10 Broadcaster Press October 11, 2016 www.broadcasteronline.com Dave Says Get Yourself Out of It Why Save Before Paying Off The Mortgage? Dear Dave, I make $2,100 a month after taxes, and I have accumulated $46,000 in credit card debt. My husband makes more than I do, but he won’t help me. He says I got myself into this mess, so it’s my job to stop being irresponsible and Dear Dave, I just read The Total Money Makeover, but I’m still unclear as to why you recomfix it on my own. Do you have any advice? mend saving for an emergency fund and retirement before paying off your home. Peggy Shouldn’t a house be paid off as quickly as possible, since it’s a liability? Mark Dear Peggy, You’ve got a load of debt hanging over your head right now, but I think you’ve got bigger problems than that. Dear Mark, You told me you’re married, yet it sounds to me like you I appreciate the fact that you’re asking questions and thinking things through. But two are living entirely different and separate lives. This please don’t fall into the trap of thinking of your home as a liability. That mindset is seems more like a roommate situation than a healthy, lov- way off base, in my opinion. Your house is definitely an asset; it’s the mortgage that’s a liability. Some folks Dave ing marriage. I don’t like your husband’s attitude, but he does have a valid may try to position a house as a liability simply because it costs you money. But point in one respect. You were irresponsible with money, and the truth is your home will make you more money than it will cost you over time. now you’ve got a pile of debt on your hands. My big question Therefore, it is an asset. is this: Where was he while all this was going on? Were you hiding it from him? Some of the saddest situations I’ve seen in all my years of teaching are seniors And where was the communication and decision making, financial and otherwise, who have paid-for homes and nothing saved or invested. Money isn’t the most couples should engage in? Married people can’t live this way and win in their rela- important thing on earth, but it is a fact of life. That’s why I encourage people to build an emergency fund of three to six months of expenses and begin saving for tionship or with money. The two of you desperately need to seek marriage counseling together. This rela- retirement before they tackle paying off their homes. tionship is on the rocks. You and your husband obviously have no trust or respect Then, after all that is addressed, take every dollar you can scrape together and for each other, and there’s a definite lack of communication, unity and shared goals. put it toward paying off your mortgage as fast as possible. Good question, Mark! I don’t know what happened to bring things to this point, but the preacher didn’t — Dave pronounce you guys a joint venture when you got married; he said you were now * Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business, and CEO of Ramsey one. A little maturity, extra work, and living on a simple budget will go a long way to- Solutions. He has authored seven best-selling books, including The Total Money Makeois heard by more million listeners ward fixing most personal finance issues. But your marriage is in big trouble, Peggy. ver. The Dave Ramsey Showdigital platforms. than 12 Dave on Twitter each week on 575 radio stations and multiple Follow at @DaveRamsey Please seek help! and on the web at daveramsey.com. — Dave Having a Garage Sale? RAMSEY 2016 Fall Let us help turn your unwanted stuff into CASH! 201 W Cherry Vermillion 624-4429 15 DISCOUNT DAY SAT. OCT. 15TH % ONE DAY ONLY OFF REGULAR PRICED ITEMS - EXTENDED HOURS Saturday, OCT. 15th Only! 8AM - 8PM DISCOUNT APPLIES TO NEW LAYAWAYS! No Discounts on Previous Purchases, Gift Cards, or Special Orders. Subject to Stock on Hand. We reserve the right to limit Quantities. THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE NON DISCOUNTABLE: Gift Cards, Weber, Keurig, Snow Throwers, Holland &?Green Egg. For a complete non-discountable list, please see sales associate. A SELECT GROUP OF ITEMS ARE DISCOUNTED AT LESS THAN 15%. ALL DISCOUNTS ARE TAKEN FROM REGULAR PRICE. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. May not be used in combination with Bomgaars First Purchase Coupon. Resale purchases excluded. VISIT THE BOMGAARS NEAREST YOU! Go to www.bomgaars.com for Locations, Hours &?Phone Numbers Serving the Midwest to the Rockies!