Here’s my little Happy New Year gift to you. Each day in January, I’ll bring you a simple, concrete and easy to put in place tip to fuel your efforts to Save Money, Pay Off Debt, and Be Awesome this year. Looking for a quick plan? Well this might not to be the right place for you. Most things down well take time. But that doesn’t mean you can’t begin to implement systems in your life that will help you achieve your goals. I’ve said it many, many times before. Paying off debt isn’t complex. It’s just not easy. You have to punch the clock daily and do the hard work. Here’s another way to make that happen.
Day 7: Read a Book, Why Don’t Ya?
“What the world really needs is one more reality show to make it a better place.” Said no one ever.
The world is desperate for inspiration. Deep down, our souls are in a constant state of crying out, “Is this really all there is?” “Is there something more?” My faith leads me to believe that this imbalance, a tug of war in our hearts, longs for true reconciliation of all things with our Creator . . . for Heaven to begin on earth. For a restoration of what once was.
One of the many ways we were able to Slay our Debt Dragon, paying off over $127K, was by reading. Obviously, reading doesn’t create income directly – unless maybe you review books which would be awe-some. It doesn’t necessarily instantaneously save you money either. However, reading can direct your heart, mind, and body toward the path of kicking debt in the teeth.
You know what reading doesn’t have? Commercials. There’s nothing like an hour or two of TV to create unrest in your soul. You never knew there were so many movies you wanted to watch. You never knew there so many restaurants to eat at or pizzas you could order. You never knew there were so many truly useful informercial products that you don’t already own for 3 easy payments of $19.99. You never knew there were so many personal products and pharmaceuticals that your parents and grandparents might need. Baby boomers in bathtubs outside? Not cool advertisers. Not cool at all.
Want to really Kick Debt in the Teeth in 2014? Turn off the TV and pick up a book. The King of Free was so impassioned about reading during our Debt Slaying journey that he read an average of at least one non-fiction book each month. He read somewhere that the average millionaire reads one non-fiction work per month. That was a club he wanted to join. So he cracked a book and away he went. He continued to add to the list after we paid off the debt, too. He has them all listed right here if you’re looking for a title to pick up. It’s one crazy long but awesome list of books.
Certainly you can read books about money. I’d suggest this one or this one or this one even. But honestly, I’d advise you to read anything that inspires you to be a better you and makes your soul sing. Some of my favorite reads over the past couple of years have been:
- Wonderstruck by Margaret Feinberg
- Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World by Bob Goff
- 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess by Jen Hatmaker
- Bittersweet: Thoughts on Change, Grace, and Learning the Hard Way by Shauna Niequest
- One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp
I just finished Million Little Ways, A: Uncover the Art You Were Made to Live by Emily P. Freeman (LOVED IT!) and just started The Wall Around Your Heart: How Jesus Heals You When Others Hurt You by Mary DeMuth. Every year, I like to read a piece of fiction or two (although I’m more of a non-fiction gal). Last year it was The Catcher in the Rye. This year, I’ve picked out Absalom, Absalom!
Good books make your soul soar. When your soul soars, you are able to Kick Debt in the Teeth, friends.
You don’t have to purchase books new. Borrow them from friends. Check them out of the library. Our local library was a refuge when we were paying off debt and remains one of my very favorite places. So many books are now available on Kindle (or Kindle app) for free or incredibly cheap. You must, must, must read if you want to Kick Debt in the Teeth. Share your favorite titles with me! I’m looking to build my 2014 list.
Have you missed other 31 Ways Posts? Check out:
- 31 Ways to Kick Debt in the Teeth: Change Your Mind About Budgeting
- 31 Ways to Kick Debt in the Teeth in 2014: Plan Yo’ Meals
- 31 Ways to Kick Debt in the Teeth in 2014: Use CA$H
- 31 Ways to Kick Debt in the Teeth in 2014: Sell, Baby, Sell
- 31 Ways to Kick Debt in the Teeth in 2014: Stop It
- 31 Ways to Kick Debt in the Teeth in 2014: Introduction
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I’m so looking forward to sharing this month of challenge and inspiration with you. Together, we can show debt who’s boss and give it a swift kick in the teeth this January and throughout the year in 2014. Away we go!
Gain inspiration to pay off debt! Check out Inspiration to Pay Off Debt: 30 Days of Encouragement from the Queen of Free on Kindle.
This post contains affiliate links. That means when you get a great deal or maybe even something for free, you also help our family pay off our mortgage early. And for that, we royally thank you!
Ami says
I think the three best non-fiction books I read last year were “Salt, Sugar, Fat” by MIchael Moss, “Fast Food Nation” by Eric Schlosser, and “How Children Succeed” by Paul Tough. This year, I’ve already finished “The Monuments Men” Robert M. Edsel- it is quite the historical book, but so inspirational.
I’m convinced if people read more (and to their children more) the world would be a much better place.
Queen of Free says
I love non-fiction! We love reading to our girls, too. Last year, we read the Hobbit as a family, the Narnia series the year before. This made me realize we need to pick out a new epic tale to dive into together. I know we’ll be reading the American Girl Caroline books this year because when you turn 6 in our house you are blessed with going to the American Girl store. BUT you have to pick the girl you’d like (historical dolls only) and read the entire series before you go. The big weekend is in March & so far we’ve only read book 1. Better get on it! 🙂