Get your copy of Rachel's new book: Love your Life Not Theirs: 7 money habits for creating a life you love.
• If having a great car is your goal, work hard and you can do it. Stay content and grateful in the process by:
  1. Quit the comparison. Stop comparing your life to everyone elses and live yours.
  2. Live within your means.
  3. Tackle your debt + make it a habit to stay out of it.
  4. Give a little until you can give a lot. Giving feels good; the buzz from buying is lost quickly.
• Stop making excuses and start making good choices.
• "There is always hope, even if you've been on a destructive path for a long time. There might be more work, but there is hope no matter your season or age. It's up to you. It may be harder to see the light, but it is there."
• "Remembering there are seasons and that there will be change helps me get through tough times."

 RACHEL CRUZE'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Ideal Team Player. People that win at business are hungry (work hard), humble (humility), smart (people smart). It's a short great read.

2. What is characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I was more spontaneous as a kid, I had a lot more off the cuff fun and would do stuff and not be worried. My responsibility level is different today, but I still wish I had more spontaneity in my life.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? Our wedding albums. I don't know where our negatives are!

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Christine Caine. She is one of the most infectious, bold people I've met. I love hearing her talk about Jesus. [Christine Caine was just on our show! Listen here.]

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Don't worry. You've got a great life in this next decade so enjoy.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? Be a person that other people are influenced by; be truthful, be strong, and be humble. 

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I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired.

Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning