What a wonderful day for a wedding! Bright blue skies and sun shinning, perfect temperatures and a slight breeze. Rejoice, for this is the day the Lord has given us!

After 8 years of dating and loving one another, they have chosen to be married. Tied the knot, as they say. Sworn to a life of commitment to one another. Blessings all around. Memories of other marriages, some long lasting, others not so. What makes it work or fail? Who knows for sure? What works for some, may not work for others. We wish them a lifetime of love and support from family. Always...and Forever.

The young couple have already purchased a new home out in a small town outside of St. Louis. Good for them; they KNOW a good investment when they see one! Why waste money on renting and paying off someone elses investment? I wish all young folks the sense to at least investigate the purchase of a home. So many put that purchase on a back burner, throwing dollars on rentals, never saving enough to get that down payment they need. With so many programs available now, there's really no reason that they can't make the purchase.

TIPS: Pay your bills on time (or earlier than the deadline!). Don't be a spendthrift. Ask these questions of yourself. Do you WANT or NEED that purchase? Will it make you money? Will it last? How quickly will it be out of date? Track your spending for 2 weeks.  Pay CASH or if you do choose to use your credit card, pay it off the next month or DON"T buy it. Don't let the credit card companies collect all that interest! This is just how they make their money and YOU lose yours. Don't let it happen to YOU! Choose to be in control of your finances.