“If you have to finance your recreation, it’s not time to play.” – Chris Brady
There are few products in the world that have the ability to change a person’s life quite like the Financial Fitness Program can. The stress caused by debt and poor finances affects nearly every area of a person’s life. That is why when someone gets their hands on the Financial Fitness Program, they feel a sense of hope being restored, because for many, this is the first time they can envision a better future for themselves.
Here is another example of a family who has been able to transform their life because of the principles learned from the Financial Fitness Program. Check out Kevin and Wendy Stout’s story, written by Wendy:
Before Life Leadership and the Financial Fitness Program, I had completely given up on my dreams.
I spent my entire adult life in debt, always trying to pay off this loan or that credit card with never enough money to pay them. We never had a savings account so when life events would knock us to the ground, we didn’t know what to do.
Although Kevin was content with working a job and surrendered to the idea of never retiring, I always wanted more.
When we started the Financial Fitness journey, Kevin and I had been married for 19 years and two of our five children were still in high school. I was the financial manager of our home so I always knew exactly where we were at; I was definitely looking for a way to relieve us of the burden and stress of debt.
Kevin worked all the time so when he would ask if we could buy something or go somewhere I would always say yes because he worked so much to provide for our family and I believed he deserved it. However, those emotional decisions only continued to dig us into a deeper and deeper hole.
“When the housing crisis hit in 2008, we realized that a change was not only needed, but required. We watched our family and friends lose their jobs, homes and some even filed bankruptcy. Without the right financial knowledge we started doing our own ‘amateur-snow-ball’ roll down by using every penny we earned just to pay our debt.”
In 2010, Kevin had to have surgery which meant we would lose his income, live on disability and have to figure out how to pay for the high cost of the surgery. During that time, I had lost work as well. We used credit cards to live, which is all we knew to do, to cover the loss of income. This set us back another 3 years and dug us deeper into our black hole of debt.
The Financial Fitness Program could not have come at a better time! I couldn’t even afford to buy the pack so a good friend of mine bought an extra to give to me until I could pay her back. However, because my thinking was so off-track, when I brought it home, I set it on the bookshelf and it collected dust for a year. Little did I know that the answer to all of our financial problems was right in front of us!
In mid 2012, we finally began the Financial Fitness Program. We started by writing everything down so we could see everything in black and white. The light bulb eventually turned on and we realized that the gas station pop, candy bars, the eating out and the unnecessary purchases all added up to create the problem.
Starting with defense we began to slowly chip away at our debt, one by one we got the snowball rolling. When we started the program, we had 12 credit cards, 3 car loans, a Discover loan (we had taken out by consolidating our credit card debt, this was the 2nd time we did this) and our home mortgage. Kevin was driving a 1993 Chevy diesel that required constant maintenance just to keep it running.
“Today, because of the Financial Fitness Program, we own ALL of our vehicles free and clear, all 12 of our credit cards are paid off and gone and all of our personal loans are gone – including a Chevy truck loan we had to take out when the 1993 vehicle died. It’s scary how the ‘agents’ of the Financial Matrix work; I’m still amazed at how much the banks were willing to ‘give’ us to finance out life.”
The principles have even rubbed off on our kids. Our youngest son saved his money and paid cash for the truck he is driving today!
To date, we have paid off over $37,407.27 in consumer debt and another $13,652.55 on our mortgage. We now are working unceasingly on our mortgage, implementing the defense aspect of the Financial Fitness Program; we also have money in savings and we are not getting knocked down again because of poor financial preparation! Additionally, in 2015 the doctor’s office I work for made some transitions and they have more than doubled my hours; this has helped us ‘roll the ball even faster.’
Because we were able to reduce the stress of finances in our life, Kevin and I were able to take some time off and visit our oldest son in California and see our newest grandchild (we now have 6), who turned a month old while we were there. It had been 22 years since we took a trip like this, just the two of us.
We are looking forward to paying it forward to others because of the blessings that Life Leadership and the Financial Fitness Program has provided us. We are grateful beyond words. I pray the Financial Fitness principles spread like wild fire in high winds and that our country and nations around the world are able to experience the hope that we not have.
Kevin and Wendy have modeled what it takes to change their financial future because of what they have learned and applied from the Financial Fitness Program. Congratulations on your current success!
If you were inspired by this story, please be sure to leave a comment for Kevin and Wendy. Also, don’t forget to tell us how the Financial Fitness Program is making a difference in your life!
Financial Fitness: Get out of Debt and Stay out of Debt
*The people in this article are not actors nor have they been paid to participate, but are real people that have used the products and services and have signed testimonial verifications attesting to the validity of the numbers claimed.
Carol Miller says
Way to go Kevin & Wendy! You are such an inspiration to Chris and I! You are great examples for others to follow.
Chris says
I’m so proud of Kevin and Wendy! I have known them for years and I never knew they were struggling with their finances. They are a couple who never complains about anything. They have huge hearts and are always smiling. I want to make a very important note. They never miss the Tuesday night meeting. And they never miss a PBO party. And the PBO parties are two hours away from them. Association is a key part of your success and anything in life. And Kevin and Wendy understand that and value it to its fullest. While some people would say I can’t afford to drive to all the association. Kevin and Wendy say I can’t afford not to associate. I’m very proud of these guys!
Lloyd weiler says
Awesome!
Leander Yoder says
Great Story! I’m sharing it with many people.
Wyman Clark says
What a awesome job you guys have done. Keep up the great work
Esther Bontrager says
That is so inspiring, Kevin and Wendy!!! Congratulations!
Sarah says
Wow!!! Wendy and Kevin!!! That is such a POWERFUL TESTIMONY!!!! NEVER GETS OLD!!!
Troy & Jessica Miller says
Wendy and Kevin, what an amazing and inspiring example you have given all of us! We are so proud of you guys! Thank you for sharing your struggle and your HUGE victory!! Our love to you both!
Terri swartout says
Great job!!! What a testimony and we are so proud of you guys
Gaye Duncan says
Congrats you two. Very proud of you both!!!!
Pam says
I am so proud of you both! I am sharing this with everyone as well. You are an inspiration to all of our family and friends!