“Money is a measurement of responsibility. When you are responsible, you spend less than you make—and you compound that with time. When you are irresponsible, you spend more than you make—which means that you are drawing value out of society…” -Orrin Woodward
While none of us ever plan to get sick or go through hard times, it is a proven fact that we will all experience setbacks at some point or various points in our lives. Being responsible–both in your community and just in your personal life–signifies following success principles to live a life of meaning and purpose. The Financial Fitness suite of products was constructed specifically to help inspire people to take control of their personal finances and become responsible members of society in that respect. By creating discipline and implementing proven habits, families from around the world have experienced the joy and relief of removing the financial stress from their lives. Read on to hear about Andrew & Tammy Murphy’s story, and how the Financial Fitness Program helped prepare them for the unknowns that life would throw their way…
Wow! What a journey our family has been on for the past several years. Thankfully, because of learning–and more importantly, implementing–the principles taught through the Financial Fitness Program, the Murphy family is not wallowing in debt.
Our story begins with a combining of families in 2009. We–Andrew and Tammy–had both been previously married and divorced, and we each had 2 boys. Andrew had brought about $52,000 of debt into the relationship due to his divorce and some poor financial decisions in the past. At that point, our mentors, Tony and Sharon Hoffman, introduced us to the earlier form of the Financial Fitness Program; and even while Andrew took a 50% pay cut because of child support, and then additional 5%, 10%, and eventually 15% pay cuts at work, we were able to attack the $52,000 and destroy it in 2 years. What a relief to have zero credit card debit! This left us with only a mortgage payment in 2011.
A few years down the road, the conglomerate of principles that we had already been following–plus many more–were officially developed into the Financial Fitness Program. Always ready to learn and apply more knowledge, we grabbed this new tool, and dug in to the book, audios and workbook. This took our financial thinking to an entirely new level, and by applying the principles and strategies, we totally wiped out the rest of our mortgage and were completely out of the Financial Matrix in 2013.
Once completely free of any and all debt, we realized that we could finally build our dream home. We tore down our 1,100 square foot house with 3 bedrooms, and built a 3,200 square foot home with 5 bedrooms. Andrew had always dreamed of giving his boys their own rooms, and this dream became a reality in July of 2014. Though temporarily reentering the Financial Matrix, we made a plan according to the principles from the Financial Fitness Program to get right back out.
Whew, we are so glad that we followed these principles; because just six months after moving into our beautiful new home, Tammy became very ill. The illness persisted, requiring multiple hospitalizations. Tammy was in severe pain and then bedridden for months, which obviously rendered her unable to work. The doctors were not able to help with her pain or explain the reason for her deteriorating health. Andrew was literally watching his wife slip away a little farther each day. She was so heavily medicated that one could not hold a conversation with her. Tammy’s dad, her sons, and business associates stepped in to help with meals, her care, and the care of our household. After 6 months of being ill, Tammy spoke with Beth Ober, one of our business associates, and Beth was able to connect Tammy with a homeopathic practitioner. Through working with the homeopath for a year so far, Tammy is regaining her health. She is now able to walk without the assistance of a walker or a cane. There are still some obstacles that are in her path, but we’ve decided not to let that stop us.
The medical bills were and are extensive! We acquired over $5,000 in out-of-pocket expenses for traditional medical treatment in 2015. Natural medicine was the only way that we felt would work to help Tammy regain some sort of quality of life. This meant that now everything had to be out-of-pocket because the insurance doesn’t cover anything in this realm of care. The cost was and continues to be anywhere from $1,700 to $2,500 per month for the treatments. Thankfully, because of the information that we received from the Financial Fitness Program, we have been able to pay everything without having to use any credit cards or any of our emergency fund.
Every month, every bill for our family of 6 has been paid in cash. Although the information is great; the key is not so much in learning it–but in applying it!
“I give glory to our Heavenly Father for the healing, provision and the people in our lives.” -Tammy Murphy
This story isn’t over! Because of the Defense principles of the Financial Fitness Program, our mortgage will be paid off…Because of the Offense principles of the Beyond Financial Fitness Program, we will continue to build our residual income…And Tammy will become healthier and stronger!
We are also passing this information on to our children. Tammy’s two boys, Luke (19) and Kyle (16) Sonnen, have been entrepreneurs from a young age and operate their own business called Two Brothers and A Pap Farm. Luke is entering his sophomore year at Penn State completely debt free, and Kyle is planning on paying cash for his schooling, as well. Andrew’s two boys, Luke (14) and Simon (11) Murphy, are reading so that they, too, can learn and apply these principles!
Because of playing Defense, getting out of debt, and saving up, Andrew and Tammy Murphy and their family were ready when life took a turn for the worse. Although sickness–especially at this level of seriousness–is never an easy experience; imagine how much easier it must be, knowing that finances are not a determining factor. We are so proud of Andrew and Tammy for sticking to the principles–even when the going got tough, and we hope that you will join us in praying that Tammy continues to get stronger and healthier every day! This story isn’t over, and we can’t wait to see how many more lives Andrew and Tammy will touch because of their own testimony of pushing through to victory.
Rachel Burwell says
So honored to know this couple and their story. They are powerful examples of what application of the right principles and better information can do for our lives and the ripple effect that can have in the next generation. I know the best is yet to come for them with such a strong foundation!
Tammy Murphy says
Thank you Rachel! Love to you!
Lloyd weiler says
Andrew and Tammy that is awesome!
Tammy Murphy says
Thank you Lloyd!
Leah Stadel says
Congratulations Andrew and Tammy! What a wonderful path you are on….and so inspiring for everyone!
Tammy Murphy says
Thank you Leah!
Sharon Hoffman says
I read this article with tears in my eyes! Tony and I have had a front row seat as this beautiful story unfolded and continues to unfold. The key for Andy and Tammy is that they have APPLIED the information and they have taken action and set goals in this area for years!
There is so much more to this incredible story and I can’t wait for them to stand on stages across the world telling their story! We love you and the RHINO organization is so very proud of you!!!
Tammy Murphy says
Thank you Sharon! We continue to praise God for all the blessings! Thank you to you and Tony for always being there for our family.
Dan Hogg says
Awesome examples, not just in the financial area of their life, but as parents, spouses, Americans.
Thank you
Tammy Murphy says
Thank you Dan!
Tony Hoffman says
What a great story so far, with more to come, of a couple who has not quit on each other, their family, their friends, and their dreams. They are tremendous students of the financial, personal, professional, and community building information. This has assisted them in weathering the many storms in their life. We are so proud of you Andrew and Tammy for the example you are setting for your boys, family, friends, and business partners and of your persistence to accomplish your dreams!
Tammy Murphy says
Thank you Tony! I thank you for always guiding my husband through what ever obstacle is in his way. We praise God for you and Sharon !
Jeffrey Shuey says
I have only known you two for a couple of years. I’m in awe of you two every time I see you. Andy I never knew you before the business, but you are a great example of a leader and give hope of what I could be. Tammy, always happy, sweet, and caring. Thank you two for sharing your story with us and may you be even more of a inspiration.
Tammy Murphy says
Thank you Jeffrey! We love you and find your hunger to learn, grow and change inspirational.
Dave and Beth Ober says
Congratulations Andy and Tammy! We are so proud of your persistence and discipline! What a great example you are of applying success principles to change your life!
Tammy Murphy says
Thank you Dave and Beth! You have no idea how thankful we are to you! You both are fantastic examples of a husband and wife, parents, business owners, but the encouragement Beth poured into me through the journey of recovering made such a difference. Thank you for being there!
Doug DeWitt says
Great job Andrew and Tammy! What an inspiration for everyone who aspires to regain control of their finances and get debt free!!
Tammy Murphy says
Thank you Doug! We appreciate you and Lori greatly in our lives!
Leslie Gebhart says
What an incredible story and I feel so blessed to have been able to see your courage firsthand!! You are both such quiet, humble servants of your Lord and it shows in the way your bravely face every obstacle in your path. Your story will change countless lives!
Grace Oellig says
Andy and Tammy are some of my best friends and to watch them overcome so many obstacles is just soooo amazing. I thank God he put these two in my life as shining examples of when the going gets tough, the tough get going. I’m excited to be walking in the steps of giants!
christal says
Awesome couple. Insipring testimony. Charge! [Just not the credit card 😉 ]
Lori DeWitt says
While I can’t imagine how hard these struggles have been, I hope that it is some comfort that your trials will inspire so many others. Medical issues can happen to anyone at anytime. Your story shows us that escaping the Matrix is more than a “want to”; it’s a “have to”! Thank you so much for sharing. Your family is truly an inspiration!
Elaine Lacey says
What an inspiring true life story! Thanks for sharing and congratulations to you both.
Bill Bechtel says
You two are an inspiration. I’m so happy to be associated with such an amazing couple and with LIFE Leadership.
Donna Shapiro and Brian England says
Great Job Andy and Tammy. … Reading your story helps us have a glimmer of hope.
Hope one day to be debt free, and successful. ..
I’m thankful that you shared your story, it’s an inspiration to us all.
Stay well and may God keep blessing you!
Greg Johnson says
Andy & Tammy are an example that all couples should aspire to emulate as they took the information provided, read it, studied it, asked questions to confirm their understanding, and then applied it to their lives.
Lin & I have also had a front row seat on this journey. Never an easy journey combining families,but adding pay cuts and illness can compound an already trying situation. Andy always the questioning and studious student and Tammy the strong willed wife coupled their strengths and came together to take the financial pressure off, build their dream home, all the while maintaining good financial management. But as Bill Lewis says; “Build it for Reasons Unknown”. Andy & Tammy Did!
I echo what Tony & Sharon and Dave & Beth said; We are SO PROUD of Andy & Tammy Murphy. They are building their story and legacy.
Siniholani S. Talanoa says
What a beautiful story! Tammy, may the Lord continue to wrap His arms around you as you strive to overcome the sickness that you have. Andrew has become the leader and the man prepared for you and the Murphy family will succeed because of your unceasing faith and strong desire to see beyond your struggles by enduring them well. Your examples will be known and flourished abroad!
‘Ofa Lahi ‘Atu from a family that believes the Lord can do all things as we continue to believe in Him!