“If you buy things you don’t need, soon you will have to sell things you do need.” -Warren Buffett
The Financial Fitness Program strikes again! More and more people are making the decision to escape the Financial Matrix and live free-and-clear of all debt. According to several sources, financial problems are the leading cause of stress in America today; poor relationships and poor health both have a connection to poor finances–specifically debt.
Most people aren’t lazy, they are just misinformed. Americans today fall for the the “buy-now, pay-later” and the “you deserve it” schemes without really understanding the consequences of listening to those messages. However, once someone hears financial truth and then applies what they learn into their lives, it can change everything.
Mitch and Sarah Grasman are an example of that. As a young married couple, they followed the rules that society was teaching and were trapped by the financial matrix at an early age. Check out more of their story, through the voice of Mitch Grasman:
Mitch and Sarah Grasman
I was very blessed to be raised by parents who were frugal and lived within their means. My Dad taught me some great principles, but I relied on student loans to complete my undergrad, as did my future wife Sarah. After graduating college in 2007, I continued my career as an auto mechanic and purchased a “starter home” just outside of Grand Rapids, MI, at 22 years of age. During the global financial crisis of 2008, like many Americans, I found myself with negative equity on my home loan. My rose-colored glasses were shattered, and I was desperate to find a way back on track.
Sarah and I were introduced to the principles of Financial Fitness a few months before we were married in 2010. At that time, we were more than $57,000 in student loan and car debt, on top of a $131,000 mortgage. Shortly after we were married, we set a goal to be out of debt by the time we were 30 years old. That started the journey of personal development and our association with other like-minded individuals. Because we made some big changes in our lives, we were able to eliminate all of our consumer debt in less than 3 years. Additionally, I was able to increase my income by 50% by applying the time-management and leadership skills that I learned through a self-directed education. At that time, we dug in and closely implemented the 47 principles taught in the Financial Fitness Program, and because of what we learned and applied, we were able to make our last mortgage payment on June 15th, 2015!
On our journey, goal setting was the most powerful tool. It greatly helped us with the day-to-day decision making. We were able to delay our gratification on many purchases by holding each other accountable to our goals. For example: no motorcycle for Mitch until our mortgage was half-gone and we couldn’t remodel a horribly out-dated bathroom until we reached a pre-determined milestone.
“It’s important to remember that if you are going to do something extraordinary, it will take extraordinary effort!”
I worked many 13-16 hour days to meet our objectives. Sarah was amazing at operating on a very lean budget, giving up many $5-50 spending habits. Don’t be surprised if people call you crazy and question why you are doing what you are doing. Use criticism and doubt as motivation!
“Additionally, you don’t have to make a lot of money to be financially effective.”
Sarah is a Documentation Specialist for a Logistics company and I work as an auto mechanic. In our best year, we still grossed under $95,000.
We give all of the glory to God, and we’re very excited for what the future holds! We are expecting our first child in February 2016! We are very thankful for all of the encouragement and support from our mentors! We hope that our story inspires others to dream big, set goals and run after those goals.
Alex Stiehl says
Awesome job!! Great video too lol
Jon DeLange says
Way to go Mitch and Sarah! I love the video, that’s the right way to do it.
Rebecca Climie says
Mitch and Sarah are some of the hardest working people we know. Some say they were lucky. I say with God’s help and stick-to-it-ness, they achieved! This totally isn’t luck. So proud of you both!
Heather says
Loved the video! You are both awesome examples to the “millennial” generation!
Jim Storhok says
Fantastic! Great job guys! Debt free is the way to be!! Nice doc disposal!!
Lloyd Weiler says
Great inspiration to us all! Financial matrix freedom!!
Michelle says
LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!!! I’m so happy for you both. What a fun video!! Gave me some ideas…..