Financial Peace and Travel : Dave Ramsey’s Advice + Giveaways

It was one year ago that I first visited Financial Peace Plaza and met Dave Ramsey in person.  Since sharing that story here on Family Rambling it has become the most viewed post on my website.  I think that says a lot about how people are thinking about their money.  My husband and I are heading to Kansas City this weekend to see Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover Live.  We saw it 2 years ago- and have been following the Baby Steps for almost 4 years- but can always use the kick in the rear it gives us.

I was recently in Nashville for a conference and was thrilled to be able to have my family join me.  Before we left Nashville we stopped by Financial Peace Plaza so I could introduce my family to Martha Thompson and let them meet the man behind the voice they hear daily.

We arrived just before 1pm- when Dave begins his talk show- and the girls were immediately drawn to Martha’s Place.

If you’ve not been to Financial Peace Plaza, Martha’s Place is similar to your favorite coffee shop.  Except the welcome is warmer, the baked goodies are fresher and it’s free.  Martha will spoil the kids (and you).  I can vouch for her hot chocolate and pampering.  Comfortable chairs are scattered around the bookshop (featuring Financial Peace items and books Dave recommends), with high tables in the lobby.

Dave’s studio is separated from the lobby by a large window.  You can watch- and listen- to him work.

He may even come out to greet you during a break.

My youngest wanted nothing to do with Dave- she was too busy playing with the small selection of toys in the bookstore.  (For more on visiting Financial Peace Plaza see my post: visiting Financial Peace Plaza.)

How Do You Travel Without a Credit Card?

Despite what people will tell you, it can be done.  We do it.  To begin with- you must have money.  No money, no trip.  Harsh, but simple.  Yes, the rental car company and hotels will probably put a “hold” on your debit card to make sure sufficient funds are available.  Which goes back to …  you must have money.  Don’t let your vacation follow you home!

Tips for using debit cards on vacation:

• A Visa debit card has the same protections as a credit card.  That means zero liability on fraudulent activity.  Which means it is safe to take on vacation.
• Let your bank know before you go overseas.  If they don’t know you are gone, or see a lot of overseas activity on your card they could freeze it.
• Increase your daily limits before you leave on vacation- just to be sure you can buy that “must have” souvenir.
• Take the time to speak to a person- and get their name- at rental car agencies and hotels when you make your reservations.  Get their debit card policies.  I’ve never had a problem using a debit card, but I’ve heard that some people have.  Take notes: dates, name of the person you spoke to (try to talk to a manager), any “hold” amounts that may be charged, and how long the “hold” will last.
• Know your daily and total vacation budget.  You may not have access to online banking while you’re away.  Knowing how much you can spend per day will keep you on budget.
• A few more Vacation Travel Myths on DaveRamsey.com

Find Financial Peace

This contest has ended

The fabulous folks at Financial Peace Plaza sent me a box of goodies.   Now, my family has been “weird” for quite a while and we’ve drunk the kool-aid; we have all this stuff.  In fact, I buy The Total Money Makeover by the box when it’s on sale just so I can give copies away.  And that’s what I’m going to do today…  Give this stuff away!

I’ll be giving away 3 prizes:

1. Boxed set of 6 Junior books.  My girls adore these books.  They teach great money lessons in a fun way.  (value: $29.95)
2. Total Money Makeover book, Gazelles, Baby Steps & 37 Other Things Dave Ramsey Taught Me About Debt by Jon Acuff, and 3 month subscription to MyTotalMoneyMakeover.com. Learn the common sense principles that have helped millions get out of debt, hear Jon Acuff’s hilarious take on them, and use the great tools at MyTMMO- including commercial free podcasts.  (Value: $58.00)
3. Financial Peace University Lifetime Membership Kit. 13 life changing lessons on CD, Financial Peace Revisited book, FPU workbook, envelope system and more.  The best part- you can attend a class anywhere- at any time- at no cost.  As many times as you like.  (Value: $109)  We have attended and led FPU classes.  They will change your life and the way you look at money.

Debt is normal- be weird!

Want to join the ranks of the weird?  Just leave a comment telling me what kind of vacation you would take if money were no object.  (one entry)

Want extra entries?  Copy and paste:  Debt is normal- be weird with Family Rambling and @DaveRamsey!  http://bit.ly/dSTb4e Post to Twitter or Facebook.  Just leave a comment with a link to the individual tweet or post to let me know.  (One per day)

Fine Print:  Open to anyone worldwide, however all items are in English.  Contest ends March 15, 2011 at 11:59pm CST.  Winners will be drawn March 16 by Random.org.  Winners will be notified by email and will have 3 days to respond.  If a response is not received in 3 days a new winner will be drawn.

Disclosure:  Items were given to me to do with as I chose.  I was not expected to write a review or do a giveaway with these items, it was my choice.  All thoughts  and images are my own.